School welding departments' craft sculptures for Heron Bend

LEE COUNTY - The Lee County Leadership Group (LCL) and Lee County Conservation have united to infuse creativity into the landscape of Heron Bend Conservation Area. Partnering with local high school welding departments, students from Fort Madison and Keokuk high schools were tasked with crafting unique sculptures inspired by Iowa's native fauna and flora.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, students meticulously sculpted four pieces, each reflecting the vibrant essence of Iowa's natural heritage. These sculptures, depicting an eagle, deer, beehive, and mosquitoes, were strategically installed throughout Heron Bend Conservation Area, enhancing visitors' experiences, and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
“We were so excited that Katie Geltz (KHS) and Ryan Peters (FMHS) were willing to work with us and guide their students on this fun project,” said Caroline Sestito, Administrative and Outreach Coordinator for Lee County Conservation. “We were blown away by what their students created. They should take pride in their remarkable work.”
The Lee County Leadership Group extends gratitude to Feinbergs Metal Recycling for their donation of recycled metals, enabling students to bring their artistic visions to life. This collaborative effort underscores the community's commitment to environmental stewardship and celebrates the creative talents of local youth while inviting patrons to explore the beauty and tranquility of Heron Bend Conservation Area.
About Lee County Conservation: Lee County Conservation manages 29 individual parks, wildlife areas, historic sites, and water recreation access points - encompassing some 2,634 acres across the county. The mission of the Lee County Conservation Board is to promote conservation of local natural resources and to provide parks and conservation areas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and environmental education for the public.
About Lee County Leadership Group: The Lee County Leadership program is a 9-month long program teaching a comprehensive understanding of community leadership and its significance, developing core competencies linked to resilience, and acquiring practical tools and techniques to address pertinent community issues and harness potential opportunities. The half of the group focused on the Art in the Park project consisted of Jeni Holtkamp of Siemens Gamesa, Jessica Ellison of Iowa State Extension – Lee County, Denae Rutherford of Climax Molybdenum, and Caroline Sestito of Lee County Conservation.