Glaciers in Iowa

Approximatey one million years ago, glaciers moved into Iowa. Later, when they receded, they left behind rich soil.

Glaciers moved into Iowa then receded. In a sense they were they first to settle this land called Iowa. They ground down the rough lands, they dug out lakes crushing trees and shrubs and grasses. And wherever they moved a rich soil was left to grow from the crushed and dying vegetation. Melting glaciers created both the gently trickling streams and the rushing rivers. And when the glaciers at last reseeded from the land, a new plant life flourished. Buffalo and beaver and elk and other wild animals found the land to their liking and they too flourished.