IOWA’S 99 IS…
A heart-felt endeavor to encourage outdoor exploration and genuine connection with nature.
Fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse landscapes across the state.
Bringing attention to some of Iowa’s hidden natural treasures through a photographic patchwork of it’s 99 counties.
Hello…
I am a self-taught landscape photographer with a strong desire to capture and share some of the hidden natural treasures found within the borders of this place I call home.
Born and raised in Iowa, I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors but it wasn’t until I became a photographer in my forties that I began to appreciate the natural beauty and varied landscapes of this predominantly rural state.
As I began exhibiting and selling some of my work I was surprised to discover that I am not alone when it comes to how little is known about the many amazing places available for those wanting to enjoy and explore the outdoors.
IOWA’S99 has become an obsession in the form of a project. With the goal of sharing some of Iowa’s lesser known parks, conservation and recreation areas, in the hopes of encouraging you to venture outdoors and do you’re own little bit of exploring and discovering the wonderful places in your own backyard.
Take A Quick Peek at Iowa’s99…
Otter Creek Park - Warren County
Pilot Knob State Park - Hancock County
Pammel State Park - Madison County
Kuhn Wildlife Area - Cerro Gordo County
Sandpiper Wetland - Cerro Gordo County
Otter Creek - Warren County
Iowa’s 99 the Project…
Iowa’s 99 began as a solution to a desire to do more with my photography. It has become an opportunity to share why I believe nature plays such a pivotal role in our mental, physical and emotional health.
I once heard someone refer to their whole state as their neighborhood. A place to cherish, nurture and improve. I love this sentiment. My home state, my neighborhood, consists of hundreds of thousands of acres of parks, prairies, forests and preserves, as well as lakes, trails and wetlands.
Exploring that many acres would be an impossibility but visiting a couple natural spaces in each county and bringing attention to some that are not immediately known is one way I can cherish, nurture and improve this neighborhood of mine while also opening the door for others to step out into their own neighborhoods.
Iowa’s 99 the Plans…
As the first year of this project is coming to a close I admit it is still very much in the beginning phase. I learn a little more with each adventure and I’m getting to know some really great people along the way.
Over the coming months I look forward to taking advantage of the winter weather and plan to reflect on this past year; where I’ve been, where I’d like to go in 2025, and how I can continue to work on a growing a community of explorers who are willing to seek out some new places of their own.
If you’d like to receive more updates and information on the counties and natural spaces I am visiting, I hope you will sign up for my monthly newsletter, below. Otherwise, I will continue to update the information here on my Iowa’s 99 Project page, so check back often.