WHAT WE ARE

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 340-acre woodland surrounded by the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. We have many habitats to explore including the largest tract of upland timber publicly managed in Black Hawk County. 100-year-old White, Red, and Bur Oaks can be found in the upland woodland. Our lowlands consists of flood-tolerable tree species including a rare grove of native Hawthorne trees and massive Cottonwood trees along our riparian areas.

Hartman Reserve is a designated Watchable Wildlife (IA DNR), Monarch Waystation (Monarch Watch) and Important Bird Area (Nat'l Audubon Society). We are home to many unique bird species such as Pileated Woodpeckers, Indigo Buntings, and a variety of warblers. Other common animals include deer, fox, raccoon, opossum, otter, beaver, mink and many more. 

Hartman Reserve hosts a variety of sensitive species that rely on vernal pools to move through their life cycles such as salamanders, frogs, and a large variety of insects. 

Photo Credit: Larry Reis

The Cedar River, its backwaters, and two old gravel pits are found north of the South Riverside Bike Trail. This aquatic habitat is important for many migratory birds species and for year-round residents including geese, ducks, mallards, fish and turtles. 

Restored prairies have been planted and are maintained in the lowlands and near the Nature Center. Unique prairie species that can be found include bottle gentian, cardinal flower, and rattlesnake master.