The Dubuque County Conservation Board is in the process of purchasing Whitewater Canyon in southwestern Dubuque and Northeastern Jones Counties. Whitewater Canyon is one of only three canyons recognized by the Iowa Geological survey and the only one still in private hands. It has among the best exposure of Silurian bedrock in the state of Iowa.
The 419 acre area contains extensive CRP grasslands on the uplands above the bluffs which have nesting bobolinks, Henslow's sparrows, sedge wrens, and a pair of Northern Harriers. The bluff edges contain prairie and savannah remnants with Jeweled Shooting Star, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Lousewort, and False Foxglove. Canada Yew and Mountain Maple are found on the bluff faces.
I had the opportunity to visit the area twice. Once with the Audubon Board during which we viewed the spectacular views from the top of the bluff, views unobstructed by civilization except for a single farm. Soaring Turkey Vultures and a Bald Eagle from a nearby nest enhanced the view.
The second time I viewed the canyon from the bottom in a canoe as Whitewater Creek meandered below 200 foot cliffs. We saw Yellow billed cuckoos, Kingfishers, and a Ruby Throated Hummingbird along the way. At the takeout point there was a Five-lined Skink, one of only two lizards found in northeast Iowa.
The area will be kept in its pristine condition with only a parking lot and mowed hiking trails developed. With the help of contributions from private organizations and government grants this scenic area will soon be a valuable addition to Dubuque County's park system.
The 419 acre area contains extensive CRP grasslands on the uplands above the bluffs which have nesting bobolinks, Henslow's sparrows, sedge wrens, and a pair of Northern Harriers. The bluff edges contain prairie and savannah remnants with Jeweled Shooting Star, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Lousewort, and False Foxglove. Canada Yew and Mountain Maple are found on the bluff faces.
I had the opportunity to visit the area twice. Once with the Audubon Board during which we viewed the spectacular views from the top of the bluff, views unobstructed by civilization except for a single farm. Soaring Turkey Vultures and a Bald Eagle from a nearby nest enhanced the view.
The second time I viewed the canyon from the bottom in a canoe as Whitewater Creek meandered below 200 foot cliffs. We saw Yellow billed cuckoos, Kingfishers, and a Ruby Throated Hummingbird along the way. At the takeout point there was a Five-lined Skink, one of only two lizards found in northeast Iowa.
The area will be kept in its pristine condition with only a parking lot and mowed hiking trails developed. With the help of contributions from private organizations and government grants this scenic area will soon be a valuable addition to Dubuque County's park system.