Restoring health to the land.
“We abuse land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” — Aldo Leopold
The Natural Areas Management (NAM) program's mission is to restore and enhance Pottawattamie County's natural areas to promote a healthier ecological system.
High-quality natural areas are vital to the health of our ecosystem, improving air and water quality, biodiversity, and the environments we love to look at and play in. As the most ecologically altered state in the country, we must protect what's left.
Our dedicated team employs a variety of practices to improve the integrity of more than 2,000 acres of public land in Pottawattamie County. Natural Areas Management also assists private landowners with their conservation goals, helps improve the quality of roadside rights-of-way, and supports environmental education programming.
Learn more about our land management methods below or explore NAM's Guiding Principles.
Land Management Staff
Chad Graeve
Operations Supervisor
chad.graeve@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-5832
Read Bio
Chad Graeve
Operations Supervisor
chad.graeve@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-545-5832
Chad Graeve began employment with Pottawattamie County Conservation in 1997 as a naturalist responsible for implementing environmental education programs. He was hired as the park ranger at Hitchcock Nature Center in January 1998 and was responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations including ecological restoration, visitor services, law enforcement, facilities development and maintenance and administration.
In 2006, Chad's position was changed to natural resource specialist and he is now responsible for natural areas management on all county owned properties and operates a private lands program. Chad has served as chair and co-chair of the Loess Hills Alliance Stewardship Committee. He has participated in prescribed fire and wildfire in 11 states. He has served as an instructor and crew mentor for several fire training courses. Chad has a Bachelors degree in Biological Research from Loras College and is fully certified as an Engine Boss (ENGB), Crew Boss (CRWB), Firing Boss (FIRB), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), and Class B Sawyer (FALB) under National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards. Chad attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 2000 and is a certified peace officer. He is a Master Woodland Manager (ISU Extension).
Chad makes a conscious effort to contribute to conservation throughout the region. As part of this effort he provides private landowners with technical assistance on land stewardship issues. Additionally, he serves as a board member for the Iowa Prairie Network and is a member of the Stewardship Committee of the Loess Hills Alliance.
Chad enjoys his family, reading, bicycling, woodworking, hiking, backpacking, traveling and searching for antiques. His wife Amy was a school teacher until January of 2006 when Mary Muriel was born. Amy now stays at home with Mary and Alex. They enjoy taking walks at Hitchcock Nature Center. Chad and Amy met when Amy's third grade class visited Hitchcock Nature Center for a field trip.
Aric Ping
Natural Resource Technician
aric.ping@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5836
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Aric Ping
Natural Resource Technician
aric.ping@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5836
Aric Ping began full-time employment with Pottawattamie County Conservation in April, 2020. Aric assists with the Natural Areas Management day-to-day operations.
Aric’s professional experience includes management and stewardship of prairies, wetlands, savannas, and woodlands throughout the great plains and Midwest with public and private conservation organizations. He has numerous certifications in wildland fire, invasive species control, and grazing management. His formal education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha as well as completed coursework toward a Graduate Certificate in Grassland Management from South Dakota State University.
Aric’s family includes his wife Katie, their son Wyatt, their greyhound Archie, and a baby due later this summer. Aric enjoys spending his free time with his family, cooking, reading, hiking, canoeing, and traveling.
Jeremy Yost
Natural Resource Technician
jeremy.yost@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5749
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Jeremy Yost
Natural Resource Technician
jeremy.yost@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5749
Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous experiences in the field of conservation. While most recently located in South Dakota, he is a native of Logan, Iowa and is glad to be back home managing the natural resources of the Loess Hills and Pottawattamie County.
