BOONE, Iowa—Cool, damp, blustery conditions greeted those participating in the Rededication of the Ledges State Park Saturday. It was 100-years to the date the Ledges State Park was dedicated. Ledges Park Manager, Andy Bartlett greeted those on hand for early afternoon event held in the Carl Fritz Henning Shelter. Bartlett spoke about the impact the Ledges State Park has on people, how there are different aspects that makes the park memorable to those that visit.
Andy Bartlett, Manager, Ledges State Park
Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Kayla Lyon talked about the impact the Ledges has on visitors and talked about her family spending time at the Ledges. She said she’s asked which is her favorite state park and, of course, did not answer that question, saying it’s like picking your favorite child.
Kayla Lyon, Director, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Rick Heldt, President of the Friends of the Ledges, did let those on hand know that the Friends of the Ledges received the Distinguished Nonprofit Organization recognition during Friday’s Annual Chamber Meeting. He talked about the history of the Friends group and their efforts to create an endowment to provide long term support for the Ledges.
Rick Heldt, President of the Friends of the Ledges
The Guest of Honor for the Rededication was Vern Condon, grandson of Carl Fritz Henning. Condon just turned 94 last Friday and regaled those at the event with stories of growing up in the park with family members and friends. He spoke about his grandfather using opportunities to teach his grandchildren about wildlife and the features of the park.
Vern Condon, Guest of Honor at the Ledges State Park Rededication. Grandson of Carl Fritz Henning, first Custodian of the Ledges State Park.
Part of the Rededication Ceremony Saturday was the release of a rehabilitated avian by Saving Our Avian Resources (S.O.A.R.). The release was a bald eagle that had been rescued near Kimballton in Audubon County earlier this year.
Also part of the ceremony on Saturday, members of the Carl Fritz Henning Family took part in a tree planting ceremony near the southwest corner of the Carl Fritz Henning Shelter.
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