The Loess Hills of western Iowa are a true geologic wonder. This rugged terrain has qualified itself as one of only two areas on the entire globe that can claim loess soil at least 200 feet deep. This range stretches the entire north/south length of Iowa and is an undeniable feature bordering the Missouri River valley. It's counterpart resides in China along the Yellow River or the Huang He/Huang Ho. The Yellow River creatively derives it's name from it's ochre-yellow color caused by the suspended loess soil in the water. However, China has rivaled the US in industrial development in the loess soil region.

Loess means loose in German and is pronounced “luss”. Loess is a yellowish-gray sediment that is also clay-like in texture. Loose because when wet it is very vulnerable to collapse and erosion. In contrast when it is dry actually provides a very stable foundation. This deposit in the western Iowa region was produced mainly from the Illinoian and Wisconsinan glacial periods between 18,000 and 150,000 years ago. The working theory is that the grinding action of the migrating glaciers upon the ground and rock beneath created huge amounts of fine sediment. This sediment was carried down river in the wake of the melting glacial retreat due to the warming climate of the summer. However, the winter afforded the river no luxury and thinned out the width of the meltaway. This left untold quantities of loess sediment on the plains being left at the mercy of the winds. Due to the force of the winds the loess was deposited in the form of a range of dunes mainly along the now Iowa western border, or the Missouri River valley.

With the end of the glacial periods came the stabilizing of the dunes through vegetation. Changing landscape produced a progression of coniferous forests to deciduous forests to finally a prairie. Natural wildfires kept the land in equilibrium however, despite the little impact on the environment from the Native Americans the arrival and spread of the European culture continuing from the 19^th century has suppressed these wildfires thus allowing trees to grow and reside on these hills giving them the look they have today.

Water erosion, human activity and the encroachment of trees have caused major concern on the environment. True, vegetation produced a stabilization of the dunes but the suppression of natural fires have caused trees to grow and trees are a destabilizer on loess soil. It is a true testament of the dangers of preventing natures “natural” cleansing cycles. Industrialization has caused expansion of cities into the loess hilltops and hillsides. This landscaping exposes the loess and further hastens the instability of the area. It is a problem in the western Iowa Council Bluffs region of the range but even more so in the Yellow River urban regions of China where loess remains on the plateaus. Industrialization there has polluted the river to severe levels and threatens the extinction of several species. Right here in Iowa these same problems threaten the animal community with equal consequences.

There are many parks and 220 miles of scenic highway byways designed for the citizens to enjoy the Loess Hills if Iowa. It is so easy and passive to go and enjoy these geologic wonders for a short while and then go home. It is our task and duty to ensure the rising generation and those thereafter the same respite and purity of joy that we gain when we participate in the geologic realities that we have. We need not be extreme in our thought. Industrialization can and is good. What cannot be disputed is the fact that in our urbanization and conservation plans there us much to be desired. With a little more care and thought for the future we truly can succor the future in preserving the grand creations left us to learn from.