Spring Nature Preserve Highlight Series: Hartman Reserve
As we welcome March’s slow thaw, it is time to refresh the memory on the local nature parks and preserves in the area, and enjoy the seasons to come. Today’s spotlight in this series is the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, located at 657 Reserve Drive.
The mission of Hartman Reserve is to understand our environment through education, recreation, community involvement and stewardship, all of which are offered in plenty at the grounds. The educational programs include public programs, summer camps, field trips for schools, outreach programs, School of the Wild, and the 2nd Sunday speaker series, all conducted through Blackhawk County Conservation. Here, children and adults alike can learn about the natural environment of Iowa, that goes well beyond the farm lands so often associated with our beautiful state.
In addition to the nature center on grounds, the park itself has a multitude of offerings for singles or families looking for adventure. At hartmanreserve.org, you can download a map of the park to highlight trails that you’d like to explore. One of the unique offerings in the Hartman Reserve Trails, and one of my personal favorites, it the Trail RX options. These trails integrate numerous scientific studies that point toward time spent in nature with the improvement of both physical and mental health. The trails are marked out by skill level, addressing every walkable area, and the physical requirements of each, allowing those with illness or those who just haven’t been as active as they would like, to assess the trail compared to their own ability and energy level. The mental health stops are also mapped out, selecting serene areas that invite peace, renewal, and hope, with the opportunity to reflect on their own health in the vastly beautiful settings. You may download these trail maps to your phone with the CVAST system, which links you to Google maps to guide you through the trails as you explore, making aimless wandering a delightful option. There are five trails to choose from, all available on the Hartman Reserve website.
There are volunteer opportunities for those who wish to care for the natural environment ranging from building skills, computer skills, and outdoor maintenance. The Hartman website includes applications for volunteer work, that will include an outline of your skills for proper placement. There are limited spaces for interns within the environmental science and related fields as well, helping the future environmental warriors to gain their footing with real world experience that will follow them through their careers and lives. The internship program is partnered with Iowa State University, and volunteer questions can be sent to mhamm@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov.
The 340 acres of Hartman Reserve are filled with wonders, treasures and the peace of nature that can’t be found in the bustle of every day life. For mor information, please visit hartmanreserve,org, and begin your adventure right here in Cedar Falls!