Creekview Wetland Dedication

Last month, the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF) joined its partners to celebrate the dedication of Iowa’s largest stormwater wetland, a joint effort between Polk County, the City of Ankeny, Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, a private landowner, and GOF. This initiative exemplifies the efficacy of public-private partnerships, serving as a proof point for the Conservation Acceleration Fund (CAF). To watch the dedication ceremony, click here.  

Conservation Investments 

The CAF is a unique funding mechanism designed to activate key conservation initiatives via strategic investments, guaranteeing a minimum 4:1 public-private match. Aligned efforts, funds, and vision across sectors and partners brought this project to fruition in 2024. GOF is proud to be a part of synergized strategies across the state, including efforts such as the Batch & Build model, led by Polk County.

Project Overview  

One of the first projects funded through the CAF, the Creekview Wetland provides the area with numerous important environmental benefits. Just east of Fourmile Creek, it supports floodwater management and is designed to divert up to a 10-year storm event. It also treats around 500 acres of residential and commercial development runoff, making it the state’s largest stormwater wetland. As with other wetlands, this project will also increase biodiversity as it develops into a healthy, thriving ecosystem. To learn more about the project, listen to GOF and its partners on this episode of The Big Show. 

Wetlands & Conservation

Wetlands, regardless of their type, offer a variety of important conservation benefits.  

Flood Protection 

Wetlands within urban areas provide crucial water runoff storage for roads, buildings, and more, diverting water away from flood sources. They also provide natural “breaks” for water, with trees, root mats, and vegetation slowing down water surges.  

Atmospheric Maintenance 

The plants, microbes, and wildlife found in wetlands help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, storing it in a process called carbon sequestration.   

Biological Diversity 

Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands are breeding grounds and a source of food for a wide array of species.   

Learn more about our conservation efforts here.