This interactive exhibit is an artists' interpretation of soil and water erosion. One of Henry A. Wallace's greatest legacies was his attention to soil conservation. Completed in 1996, the vignettes are angled to represent sidehills where soil can easily erode. Water, wind and weather have done away with some of the tiles, the same way that soil washed away from cultivated hillsides. This is just one image of the five structures at this site.

The Prairie Exhibit includes signs with information about Iowa's prairie and topsoil.

This artist's interpretation represents Henry A. Wallace's attention to and respect for grasses as a way to save topsoil. By 1934, 61 percent of the U.S. cropland was subject to continued erosion or was of a quality too poor to be profitably farmed. The three towers have carved sections of prairie grasses with quotes about grasses.

In 1996, over 100 volunteers who were members or associate members of the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association from throughout Iowa spent two days constructing this 1.5 acre pond, three grassed waterways and a terrace. The Country Life Center was selected as a field day location because it was Henry A. Wallace, who as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the 1930s, brought the idea of soil conservation to the forefront of agricultural practices. Henry A. Wallace was a very vocal advocate for constructing terraces and ponds, contour farming and reforestation.

Henry A. Wallace served as Vice President of the United States during World War II. Following the war, he envisioned a world reborn from the destruction. This interpretation represents that viewpoint. The cannon issues forth seeds and plants as indicative of the corn stalk. Integrated are two scarecrows, one a traditional image juxtaposed with a more literal angelice guardian figure.

Fences have always been integral to farming. Fences have defined boundaries, outlined properties, confined livestock, and deterred unwanted wildlife.

The Prairie Harvest garden is part of the growing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Iowa. Consumers pay a fee to receive fresh garden produce brought to their door throughout the growing season. The CSA premise is that the consumer and the farmer share the risks and the bounty of the growing season. The garden is certified organic by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Henry A. Wallace was always interested in flowers with gladioli being one of his favorite flowers. His first hi-bred experiment was with his mother's garden using pansies. This floral garden makes use of flowers started in the greenhouse and plants that have been shared by area gardeners.

The Gathering Barn was completed in 2003 as a meeting and educational facility. Since it replicates the barn that stood west of the house in the early days of the farm, it adds authenticity to the historical site which is on the National Register of Historical Places. Historical architect William Wagner designed the barn so that it is, in general appearance, similar to the original Wallace farmstead structure. Its 36' x 54' measurements replicate the original barn.