Our Mission

Whiterock Conservancy is an Iowa non-profit land trust dedicated to conserving and protecting Iowa's natural resources, demonstrating sustainable rural land management, and engaging the public with the environment through outdoor recreation and education.

Our Vision

To create an economically and ecologically diverse landscape in Iowa and beyond.

Overview

Whiterock Conservancy (WRC) is a non-profit land trust established in 2004. Whiterock, as it has been called for many years, is the core land base managed by WRC along the Middle Raccoon River in west-central Iowa. This 4,300-acre area of contiguous land is in the process of a major planned land gift from the Garst family to Whiterock Conservancy.

The Whiterock Valley has long been a centerpiece of the Garst family's pride, history, and identity. From the Garst Home Farm just east of Coon Rapids, where in 1959 Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visited, south along an 8-mile stretch of the Middle Raccoon River, the Garst family has farmed, recreated, hunted, and lived since the 1800s. In 2004 the Garst family unanimously decided to donate their beloved conservation lands in an effort to ensure its long-term protection for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

Currently, Whiterock Conservancy stewards a total of 5,400 acres using the principles of sustainable agriculture, ecological restoration and low impact recreation. We work with our neighbors, project partners, community and other rural landowners to find, implement and demonstrate rural land management techniques that help to foster a healthy and resilient environment while at the same time remaining economically viable. Whiterock is open year-round to the public for recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping and canoeing. Conservation for the people is central to our mission.

Learn more about our Projects .

Principal land donors are Mary Garst and her daughters
Rachel, Sarah, Liz, Jennifer and Kate.