Iowa Couple's 25-Year Mission Restores Prairie, Wetlands and Hope West of Grinnell
In 1998, Jim and Kathy Kessler bought a piece of land west of Grinnell, Iowa, with a simple but ambitious plan: bring back the native prairie and wetlands that once covered the region. Twenty-five years later, their property is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species, and their work has become a model for conservation across the state.
The couple's journey began with a shared love for the outdoors and a deep conviction that caring for the land is part of their Christian faith. In 2018, they donated 30 acres of the property to the Bur Oak Land Trust, ensuring the restoration work will continue for generations to come.
What Inspired the Kesslers to Restore the Land?
Jim Kessler grew up on a dairy farm and spent much of his childhood outdoors. He studied natural sciences teaching and earned a master's degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa. His interest in environmental protection grew around the time of the first Earth Day in 1970, after reading a book called A Moment in the Sun, which discussed the environmental crisis and left a lasting impression on him.
But it was seeing a prairie in full bloom that made him understand the importance of protecting such landscapes. He later watched the same prairie get ploughed and converted for farming. That experience stuck with him.
The couple decided that if they ever got the opportunity to buy land near Grinnell and their church, they would restore its natural habitat.
How Did They Find the Land?
Kathy Kessler mentioned at a meeting that the couple were looking for land near Grinnell. A developer associated with the group had timber and 20 acres of land for sale, but the property was under an option agreement. Jim asked the developer to contact him if the agreement was dropped. About two weeks later, the option was dropped.
The couple bought the property in 1998 and began their work.
How Did Jim Bring the Landscape Back to Life?
Jim consulted experts, including Daryl Smith, founder of the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa, to learn about restoring the land. He brought native plants from across the county, worked to remove invasive species, and grew some plants in the couple's greenhouse. Through research, learning, and trial and error, he reconstructed the prairie and wetland habitats.
“I had once wondered whether I would live long enough to see the woodland restoration completed,” Jim said. “The trust's involvement helped accelerate changes in the woodland.”
Why Did the Couple Donate 30 Acres?
In 2018, Jim and Kathy donated 30 acres to the Bur Oak Land Trust to protect the restoration work and help ensure that the land would continue to be managed in the future. The trust's involvement has helped accelerate changes in the woodland, ensuring the property remains a haven for wildlife and native plants.
The Kesslers' story is a testament to what one family can accomplish with patience, hard work, and a commitment to stewardship. Their restored prairie stands as a living legacy for Iowa's natural heritage.