Vincent Bluff - Grand Opening October 6, 2007

Part of Autumn in the Bluffs and sponsored by Loess Hills Preservation Society.

Update: I was sent some further information on this from the LHPS President.

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Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve is a project of the Loess Hills Preservation Society (LHPS) in partnership with the City of Council Bluffs and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The purpose of the project is to preserve a one-of-a-kind urban prairie and nationally-recognized viewshed in the Loess Hills landform.

“The Grand Opening of Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve is one of the most important achievements of the Society,” said Janice Marcantonio, co-founder (and board member) of the LHPS. Marcantonio continued: “The threat to Vincent Bluff and the subsequent effort to save it was one of the most important events that led to the creation of the Society. The celebration of the grand opening of Vincent Bluff as a Nature Preserve is a tremendous tribute to the efforts of over a 1,000 people who have supported the Society over the past 10 years. This also is just a great delight.”

Today, Vincent Bluff Prairie Preserve stands as the only truly urban prairie preserve in the State of Iowa, and likewise, is a great example of Loess Hills prairie, oak savanna, and eastern deciduous forest ecosystems. The fact that this nearly pristine landscape exists in the heart of a metropolitan area of nearly 1 million residents speaks of the resiliency of prairie and the ruggedness of the Loess Hills.

Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve is located on top of the hill at the intersections of Woodbury Avenue and Harry Langdon Blvd on the southern edge of Council Bluffs and it comprises part of the signature landform that is visible when entering Iowa from Nebraska. Vincent Bluff has a spectacular view overlooking the Missouri River valley. It also hosts some of Iowa's dwindling prairie remnants. The project has received prominent attention statewide and nationally because of its unique urban nature and other characteristics and has become the site of academic research.

The project has been made possible through the donations of hundreds of donors and volunteers as well as through the efforts of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the LHPS. The preserve is managed by the LHPS through an agreement with the City of Council Bluffs.

"The creation of Vincent Bluff Nature Preserve definitely didn’t happen overnight” said Terry Oswald, LHPS President. “In fact, it’s truly amazing just how far this project has come.” Oswald continued, “the preserve wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and Society Board Members as well as critical assistance from project partners: the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the City of Council Bluffs along with the donations of over 300 contributors. The Vincent family also deserves much recognition and many thanks for being so patient and accommodating so this project could indeed become a reality.”

Official Website: http://www.autumninthebluffs.org