The Brett Klima Wildlife area encompasses a total of 925 acres. 904 acres are open to public hunting. The habitat found in the park consist of lowland prairie and flood plain woodlands. Tree species found there would include silver maple, river birch and walnut just to name a few. The 100 acres near the park entrance is currently undergoing a three year prairie restoration project in partnership with the local chapter of Pheasants Forever. The entire wildlife area provides excellent habitat for upland game birds as well as white tailed deer, turkey, rabbits and squirrel. Starting in 2009 the prairie portion will be cleared of invasive tree species and then reseeded with native prairie grasses and forbes. The area will then be managed through a series of prairie burns.
The park also includes small intermittant streams along with a long stretch of Wolf Creek that bisects the property providing for a large tract of wildlife habitat. In addition to the 100 acres of prairie being restored, there area also smaller prairie plots scattered throughout the property. The park is an excellent area for bird watchers to encounter many nongame species. Species such as Black-Billed Cuckoo, Bluebirds and Henslows Sparrow have recently been photographed within the park boundaries.
The Black Hawk County Conservation Board, Cedar Valley Wetlands Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Scheels Sport Shops, The Waterloo Brown Bottle acquired this portion of land with the help of other organizations and agencies. Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation (Iowa Chapter), Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a REAP Grant and a Iowa Habitat Stamp Grant were involved in the acquisition of this portion of land as well. Donations from the private sector came from Chuck and Pam Klima, Travis Keloma, The Young Family Foundation of Waterloo, as well as friends of Brett and the Keloma family.
Park boundaries may not be clearly marked in all locations within the park so please be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.
As the prairie is restored within the park boundaries, you may find the following site useful:
Prairie plant identification keys