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After two years of fundraising and creating awareness about the project, the Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp has reached its fundraising goal. A total of $405,000 was needed to secure camp, which consists of 200 acres of primitive camping and nature area and is located south of the Whitebreast Recreation Area on Lake Red Rock. A large amount of year-end giving put the project over the top including a major grant from Prairie Meadows.

The project is a partnership between the Red Rock Lake Association, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Though more than 130 individuals, businesses and organizations donated to help make the project possible.

Eunice Folkerts, Project Leader and Volunteer with the Red Rock Lake Association says she is totally thrilled with the success and the partnership that made it happen. She says the whole project has been tremendously exciting, especially because of the widespread community support that it has generated.

The camp is located at a quiet location which makes it a prime location for youth groups, scouts, canoeists and kayakers. Hickory Ridge ownership and management will now be transferred to the Corp of Engineers to be enjoyed by the public beginning this summer.

A dedication and grand opening of the camp is being planned for July 22nd and 23rd which will feature a national “Leave No Trace” training that promotes responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors.