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Thornton
Eden Index
Climate
6.9
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.7/10
Thornton, Iowa is a small town located in Cerro Gordo County. Known for its charming rural setting, Thornton experiences a humid continental climate. Summers are warm with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F, while winters are cold with temperatures often dipping below freezing, averaging between 15°F and 30°F. The area receives moderate amounts of precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall occurring in the winter months.
Hydrologically, Thornton is situated near the Winnebago River, which flows through the town. This river, along with several nearby creeks, provides a scenic and serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is a popular activity, with the river being home to various species, including trout, catfish, and bass. Additionally, the river offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
Other outdoor recreation opportunities in the area include hiking and biking on the nearby nature trails, enjoying picnics and camping in the local parks, and exploring the surrounding countryside, which features rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. With its mild climate and proximity to natural water bodies, Thornton provides an inviting environment for individuals seeking outdoor activities and a peaceful atmosphere.
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): 6.9
Thornton receives approximately
867mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Thornton 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): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleary Lake Regional Park | 6 | 953 ft | |||
| Isanti County Fairgrounds | None | 956 ft | |||
| Lebanon Hills Regional Park | 93 | 979 ft | |||
| Riverside City Park - Princeton | None | 956 ft | |||
| Sakatah Lake State Park | 60 | 1,053 ft | |||
| Bogard City Park | 26 | 859 ft | |||
| Pershing State Park | None | 691 ft | |||
| Ashton Wildwood Park | None | 942 ft | |||
| Snake River City Campground | 12 | 1,257 ft | |||
| Carrollton City Park | None | 709 ft | |||
| Bunker Hills Regional Park | 63 | 901 ft | |||
| Father Hennepin State Park | 100 | 1,313 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.