Brianne Sanchez | Program Officer, Principal Foundation

The Idea: Sometimes economic development opportunities come at the expense of nature. How can we ensure our natural resources and native plants have a prominent place as Des Moines continues to grow? While I hope that the public golf course continues to thrive for generations, I’d love the city to explore a conservation easement (if there isn’t one already) on Waveland Golf Course to protect the property from future development if someday it isn’t financially viable as a course. It would be a pity to one day lose the mature oaks and perfect sledding hills in this gorgeous west-side green space. Great cities preserve their parks and protect natural habitats for people to enjoy and creatures to thrive. >