AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University is exploring new uses for land on the northeast side of campus.
The land, approximately 96 acres, has been used as pastures for horses used in animal science courses. It includes three pastures in the Squaw Creek flood plain. Two are north of 13th Street and east of Stange Road, with Squaw Creek running between them. The third pasture is south of 13th Street and east of Haber Road.
ISU's College of Agriculture plans to move the horses to greener pastures at the vacated Dairy Teaching Farm on Mortensen Road south of campus. Horses not used for classes, brood mares and other mature horses could graze there beginning later this summer. Horses used for classes and projects will remain on central campus in the horse barns and paddocks at the intersection of Stange Road and Pammel Drive.
Mark Honeyman, ISU research farms coordinator and professor of animal science, says the pasture at the former Dairy Teaching Farm is superior to those near 13th Street.
"More pasture land is available there and it's well-drained, which allows for better forages and grazing," Honeyman says. "In contrast, the 13th Street pastures are in the flood plain, which in times of high water results in debris and poor-quality grazing. Plus, we will no longer have to walk horses across Haber Road, which temporarily closes the street to traffic. It will be safer to transport horses as needed by trailer to the new pastures."
Moving the horses from the 13th Street and Haber Road pastures opens up the opportunity for the university and the Ames community to use the land for other purposes. ISU has some plans under way, but is seeking public comment from the people of Ames on uses that could benefit the entire community.
Among the possible uses being considered:
- ISU's Recreation Services department has received permission to construct an 18-hole disc golf course in the area bounded by 13th Street on the south and Squaw Creek on the north. Disc golf is a popular recreational activity for college students. The City of Ames' existing course has high usage, long waiting lines and heavy wear.
- Archaeology faculty members have suggested an outdoor educational laboratory on 2.5 acres along Squaw Creek for use by ISU archaeology students. The site would simulate a river locale characteristic of those selected by prehistoric Iowans. A temporary site has been identified for fall semester classes.
- Landscape architecture faculty and students, in cooperation with Facilities Planning and Management, evaluated storm water management practices and developed a proposal that includes the establishment of wetlands.
- The Ames Community School District has inquired about the possibility of using a portion of the North Squaw Creek pasture for soccer fields. The high school doesn't have adequate land to meet its increasing needs for athletic space, and Iowa State's pasture is near other high school athletic facilities. ISU's Recreation Services department has expressed interest in shared use of this space (for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and Ultimate Frisbee).
- The City of Ames is interested in extending recreational trails from Brookside Park north to Stange Road. A trail could be developed connecting Brookside Park to the South Squaw Creek pasture under the 13th Street bridge.
Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance, says he will discuss these and other possible uses for the land with representatives of the City of Ames and the Ames Community School District over the next several months. Madden will gather community input before making final recommendations.
Ames residents who have ideas about uses for the land may e-mail Madden at wmadden@iastate.edu. For a PDF map of the area, contact News Service, (515) 294-3720.