Current Initiatives

Blue Spotted Salamander Initiative

In conjunction with Omaha's Henry Doorley Zoo and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Black Hawk County Conservation is working to preserve and protect the endangered Blue Spotted Salamander. Found only in two known places in the state of Iowa, Black Hawk County Conservation staff is working towards research and collection to increase salamander populations with help from the Henry Doorley Zoo, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Herpmapper.org, University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College and Upper Iowa University.

Cedar Valley Stormwater Education Initiative

Hartman Reserve educators have initiated a partnership with five of our local cities (Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Elk Run, Hudson, and Evensdale ) to provide storm water and watershed education. These municipalities are currently collecting storm water funds from residences and businesses and are required to spend a portion of these fees on education. These five local municipalities have pooled funds together to compensate a Hartman naturalist for their time dedicated to this one issue. This partnership is the first of its kind in Iowa.
Learn more here.

Visiting Artist

We provide the inspiration and studio space to let you create. One artist is chosen every year to demonstrate their art as inspired by Hartman and the natural beauty that surrounds this area.
Learn more here.

Urban Youth Corps

Local youth from Waterloo and Cedar Falls are able to work for 3 weeks on various projects related to the maintenance of the park. It may be rebuilding a bridge, installing interpretive signs, or replacing steps. Grants from Iowa DOT and The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa fund the majority of this project. For over 30 years Hartman has given urban youth the chance to gain work experience maintaining trails, building foot bridges and learning job skills.

Waste Trac Education

Funded by the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Commission, the Waste Trac Education Team provides free programs for school groups and adults.
Visit Waste Trac here.

Field Trip Trust

For over 15 years donors have provided funding for school field trips to Hartman. This fund pays for half of the cost to have a classroom outdoor experience. This fund is exclusively for schools who need it most, namely those with a high percentage of students that qualify as low income.

Internship Program

Hartman Reserve Nature Center employs up to seven interns per year. These interns train in a variety of skills including outdoor education and event planning. This program is made possible from the Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation, and Community Foundation grants.
Learn more here.