City of Rock Valley Partners with Dordt University Class for Flood Restoration Project

The City of Rock Valley is partnering with an Environmental Studies class at Dordt University to proactively plan for properties on the north side of town that will be included in the FEMA Buyout Program. The course, Restoration Ecology, and Applied Stewardship, is taken by juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in Environmental Studies. The class explores the principles and practices of restoration ecology and applies that knowledge to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for a specific location.

In addition to this course, students have completed a range of coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Community Development, and Agriculture. The City of Rock Valley is grateful for this partnership as planning begins for properties affected by the 2024 flood.

The class will focus on properties in the northern area of town that are part of the FEMA Buyout Program. While the City awaits final approval of the Home Buyout Plan from FEMA, it is taking proactive steps to prepare a thoughtful plan for the space. This approach will allow the City to move forward efficiently once approval is granted, while also honoring what has been lost.

There are strict guidelines regarding how land within the FEMA Buyout Program may be used. The City is committed not only to complying with these requirements but also to recognizing and honoring those who lost their homes in the flood. By partnering with the Restoration Ecology, and Applied Stewardship class, the City will benefit from the students’ knowledge and expertise in developing a detailed vision to reimagine the space.

Community input will play a vital role in shaping the final plan. A community survey will be distributed soon, and residents are encouraged to participate. In addition, a Community Input Night will be held on March 17 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Parkview Event Center. All community members are invited to attend and share their feedback and input.

Based on input gathered from the survey and Community Input Night, the class, led by Dr. Robb De Haan, will develop a master plan for the area. While the planning process is just beginning, anticipated features will reflect priorities identified by the community. The project’s mission statement is:

“Bringing long-term resilience, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty to the Rock Valley floodplain, while honoring the community’s past, through sustainable restoration efforts.”

Dr. Robb De Haan is Professor of Environmental Studies, Biology, and Community Development and Director of the Dordt University Prairie. He began teaching at Dordt in 1995 and has led Environmental Studies courses since 2004. He first taught Restoration Ecology and Applied Stewardship in 2005 and has completed 11 similar projects with his classes. The Rock Valley initiative marks his 12th such project. 

“This would be a huge learning experience!” shared a student in the Restoration, Ecology, and Applied Stewardship class. “It is a very diverse project that would pull together community development, city planning, climate resilience, and restoration ecology allowing everyone in the class to grow in an area relevant to their future work.”

Students involved in the project value the beauty and complexity of the prairies, forests, and rivers of Northwest Iowa. They hope the plan they create will provide lasting benefits to the Rock Valley community by offering accessible natural spaces, meaningful recreational opportunities, and a lasting tribute to the area’s history.

The City of Rock Valley is grateful for this partnership and looks forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the community for years to come.