Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary will grow into a living symphony of nature. This vibrant sanctuary will stand poised for an exciting transformation. Though it may seem a dream, this lush oasis alive with nature's music is fated to become very real. Stay tuned as the unfolding updates reveal the metamorphosis of this treasured community gem into an even more captivating space. The harmonious plants and wildlife will call to you, inviting you to come and experience the magic firsthand.

People of all ages and backgrounds will come together in this welcoming haven, reconnecting with nature's rhythms as the whispering trees share their wisdom. Here we will make a tapestry of shared experiences, gently nurturing community in this special place.

Arboretum

The Nature Sanctuary Arboretum will be a destination for young minds to explore and learn. In the years ahead, students from across the region will embark on field trips to these woods, immersing themselves in hands-on ecology lessons amidst nature's splendors. Through these formative experiences, Legacy Woods will nurture an appreciation for the natural world in future generations. The possibilities for education and enrichment are boundless at this one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom that will feature young and old trees alike.

Plaza

The Nature Sanctuary Plaza will welcome visitors with a spacious and airy shelter that will be perfect for weddings, picnics, and celebrations. Clean restrooms will offer convenience to guests. An impressive stone wall will display donor names and informative exhibits, honoring those who made the pavilion possible. Nearby, a flagstone plaza will provide benches where visitors can relax in the shade. An elegant two-tiered trellis overhead will offer shade and ambiance under its graceful arches. The Plaza will serve as an inviting gateway to Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary, beckoning visitors to explore its natural beauty. They will become a cherished gathering place for the community, where memories will be made for years to come.

Stormwater Strategies

Several sustainable stormwater strategies are being implemented with this project, and they include stormwater best management practices adjacent to the parking lot, a constructed wetland, timber stand improvements, and prairie reconstruction integrated throughout the arboretum. Through careful planning, the recent demolition of dilapidated structures on-site has preserved nearly all of the mature, native trees, while minimizing soil disturbance.

New Facilities

The specific facilities to be constructed with the Nature Sanctuary project include a newly paved access drive from Fuller Road, which will lead to a paved parking lot. The parking lot will include ADA-accessible stalls and will provide room for expansion as future master plan phases develop. A network of paved and soft surface trails will be thoughtfully installed across the landscape to provide accessibility to all features. A dedicated connection to the Jordan Creek Trail will be provided along the east side of the site. Interpretive and educational signage will be provided throughout the landscape and will be accompanied by an array of site furnishings, including benches, waste receptacles, bike racks, and a bike repair station.

Orchard

Similar to the arboretum, the orchard will enhance the local ecosystem and contribute to broader ecological goals. The orchard will attract essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the fruit-bearing trees will promote local agriculture and encourage sustainable practices, allowing the community to engage in permaculture and agroforestry. This community-driven aspect not only provides local food sources but can also facilitate educational programs focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Visit the Legacy Woods - Nature Sanctuary website.

 

Legacy Woods - Jordan House Museum

The Jordan House Museum, an elegant Victorian mansion with Italianate Gothic architecture, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is the oldest building in West Des Moines. The house was originally built by James C. Jordan and his family in 1850. The Jordan family owned the house for nearly 100 years until selling it in 1947 to the Church of the Nazarene, which used it as part of its summer camp. In 1978, the West Des Moines Historical Society bought the Jordan House and renovated it into a period home and museum for the city.

The house now serves as both a museum showcasing West Des Moines' history and the office of the West Des Moines Historical Society. The sixteen period rooms provide an ideal backdrop for displaying many antique treasures that reflect the city's rich heritage. Visitors can also explore exhibits on the railroad system that was crucial to early West Des Moines.

Visit the Legacy Woods - Jordan House Museum website.

 

Imagine an inspiring place that brings West Des Moines' rich history to life. A place where you can immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the Underground Railroad and how our city played a pivotal role. You can connect with the past through immersive exhibits and hands-on traditional crafts that transport you back in time.

This is the vision for the Legacy Woods Heritage Center. More than a museum, it will be a vibrant community hub for residents and visitors alike. A space to celebrate our heritage, understand how the past has shaped our present, and carry traditions forward to the future.

At the Legacy Woods Heritage Center, you won't just view static displays. You'll get hands-on with traditional arts and crafts, gaining a tangible connection to the experiences of those who came before us. Our exhibits will share untold stories in compelling ways, bringing little-known history out of the shadows. And the Center will host talks, classes, and community events that inspire meaningful dialogue on where we've been and where we're going.

Crafter and Artisan Space 

A vision of a thriving future for endangered handicrafts: a vibrant hub where artisans gather to create, inspire, and preserve ancient arts. Visitors will discover original works as masters demonstrate time-honored techniques. Budding artists can develop skills through hands-on classes while local crafters find new income opportunities. By uniting people to make, sell, and celebrate handmade wares, this innovative space will help ensure endangered handicrafts and traditions are passed on for generations.

 
The Heritage Center Crafter and Artisan Space will open a world of creative possibilities for members and one-time users alike. Within the walls of the Heritage Center, the space will come alive during regular opening hours and select weekends, playing host to specialized workshops, community gatherings, and innovative educational programs.

Students will have the chance to get their hands dirty with pottery wheels, sewing machines, woodworking tools, and more as they explore their passions. Beyond structured activities, members will have the flexibility to utilize the space for independent projects with guidance from talented artist-educators. Special events like art shows and maker fairs will welcome all to celebrate creativity and connect through hands-on learning. The Crafter and Artisan Space will be so much more than a classroom - it will be a vibrant hub for imagination, collaboration, and growth.

Exhibit Space

The Heritage Center Exhibit Space will hold an Underground Railroad exhibit that will take center stage in recounting the courageous story of the James Jordan family and their monumental contributions to the Network to Freedom. This groundbreaking exhibit will utilize innovative techniques to ensure accessibility for all. Additionally, the space will house rotating exhibits throughout the year that will captivate and educate visitors on various compelling topics. The Exhibit Space will also unveil an exhibit dedicated to illuminating the rich histories of the Ioway, Sauk, and Meskwaki peoples who called this land home long before. This new addition will share their stories and traditions in an immersive, respectful manner.

With these visionary new exhibits, the Heritage Center will become an unforgettable destination where the past is brought to life. The future is bright for creating an inclusive space where every visitor can engage with our shared history in thought-provoking ways.

Community Room

Imagine a warm and welcoming space where our community can come together. A place where friends reunite, families celebrate, and neighbors exchange ideas. The Heritage Center's Community Room will be just that - the vibrant, beating heart of our town.

With flexible layouts and generous proportions, this versatile venue could host events both large and small. Artisans can pass down cherished skills in spacious workshops. Visiting school groups will have room to gather and learn. Lively lectures, joyful reunions, workshops, and classes can be held in the Community Room. The possibilities are endless.

The City of West Des Moines and the West Des Moines Historical Society are thrilled to begin fundraising for the Legacy Woods Heritage Center, a creative hub with limitless potential. This innovative space will honor our shared history while cultivating community and sparking inspiration.

Though the Heritage Center is still in the early planning stages, your valuable input on bringing this vision to life is welcome. If becoming an integral part of Legacy Woods excites you, please connect with us. We would love to explore partnership opportunities to develop the Heritage Center into a vibrant, one-of-a-kind destination that unites and uplifts. Together, we can ensure this endeavor enriches our community for generations to come.

Legacy Woods - Heritage Center Contact Information:

City of West Des Moines - Ryan Penning, Parks and Recreation Director; 515-222-3448;  Ryan.Penning@wdm.iowa.gov

West Des Moines Historical Society - Gale Brubaker, Executive Director; 515-225-1286; gbrubaker@wdmhs.org

Visit this page to stay informed about Legacy Woods, including the latest plans, project status updates, and other important details.

The images presented on this page are for illustration purposes only and do not reflect actual construction plans.