A little known gem not far from Perry is the Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids. Dan Gudahl, the Whiterock Conservancy’s executive director, recently stopped by the Hotel Pattee to speak with the Perry Kiwanis Club at their Tuesday luncheon meeting.
Gudahl has worked on many projects throughout his past in many countries all over the world. He originally grew up and attended college in Minnesota. He discovered the opening for White Rock Conservancy while searching for jobs online. He had a background with conservation and non-profit organization in his previous positions. It was a great fit for both parties involved. He moved to Coon Rapids in January of this year.
Whiterock Conservancy is 5,500 acres of land formed into a 501 (c) 3 corporation by Steve Garst. It is seven miles of land in the middle Raccoon River Valley. The purpose is to promote sustainable agriculture, natural resource preservation and public recreation.
Whiterock has a board that oversees its operation.
Former Perry City Administrator Butch Niebuhr currently serves on the board.
The Garst family is known for its hybrid corn seed used in agriculture. Also the family hosted Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev on their farm during his visit to the U.S. in 1959.
Part of the goal of Whiterock is to restore the native plant and animal life that once were common in the area. Many animal species were considered undesirable and the populations greatly reduced or eliminated altogether. Several native plant species were also controlled because they completed with agriculture production and yields. For example, oaks were poisoned.
They have restored natural habitat for monarch butterflies and several types of birds and other animals.
Habitat destruction affected many species of animal, insect and plant life. Wetlands were drained and grassland was plowed to make way for more agriculture.
Whiterock offers a multitude of outdoor opportunities. There is an admission fee which helps to maintain Whiterock and keep it operational.
Other revenue is generated through sustainable agriculture and the raising of livestock. Livestock use rotational and flex grazing for cattle.
One can camp, stay overnight in a choice of houses on the property including the historic Garst Farm House, host weddings or other events, take a guided tour of the property, hike, mountain bike, ride horses, canoe and kayak on the river, stargaze, fish, rent a gator, watch birds and in general spend time outdoors. Their website discusses the many opportunities available.
Whiterock also hosts controlled burns, and recently a group of 150 Boy Scouts helped to collect seed from native plants to use in the future.
Gudahl pointed out that a popular event is watching stars. Whiterock offers areas to view the sky without light pollution, such as is found in cities. There is a star party once a year.
Gudahl said there are now people certified in Forest Therapy who bring groups of people to be outdoors.
Disc golf is also popular at the site, he said.
Last year Whiterock had 20,000 visitors. Gudahl stated that there are several volunteer opportunities. Volunteers and interns help to do needed duties on the property.
You will see goats on the property. They help to control evasive species.
Gudahl encouraged the audience to check out the Whiterock Conservancy and see what it offers.
Also during this meeting Ron Peterson, the Kiwanis Club Division 13 executive director of the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis, also visited.
Peterson swore in the officers for the year. Vince Sturm is the new Kiwanis president, Jeremy Winter the president elect, Matt Crooks vice president, Tricia Steffen past president, Doug Wood secretary and Mark Lincoln treasurer.
Welcoming Gudahl and Peterson was Perry Kiwanis Club President Vince Sturm.
