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Melrose
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
3.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Melrose, Iowa is a small town located in the southern part of the state. It experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 26°F (-3°C) in January to 74°F (23°C) in July. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 35 inches (89 cm). Melrose also receives an average of 30 inches (76 cm) of snowfall during the winter months.
The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and water bodies. The hydrology constituents in the area include the Des Moines River, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. The river is known for its diverse fish population, including catfish, bass, and walleye. Additionally, there are several nearby lakes and ponds that offer recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
Melrose is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The region is home to various bird species, deer, and other small mammals. With its diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, Melrose provides a serene and picturesque environment for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
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): 7.8
Melrose receives approximately
953mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Melrose 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
Des Moines
Area Rivers
Des Moines
Snowpack Depths
Des Moines
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Des Moines
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Ridge | 91 | 1,347 ft | |||
| Maxwell Taylor Park | None | 702 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove City Park | None | 845 ft | |||
| Brookfield City Park | 15 | 788 ft | |||
| Bennett Spring State Park | None | 880 ft | |||
| Versailles City Park | None | 990 ft | |||
| Herring Memorial Park - Brunswick | None | 761 ft | |||
| Arrow Rock State Park | 46 | 728 ft | |||
| Stump Island Park | 12 | 618 ft | |||
| Cobb Ridge | 19 | 1,360 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):
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.