Land Management

Chad Graeve

Natural Resource Specialist
chad.graeve@pottcounty-ia.gov
(712) 545-3283 x5832

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 Resources 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 towards 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 spends his free time with his family, cooking, reading, hiking, canoeing, and traveling.

Kody Wohlers

Natural Resources Technician
kody.wohlers@pottcounty-ia.gov
(712) 545-3283 x5749

Kody Wohlers began full time employment with the Natural Areas Management department of the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board based at Hitchcock Nature Center in September of 2007. Kody is currently an Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4), Engine Boss (ENGB), Firing Boss (FIRB), and Faller 2 Sawyer (FAL2) under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards. 

Kody regularly attends prescribed fire training opportunities throughout the country to continuously improve his skills and knowledge of the trait. He is highly engaged with the Loess Hills Fire Partners and is president of the Iowa Prairie Network. Kody has a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license for Categories 2, 5, 6, and 10 through the ISU extension office. Kody operates the equipment maintenance program for Hitchcock Nature Center, presents school programs, assists with the prescribed fire operation within the Loess Hills, instructs wildland fire courses, supervises summer inters, manages the HNC deer hunt, performs facilities development and assists with the overall natural areas management of all PCCB areas. A healthy portion of his job is focused on invasive species control and ecological restoration. 

Kody holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology from Central College in Pella, Iowa. He was introduced into the county conservation board system while holding internships for Harrison and Pottawattamie Counties in 2003 and 2004. During his internship at Hitchcock Nature Center in 2004, Kody developed a curiosity and passion for ecological restoration in the Loess Hills. After working at Vermeer Manufacturing as an electrical assembler and Corporate Construction technician, an opportunity arose with the county conservation board, where he has been ever since. His job title was changed to Natural Resource Technician in 2017.

Kody and wife, Corrie, and children, Mallory and Dominic, live in Council Bluffs.  The outdoors, hunting, sporting events, games, and parenthood encompass their lives