Protect the future of MacBride Nature Recreation Area

For over 40 years, the MacBride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) has served as a vital resource for education, recreation, mental well-being, and environmental stewardship. This 485-acre sanctuary offers a rare and much-needed escape into nature.

Now, as the University of Iowa’s review committee considers whether to extend the lease that allows continued public access to this incredible resource, we must raise our voices in support of preserving MNRA for future generations.

A vital educational resource.

For decades, the MNRA has served as an outdoor classroom for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s hosting field trips for local schools, providing hands-on learning for environmental science students, or offering research opportunities on biodiversity and ecology, MNRA is an invaluable asset to the University of Iowa and the wider community. The area’s diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to wetlands, provide real-world experiences that enhance our understanding of the environment and foster a sense of responsibility toward its preservation.

A wonderful site for recreation

Beyond its educational importance, MNRA is a hub of recreational activity. Visitors flock to the area to hike, bike, fish, picnic, and enjoy countless other outdoor activities. The park’s miles of trails, clear waters, and abundant wildlife make it a go-to destination for families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts. The sense of peace and connection to nature that the area provides cannot be overstated—it is a rare space where people can disconnect from the stresses of modern life and experience the calming power of the natural world. As a symbol of the University of Iowa’s commitment to public service, MNRA offers something for everyone. The value of these communal spaces is in building stronger, healthier communities.

Child development and mental health

The benefits of time spent in nature are well-documented, particularly for children and adolescents. Research consistently shows that outdoor experiences contribute to cognitive, social, and emotional development. For young people, time in nature helps foster creativity, improves concentration, and strengthens mental resilience. More than ever, our youth are facing significant mental health challenges, and opportunities to engage with the natural world can provide much-needed relief.

Preserving environmental stewardship

Finally, it is important to recognize the role MNRA plays in preserving Iowa’s natural heritage. As the University of Iowa considers the future of MacBride Nature Recreation Area, it is imperative that they recognize the far-reaching benefits of continued public access. The MNRA is more than just a park—it is a vital educational tool, a space for recreation, a sanctuary for mental well-being, and an irreplaceable community resource.

Writing on behalf of the 100 Grannies for a Livable Future, we urge all those who cherish this unique area to submit comments to the University of Iowa’s review committee at MNRA-feedback@uiowa.edu by March 14.

Deb Gallagher and Deb Schoelerman are members of 100 Grannies for Livable Future.