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Iowa City wins $200,000 REAP grant to convert Hickory Hill hayfield to prairie and add trailhead
Summary
Parks staff announced a $200,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant to convert a Hickory Hill hayfield to prairie, add a trailhead with parking and a shelter, and remove invasive species; staff said the grant requires no local match and will be implemented over a two‑year period.
Tyler, a parks staff member, told the commission that the city received an official REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) grant for $200,000 to fund improvements at Hickory Hill. "We received a REAP grant... It’ll be a $200,000 resource enhancement and protection grant," Tyler said, describing a project to convert a former hayfield to prairie, add a trailhead with parking and a shelter at the Scott Boulevard entrance, and improve a high‑quality woodland area by removing invasive species.
Tyler said REAP funding typically works on a two‑year schedule and that, in this cycle, Iowa City is in a population category capped at $200,000. "They will fund the full project. There is no match required for it," he said. Tyler also noted the city has used multiple REAP awards over time for Hickory Hill projects and that the program has supported roughly $800,000 in total projects across several cycles for that area.
Commissioners asked whether converting the hayfield would remove winter recreational options such as sledding. A commissioner suggested leaving the hill open for sledding; Tyler replied the prairie design aims to improve habitat and reduce mowing while still allowing winter activities such as snowshoeing or cross‑country skiing, though open sledding and long Frisbee play may be less suitable in prairie plantings.
Tyler said the Friends of Hickory Hill support adding habitat and that staff will proceed with project planning and implementation consistent with REAP timelines.
