Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Encyclopedia
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 308.9 acres (1.3 km²) nature reserve located in the middle of Cedar Falls, Iowa
. The reserve is dedicated to teaching youth about nature through hands on experiences and preserving nature. It is the largest undisturbed wooded area in Black Hawk County, Iowa
and is home to three distinct habitats including wetland, forest, and prairie.
The reserve was purchased in 1938 with the intent of being a residential camping site and as site for the local members of the YMCA to use. Camp Hartman Reserve lasted until 1976 when the Black Hawk County Conservation Board purchased the other 252.9 acres (1 km²). Hartman was almost bought and turned into a highway. The cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo helped and encouraged the Black Hawk County Conservation Board to purchase the land. That was the official start of Hartman Reserve Nature Center. The two lakes that make up 25 acres (101,171.5 m²) were added in 1990.
The reserve is currently being supported by the Friends of Hartman Reserve. The Friends include individuals, families, and organizations that believe preserving the environment for the next generation is vital. They donate roughly $20,000 every year to keep the center open. In 2005, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack
signed the Articles of Dedication and created the Hartman Bluff State Preserve.
, and Sugar Maple. The hackberry, walnut, and sugar maple thrive in the reserve due to the flood plain. Every spring the Cedar River floods into the reserve creating super saturated soils and marsh-like conditions. To control the growth of trees and other vegetation, Hartman Reserve practices controlled burning. They started burning selected parts of the forest in 1999.
The current forest is a combination of two earlier forests; xeric
and mesic
. This is because the Hartman forest is located on part of a bluff and part of a flood plain.
The reserve is also home to a natural prairie
. The natural prairie only covers 1 acres (4,046.9 m²). However, prairie plants have been planted around the Interpretive Center and along the Prairie Trail. Yellow Lady Slipper
and Indian Pipe
are some of the uncommon flowers that can be found in the prairies and throughout the rest of the reserve.
, river otters, turkeys
, pileated woodpeckers
, red shouldered hawks
, fox
es, vulture
s, geese
, wood ducks
, mallard
s, osprey
s and bald eagles
. All of the animals just listed are native to the reserve except for the otter and osprey. They were first discovered on the reserve in 1998 after habitats were created to attract them.
Hunting is strictly illegal on all reserve property. However, starting in 1994, Hartman decided to allow bow hunting during a special season to help keep the deer population under control Iowa DNR
. The hunters are carefully watched to make sure all of their licenses and tags are legal and that their game was legally killed. The hunters have to pass rigorous testing including shooting abilities. The goal is to have roughly 30 deer per square mile.
. Hartman Reserve also partners with the national education program Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
. When Hartman was bought in 1976, 46 acres (186,155.6 m²) of land was set aside to form the Hartman Bluff State Reserve, which is now certified by Iowa DNR Preserves Board as a natural forest and prairie.
in the Sugar Shack, which is located on the reserve. The syrup is then stored and used during Hartman's annual Maple Syrup Festival or stored and sold. The Maple Syrup Festival is a pancake breakfast that raises money for Hartman Reserve.
. All of the water trails lead into the Cedar River, George Wyth Memorial State Park
, and the many lakes on the reserve. The walking trails are dispersed throughout the reserve with varying levels of difficulties. During the winter, snowshoe trails are available that replace the regular walking trails. The trails can be used anyday between sunrise and sunset
The Gene and Betty Buckles Program Center is an environmentally friendly building. All of the material used to build and furnish the building is made from recycled materials. The floor of the porch is made from recycled tires. The building structure is used from recycled telephone poles and recycled paper. The carpet is made from recycled pop bottles and all of the lightbulbs are fluorescent and approved to be eco-friendly. The building is used for programs that are sponsored by Hartman and are also available to rent.
The Interpretive Center is the main building. There are year round exhibits that include the history of Hartman and live animals that can be found on the Reserve. The main office is also located in the Interpretive Center where visitors can rent snowshoes during the winter or hiking gear during the spring, summer, and fall. Both buildings are open Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States, and it is home to one of Iowa's three public universities, the University of Northern Iowa. The population was 39,260 in the 2010 census, an increase from the 36,145 population in the 2000 census...
. The reserve is dedicated to teaching youth about nature through hands on experiences and preserving nature. It is the largest undisturbed wooded area in Black Hawk County, Iowa
Black Hawk County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 131,090 in the county, with a population density of . There were 55,887 housing units, of which 52,470 were occupied.-2000 census:...
and is home to three distinct habitats including wetland, forest, and prairie.
History
Hartman Reserve was originally named Camp Hartman Reserve and was only 56 acres (226,624.2 m²) in size. Hartman Reserve was named after John C. Hartman who was a local writer for the Waterloo Daily Courier. He was also nature enthusiast, which prompted him to create the reserve. The $4,000 for the reserve was raised by the Cedar Falls YMCA.The reserve was purchased in 1938 with the intent of being a residential camping site and as site for the local members of the YMCA to use. Camp Hartman Reserve lasted until 1976 when the Black Hawk County Conservation Board purchased the other 252.9 acres (1 km²). Hartman was almost bought and turned into a highway. The cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo helped and encouraged the Black Hawk County Conservation Board to purchase the land. That was the official start of Hartman Reserve Nature Center. The two lakes that make up 25 acres (101,171.5 m²) were added in 1990.
The reserve is currently being supported by the Friends of Hartman Reserve. The Friends include individuals, families, and organizations that believe preserving the environment for the next generation is vital. They donate roughly $20,000 every year to keep the center open. In 2005, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack
Tom Vilsack
Thomas James "Tom" Vilsack is an American politician, a member of the Democratic Party, and presently the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He served as the 40th Governor of the state of Iowa. He was first elected in 1998 and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2002...
signed the Articles of Dedication and created the Hartman Bluff State Preserve.
Plants
The Hartman Reserve forest is a mature forest that has many different species of trees that are over 100 years old. There are over 138 different species of plants. Some of the trees would include White Oak, Red Oak, Bur Oak, Hackberry, WalnutWalnut
Juglans is a plant genus of the family Juglandaceae, the seeds of which are known as walnuts. They are deciduous trees, 10–40 meters tall , with pinnate leaves 200–900 millimetres long , with 5–25 leaflets; the shoots have chambered pith, a character shared with the wingnuts , but not the hickories...
, and Sugar Maple. The hackberry, walnut, and sugar maple thrive in the reserve due to the flood plain. Every spring the Cedar River floods into the reserve creating super saturated soils and marsh-like conditions. To control the growth of trees and other vegetation, Hartman Reserve practices controlled burning. They started burning selected parts of the forest in 1999.
The current forest is a combination of two earlier forests; xeric
Deserts and xeric shrublands
Deserts and xeric shrublands is a biome characterized by, relating to, or requiring only a small amount of moisture.-Definition and occurrence:...
and mesic
Mesic habitat
In ecology, a mesic habitat is a type of habitat with a moderate or well-balanced supply of moisture, e.g., a mesic forest, a temperate hardwood forest, or dry-mesic prairie. Compared to a dry habitat, a mesic habitat is moister....
. This is because the Hartman forest is located on part of a bluff and part of a flood plain.
The reserve is also home to a natural prairie
Prairie
Prairies are considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists, based on similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and grasses, herbs, and shrubs, rather than trees, as the dominant vegetation type...
. The natural prairie only covers 1 acres (4,046.9 m²). However, prairie plants have been planted around the Interpretive Center and along the Prairie Trail. Yellow Lady Slipper
Cypripedium calceolus
Cypripedium calceolus is a lady's-slipper orchid, and the type species of the genus Cypripedium.It is a widespread plant worldwide, found from Europe east through Asia to the Pacific Ocean. It is found in open woodland on moist calcareous soils. It is found in continental Europe growing in the...
and Indian Pipe
Monotropa uniflora
Monotropa uniflora, also known as the Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe, or Corpse Plant is a herbaceous perennial plant, formerly classified in the family Monotropaceae, but now included within the Ericaceae. It is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America and northern South America, but with...
are some of the uncommon flowers that can be found in the prairies and throughout the rest of the reserve.
Animals
Hartman Reserve has an abundance of animals that can be found throughout the reserve. The most common include white-tailed deerWhite-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer , also known as the Virginia deer or simply as the whitetail, is a medium-sized deer native to the United States , Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru...
, river otters, turkeys
Turkey (bird)
A turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris. One species, Meleagris gallopavo, commonly known as the Wild Turkey, is native to the forests of North America. The domestic turkey is a descendant of this species...
, pileated woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is a very large North American woodpecker, almost crow-sized, inhabiting deciduous forests in eastern North America, the Great Lakes, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific coast. It is also the largest woodpecker in America.Adults are long, and weigh...
, red shouldered hawks
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized hawk. Its breeding range spans eastern North America and along the coast of California and northern to northeastern-central Mexico.-Description:...
, fox
Fox
Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to...
es, vulture
Vulture
Vulture is the name given to two groups of convergently evolved scavenging birds, the New World Vultures including the well-known Californian and Andean Condors, and the Old World Vultures including the birds which are seen scavenging on carcasses of dead animals on African plains...
s, geese
Goose
The word goose is the English name for a group of waterfowl, belonging to the family Anatidae. This family also includes swans, most of which are larger than true geese, and ducks, which are smaller....
, wood ducks
Wood Duck
The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck is a species of duck found in North America. It is one of the most colourful of North American waterfowl.-Description:...
, mallard
Mallard
The Mallard , or Wild Duck , is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia....
s, osprey
Osprey
The Osprey , sometimes known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than in length and across the wings...
s and bald eagles
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
. All of the animals just listed are native to the reserve except for the otter and osprey. They were first discovered on the reserve in 1998 after habitats were created to attract them.
Hunting is strictly illegal on all reserve property. However, starting in 1994, Hartman decided to allow bow hunting during a special season to help keep the deer population under control Iowa DNR
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is a department/agency of the U.S. state of Iowa charged with maintaining state parks and forests; protecting the environment; and managing energy, fish, wildlife, land resources, and water resources of Iowa.The Mission Statement: To conserve and enhance...
. The hunters are carefully watched to make sure all of their licenses and tags are legal and that their game was legally killed. The hunters have to pass rigorous testing including shooting abilities. The goal is to have roughly 30 deer per square mile.
Organizations
Hartman is recognized by multiple organizations for its abundance of wildlife. Two organizations that recognize the reserve as a great place for birdwatching and animal watching are Iowa Watchable Wildlife Site and Important Bird AreaImportant Bird Area
An Important Bird Area is an area recognized as being globally important habitat for the conservation of bird populations. Currently there are about 10,000 IBAs worldwide. The program was developed and sites are identified by BirdLife International...
. Hartman Reserve also partners with the national education program Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area , also known as America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service...
. When Hartman was bought in 1976, 46 acres (186,155.6 m²) of land was set aside to form the Hartman Bluff State Reserve, which is now certified by Iowa DNR Preserves Board as a natural forest and prairie.
Maple Syrup
Hartman has been collecting sap from maple trees since 1985. The sap is collected starting at the end of February and throughout March. The sap is then boiled down to produce maple syrupMaple syrup
Maple syrup is a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, although it can also be made from other maple species such as the bigleaf maple. In cold climates, these trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter; the starch is then...
in the Sugar Shack, which is located on the reserve. The syrup is then stored and used during Hartman's annual Maple Syrup Festival or stored and sold. The Maple Syrup Festival is a pancake breakfast that raises money for Hartman Reserve.
Trails and Buildings
Hartman Reserve is home to many trails including paved, unpaved, and water. There are over 6 miles (9.7 km) worth of walking trails. There is also a tractor pulled trailer that people with disabilities can use to explore the reserve. The most notorious of these trails is the American Discovery TrailAmerican Discovery Trail
The American Discovery Trail is a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail across the mid-tier of the United States. It starts on the Delmarva Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and ends on the northern California coast on the Pacific Ocean, and is signed on over of trail. This includes the doubled...
. All of the water trails lead into the Cedar River, George Wyth Memorial State Park
George Wyth Memorial State Park
The George Wyth Memorial State Park is a state park of Iowa in the United States. The park was dedicated in 1940 as "Josh Higgins Parkway", named for a popular radio character of the day. In 1956, it was renamed George Wyth Memorial State Park after a well-known Cedar Falls businessman and...
, and the many lakes on the reserve. The walking trails are dispersed throughout the reserve with varying levels of difficulties. During the winter, snowshoe trails are available that replace the regular walking trails. The trails can be used anyday between sunrise and sunset
The Gene and Betty Buckles Program Center is an environmentally friendly building. All of the material used to build and furnish the building is made from recycled materials. The floor of the porch is made from recycled tires. The building structure is used from recycled telephone poles and recycled paper. The carpet is made from recycled pop bottles and all of the lightbulbs are fluorescent and approved to be eco-friendly. The building is used for programs that are sponsored by Hartman and are also available to rent.
The Interpretive Center is the main building. There are year round exhibits that include the history of Hartman and live animals that can be found on the Reserve. The main office is also located in the Interpretive Center where visitors can rent snowshoes during the winter or hiking gear during the spring, summer, and fall. Both buildings are open Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.