Keokuk High School and Fort Madison welding students created artwork that was then installed in the landscape of Heron Bend Conservation through a partnership between Lee County Leadership (LCL) and Lee County Conservation.
“We were so excited that Katie Geltz (KHS instructor) and Ryan Peters (FMHS instructor) were willing to work with us and guide their students on this fun project,” Caroline Sestito, Administrative and Outreach Coordinator for Lee County Conservation, said. “We were blown away by what their students created. They should take pride in their remarkable work.”
The four sculptures were inspired by Iowa’s native fauna and flora and depicted an eagle, deer, beehive and mosquitoes. The conservation department said the sculptures enhanced visitor experience through fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Feinbergs Metal Recycling donated recycled metals to the LCL to enable students to create the pieces.
The conservation department added that 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.