The Bird Preserve, a hidden gem in Linn County, is expanding its natural space

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – There are numerous natural sites in Eastern Iowa that offer hiking trails and other amenities for visitors to enjoy. One natural region that you might not be aware of is now growing.

With the grand opening of more than 100 acres of recreational area, they will soon rejoice.
The Bird Preserve is located close to Seminole Valley Park, just off Ellis Road Northwest. With a big opening scheduled for August 2nd, they held a soft opening in November of last year.

”There’s a little bit of everything,” said Rae Jeanne Kilberger.

Since the 1940s, Rae Jeanne Kilberger has made Cedar Rapids her home.
Her grandfather had always desired to do something exceptional with their farm, as long as she could remember.

“I was raised by my grandparents and we went over to Seminole Valley and Pa saw it and he said this is what I want for our land. He wanted exactly the same,” said Kilberger.

Her friends and family contributed to establishing the Rae Jeanne Kilberger Foundation. To ensure that future generations can enjoy the area, it has worked with Linn County Conservation.

“This one is one of the most extraordinary donations we’ve been able to work with,” said Daniel Gibbins, Linn County Conservation Deputy Director.

Kilberger gave 83 acres of land in 2020. Currently known just as the Bird Preserve, in honor of “Pa Bird,” Rae Jeanne’s grandpa.

“I wanted it named Bird Preserve in honor of my family,” she said.

Large tracts of woodlands, ponds, and prairies are lined with pathways for bicycling, hiking, and even cross-country skiing, complete with picnic tables and modest pavilions.

“Quality of life really means getting outdoors, getting out in nature, preserving the environment, the environmental health. But we know now also, that it’s tied to human health. And so when you have a large natural area that we can preserve for the public. Like this, it really makes the community a place that people just want to live, work and recreate in,” said Gibbins.
Kilberger expressed her satisfaction with the land’s usefulness.

“A lot to see. I mean, there’s birds and there’s… you want to go in the Creek, you can. Kids can walk the Creek. It’s not too deep and play in the Creek,” said Kilberger.

And with the Foundation’s assistance, another 57 acres will soon be added to the preserve, making it even larger. According to Gibbins, the preserve is all the more significant because it supports so many diverse ecosystems.

“It’s pretty unique and it shows the importance of why we need to hold some of these areas in public property for recreation and for the environment and wildlife,” he said.

Rae Jeanne expressed her excitement that future generations will be able to witness what her grandfather saw when he was living in their country.

“I hope people can come and enjoy and really enjoy it,” she said.

When the bow deer season opens, Gibbins said, bow deer hunting will also be permitted in the area.

On August 2, there will be a ribbon-cutting event to mark the opening of Phase II of the Bird Preserve.