PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 289 



Then you remember the great (patches of hazel where loads of nuts 

 could be gathered each fall; the hickory, walnut, and butternut trees 

 loaded with their stores for winter use. 



These are but a few of the many things found in profusion in the native 

 forests. In the bits of forest that commercialism has left us we can see 

 but a hint of the original beauty of these places. Why not restore some 

 of this native beauty so that there will be one place in each county at 

 least where daily cares may be forgotten and the beauties of nature en- 

 joyed by all? 



Varying conditions will be found in the different counties but I am 

 sure that some tract could be found in each county, centrally located, 

 that, if secured by the public and properly looked after, would be a 

 source of enjoyment and pride to every citizen. In Bremer county there 

 is a tract located to the southeast of Waver! y and reaching to the town 

 of Denver, which would make an ideal county park or forest reserve. 

 Some ten to fifteen sections of land could be included in this reserve. A 

 small part could be secured to start with and this added to as circum- 

 stances would warrant. This tract was originally in timber and was 

 known as the "big woods." It is hilly ground and watered by several 

 streams, making as beautiful place for an afternoon drive or for wander- 

 ing through (patches of woods that still remain, as there is left in Iowa. 

 This was bought mostly by farmers living a few miles away and owned in 

 five and ten acre tracts and held as wood lots to supply fuel. Later, as 

 the trees became scarce, these tracts were bought up and an attempt at 

 farming made upon the clay hill sides and among the stumps. As a rule 

 not much of a success has resulted. Bordering this tract is a stretch of 

 gently rolling prairie land where the finest farms are to be found. The 

 farm houses are modern many being supplied with gas or electric lights, 

 while immense barns, silos, and droves of contented farm animals are in 

 evidence. 



On the clay hills in the "big woods" region the contrast is plain. Some 

 farmers have struggled on to a degree of success but the results of a ma- 

 jority of residents show the land to be poorly adapted to general farming 

 and better suited to the growing of forest trees. I might describe some 

 of the places to be seen on the hillsides but you would hardly credit the 

 facts. You would certainly think I was describing something outside of 

 Iowa and entirely foreign to Bremer county. A man riding through this 

 tract once turned and asked, apparently in all candor, "when did we cross 

 into Missouri?" For this I must beg the pardon of our neighbors to the 

 south and go on with my story. 



Suppose this tract was secured as a forest reserve. Owners would be 

 paid for their holdings and competent men placed in charge to protect the 

 trees now growing and plant the barren places. Quantities of acorns, wal- 

 nuts, butternuts, etc., could be planted each fall. Seeds of elm, ash, 

 maple, and other trees could be scattered in season and the whole soon 

 covered with a vigorous growth. Shrubs and wild flowers would reap- 

 pear and we would again behold the beauty of nature. Present roiads 

 could be maintained and the public invited to look and enjoy. Hunting 

 and fishing could be under proper restrictions and pavilions provided for 



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