On Nature: David Voigts

Tama-Grundy Publishing is excited to welcome native Tama Countian David Voigts as its newest columnist. Voigts is a retired ecologist and the current Conservation Chair for the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society. Having grown up in rural Tama County, Voigts spent many youthful days hunting and exploring the local fields, meadows, and creeks.

After graduating from Dinsdale High School, Voigts attended Wartburg College, eventually earning his Ph.D. in animal ecology from Iowa State. He went on to spend most of his career in Florida working for an electric utility as the utility’s senior ecologist.

Growing up, Voigts had no idea he wanted to work in nature. It wasn’t until he took a graduate class in ecology at Iowa State that he realized how he wanted to spend his life.

“I became active in environmental issues while at Iowa State,” Voigts said, “taking part in some teach-ins that were associated with the first Earth Day. Yes, I’m that old – I also still mourn the death of Buddy Holly.”

Today, Voigts lives in rural Jesup with his wife Anabeth near her family’s farm. His interests include birdwatching, stargazing, and being active generally in and amongst nature. Retiring to Iowa after spending so many years in Florida just seemed like the “right thing to do,” Voigts said, but he wants to make it clear to the Telegraph’s readers – he did not move back for Iowa winters.