Big Rock Valley

Foundation Property

The Nature of Big Rock Valley from Edward Lowe Foundation on Vimeo.

Property Use

Nature provides an incredible backdrop for retreats, and educational components are combined with reflective hikes and other outside experiences. Our unique accommodations enhance this experience with guests staying in renovated farmhouses dating back to the 1800s, as well as five retired boxcars converted to comfortable sleeping units equipped with all of the modern conveniences of a hotel.

The foundation's conference complex, known as Billieville, is styled after a turn-of-the century small town (although equipped with today's technology). The center contains a dining hall, conference facility, and various spaces for breakouts and small group functions. Retreat participants enjoy evening conversations around a large campfire centered among the boxcar accommodations.

Construction is now in progress for a new retreat center building, which will provide larger dining facilities and enhanced meeting space. The new retreat center is scheduled to be completed by September 2010.

The Heritage Center, which is located near the headquarters building, provides a place for guests to relax, grab a quick workout in the fitness center, or learn more about Kitty Litter and the clay-absorbent industry through an archival exhibit about Edward Lowe Industries.

History

Big Rock Valley derives its name from the large number of boulders left behind by receding glaciers from the last ice age. Area farmers had to clear these rocks to plow fields, and they often created large piles of big rocks near the edges of their fields. These boulders are now part of the property's landscaping. The forests and farmlands that make up Big Rock Valley were acquired by Edward Lowe over the course of many years. He often offered lifetime leases to the retiring farmers in exchange for acquiring their farms.

After Ed bought the first 160-acre parcel of BRV in 1964, he joked that, "I don't want to own all the land in the county, just the pieces next to mine." The estate served as his home until his death in 1995.

Straight from the Edward Lowe Archives comes even more information about this great American entrepreneur. The Information Center Museum houses a historical exhibit of Ed Lowe's business ventures and initiatives to support entrepreneurship.

Environmental Stewardship

In addition to his passion for helping small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed, Ed Lowe had a great love and respect for the land. He was adamant that good stewardship be practiced and that the integrity of the land and environment be preserved. His directive is incorporated into the foundation's charter.

Today the foundation is not only involved with good stewardship practices and preservation, but has raised the bar to develop innovative approaches to thoughtful land management.

The foundation is actively involved with various conservation projects and environmental initiatives on the property, including species inventories, habitat enhancement projects, woodland management programs, invasive-species control, restoration of historical habitats (such as the tall-grass prairie), controlled catastrophes (woodland thinning, clear cutting, prescribed burns), and wetland management. Care is taken to ensure appropriate cover and shelter with brush piles, permanent grasslands and vernal ponds; as well as year-round food sources through food and legume plots.

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A walk through the foundation's grounds
Photo by Steven Becker

Boxcars
Photo by Steven Becker

Prescribed burn
Photo by Michele Kline

Stream
Photo by Mike McCuistion