ADVANCING BIODIVERSITY IN EASTERN IOWA

Good natured since 1978

Protect Your Land Find a Preserve

Putting Nature First

Our mission is advancing biodiversity in eastern Iowa by protecting resilient landscapes and connecting people to nature.

Bur Oak Land Trust preserves are protected lands in eastern Iowa full of plants and wildlife, and many are open to the public year-round.

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Explore

Explore all of our beautiful preserves by enjoying your favorite outdoor activities!

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Serve

Make a difference in Eastern Iowa by volunteering with AmeriCorps.

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Give

Donate to save our most critical natural places and improve local biodiversity.

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Events

Learn more about the local environment during one of our many upcoming events!

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WHAT’S IN SEASON?

BIG GROVE PRESERVE

Big Grove Preserve, with the addition of the newly acquired Big Grove Addition, is an 80-acre woodland adjacent to the Coralville Reservoir off of Sugar Bottom Road. This area makes up part of the original “Big Grove” noted by the first settlers to describe Johnson County’s landscape.

  • Pet Friendly
  • Hiking Trails
  • Trail Runs
  • Kid Friendly
  • Foraging
  • Bow Hunting

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CHOOSE AMERICORPS

Be a part of the dedicated individuals who provide invaluable services for the outdoors on Bur Oak preserves, and lands within Johnson County and throughout eastern Iowa.

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Latest News

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  • AmeriCorps Update

    This post will be updated periodically. For the first time in 6 years we’re in the heart of burn season without an AmeriCorps crew. We received word Monday, April 28 that the Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps Program was terminated effective immediately along with 14 other Iowa AmeriCorps programs. We let our 9 members know yesterday that it was their last day...
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  • Backyard Biodiversity Project – Care Instructions

    Step-by-step instruction sheets for planting your native shrubs and caring for container prairies. Thank you for participating in the Backyard Biodiversity Project made possible by a city of Iowa City Climate Action grant. For more resources or help with your new plants, contact info@buroaklandtrust.org or visit the Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery online at nursery.iowadnr.gov. ...
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  • Join our team!

    If you love the outdoors and want to make a difference, apply for a position at Bur Oak Land Trust!Bur Oak is looking for people excited about protecting biodiversity, building community and preserving natural places. Explore our current opportunities and be part of the mission! Open positions:Service Programs Director –...
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