Work to Begin at Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor

Following the Story County Board of Supervisor’s approval of the master plan at the February 14 Board meeting, construction on Phase I for the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor is set to begin by the end of the month. The master plan, which was unveiled at two open houses in January and received public comment, describes a space designed as a live learning laboratory showcasing and exploring conservation techniques. The 37-acre park demonstrates a collaborative approach to commercial development that will improve Story County’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

Phase I work will focus on stream restoration and bank stabilization. The deeply incised stream channel is mostly forested and dominated by highly invasive understory species. Select areas of forested riparian zone will be removed to re-establish the historic plant community — tallgrass prairie with scattered trees. In other areas along the stream, existing trees will remain, and invasive understory plants (predominantly honeysuckle) will be removed. The stream will then be accessible for reshaping and stabilizing the banks.

While it appears that a lot of habitat is being destroyed, removal of the low quality, early successional and invasive species will create a healthier and more functional system. The restoration of historic, native vegetation will better keep the soil in place, reducing erosion and incision of the channel.

For more information, contact Story County Conservation at 515-232-2516 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) or email us at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov.