Sixth annual LoHi Trek was a success

Fifty people from across Iowa, Nebraska, and as far as Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Colorado, Washington, and New York, recently hiked about 35 miles through parts of the Loess Hills during the 2026 LoHi Trek.

The sixth annual Trek, a partnership between Golden Hills and Kelly Madigan, relies on countless partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters. 

Special thank you to this year's sponsors, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and The Nature Conservancy in Iowa!

Learn more about the LoHi Trek in our blog post: goldenhillsrcd.org/news

We're hiring a Trails Coordinator!

Golden Hills RC&D is seeking a Trails Coordinator to lead the development, maintenance, and promotion of recreational mixed-use trails for Pottawattamie County as part of our outdoor recreation and tourism team. This position works closely with the Pottawattamie County Trails Association (PCTA), County Conservation, local governments, and regional partners to implement collaborative, long-term vision for trails and bike-related initiatives.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about outdoor recreation, active transportation, and community development with experience in project planning, coalition management, and public engagement.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 1, 2026.

Learn more & apply.

Two new members join Golden Hills' Board of Directors

Please join us in welcoming two new Golden Hills board members!

Mike Kolbe serves on the Shelby County Board of Supervisors, including the various boards and commissions that come with the position. His previous experience as an elected official includes several years as a Harlan City Council member and Mayor. He has also served on the SWIPCO Board and ISU Shelby Co. Extension Council. Mike is a graduate of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s “Leadership Iowa” program. Mike retired as General Manager of the Harlan Newspapers in 2025. Throughout his newspaper career he served on several committees of the Iowa Newspaper Association and the Midwest Free Community Papers Board of Directors. Mike and his wife, Tammy, reside in Harlan.

Bernard Pettinger is currently a Cass County Supervisor. He is or has been on many boards and committees, including: Cass County hospital, Coop, Cass County Fair board, Cass County Extension Council, Southwest Iowa Mental Health, Southwest Iowa Transit Agency, Cass County Food Policy Council, school board, Exira care center, Zion, and Turkey Creek Watershed.

Welcome to Golden Hills!



Learn more about all of our board members at goldenhillsrcd.org/board

Mike Kolbe, Shelby County

Bernard Pettinger, Cass County

Loess Hills Prairie Seminar & Tourin' Around Turin bike ride are the weekend after Memorial Day

Loess Hills Prairie Seminar

May 29 - 31, 2026

"Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation"



Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Loess Hills Prairie Seminar in 2026! This FREE, family-friendly event takes place in Monona County and features a variety of fun, educational programs throughout the weekend.

Registration is not required, unless you'd like to purchase meals.

The LHPS is a come-and-go event. Participate in just one session, the entire day, or stay the whole weekend. Free camping is available as well as hotel, area Airbnbs, and a few county-run cabins.

Monona County Conservation Board coordinates the event with support from a number of partners like Golden Hills. We'll have a short presentation Friday evening and lead the "Tourin' Around Turin" bicycle ride on Sunday morning.



Details, including agenda and meal registration, will be available soon at loesshillsprairieseminar.com