News : Atkins Roundhouse Update

By Cara Harrill, Conservation Technician

The Atkins Roundhouse area is an 85 acre property on the northeast side of Atkins. Once a historic train roundhouse, this is now a public area where users go to relax, walk trails, and enjoy nature. During the 2020 derecho, the Roundhouse property was destroyed after Atkins was hit with 126MPH straight line winds. Nearly every tree was damaged, with widowmakers overhanging trails and invasive species left to flourish in the understory. The Roundhouse was closed to the public after the storm due to unsafe conditions. Staff worked tirelessly to begin clearing the property after the storm, but it was too much to take on with lack of funding. Through coordination with East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), in April of 2024 Benton County Conservation Board (BCCB) received a Tree Canopy Grant, which was awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDGG) totalling $750,000 to complete a timber stand improvement project and reestablish the area. The Atkins Roundhouse area is an 85 acre property on the northeast side of Atkins. Once a historic train roundhouse, this is now a public area where users go to relax, walk trails, and enjoy nature. During the 2020 derecho, the Roundhouse property was destroyed after Atkins was hit with 126MPH straight line winds. Nearly every tree was damaged, with widowmakers overhanging trails and invasive species left to flourish in the understory. The Roundhouse was closed to the public after the storm due to unsafe conditions. Staff worked tirelessly THE NATURE OF THINGS The Benton County Conservation Quarterly Newsletter Inside this Issue Atkins Roundhouse Update Pages 1-2 Animal Ambassador Sponsors Page 2 Gray Foxes: Little Known, Lesser Seen Pages 3-4 Welcome Our New Park Ranger Pages 4-5 Bison: A National Treasure Pages 6-7 Calendar of Events Insert Atkins Roundhouse Update By Cara Harrill Conservation Technician Electronic versions and email sign up are available at our website www.bentoncountyia.gov

After putting a bid out to contractors, Bill Miller and Sons Logging Inc. was selected, and began clearing trees in January of 2025, with work being completed in March of 2025. The work was to be completed prior to April 1st due to Indiana bat habitat restrictions. Contractors removed damaged and invasive species, while working to save as many healthy and desirable trees as possible.

Once clearing was complete, BCCB staff were able to get a closer look and assess the property further. Staff found many foundations that had been uncovered, and underground steam tunnels that posed a threat to users. In coordination with Benton County Secondary Roads, staff members spent many days crushing and filling the underground steam tunnels. Old foundations can still be seen in different areas today, and the old turn table can be found towards the southern edge of the property.

Following the completion of tree removal, the property was reopened to the public in June of 2025. BCCB staff continued working on controlling invasive species by seeding 8,300lbs of rye cover crop, mowing invasive vegetation, and using chemical applications. Due to chemical applications continuing on the property and chemical levels, foraging for edibles such as berries and mushrooms is not recommended at this time.

In October of 2025, after a bid process, Frazier Nursery was selected to plant 255 trees across the property. Trees ranged in size, and a variety were chosen to increase habitat and feeding opportunities for wildlife. In total, there were 19 species chosen: several oak species, white pine, yellow and river birch, black walnut and black cherry to name a few.

Frazier Nursery will continue to monitor and water trees through 2026. At this time, staff are continuing work on the Roundhouse management plan, with the goal of planting a native grass mix in early March. Chemical applications and mowing will continue throughout the year as well. Sponsored by Luke Ervin

We ask that you please be mindful of equipment in use, as the property will remain open as we continue work. To keep up with future updates of all properties, check out our Facebook page or county website