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Sheffield
Eden Index
Climate
7.0
•
Recreation
2.2
•
Community
1.6
•
Safeguard
4.0/10
Sheffield, Iowa is a small town located in Franklin County, in the north-central part of the state. The area experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures range from around 30°F (-1°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer, with precipitation fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
The hydrology constituents in Sheffield are primarily influenced by the nearby West Fork Iowa River, which provides a source of water for the town. The river also offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the Sheffield Wildlife Area, a 1,500-acre public hunting and wildlife viewing area located just north of the town. This area is home to various wildlife species, including deer, pheasants, ducks, and geese, making it popular among hunters and birdwatchers.
In addition, Sheffield is surrounded by picturesque farmlands and rural landscapes, providing ample opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, and camping. The town's location in the heart of Iowa also makes it a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions, including state parks and forests, offering a variety of outdoor adventures for visitors and residents to enjoy.
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): 7.0
Sheffield receives approximately
878mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Sheffield 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
Iowa
Area Rivers
Iowa
Snowpack Depths
Iowa
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Iowa
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunker Hills Regional Park | 63 | 901 ft | |||
| Elk Rock State Park | 75 | 843 ft | |||
| Whitebreast - Red Rock Lake | 130 | 828 ft | |||
| Grammer Grove Wildlife Area | None | 930 ft | |||
| Roberts Creek Park | None | 803 ft | |||
| Unionville City RV Park | 45 | 1,065 ft | |||
| Cleary Lake Regional Park | 6 | 953 ft | |||
| Ashton Wildwood Park | None | 942 ft | |||
| Herring Memorial Park - Brunswick | None | 761 ft | |||
| Van Meter State Park | None | 662 ft | |||
| Isanti County Fairgrounds | None | 956 ft | |||
| Lebanon Hills Regional Park | 93 | 979 ft | |||
| Snake River City Campground | 12 | 1,257 ft | |||
| Brookfield City Park | 15 | 788 ft | |||
| Pershing State Park | None | 691 ft | |||
| Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park | 78 | 893 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): 1.6
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.