Nature and Outdoors
A pair of mute swans was introduced onto Lake LaVerne in 1935. In 1995, the state Department of Natural Resources asked the university to try trumpeter swans as part of its efforts to reintroduce the once-native bird to Iowa. In 1999, the use of trumpeters was discontinued because of their wandering (fearless of traffic) and aggressive nature, and were replaced by mute swans, which tend to spend more time on the water. Nonbreeding mute pairs are being used to prevent reproduction of the non-native species. FPM staff switched to this current female duo in 2003 after the male swans developed aggressive tendencies as they matured.
Find it: West of the Memorial Union and North of Lincoln Way
Reactor Woods (as known as the Applied Sciences Woods, YMCA Woods or North Woods) is a great place for a short nature walk a short distance from campus. The Woods have more than eight miles of hiking trails and provide opportunities to see wildflowers and wildlife. The name Reactor Woods is a nod to the Ames Laboratory Research Reactor (decommissioned in 1981), which is located on the Western edge of the site. Here, visitors can also find the Lynn Fuhrer Lodge. The facility, which was built in 1931, is named for a student who was killed in a car crash prior to his graduation in 1930. The Lodge, operated by ISU Student Engagement, is a great place for a meeting or retreat.
Find it: Parking Lot for Reactor Woods
The Horticulture Research Station, located North of Ames, is home to many different research, demonstration and teaching projects. The station is comprised of 235 acres, a 15-acre lake, orchards and multiple research buildings. The Horticulture Research Station hosts educational farm field days throughout the year that are open to the public.
The Bessey Hall Greenhouse and Pohl Conservatory encompasses more than 12,000 square feet of growing space under glass, with 21 rooms to house a conservatory plant collection, numerous plant species for instructional labs and plants for various research programs and projects. The Greenhouse was originally constructed in 1967, with additional renovations occurring in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The Greenhouses are computer-controlled to ensure proper environmental conditions that keep plants thriving. Each room can be adjusted for specific conditions.
Find it: Level R Bessey Hall, 2200 Osborne Dr
ISU is home to one of the oldest university cemeteries in the nation. A walk through the cemetery provides a snapshot of Iowa State’s history. Many of the names on the headstones are the same ones that denote buildings and streets on campus. Currently, there are more than 900 graves, including six university presidents; one acting president; numerous administrators, faculty, staff and their spouses and children; veterans of five wars; two students; and a beloved night watchman and his dog. It is a testament to their dedication to the university that so many staff have chosen to be near it in death.
ISU has maintained a horse barn on campus since 1870. Horse breeding and education remains an important part of the animal science curriculum, serving many horse owners around the state.
Find it: 1050 North University Blvd
The wooded parcel of land in the Northwest part of campus was originally called College Park, before being named Pammel Park in 1939. Now referred to as Pammel Woods, it is named for Louis H. Pammel, a botanist and botany department head who served Iowa State, 1889-1931.
Find it: Northwest corner of campus
