116 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



REINDEER LICHENS ATTHE LEDGES. 

 By L. H. Pammel, Botanist. 



To the students of botany, geology and zoology, at the Iowa State Col- 

 lege, the Ledges have become famous for rare, interesting and unique 

 plants found in the region, as well as its interest from the standpoint of 

 geology, zoology and Mound Builders. It may not be generally known 

 but it is one of the few places in Iowa where the Reindeer lichens occur 

 which cover such immense areas in the Arctic regions. 



THE LEDGES, NATURE'S GIFT TO IOWA. 

 By Carl F. Henning, Author. 



Throughout the length and breadth of our land there is today an 

 awakened interest in the Great Out of Doors. The public conscience has 

 been quickened, and the attempt to preserve and restore some of the 

 wild life is no longer looked upon as a fad or idle sentiment. 



A halt has been called on the wanton waste of the forests, and more 

 than a million acres of public forest lands have been reserved by law for 

 posterity. In these great national forests the harmless wild creatures 

 will replenish if they are given the opportunity. The plan of Senator 

 Kenyon to set aside a tract of land in the northeastern part of the state is 

 receiving the hearty approval and endorsement of the people of Iowa and 

 neighboring states. 



The traveler who passes through Iowa, along our splendid highways, 

 speaks in words of admiration of the pleasing scenery, the pretty birds 

 and sweet scented flowers. We ourselves are beginning to realize that 

 there are many beautiful places and a wealth of material within the bor- 

 ders of our state suitable for parks and wild-animal preserve. These 

 beauty spots of Iowa were made for our present enjoyment and for those 

 to come. They should be set aside by the state and preserved for future 

 generations as places of rest and recreation. 



In Boone county nature has provided a natural park, known as The 

 Ledges, the most picturesque spot in central Iowa. I hope that this piece 

 of woodland with its beautiful scenery, noble trees and running streams 

 will some day become a state park and wild animal refuge. Here the 

 elk and deer could roam and rear their young as in the early days of 

 Iowa. To write about The Ledges and its natural beauty, to the end that 

 it may be preserved for the people of Iowa for a park is a subject broad 

 yet inviting, the duty is a pleasant one, for I have enjoyed these many 

 years the benefits of this beautiful piece of woodland. To spend a day or 

 an hour at the "Ledges" is a pleasure and leaves sweet memories but to 

 visit this restful place with the coming and going of the seasons, in sun- 

 shine and storm, to learn its secrets and find its hidden treasures, is to 

 love them as you would your dearest friend. 



"Through the woodland, through the meadow, 



As in silence oft I walk, 

 Softly whispering- on the breezes, 

 Seems to come the red man's talk." 



