Ken Lowder arrived in Iowa City in 1968 to work as a speech and hearing consultant for the University of Iowa. In 1981, he established one of the first private audiology practices in Iowa. Ken left his practice and retired in 2008.

Birding has been a large part of Ken’s life. He has traveled to nearly forty countries in search of birds to add to his life list which is now over half of the world’s bird species. The interest in birding has also led to interest and involvement in protecting and conserving natural areas. Travel to areas where destruction of the environment has led to near catastrophe has sparked his involvement with the Bur Oak Land Trust to assure the best possible outcome for the special outdoor areas that we enjoy here in Iowa.

Ken has completed the ISU Master Woodland Manager Course and has spent time working to rid his woodland of invasive plants insofar as possible. Ken now volunteers his time acting as a Property Steward on the Big Grove Preserve. Other interests include his work as a collegiate tennis official, and motorcycling.