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Ridgeway
Eden Index
Climate
6.5
•
Recreation
4.9
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.3/10
Ridgeway, Iowa is a small town located in Winneshiek County, in the northeastern part of the state. It has a moderate climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the low 20s°F (-6°C) in winter to the high 70s°F (25°C) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 34 inches (86 cm) annually.
The town of Ridgeway is situated near the Upper Iowa River, which provides a vital hydrological component to the area. The river offers various recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Its calm waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Apart from the river, Ridgeway is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including rolling hills and lush green fields, perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. There are also several nearby parks and nature reserves, such as the Decorah Fish Hatchery, where visitors can enjoy wildlife observation and picnicking.
In conclusion, Ridgeway, Iowa offers a moderate climate, with its proximity to the Upper Iowa River providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The surrounding natural beauty and diverse landscape make it an appealing destination for those seeking to enjoy nature and engage in various outdoor activities.
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): 6.5
Ridgeway receives approximately
899mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Ridgeway has a plant hardyness factor of
4, 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-Maquoketa-Plum
Area Rivers
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Snowpack Depths
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Mississippi-Maquoketa-Plum
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.9
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy Creek | 36 | 1,008 ft | |||
| Piney River Military - Fort Leonard Wood | None | 768 ft | |||
| Paydown Access - MDC | 6 | 596 ft | |||
| Dry Fork | 18 | 763 ft | |||
| Rollins Ferry Access - MDC | 11 | 568 ft | |||
| Pine Ridge | 8 | 770 ft | |||
| Lakeview Park - Mexico | None | 810 ft | |||
| Lane Spring | 64 | 1,069 ft | |||
| Mark Twain State Park | None | 666 ft | |||
| Chamois Access - MDC | 4 | 530 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.