O2Design

Wolter Woods and Prairies is 160 acres of unglaciated land in northeast Iowa along the Mississippi River Bluff. The client acquired the land to develop an education and research center for environmental science, biology and other natural resources.

The institution’s mission is to integrate science, education, and culture through the exploration of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, waterways, and agriculture. It seeks to engage, inspire, and educate students in collaboration with the local and broader community to promote stewardship and increase the integrity of interconnected human-natural ecosystems.

Master Plan Goals

• Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Development

• Enhance Experience of Unique Natural Resource through Planning and Space Making

The master planning efforts start with recognizing and respecting the site’s natural resources and geological patterns. The plan reserves majority of the lands for conservation, builds on existing prairie restoration work, and further restores the developed Mississippi River Floodplain to natural wetland and riparian. It prescribes sustainable prairie and forest management practice and sets up the framework for future sustainable development. Inspired by the unique geological setting of the site with an unmatched panoramic view toward the Mississippi River, the plan strives to enhance natural experience, create sublime natural moments with light design touch and a minimal construction footprint.