Conservation Easements Protect 26-County Driftless Region

Several recent initiatives and events highlight a growing engagement with the environment and community spaces across diverse regions. John Kelly, a geography and environmental science professor, volunteers as a conservation easement monitor, helping protect natural areas through annual site inspections, blending academic knowledge with hands-on stewardship. In the Bay Area, the art exhibition "Lay of the Land" features 14 artists whose works explore environmental themes and aim to deepen viewers' connection to nature by revealing unseen aspects of landscapes. Meanwhile, in Spalding, local civic leaders are advocating for the district council to purchase key properties to better serve community needs, proposing that public services be centralized to revitalize the town and repurpose buildings such as the former Bull and Monkie site and council offices. Additionally, the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji offers a landscape painting class led by artist Diane O’Hern, encouraging community members to engage creatively with natural scenery and develop artistic skills. These efforts collectively demonstrate a multifaceted approach to fostering environmental awareness, cultural expression, and community development.