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Backbone State Park

State IBA

Delaware County  

Directions:  From the junction of Iowa Highway 3 and County Road W69 south of Strawberry Point, proceed 3.1 miles south on CR W69; then turn west on blacktop and travel 1.2 miles to park headquarters, on the south side of the road.

Description:  Named for its 400-million-year-old dolomite limestone ridge, which abruptly rises out of the Maquoketa River valley, this rugged 1780 acre older-growth woodland contains some of the best bird diversity in the state. Approximately 100 bird species nest in and around this park. During the Northeast Iowa Neotropical Migrant Songbird Project (1994-1996), PHD candidate, Bill Norris, noted that more bird species were recorded at Backbone State Park than any other northeastern Iowa site. Notable nesters include Iowa Endangered Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawks. Other important species include Veery, Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean and Kentucky Warblers, Northern Parula, Wood Thrush, Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Pileated Woodpecker.

Criteria for this site
Endangered or threatened species habitat
High conservation priority
Rare or unique habitat

Habitats found in this site
Wetland
Woodland
Grassland
Savanna/Shrub
Riparian

Ownership
State

Backbone State Park





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