"Ding" Darling earned fame in Iowa and nationally as a political cartoonist and
writer for the Des Moines Register.  He drew thousands of cartoons and wrote
reams of copy on his favorite topic: conservation of our natural resources. 

In his spare time, "Ding" played a key role in founding the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Federation, and Ducks Unlimited.  He
also helped construct the Iowa 25-year Conservation Plan. 

To recognize "Ding" Darling's many contributions, we have named a 9.1-mile
corridor of the Des Moines River (both banks) in his honor.  [This naming is
supported and approved by the Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
IDNR, Polk County Conservation Board and Des Moines Parks and Recreation.] 

Thanks for joining us June 23 at 5 p.m. at Prospect Park in Des Moines. It was a wonderful ceremony.

Larry Wilson of the DNR gave a wonderful speech on the importance of Darling's contribution. 

Read about Ding Darling and the 5 trails that make up his Greenway.

Look for Prospect Park  just off Hickman Road about three blocks east of Broadlawns Hospital.  Many of you already know that "Ding" donated some land which became Prospect Park.  The "Ding" Darling Foundation has placed a bronze plaque for him at this location also.  The plaque reads as follows:

Iowa As We Found It-1846
The "Ding" Darling Greenway
J.W. "Ding" Darling 1876-1962

Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling was a cartoonist and ecologist whose perceptive mind, elegant pen and skilled brush endeared him to newspaper readers and conservationists throughout a life time of devotion to preserving the environment.  "Ding's" syndicated cartoons, filled with insight, humor and poignancy, brought him international fame and two Pulitzer prizes.

Although Darling's cartoons appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the nation, he made Iowa his home.  In his life and work, "Ding" celebrated the beauty of Iowa and taught the value of conserving its natural resources.  His love and respect for Iowa and its heritage are reflected in this drawing done in 1946 for Iowa's Centennial Celebration, a representation of the sturdy pioneers who settled the state and farmed its land.

Darling and his wife Penny donated this river front land to the City of Des Moines in 1939 so that its beauty and tranquility would be available to the public forever.  The "Ding" Darling Greenway, stretching for miles along the Des Moines River, is further evidence of Darling's hope that future generations could enjoy the beauty of nature he had known.

The waterways we like to paddle have benefited from "Ding" Darling's support.
Come and be inspired!  - Robin Fortney