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Ames
Eden Index
Climate
7.4
•
Recreation
3.2
•
Community
3.7
•
Safeguard
5.0/10
Ames is a city in central Iowa known for its diverse weather patterns, with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is around 50°F and the city receives an average of 38 inches of rain per year. The hydrology of Ames is characterized by the Des Moines River, which flows through the city and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Other popular outdoor recreation activities in Ames include hiking and biking on the city's extensive trail system, birdwatching at nearby wildlife areas, and golfing at one of the city's 6 golf courses. Ames also has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries. Overall, Ames offers a mix of outdoor and indoor activities, making it a great place to live or visit.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.4
Ames receives approximately
898mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Ames has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Skunk-Wapsipinicon
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carver Park Reserve | None | 976 ft | |||
| Carrollton City Park | None | 709 ft | |||
| Knob Noster State Park | None | 833 ft | |||
| Minnesota Valley Rec Area | 33 | 743 ft | |||
| Baker Park Reserve | 204 | 965 ft | |||
| Ann Lake - Sand Dunes State Forest | 30 | 990 ft | |||
| Bray County Park | 43 | 1,068 ft | |||
| Sakatah Lake State Park | 60 | 1,053 ft | |||
| Bogard City Park | 26 | 859 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 3.7
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.