Is Whiterock Conservancy open to the public?
Yes! We currently have over 30 miles of dirt trails throughout the property that are open to the public year-round. Hiking and biking on any of our trails is free, but there is a trail use fee for horses. We also just completed a 3-mile connector trail to Coon Rapids paved with an environmentally-friendly surface aggregate (the first of its kind in Iowa!). In addition, we offer canoe and tube rentals, camping, John Deere gator rentals and guided nature hikes for a minimal fee. Visitors are welcome to stay at one of our many resort accomodations. For more information on the activities or accommodations offered at Whiterock Conservancy contact Trent Milam, Resort Manager, at (712) 684-2697 x112.

NOW HERE! Colorful, educational interpretative signs and trail head markers.

How is the Garst Family involved with Whiterock Conservancy?

Since the 1800s, the Garst family has farmed, recreated, hunted, and lived on the land of Whiterock. In 2004, the Garst family began the process of gifting the land to Whiterock Conservancy, a new nonprofit land trust, in an effort to forever protect the land they love for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Today, the Garst family plays an important role in the organization in the form of representation on the Board of Directors, financial support and ongoing volunteerism. See our history page for more information.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, gifts made to Whiterock Conservancy are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

How will my gift be used?
In general, gifts to Whiterock Conservancy go to work immediately to help support our programs. For example oak savanna restoration, conducting outdoor education, restoring prairie habitat, protecting water quality in the Middle Raccoon River, maintaining trails and the historic Garst farmstead, implementing sustainable grazing systems and providing outdoor recreation on 4,300 acres of contiguous land.

Isn't Whiterock Conservancy completely funded by the Garst Family? Why do they need my help, too?

Simply put, the Garst have donated the land and enough financial support to steward and legally defend the land. But as we grow as an organization, we need additional support to continue important conservation efforts like improving soil and water quality, restoring native Iowan landscapes, and involving and educating the public. 

Does the government support Whiterock Conservancy?

WRC has received some state and federal grants in the past, including a Vision Iowa Community Attractions and Tourism grant, Federal Recreational Trails grant and grant funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, however the majority of WRC's operational funds are not wholly supported by government funds. WRC relies on private gifts to sustain its programs, staff and mission.

Does Whiterock Conservancy accept in-kind donations? If so, what are its needs?

Yes, WRC gladly accepts in-kind donations. Personal property may be accepted as a gift, provided that (i) such property is useable by WRC or saleable and (ii) the donor agrees that the property can be sold at WRC's discretion. The donor is responsible for obtaining a qualified appraisal prior to completing the gift.

Does Whiterock Conservancy need volunteers? How can I help?

Yes! Many of WRC's programs depend on volunteers who generously donate their time to help us fulfill our mission. Some examples include WRC's prescribed fire program, native prairie seed collection and land steward monitoring program, just to name a few. For more information on how you can get involved, register online or contact Emily Babin, Outreach & Development Coordinator, at 712-684-2697 x115 or Emily@whiterockconservancy.org.

How do I get to Whiterock Conservancy?

• Whiterock Conservancy's Home Farm, which is the site of Whiterock Resort's Bed & Breakfast and WRC's main headquarters, is located at 1390 Highway 141, just east of Coon Rapids.
• Whiterock's main campground and River House Barn are located at 1313 Fig Ave.  Go 2.3 miles east of Coon Rapids on Hwy 141 then turn south on Fig Ave and continue for an additional 2.2 miles.
• Whiterock Conservancy's Turkey Ridge campsite and Star Field are located on 140th St. Follow the above directions for the River House and continue south on Fig Ave. Turn left onto 140th St (Signs are posted for the Star Field) and the field is on your left after .5miles.