Parks & Recreation

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

5205 Grand Ave Ames, IA 50010

• Trail Information
• Park Background & Funding
• Recreational Opportunities
• DNR Fishery Survey (2002)
• City of Ames Park Rules & Regulations
• Bird Population at Ada Hayden
• Cross Country Skiing
• Water Quality
• Wildlife and Educational Opportunities
• Fishing Myths & Realities
• Dedication August 28, 2004
• Past Human Activity at Ada Hayden
• Conservation Heritage Trail
• Who is Ada Hayden?
• Partnerships
• DNR Rules & Regulations
• DNR Website
• Wetlands: The Role They Play
• Overlook Features

Trail Information

Crushed Rock Upland Trail	1.2 Miles
Outside Loop Hard-Surface	2.8 Miles
North Loop	1.4 Miles
South Loop	1.8 Miles
Figure 8	3.2 Miles

Who is Ada Hayden

Personal Life: 1884 to 1950

 
Ada Hayden was born on a farm about two miles north of Ames on August 14, 1884 in the general vicinity of Top-O-Hollow and Hoover Avenue. Hayden's parents owned part of the land that is currently known as the Ames Quarry. The entire area was her childhood "playground". Hayden used her family prairies as the reconstructed site will be used in 2003 and beyond: 

 "Her interest in wildlife was in harmony with that of her parents who maintained on their farm several acres of virgin prairie for the sake of preserving the native flora. During her youth and most of her college days, this area was an outdoor laboratory for her classes in systematic botany, ecology, and other college courses which she taught."

(Quotation from JOHN N. MARTIN, Ada Hayden 1884-1950).

Education:
1904 -- Ames High School Graduate

1908 -- Iowa State College graduate -- Bachelor of Science degree in Botany

1910 -- Washington University (St. Louis) graduate -- Master of Science degree

1918 -- Iowa State College Graduate -- Doctor of Philosophy degree

First woman to receive a Ph.D. (and only the 4th of either gender) from Iowa State College.

Professional Life/Accomplishments

• 1910 to 1918 -- Instructor of Botany, Iowa State College
• 1919 -- Proposed setting aside prairie areas as preserves
• 1919 to 1950 -- Assistant Professor in Botany and Plant Pathology, Iowa State
• 1919 to 1950 -- Studied and inventoried native prairies throughout Iowa
• 1934 -- Hayden was appointed Research Assistant Professor on the Agricultural Experiment Station. (This appointment took her to the lake regions of Iowa to study the vegetation of lakes, marshes, and border areas in relation to the feeding and nesting of wild waterfowl and shore birds.)
• Hayden completed considerable research and published numerous papers. (Her special studies and teaching experience had made her familiar with the classification, structure, and habits of practically all groups of plants.)
• Authored or co-authored of 20 publications on Iowa's plants and ecology.
• By 1944 she had surveyed the best remaining prairies in Iowa and proposed 22 for purchase by the State
• 1947 -- Named Curator of the ISU Herbarium. (A herbarium is a plant library that contains dried and pressed plants.)
• During her time at ISU she added more than 40,000 specimens to the Herbarium.
• 1967 -- Inducted into the Iowa Conservation Hall of Fame.
• 1988 -- The Herbarium was named the "Ada Hayden Herbarium" in her honor.
• The Department of Natural Resources State Preserve System traces its legacy to her efforts.
• Hayden was instrumental in having 26 native prairie areas formally preserved by the State of Iowa.

More Information on Ada Hayden can be located on the following sites:

• www.reflectiveimages.com/AdaHayden.htm
• www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/wise/iws/hayden/hayden.html
• www.public.iastate.edu/`herbarium/adapage.htm

Park Background and Funding

The citizens of Ames voted on a bond issue as part of the November 6, 2001 general election. Because it has passed, the funds were used to purchase 437 acres of land surrounding and including an abandoned rock quarry in north Ames. The lakes, which total 1.2 billion gallons of water, serve the community as a secondary water source during drought conditions. To ensure the water’s quality, wetlands will be constructed and prairie grasses will be planted to filter the water.

The total estimated cost of this project was $7,499,922; however, Ames was awarded a $1,500,000 Vision Iowa grant in 2001. In addition, Story County has pledged $1,030,000 of in-kind support, which reduces the amount for Ames residents to $4,970,000. This will cost a residential property owner with a $100,000 assessed valuation approximately $21 per year for 12 years.

The park will include passive recreation features such as fishing docks, a ramp for non-motorized boats, three miles of hard surface pathway, two miles of crushed-rock paths, a restroom, parking lot and a pedestrian bridge. 

Water Quality

The quality of the water in Ada Hayden Heritage Park is some of the best surface water remaining in Iowa. However, the surrounding land use and erosion of the shoreline is degrading the quality of the water. By protecting the 437 acres of land and lake, this water source will be secure and the area will be available for public access as an added benefit.

Problem

•  Hallett's Materials, Corp. mined sand and gravel since the 1950's creating two large lakes (130 acres/one billion gallons of water).
•  Lakes serve as an emergency water source for Ames (during droughts) and as an ad hoc center for wildlife recreation.
• Water quality in these lakes was degrading because of agricultural and urban runoff.
• Proposed high-density development would have exacerbated the problem and added two impaired water bodies to Iowa's lists.
• Intensive watershed planning and restoration was needed to protect water supplies and recreational resources.

Proponents and Process

• Coalition of government, citizens & private sector organizations worked proactively to protect a precious resource.  City of Ames * Story County Conservation Board * Story County Soil and Water Conservation District * Friends of Hallett's Quarry * Iowa State University * Natural Resources Conservation Service * Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit * Snyder & Associates * Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates
• A Master Plan was developed: 130 acres of water, and 307 acres of land needed to be purchased and transitioned into wetlands/prairie to serve as natural filters for area run-off.
• Project budged totaled $6.47 million.

Funding

• State of Iowa:  A $1.5 million Vision Iowa CAT Grant was awarded to the City of Ames
• Ames residents passed a bond referendum for $4.97 million (86% support).
• Story County Conservation Board offered $1 million in "in-kind" services, to restore native vegetation.
• Story County Soil and Water Conservation District obtained a watershed grant to address agricultural runoff and provide information to urban residents.

Prospects

• Project benefits the entire community

• Assured emergency water supply

• Valuable resource for outdoor recreation

• Water recreation alone generates $1M/yr

• Park be a recreational focal point

• Water quality will be among the best of Iowa's lakes.

• Unique project provides educational opportunities (kindergarten to university).

• Innovative watershed approach demonstrates a win-win pathway to enhanced and protected water quality.

Partnership

The Story County Conservation Board will provide expertise and in-kind labor for the establishment of the prairie, wetland, woodland, and meadow areas of the park. This assistance will result in $1,030,000 savings to the City. There is also a great opportunity to involve volunteers for long-term environmental learning experiences

Recreational Opportunities

• 3 mile hard surface trail (adjacent to the lake) for walking and biking
• 2 miles of crushed stone pathways
• Boat ramp for canoes, small sailboats, rowboats, and boats with electric motors only
• Pedestrian bridge between the lakes
• Fishing 
• Picnic areas 
• Bird and wildlife viewing
• Restroom
• 2 grills

Wildlife and educational area

Much of the area will be restored as prairie and wetlands. The extensive root systems of prairie plants provide soil stabilization and allow rainwater to soak into the soil, protecting against water pollution and soil erosion. The proposed prairie, wetland and woodland restoration will be a haven for wildlife. The area is currently used as a resting place by many migrating birds. Rare species, such as loons, sand hill cranes and bald eagles have been sighted at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.

This site will also serve as a premier outdoor teaching lab for all ages.

FISHING:  2002 DNR Fishery Survey

Prior to establishing fishing regulations to govern this resource, the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Iowa State University, completed a survey of the fisheries during 2002 and 2003.  The information and data derived from the survey was used to establish the recommended rules and regulations for this site.

The goals of the survey were to:

1.  Determine what species were present.
2.  Assess age-growth of the fish; and
3.  Assist with the development of appropriate fishing regulations and ordinances to guide the development of a fishery.

FINDINGS:

• 18 species of fish were sampled during 2002.
• Major game fish sampled were largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie.
• Minor game fish sampled included channel catfish, yellow perch, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish.
• Major non-game fish sampled were carp, carp sucker, gizzard shad, freshwater drum and buffalo.
• Other species sampled were green sunfish, yellow perch, channel catfish, quillback and river carp sucker, common shiner, small mouth buffalo, Johnny darter, white sucker, golden shiner and hybrid sunfish (green sunfish/bluegill).
• Large mouth bass was the primary predator.
• The bass population is healthy and in good condition.
• Bluegill and crappie populations were in good condition, but pan fish reproduction (spawning) was limited due to limited habitat and the presence of gizzard shad.
• Habitat:  The littoral areas (shallower, more productive areas for fish) are limited at this site.

SIZE/QUANTITY OF FISH:

• Largemouth bass -- majority are 13 inches or less, with a few in excess of 18 inches.
• Bluegill -- Majority of the fish ranged in size between 4.5 and 6.5 inches in length.
• Crappie -- Not present in large numbers, but there are several age groups.
• Channel Catfish -- Not present in large numbers.
• Green Sunfish -- Viable population and the size distribution indicate this a fishable population.  The length frequency distribution showed fish up to 7.5 inches.
• Gizzard Shad -- Compete directly with other fish species during various points in the life cycle, particularly bluegill and at times crappie shad negatively impacts populations.

DNR OBSERVATIONS

• HABITAT:  Littoral zones in the lakes are limited.  These areas are used for spawning, nursery, and for normal contained areas of vegetation.
• FISHERY:  There are several concerns in dealing with the fishery.  One of the more important is the presence of gizzard shad.  Gizzard shad compete directly with pan fish, particularly bluegill.  The weak/missing year-classes of largemouth bass also indicate a limited amount of habitat in the lakes.

DNR RECOMMENDATIONS

• HABITAT:  
  1.Increase littoral zones used for spawning, nursery and for normal contained areas of vegetation.
  2.  Consider the addition of cedar trees, larger rock material, etc.
  3.  Add clays/soil to areas to provide a base for growth of vegetation.

Rules/Regulations

Upon receiving the survey/recommendations City staff, along with Steve Lekwa, Director of Story County Conservation, met with several local anglers (Todd Burras, Danny Craig, Less Holland, Clyde Richards, Steve Vaysey, Al Weber, Dick McWilliams, DNR, and Andy Fowler/Joe Morris, ISU) to discuss the survey findings and related recommendations from the DNR.

These individuals shared the following observations and recommendations in an attempt to maintain this site as a viable recreational fishing spot for years to come: 

• This is a unique site.  It is a man-made body of water that functioned as a rock quarry for several decades.  It is, on average 50 feet deep, with very steep banks.  Due to these conditions fish habitat/spawning zones are virtually non-existent.
• This site was privately owned and the public was denied access.  Because of this, hundreds (if not thousands) of people in central Iowa have the perception that these lakes are "full of huge fish".  The DNR's survey shows this is NOT the case.  The lack of habitat/spawning zones has affected both the quantity and quality of the fish.  
• Once this park opens it will experience tremendous usage by anglers; not only from central Iowa but potentially from a 50 to 75-mile radius.
• Even if spawning zones/habitat areas are created, regulations/ordinances need to be adopted to govern this resource for years to come.  If not, the site could be "fished out" in perhaps less than a month or two.  If this occurs, it will be virtually impossible to reestablish the fisheries component at this site.
• Local anglers support that additional regulations be created at this site by the City of Ames to assure additional protection of a sensitive fishery.
  

The following recommendations were adopted by the Ames City Council in January 2004:

• Black Bass:  Catch and release only
• Crappie:  Possession limit of 5 per person/per day
• Bluegill and Sunfish:  Possession limit of 10 per person/per day.
• Spawning Zones:  Establish areas and restrict fishing in those areas during May 1 through June 30 (spawning season).
• No dumping of live bait.
• Electric motors only:  No boat motors fueled by gasoline allowed on park premises.
• No fishing from bridge.
• No fish cleaning at the site.

It should be noted that several local anglers have volunteered to serve as FISHING AMBASSADORS at this site.  It is envisioned that they would educate and inform the public as to "why" regulations and ordinances exist; to ensure a viable fishing spot for years to come.  It is hoped that this approach, versus enforcement through citations, would gain better acceptance and compliance.  If, however, an individual continues to disregard the regulations, they could be cited by the Ames Police Department.  The DNR would be responsible to check fishing licenses.

Myths and Realities

Fishing is a sport that conjures up images of lazy afternoons, communing with nature, quiet camaraderie... and fantastic stories of larger-than-life catches.   With Ada Hayden Heritage Park opening, there are many who have set their sights on landing some big fish in the lake.  The problem, however, is that the former quarry is not flush with large fish and a danger exists that the lake could be “overfished”, leaving little for future generations.

Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Carroll explains the dilemma:  “The stories about the abundance of big fish in the former quarry have grown faster and bigger than any fish that actually exists in the lake.”  She explains that the lack of habitat in the quarry has not been beneficial for the development of large fish in the past.  She also sites studies conducted by Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) that have documented the quantity of fish, their size and the variety of species.  “The rock quarry was a man-made lake that was very deep with steep banks, which made spawning areas nonexistent.”

Now that the City of Ames owns the site, steps are underway to establish better habitat for spawning zones for fish, but Carroll warns that it will take years to develop.  In order to avoid having the lakes “fished out,” regulations have been recommended by the IDNR and local anglers and adopted by the City Council to protect the lake for future enjoyment. 

Copies of the regulations are available on the City’s website: cityofames.org and will be available in display racks at City Hall and at the Ames Public Library.

Park Rules & Regulations

City ordinances have been adopted to afford users a safe and enjoyable experience

PARK HOURS: 6 am to 10:30 pm

BOATING: Electric Motors Only: No boat motors fueled by gasoline are allowed on park premises

FISHING:

• Bass:  Catch and release only
• Crappie: Limit of 5 per person per day
• Bluegill and Sunfish: Limit of 10 per person per day
• Spawning Zones: Restricted between May 1 thru June 30
• No fishing from the bridge
• No dumping of live bait
• No fish cleaning at this site
• State of Iowa Fishing Regulations apply

SWIMMING:  It is unlawful to swim at this park.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES: Confined to hard surface roads and parking lots 

SNOWMOBILES, ATVs, CAMPING, FIREARMS, HORSES: Not Allowed

FIRES: In grills only

PETS: Cats and dogs must be leashed

KEG BEER and LIQUOR: Not allowed

PARK WATCH: If you see anyone violating these laws please telephone the Ames Police Department at 239-5133.

  Thanks and have a great outing!  

Ada Hayden Park Dedication
Saturday, August 28, 2004

Joanie Tedesco leads the "First Lady's Walk"

The Fire Department showed off the City's new Rescue Boat in the event of an emergency at Hayden Park

Attendees received free water bottles and tattoos from staff members of Water Pollution and Control.

The Ames Public Library provided children with fun activities...they even brought the Bookmobile!

Animal Control also provided information on how to adopt a pet.
 

Over 150 people of all ages participated in the mayor's bike ride.

Mayor Tedesco expressed appreciation and thanks to over 350 people in attendance for making this project a reality.

Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Mike Hamilton presents the National Park and Recreation Association "Partnership Award" to the Friends of Hallatt's Quarry. This award was in recognition of their effort with the successful passage of a $4.9 million bond issue -- used to fund the park development. 

Janet Jepeway, a member of the Ames Historical Society, presented the City with a picture of the site.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy shares his thoughts on what a tremendous asset this park is to the community and how it will enhance the University's ability to retain and recruit students, faculty and staff.

President Geoffroy also expressed how appropriate it was that the site is named after Ada Hayden -- ISU alum and a visionary in prairie preservation.

State of Iowa -- Vision Iowa Chairperson, Michael Gartner, expressed that this park is one of the best projects funded by the State of Iowa ($1.5 million) and that Ames is a great community with a wonderful park system.

WETLANDS:  THE ROLE THEY PLAY

The 130-acre lake is an ecologically and economically important feature located at the northern city limits of Ames and serves as a central focus of the newly established Ada Hayden Heritage Park (AHHP).  The lake is used for a variety of recreational purposes, including fishing and boating.  Additionally, the lake functions as a secondary water supply for the City of Ames during drought periods.

Because water contained in the lake is of realized or potential importance to more than 50,000 central Iowa residents, maintenance of high water quality in the lake is essential.  However, this water quality is threatened by land use practices in the surrounding landscape.  The region surrounding AHHP is rapidly becoming urbanized due to an expanding human population, and much of the remaining land is used for agriculture.  Many pollutants associated with urbanization and agricultural activities enter streams and storm sewers and eventually drain into the lake.  Among pollutants capable of degrading lake water quality include nutrients originating from fertilizers, and sediments derived from soil erosion.

In October 2003, three wetlands were constructed in the AHHP drainage basin for purposes of intercepting and removing pollutants contained in surface water flowing toward the lake.  Each wetland consists of a series of 3-4 ponds separated by concrete weirs.  Stream flow is the primary mode of water entry to wetlands, and inflow is concentrated at the pond located the greatest distance from the lake.  Under normal conditions when wetlands are full of water, water entering the first pond slowly flows into and out of the remaining ponds before entering the lake through a spillway.

If the wetlands function properly, a combination of chemical, physical and biological mechanisms should operate to remove pollutants before water enters the lake.  For example, reduced water flow velocity caused by weirs promotes settling of sediments and organic matter onto the wetland bed.  Additionally, nutrients contributed by stream water adsorb to sediment particles that are deposited on the wetland bed, or are absorbed by algae or plants that require them for growth and reproduction.  Physical structure created by plants further promotes sedimentation by reducing water flow rates.  Finally, many nutrients sequestered by algae and plants become incorporated into other components of the food web, including invertebrates and waterfowl that consume algae and plants.