The Pottawattamie County Conservation Board's mission is to provide resources and opportunities that encourage county residents and visitors to appreciate Pottawattamie County's unique natural resources, develop a connection to the natural environment, and foster responsible stewardship for future generations.
Watch recordings of Pottawattamie County Conservation Board meetings on Youtube here.
A native of Underwood, Iowa Eric graduated with business degrees from Creighton University. After 8 years in corporate America, he returned to his roots and became a 6th generation farmer. His background in both finance and agriculture led him to seek out the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board. He shares his love of the outdoors with his wife Heidi and his two children, Addison and Edward. His favorite part of the parks is the wildlife at Botna Bend Park where he spends many hours with his family watching the bison and elk.
Jerry is the retired President and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and prior to that was Senior Vice President of the Iowa West Foundation. A native and resident of Council Bluffs, Mathiasen returned home following 14 years in Des Moines as part of then-Governor Terry Branstad’s administration with much of that time serving as the governor’s deputy chief of staff. Currently, he is in his fifth three-year term on the State of Iowa Terrace Hill Commission. He also recently has served on the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee and the Historic Dodge House Visioning Team. In addition, the Cindy and Jerry Mathiasen Family Fund at the community foundation donates to many local charities including the county’s Hitchcock Nature Center. His great love of nature is visible in their beautiful yard in the Loess Hills of Council Bluffs which is certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Jerry is also a CHI Health Mercy Heritage Award recipient. This accolade is awarded annually to upstanding citizens who go above and beyond to contribute personally and professionally to their community. Photo Credit: Joe Shearer, The Daily Nonpareil
Mary is a nearly life-long resident of Pottawattamie County. Mary's education includes an Elementary Education degree and a Master's degree in Science Education. Her formal teaching career of 17 years focused mainly on middle school science. In 2005, Mary began working with the 4-H program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Pottawattamie County, retiring from ISU Extension in June 2019. Mary now spends time gardening, kayaking, traveling, and taking care of family members. Environmental education has always been a passion for Mary and she believes firmly that you need to know what's in your own backyard, rarely missing an opportunity to share information with others about the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area. Mary has utilized the Pottawattamie Conservation parks since the 1960's and appreciates all the improvements, acquisitions, and changes that have occurred over the years. Mary and her husband Dave live near Neola, Iowa. They have three grown sons and nine grandchildren with another on the way.
Chris Ruhaak owns and operates several businesses in Council Bluffs, Iowa. A life-long avid outdoorsman, Chris shares his love of the outdoors with his wife Melanie and two boys, Alexander and Jackson. Chris is active in the community, and due to the nature of his business interacts with thousands of people every year. Chris is also a local beekeeper and manages a sixty thousand member photography Facebook page called "Iowa Through the Lens". Chris is a past chair and board member for the Iowa County Conservation System. Chris believes that it's important to stress environmental education and the expansion of Pottawattamie County Parks. " We sit in a valuable place in Iowa, yet closest to the largest metropolitan area in the state. We can be an immeasurable asset to area residents and visitors alike."
Brittany is a lifetime resident of Pottawattamie County. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in wildlife ecology and conservation with a minor in communication in 2019. In 2021, she began her current role as the promotions coordinator for Pottawattamie County Public Health. Brittany is extremely passionate about conservation with a a particular interest in environmental education. Brittany has volunteered with the Pottawattamie County Conservation Environmental Education program, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Iowa DNR. Brittany has also held seasonal positions as an interactive animal guide at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and as a naturalist educator at Fontenelle Forest. In her free time you can find Brittany taking her two dogs, Mookie and Harper on walks, hiking, kayaking, or gardening. Brittany and her husband, Alex welcomed their first son, Noah in late March of 2024. They’re excited to show him the beauty of the outdoors and all the wonderful parks in our area.
In 1955, the State of Iowa authorized each county in Iowa the ability to form a County Conservation Board with some revenues from property taxes to be dedicated to the conservation of natural areas and for the education and recreation of the public. The Pottawattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB) was established in 1960. The first county park, Arrowhead Park, was purchased in 1962. The PCCB currently has a five-member board appointed by the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors.
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