In 1998, recognizing the uniqueness of the Park’s ecology, Dr. Mary Stark of Central College, and Dr. Stephen Johnson, an independent ecologist, gathered a group of volunteers, the “Friends” of Big Rock Park who regularly worked to remove invasive species. In collaboration with the City of Pella’s Park Services, they have led educational and conservation excursions throughout the Park, held field trips for students from local schools, and given presentations during the school year. It became clear to the Friends that they could do more to help City and volunteer programs by raising additional funds to promote learning and leisure in the Park for the wider community.