ADVANCING BIODIVERSITY IN EASTERN IOWA

Good natured since 1978

Protect Your Land Find a Preserve

  • Backyard Biodiversity Project

    Planting Instructions
    Bur Oak Land Trust
    Free
    View Event

  • Prairie Preview 40

    May 14-20, 2025
    With Special Guest
    Robin Wall Kimmerer
    View Event

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.

Discover Ways to Give

Events

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

View Upcoming Events

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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  • 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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  • Prairie Preview turns 40 and we’re celebrating!

    For four decades, Prairie Preview has been a special time for environmentalists, conservationists, and nature lovers around Johnson County to come together for a greener Iowa. What started as a small gathering has blossomed into a highly anticipated environmental fair that brings together organizations, advocates, and community members to celebrate, learn, and take action for our natural world....
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