Tim’s Day on the Land, Effigy Mounds National Monument

Posted: May 14, 2019

Honoring the legacy of Tim Mason and his commitment to public land stewardship with a day of volunteer service and a special evening program at Effigy Mounds National Monument

Saturday, May 25, 2019 Effigy Mounds National Monument will host a special day of volunteer service followed by an evening program honoring the life and legacy of Tim Mason, a lifelong  conservation advocate. Volunteers are asked to assemble at the Visitor Center at Effigy Mounds National Monument at 9:00am on Saturday, May 25th to meet with park staff and spend the morning along the Fire Point Trail removing nonnative, invasive garlic mustard. Following the work, the family of Tim Mason will host a luncheon in the Visitor Center to thank the volunteers. At 7:00pm that evening in the auditorium of the Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center former Chief Rangers Bob Palmer and Ken Block along with current Natural Resource Program Manager Rodney Rovang will give a presentation on Tim Mason’s work to preserve and protect Effigy Mounds National Monument and the legacy of public lands  stewardship all Americans share.

Tim Mason worked seasonally at Effigy Mounds for 19 years starting in the 1970’s. But it was his actions in 2010 as a private citizen that proved to be his greatest contribution to Effigy Mounds National Monument and the preservation of the resources of the park.

Mason alerted the Office of Inspector General to egregious violations of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Archaeological Preservation Act that were occurring in the park. His  actions as a whistle blower resulted in critical changes in both management and operations policy at Effigy Mounds National Monument, as well as changes within the National Park Service. In speaking about Mason’s actions, Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent Jim Nepstad stated, “I’ve long said that every park needs a Tim Mason, someone that’s truly looking out for the park and isn’t afraid to push for what’s right.”

Tim Mason passed away in September 2018, and at the time of his memorial the family asked that mourners offer volunteer service at Effigy Mounds National Monument, a place Tim loved dearly and fought to protect. In light of his tremendous contributions to:

Effigy Mounds National Monument
151 HWY 76
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-7519
563 873-3491 phone

National Park  Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
E XP E R I E N C E   YO U R   AM E R I C A
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. ™

Effigy Mounds National Monument park leadership organized this special volunteer opportunity and presentation in Mason’s honor.

Volunteers who wish to participate are asked to RSVP to the park by calling Ranger Alex Anderson at 563-873-3491 x122. The park will supply hand clippers and bags for the volunteers.

Volunteers are asked to bring sunglasses or other eye protection, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen and personal water bottles. Close-toed shoes and comfortable work clothes are highly recommended.

Schedule for the day:

• 9:00am Volunteers arrive at Visitor Center for safety orientation. Visitors will be escorted by park staff to the work site where volunteers and staff will use hand clippers to remove garlic mustard.
• 12:00pm Return to Visitor Center for lunch provided by the family of Tim Mason
• 7:00pm Special Evening Program featuring former Effigy Mounds National Monument Chief Ranger Bob Palmer.

Additional Photos