There’s something special about the wild beauty of the Loess Hills—and in Council Bluffs, that beauty comes with a powerful story of community, resilience, and preservation. This April, you’re invited to be part of that story.
Before the scenic trails and sweeping overlooks we enjoy today, areas like Hitchcock Nature Center and Crescent Hill at Hitchcock were nearly lost to development. In the 1980s, these treasured Loess Hills landscapes were at risk of becoming a bottled water facility—and even a dump. But the community had other plans. Local advocates—now known as the “Dump Busters”—rallied together to protect the land, preserving its rare prairie systems and natural beauty for generations to come. Now, it’s your turn to carry that legacy forward.
Litter Busters Park Cleanup
Join the Litter Busters Park Cleanup on April 25 from 9 AM to 1 PM at either Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (formerly Mt. Crescent Ski Area) or Hitchcock Nature Center, where you can enjoy a peaceful hike or a more adventurous climb while making a real impact on the outdoors.
What to Expect
This isn’t your average cleanup—it’s an outdoor experience with purpose.
- Flexible participation: Drop in anytime between 9 AM and 1 PM
- Gear provided: Trash bags available (bring your own if you can!)
- Explore while you help: Hit the trails or hills and collect litter along the way
- Track your impact: Weigh your findings and help sort recyclables
- Win a reward: Enter a drawing for a free camping stay
- Celebrate your work: Snap a “Litter Buster” selfie and share your experience. Send your selfies to [email protected] or tag them on Facebook, Instagram, or X!
Plus, refreshments will be available to keep you fueled throughout your adventure.
Check-In Stations:
Please feel free to check in at either location listed below. We encourage visitors to check out before they leave so they can return any borrowed materials and weigh, toss, and recycle their findings. We keep track of how much litter is weighed to better understand the impacts of visitors on the park.
- Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center
- Ski Lodge at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)
What to Bring
To make the most of your day, come prepared by bringing gloves (work or winter gloves work great) and a reusable trash bag if you have one. Be sure to wear layers, as it’s often cooler and windy in the hills, along with tall socks, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and sun protection for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Make a Difference
Every piece of litter removed helps protect the fragile ecosystems of the Loess Hills—and honors the people who fought to save them. These landscapes tell a story of what could have been—and what was saved because people showed up. This is your chance to do the same.
Gather your friends, bring the family, and spend a spring morning giving back to the outdoors. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, your efforts make a lasting impact. Because protecting places like Hitchcock Nature Center isn’t just about today—it’s about ensuring their beauty for tomorrow.
