05/15/2026
If you're familiar with the local treasure that is Malanaphy Springs, you likely know what a special place it is, especially in the springtime. A few Wednesdays ago I picked the kids up early from preschool/daycare and we went on an adventure. As we walked the 0.8 miles back to the waterfall at Malanaphy Springs, Fritz, Otto and I were all totally captivated by the way the woods had come alive with a diversity of wildflowers. Everywhere we looked, there were all kinds of flowers and they are all so beautiful, especially if you look closely and savored the details of each plant.
At one point (and maybe still?), Malanaphy Springs had the most diverse wildflowers in the state of Iowa! This place has probably always been a gem but a local botanist and many others have spent many hours, year after year, tending this delicate landscape and removing plants like garlic mustard to allow the wildflowers to thrive. Because of the joy and passion of local scientists, lovers of nature and students, we now all have this place where we can wander in wonder.
Thank you to all who have tended with care this local gem a place to walk! Another spreader of joy was the Luther Botany student who was celebrating his birthday with a walk the night we were hiking, and took time to listen to our children's questions about the plants they were seeing and share what he knew.
