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Menlo
Eden Index
Climate
7.6
•
Recreation
1.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.4/10
Menlo, Iowa is a small town located in Adair County. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Summers are typically mild with average temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s°F, while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Hydrologically, Menlo is within the Middle Raccoon River watershed. The Raccoon River flows through the region, providing a source of water for residents and supporting various aquatic species. The river also offers opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
In terms of outdoor recreation, Menlo boasts several parks and natural areas. The nearby Raccoon River Valley Trail provides scenic biking and hiking trails, stretching over 89 miles through rural landscapes, woodlands, and prairies. The trail is perfect for nature enthusiasts and offers a chance to observe wildlife. Additionally, residents and visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, and birdwatching at the Menlo City Park or engage in sports activities at the local sports complex.
In conclusion, Menlo, Iowa offers a pleasant climate, access to the Middle Raccoon River watershed, and various outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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): 7.6
Menlo receives approximately
882mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Menlo 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): 1.1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longview Lake County Campground | 113 | 931 ft | |||
| Eagle Nest Park | 20 | 1,053 ft | |||
| Truman City Park | None | 1,104 ft | |||
| Blue Springs County Campground | 82 | 867 ft | |||
| Lake Hanska County Park | 22 | 1,027 ft | |||
| Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park | None | 940 ft | |||
| Flandrau State Park | 90 | 972 ft | |||
| Watona City Park | 28 | 986 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
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.