State Park Conference 
I have the feeling that the most significant event of our generation, 
so far as Conservation is concerned, is the State Park Conference to 
be held in Des Moines, January lo, ii and 12, 1921. I feel that this 
will mark a new epoch in the preservation of natural areas for the 
enjoyment and profit of the people, because it is the first interstate 
conference that has ever been held with such an object. Some of our 
states, like Iowa, are in the forefront of the State Park movement and 
have admirable laws that make it easy to acquire new and desirable 
park sites. Other states (most of them, unfortunately) lag far behind, 
and have no adequate machinery for park acquirement. At this 
conference it is the hope that most of our states will be represented, and 
it is easy to see that the laggard commonwealths will be tremendously 
stimulated by what their representatives will see and learn in Iowa. 
They will return to their homes with the determination to get their 
home states in line. 
This conference is being called by the Governor of Iowa, in co- 
operation with the National Park Service of the United States Depart- 
ment of the Interior. To this conference will be invited all who wish 
to go, and it is the hope that every interested group may send one or 
more delegates. I am writing to you in the hope that you will bring 
this magnificent opportunity before the Garden Clubs of our several 
states. It is my experience that these Clubs are composed of leaders 
in their respective communities, and that they may be depended upon 
to carry forward grand new movements of this character. You may 
count upon me for assistance that I can render in this splendid cause. 
Henry C. Cowles, 
Professor of Botany, 
The University of Chicago. 
Further information on this important movement may be had upon 
application to Professor Cowles or through Mrs. Francis C. Farwell, 
Chairman of the Wild Flower Preservation Committee, 1520 Astor Street. 
Chicago. Member Clubs are urged to send delegates to the Conference. 
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