Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

Entrance to the Wapsi.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses.

Center Goals

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center provides multiple uses, with an emphasis on resource protection and environmental education. Specific goals include:

  • protection of existing natural resources
  • a comprehensive environmental education program
  • providing limited outdoor recreation
  • providing public access to the Wapsipinicon River
  • managing the area to provide diverse wildlife habitat
  • development of a Wapsipinicon River Greenbelt

You Can Help!

Are you a school teacher or a member of a civic organization that is looking for a community project? Please consider the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. The Center has a constant need for supplies and equipment.

The Friends of the Wapsi Center is a citizens' support group providing assistance to the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center in the form of volunteers for programs, technical assistance, curriculum planning, financial support, and guidance in fulfilling the Center's goals.

[ Friends of the Wapsi Center ]

Need Information?

For more information on programs and facilities, the "Friends" Group, or making a contribution to the Center, contact us:

Wapsi River Center
31555 52nd Avenue
Dixon, Iowa 52745
563-328-3286
[email protected]

Find us on Facebook here!

Project Partners

The Wapsi Center is managed and operated by Scott County Conservation. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and QCCA helped with the original purchase of the property and fund raising.

Attachments: 

Features

Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Full-time) $21.23 to $29.26 per hour plus benefits.

Application Deadline: Monday, May 29, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time. (Due Today) Time is running out Expires soon!
2023 Flyer
Sunday, May 28, 2023 to Monday, May 29, 2023

11:00am - 4:00pm Daily Memorial Day Weekend

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of yesteryear!  The past will com to life at the Village as interpreters and actors recreate pioneer life. Hope to see you there!

  • Live Folk Music
  • Kids Crafts & Activities
  • Weaving, Rope Making, Corn Shelling, Blacksmithing, Broom making Demos & More!
  • Ice Cream for Sale in the Soda Fountain & Cold Root beer in the saloon
  • Food Trucks, craft vendors, & Kettle Corn

Admission: $2 for Adult and $1 for Children

U.S. Flags adorn Allens Grove Cemetery, Scott County.
Monday, May 29, 2023

Scott County, City and State offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023 in observation of Memorial Day. Additionally, the General Store is closed Saturday.

Visit the Scott County Veterans Memorial of those from Scott County who made the supreme sacrifice.

Hiring Flyer for 2023

We are looking to fill a variety of positions supporting Scott County Conservation managed parks, facilities and activities. Positions can start as early as March and end as late as October.

Deadline: Open until filled.

APPLY NOW:

scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/employment

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 6:00pm

Come out to the Wapsi to dispel the myths and legends of bats! We will have several opportunities and activities throughout the evening (weather - dependent) on June 3rd. Registration is Required.

Activities:

6 - 7:00p ~ Campfire available to cook your own dinner if desired. Please supply your own food/drinks.

7:00 PM Program Starts

7:00 - 7:45 ~ Learn about native bats, including ID, basic biology and habitat

7:45 - 8:45 ~ Build a Bat House. $10 / house. Please bring your own hammer! If you are not building a bat house, feel free to tour the Eagle View Eco Center! Tour is free!  [ Click Title for Full Article ]

flyer with program information
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - 1:00pm

Join the Wapsi River Center staff for an adventure with kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or regular paddler, come to learn basics. Program includes includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour of Pride Lake at Scott County Park. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations.

Reminder- this program is determined by weather and site conditions. Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem. Dress appropriately and bring water.

Seats are limited!! Please call to register.

 

flyer with program information
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - 10:00am

Join the Wapsi River Center staff for an adventure with kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or regular paddler, come to learn basics. Program includes includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour of Pride Lake at Scott County Park. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations.

Reminder- this program is determined by weather and site conditions. Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem. Dress appropriately and bring water.

Seats are limited!! Please call to register.

 

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, June 10, 2023 - 10:00am

Learn about the cause and effect of the decline in honey bee and native bee populations through the Great Sunflower project .  You will get to participate in a pollinator count and then make an insect hotel that you can take home and install in your own garden using recyclable items.  Please bring empty  cans or bottles for the insect hotels. Registration is REQUIRED. Please call.

 

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, June 10, 2023 - 1:00pm

Enjoy nature in a creative way at this family-friendly program! Join Naturalist Paige to create a bee-themed painting with guided step-by-step instructions. All supplies will be provided.

If weather allows, the class will take place outdoors, so please come prepared.

This program costs $5/canvas (payable by cash or check at the program.)

Registration is required! Please call to reserve your spot.

Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $13.00 to $15.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $14.50 to $16.50 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $11.50 to $13.50 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.00 to $14.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.50 to $14.50 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $24.00 to $26.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time.

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