Wapsi River Environmental Education Center
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.
- Education
- Nature
- Recreation
- Facilities
- Contact
- Register for Public Programs
- Rates & Rental Fees
- Waspi River Environmental News
- Wapsipinicon River Water Levels
- Wapsi River Environmental Education Center Map (Attached Below)
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]
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.
- Scott County Conservation
http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation/ - Quad-City Conservation Alliance
http://qccaexpocenter.com - Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
http://www.inhf.org
Attachments:
Features
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Part-time) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time. (10 days remain)
Monday, March 17, 2025 - 12:00pm
Glynns Creek Golf Course is now open for the season (weather permitting). For more information and Tee times, please call.
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 6:00pm
Come learn about the frogs and toads of Iowa and experience the sounds of the season in search of these amphibians which inhabit the Wapsi River Center
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Frog & Toad Chorus
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Full-time) $78,561.60 to $108,284.80 per year plus benefits.
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time. New (11 days remain)
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 3:00pm
Join Naturalist Mike for a lesson on spring woodland wildflowers at the Wapsi River Center. Mayapple, bloodroot, and hepatica are just some of the many wonderful wildflowers to discover. Please wear sturdy waterproof shoes for this woodland adventure.
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Wildflower Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Come learn about the many wild edibles in your own neck of the woods. We will focus on foraging basics, foraging safety, identifying plants, and preparing wild edibles. We will take a hike outdoors to identify and forage some of the spring wild edibles available during this time. After the hike, put your cast iron skills to the test and prepare a pizza topped with pesto and other foraged greens and mushrooms over a campfire!
Online registration is required: Wild Edibles
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am
Learn how to use a bow and arrow in this fun, informative and free hands-on class! Children must be in the 4th grade or above to participate and accompanied by an adult. Adults are welcome to participate as well! Park in Parking Lot A and meet at the Observatory. This event is weather permitting.
Online registration is required: Archery Basics
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Come join staff to learn how to turn forage items into paint! We will go over safe harvest techniques, how to make your own watercolor paint, and then create an art piece to take home!
Program fee of $ per person for supplies, payable at registration.
Online registration is required: Foraged Fine Arts
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Stop by and visit a Wapsi Naturalist to learn about Iowa mammals. There will be furs, skulls, and tracks for a hands-on experience for all ages!
Online registration is recommended: Summer Shelter Program
Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Stop by and visit a Wapsi Naturalist to learn about Iowa mammals. There will be furs, skulls, and tracks for a hands-on experience for all ages!
Online registration is recommended: Summer Shelter Program
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 2:15pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.00 to $14.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 2:15pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $14.00 to $16.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:15pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $14.00 to $16.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time.