Vesterheim’s Heritage Park Project: Setting a Course to Reduce Nutrients in the Upper Iowa River

Thanks in part to IDALS Water Quality Initiative funding, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah’s outdoor spaces now include water quality practices including soil quality restoration, native landscaping, and permeable pavers to create a “Nordic forest-like setting” in a formerly underutilized mowed lawn area. Over 15,000 visitors to the museum per year will be exposed to these innovations in stormwater management.  The museum partnered with the Winneshiek Soil & Water Conservation District, the Upper Iowa Watershed Management Authority, and Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development to create a highly visible project that will enhance visitor experience and also reduce sediment and pollutants entering the Upper Iowa River.

“Heritage Park has been an exciting project to enhance museum programming and serve as a welcoming community gathering space,” Chris Johnson, Vesterheim’s President and CEO, said. “Heritage Park recognizes our relationship to the Upper Iowa River and our continuing responsibility toward it.”

Michelle Elliott, Soil Conservationist with the USDA-NRCS office in Decorah, added, “Heritage Park connects Vesterheim’s outdoor structures from several viewpoints, creating a more welcoming experience for visitors. Prior to this project, these parts of the museum were easily overlooked. The practices installed provide many opportunities to educate visitors about the connection between Vesterheim and the Upper Iowa River Watershed.”