Friends of the Prairies will rely on the unique expertise of the organization’s directors, which include professionals in the field of landscape architecture and park design, master gardeners, and scholars in biology and horticulture.

This deep plant knowledge, combined with the passion for enhancing community spaces, positions Friends of the Prairies to pursue these efforts and create successful projects with immense and lasting positive effects.

Belle's Play Garden

Completed 2022

Belle’s Play Garden, located at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a 2,000 square foot playground with play components inspired by the ecology of the Missouri River. Native gardens surround the play area and are a significant design component that promote environmental education. Belle’s Play Garden was a collective effort from the City of Council Bluffs; Iowa West Foundation; Back to the River, Inc.; and private donors across Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Two of the directors of Friends of the Prairies were private donors of this project; and, on top of this financial assistance, the directors of Friends of the Prairies supported the design and development of the park from conception to completion.

Iowa School for the Deaf  
Prairie Master Plan

Ongoing

In the spring of 2023, the directors of Friends of the Prairies individually donated their time and design skills to help the Iowa School for the Deaf create a three-acre, Prairie Master Plan. This Prairie Master Plan included two parts: (i) the restoration of a prairie and (ii) the addition of an inclusive public play area designed for children with disabilities, particularly deafness and blindness.

Through the organization of Friends of the Prairies, the directors hope to aid in this project not only through cultivating the vision of the project through design expertise, but through fundraising and project build-out management, as well. This project is an initiative led by Pottawattamie County Officials, the Iowa West Foundation, and the Iowa School for the Deaf. 

Eastern Hills park

Completed 2019

Eastern Council Bluffs development started in the late 80s/ early 90s. Five neighborhoods have been established with approximately 1,000 homes and almost 30 years of establishment, the area lacked any dedicated recreation space.  

Residents were beyond ready for the City to make recreational investments in the area to continue toimprove the quality of life for the residents. Working alongside key community stakeholders, a design was cultivated inspired by the rolling topography and curves of the streams that run through the park space.  Looping and entwining with each sidewalk, nature trail, and stream, loosely unwinding to create spaces for play, leisure, exploration, and ecology.  The stakeholders met with City staff to inspire the creation of a new park in Eastern Park.  The master plan inspired City Officials to create Eastern Hills Trail Stop Park.

Community Field Days

Ongoing

Our team often participates in community organized field days that aim at addressing the the upkeep of public spaces. Field Days focus on tree trimming, landscape cleanup, bulb planting, and other landscaping services. Field Days are not only to promote cosmetic enhancement; rather, they reflect a commitment to maintaining the natural aesthetics of our community. Beyond the visible results, each field day instills a profound sense of civic duty and pride among participants, leaving an enduring impact on the ethos of our community