GET TO KNOW US
WHO WE ARE
We have been seed collectors for over 40 years. Due to the growing trend to clear cut land to make more room for monoculture crops and therefore loss of our collection sites we decided to start our own seed orchard. In 2003 we purchased our farm as a bare land plot previously used as pasture, now restored to wetlands, fen, sedge meadow, prairie and started our own seed orchard. Our plantings were mainly from seeds we had collected from their native sites.
We love nature and being stewards of the land.
Pat Hayes
Pat is an avid environmentalist. He graduated from the Woodland Manager Program and the Master Conservationist Program. He has attended countless environmental conferences on subjects including native landscaping, agroforesty, mapping of exotic plants, prairie restoration and perennial plants. Pat devotes numerous hours volunteering and leading workshops on bluebirds, kestrels and wood ducks. He built and maintained a bluebird trail with approximately 50 houses for over 18 years. He has assisted with numerous tree plantings including Jackson County Conservation Board at Blackhawk Wildlife Area, Trees Forever and Prairie restoration at the Ozark Wildlife Area. In addition he has been involved with management of Dubuque County Conservation Society properties and has served as the President for the association several times.
Debra Hayes
Debra is an accomplished gardener. She completed the Master Gardener cerficiation in 2003. She continues to enhance her horticulture and agriculture education by attending conferences on various subjects including flower and herb growing, shade tree short courses and prairie restoration.
Debra owns and operates White Water Doves, based at the farm, which offers custom dove releases for special events. She was past President and Treasurer of the National White Dove Release Society. White Water Doves participates annually in the Hospice of Jackson County Memorial event and Workers Memorial Day in Dubuque.
“Of all the paths in life you take, make sure a few of them are dirt” ― John Muir
OUR RECOGNITIONS
Pat was awarded the Haige Heritage Award in October 2003. This award is for dedicated conservation volunteers and professionals who are the keys to protecting Iowa’s natural beauty. The Lawrence and Eula Hagie Heritage Award has been given yearly through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation since 1989.
White Water Farm was honored at the Trees Forever 20th Anniversary Celebration. We were named as one of the top 20 projects for Trees Forever's first 20 years. Trees Forever mission – to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship – is fulfilled through cutting-edge programs and innovative practices.
CONTACT US
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