Event Partners

In December 2013, Mark Widrlechner and Marlene Ehresman wandered into Molly Nagel's Master's Thesis

art show in downtown Ames, Iowa. Ehresman, a long-time conservationist, co-founder and executive

director of the Iowa Wildlife Center, had wanted to bring something called an “All Species Parade” to

Ames for several years, based on the success of this type of event across the country. Nagel’s lovely art

pieces of various species of wildlife in various media, from full head masks to life size paintings to 3-

D art, sparked a fast-paced conversation, and the three decided to embark on the journey of creating

what is now the All Species, One Earth event.

Upon graduation with a Master’s degree from Iowa State University in 2013, Molly went on to

found Upper Story Studio in Story City, Iowa. Her calendar is filled with creating commissioned art,

offering painting workshops to the public in her studio, working with local theater groups and more.

In the fall of 2014, Widrlechner, retired horticulturist and treasurer of the Big Bluestem

Audubon Society, worked with Ehresman to put together a planning committee of key agencies in the

central Iowa area. The two approached Story County Conservation, Ames Parks and Recreation and

Ames Public Library about partnering to guide the formation and fulfillment of the celebration and bring

it to the widest possible audience.

Story County Conservation’s Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator, represents SCC in this

partnership. The mission of Story County Conservation (SCC) is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Story County by wisely managing our natural resources, by providing recreational and leisure opportunities, and by educating citizens to be wise caretakers of our natural environment.

The mission of Ames Parks and Recreation is to enrich lives by providing excellent parks, facilities, and

programs for current and future generations.

We are excited about the current trajectory and growth of this event and look forward to making All Species One Earth an annual event for the benefit of the central Iowa community!