Conservation Corps Helps Provide Park Maintenance at Ada Hayden

Published on March 14, 2025

AMES, Iowa – The Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa will be working in Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave., throughout the week beginning Monday, March 17, removing invasive vegetation. Crews will be working along the lake banks, Upland Trail, and natural areas of the park. They will be removing invasives including Siberian elm, sandbar willow, and Callery pear.

“As more residents are taking advantage of the warmer weather, we are working hard to get all the parks ready for spring,” said City Forester Gabriele Edwards. “We appreciate the assistance of the Conservation Corps in preparing Ada Hayden because it is one of our most popular parks with great trails and beautiful views.”

Crews will be piling debris along the trails for City staff to chip and clear, but this work should not impede the trails. No trail closures are planned. This work is being sponsored by Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park.

Field Crews, part of the Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa, serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs. Typical projects include removing invasive species, building and improving trails, stabilizing stream banks/controlling erosion, planting native trees, and conducting prescribed burns.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a 400-acre park in north Ames that includes a 130-acre lake. The park features paved and crushed rock trails.

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