Pellett Woods State Preserve

Frank Chapman Pellett Memorial Woods is a 20-acre preserve located 3.5 miles northeast of Atlantic in Cass County. 

About the Land

This woodland and its surrounding fields were set aside as a private wildflower sanctuary in 1907 by Frank Pellett. The woods served as a living laboratory for his nature study for more than forty years and, upon his death in 1951, was passed on to his son Melvin Pellett. 

In 1978, Melvin and Elizabeth Pellett dedicated the woodland as a biological state preserve named in honor of Melvin’s father. Ownership of the preserve was deeded to the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1984 following the death of Melvin Pellett. 

Directions

1. From the intersection of I-80 and County Highway N16 (exit 57, to Atlantic), drive south 4.5 miles to Troublesome Creek Road. 
2. Turn east (left) and go 1 mile to the preserve on the north side of the road (sign: Frank Chapman Pellett Memorial Woods).

Plants

Located in the Southern Iowa Drift Plain landform region, the preserve contains an upland woodland of red oak, basswood, hackberry, ash, and walnut with an attractive spring flora. 

More than 120 plants are known to occur on the preserve. Many introduced species were planted by Frank Pellett, several of which have disappeared over the years. 

Prairie trillium, hepatica, bloodroot, and spring beauty are seen first as they pop through the dead leaves in the spring. 

Next come: 

• Virginia bluebells
• Wild ginger
• Violets
• Dutchman’s breeches

They are followed by:

• American bellflower
• White trout-lily
• Bellwort
• Blue cohosh
• Mayapple
• Jack-in-the-pulpit
• Blue phlox
• Toothwort
• Solomon’s seal 

By late May, kidneyleaf buttercup, Virginia waterleaf, carrion flower, false Solomon’s seal, and starry Solomon’s plume are blooming.

Although the preserve is known for its spring flowers, summer species also prosper including moonseed, white snakeroot, lopseed, and woodland sunflower. 

Frank Pellett

Frank Pellett was a renowned horticulturist, author, journalist, conservationist, and the first state apiarist (beekeeper) for Iowa. He published thirteen books and numerous scientific articles. 

Pellett transplanted many of his prized collections from other parts of the state and country into this small woodland. He feared that with expanding agriculture, these wildflowers would soon become extinct as their habitat disappeared. He took great care of his wildflower garden and allowed no trees to be removed nor any grazing to occur, a practice which has now been in place for over ninety years. Melvin Pellett echoed his father’s philosophy when he was once quoted: 

To be a wildflower preserve, it has to be kept in the natural state. The fallen logs lay where they fall. It’s always been in the natural state and it’s our plan to keep it that way. The primary goal is for nature to take its course. These are wildflowers as nature left them. 

A footpath runs through the woodland. Many groups, especially local school classes, visit the preserve each spring. Other public areas in the vicinity include Prairie Rose, Lake Anita, and Cold Springs State Parks.