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Intersecting ridge tops provide a unique corridor of wilderness with 12 Special Landscape Areas, as designated by the National Park Service. The Loess Hills' remnant prairies and steep peaks form a unique topographic and geological landform not found anywhere else in the United States.

Nestled near the Missouri River, The Loess Hills provide a valuable wildlife corridor for many indigenous and migratory species. Finding refuge in the Hills are wild turkeys, bobwhites, foxes, mink and badgers. Herons, ducks, hawks and songbirds nest here. Burrowing in the Hills are plains pocket mice, ornate box turtles, Great Plains skinks, and rare prairie rattlesnakes.

Yet, within 15 years these virgin prairies will disappear if not protected. Without a comprehensive plan and consistent budget for resource protection, The Loess Hills will fall victim to the negative impacts of mining, development, off-road vehicle (ORV) misuse, invasive species, such as the eastern red cedar and wind and water erosion. Sedimentation, pesticide and fertilizer run-off have affected streams in the area.

The Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club is campaigning with allies to protect the Loess Hills through conservation easements or acquiring wild places in 12 special landscape areas, adding 20,000 acres of protected prairie by 2020 to an estimated 5000 acres present protected. The Club also encourages enforcement of bans on ORV use in publicly protected areas to prevent the scarring of these sensitive lands.

To join the effort, contact Neila Seaman at 515-277-8868.