Maintenance of Macbride Nature Recreation Area will cost UI $14.8 million, according to report

For the past 60-plus years, the University of Iowa has leased the Macbride Nature Recreation Area – a 485-acre natural area part of the historic “Big Grove” in Johnson County featuring native woodlands, a wetland ecosystem and prairie – from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, using it to host a yearly average of 33 courses from at least four of the UI’s colleges. Programs like School of the Wild, Iowa Raptor Project and Iowa Wildlife Camps have also utilized the property, which serves as a “physical connection” between the university and the public.

Now, the future of the university’s involvement with the Macbride Nature Recreation Area is up in the air, according to a recent report.

To manage the level of maintenance needed to keep the property operating in a “safe and reliable manner,” the university will need to make a one-time investment of $14.8 million in immediate upgrades and improvements and $900,000 annually in routine maintenance, according to the report’s findings.

“There is currently no specific UI or departmental source of funds allocated for these expenses, which are associated with the no-cost lease from the Corps of Engineers,” it stated.

The report – part of the university’s standard process in evaluating programming and centers – was conducted over a one-year period by a 10-person review committee.

“The goal of such reviews is to ensure fiscal sustainability and alignment with the university’s mission of excellent education and research opportunities for a broad array of students,” the report stated.

The Macbride Nature Recreation Area has no dedicated maintenance or landscaping staff from the university, the report stated, nor is it fully funded. Management fell to the College of Education in 2021, when it assumed responsibility for the UI WILD programs, but ceased maintenance funding in January. The university’s lease expires July 1, 2029.

Facilities upgrade, reliable cell service needed

Three subcommittees focused on finance and history, academic impact, and interest and feedback from external groups conducted the review.

The finance and history subcommittee found major upgrades were needed for paving, cellular service and building structures.

According to the report, two miles of asphalt paving dating back to the university’s original lease need replacing at a cost of $6,633,000. Alternative materials like gravel and wood chips were deemed “not feasible” due to snow removal and maintenance requirements.

UI officials flagged unreliable cell service and the lack of internet access at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area as major concerns – particularly for unregistered visitors who might need to contact emergency services.

To provide reliable cell coverage across at least 500 acres, the university estimates it would cost $800,000. Installing wireless internet in the property’s primary buildings and classrooms would require an initial $12,000 investment, followed by $7,200 annually.

If the university renews its lease with the Corps of Engineers, the report stated that several major upgrades must be completed within the first year, including building a new storm shelter, adding required restrooms, repairing facilities and equipment, and removing fallen trees.

Feedback ‘unbelievably positive’

The academic subcommittee interviewed more than a dozen UI faculty and staff from colleges that incorporate the property into their curriculum. College of Education students had “unbelievably positive” feedback, viewing the property as “transformative” for future classrooms. At least 300 elementary education majors engage in practicum experience at the property, the report stated.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences utilizes the property for outdoor field labs and field trips, while the Lifetime Leisure Skills department teaches kayaking, hiking and wilderness first aid. If the university discontinues its lease with the Corps of Engineers, LLS instructors said they could find other venues for these courses, although the situation is “not ideal.”

Respondents said the Macbride Nature Recreation Area plays a vital role in teaching core “fundamental biology principles” thanks to its centuries-old forest and diverse species. The site recently drew international scientists studying the emergence of a 17-year cicada brood.

The area's untouched landscape offers a unique ecosystem to observe how species adapt to shifting climate patterns – research that could be a “bellwether for human health,” according to the university report.

Despite the property’s many educational benefits, respondents to the university’s review cited limited transportation options, gaps in ADA accessibility, and a lack of essential facilities, including restrooms and storm shelters, as obstacles for students.

Community organizations have no interest in assuming lease

The subcommittee focused on external groups received overwhelmingly positive responses, with respondents emphasizing the property’s ecological importance and urging its protection, also expressing hope that public access can be negotiated with the Corps of Engineers.

The subcommittee also reached out to community organizations to explore potential partnerships. Options included taking over the lease entirely, becoming the primary leaseholder with the university as a partner, or entering into a shared agreement with UI and other groups.

Each option would require a six-year lease commitment and funding for major infrastructure upgrades.

“These community organizations declined the opportunity and to the committee’s knowledge the Corps of Engineers has no plans to develop the land,” the subcommittee reported.

“If the UI ends the lease, the site will revert to Corps of Engineers property and remain in its natural, undeveloped state, like other areas around Lake Macbride managed by the Corps,” the report stated. “Unless the Corps identifies another partner to lease and manage the land, they may require the UI to demolish any existing facilities that could pose safety concerns at an unoccupied/unmanaged site.”

The cost to demolish vacated structures are estimated at $500,000, unless the Corps of Engineers finds a new leasing partner that needs the buildings.