CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Members of the Hardin County 100+ Women Who Care organization presented a check for $7,400 to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for use at the Gunderson Nature Park in Eldora.

ELDORA — A collective gift from 100+ Women Who Care Hardin County of $7,400 was recently presented to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for the Gunderson Nature Park in Eldora.

The 25-acre prairie, wetland and mixed woodland park was donated to the City of Eldora by Bob and Mary Lou Gunderson, formerly of Eldora, for public enjoyment, wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.

The park’s northern and eastern borders touch Pine Lake State Park, and it is adjacent to a city-owned arboretum to the south. A paved trail loop, prairie reconstruction, tree planting and butterfly habitat have already been established with more improvements planned.

Future plans include laying a gravel path for increased accessibility, restoring the wetland, adding a viewing platform to open up a new environment and adding benches along the trail.

“100+ Women Who Care is pleased to partner with the City of Eldora on these restoration efforts,” said Christie Pence, of Eldora, and 100+ Women Who Care member.

“It’s a major milestone for 100+ Women Who Care Hardin County to surpass $100,000 in giving with this collective gift to the Gunderson Nature Park,” said Toni Nederhoff, of Steamboat Rock, and 100+ Women Steering Committee member.

Their collective gifts have helped to: feed children from food insecure homes; support historic preservation; expand recreational trails; fund three community playgrounds; promote safe housing for low income families, animal welfare, strengthen public safety and security, improve a community library, a nature center, an FFA and a senior center.

The next event for 100+ Women Who Care is Oct. 2 at Edgewood in Iowa Falls at 5:30 p.m.

All women in Hardin County are invited to attend.