Linn County Bird Preserve Natural Area

A new 140-acre natural area in Linn County west of Cedar Rapids offers a place where wildlife thrives, and people enjoy a deeper connection to nature and its benefits for generations to come. The Bird Preserve features three miles of soft-surface trails for hiking, a covered pavilion for a gathering space, timber shade structures, restrooms, interpretive signage, and plenty of flora and fauna along the way. The Rae Jeanne Kilberger Foundation donated 83 acres southeast of Covington/west of Cedar Rapids and funding assistance for an additional 57 acres of woodland along the Cedar River. This 140-acre natural area is named after the donor’s family, which included committed funding to develop this property into a wildlife natural area. The Bird Preserve is open to hiking and exploring, and archery-only deer hunting during the appropriate seasons. Although not designated as a park, new features include soft surface trails, restrooms, interpretive signage, timber shade structures, and a covered pavilion for a gathering space. The Clayton R. & Libbie Bird Pavillion is first-come, first-served, located near the Rogers Road entrance. Bird Preserve Interpretive Sign In early 2020, Rae Jeanne Kilberger contacted Linn County Conservation to share her family’s long-term vision that began with her grandfather “Pa Bird”. Inspired by the early development of Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids, Rae Jeanne’s grandfather told her, “This land too will be preserved someday.”