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
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 9:00am
Who was Aldo Leopold and why are his benches featured at nature centers?
You can learn more about this Burlington, Iowa native who was one of the early champions of conservation. Friends of the Wapsi Center member Susan McPeters will discuss the impact Aldo Leopold has had on how we view the environment and will share some passages from his best known book, A Sand County Almanac.
A limited number of individuals will be able to make a Leopold Bench to take hoe. $50 per bench payable to the Friends of the Wapsi Center at the event.
Please call the Wapsi Center to register.
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Full-time) $24.50 to $26.50 per hour plus benefits.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 4:30pm Central Time. (4 days remain) Time is running out Expires soon!
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.50 to $14.50 per hour
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 4:30pm Central Time. (4 days remain) Time is running out Expires soon!
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Full-time) $24.35 to $33.56 per hour plus benefits.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 4:30pm Central Time. (4 days remain) Time is running out Expires soon!
The Scott County Conservation Board has approved a special deer hunt for archery hunters only from October 1, 2024 through January 10, 2025 at Scott County Park. This hunt is only for residents of Iowa. Applications are now available and need to be returned no later than Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 by 4:30pm. Please click the attachments below for additional application information.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 10:00am
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - 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 summer wild edibles available during this time. After the hike, put your cast iron cooking skills to the test and make berry muffins out of our foraged ingredients over a campfire!
Online registration is required: Summer Wild Edibles
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 10:00am
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 1:00pm
Join Naturalist Mike for a lesson on cattails. Learn about the biology and cultural significance of the marvelous cattail plant an then create a life sized cattail duck decoy. There is a workshop fee of $10 per decoy for materials and supplies. Spots are limited.
Registrations is required: Cattail
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 10:00am
Come enjoy nature in a creative way at this family-friendly program! Join Naturalist Paige to create a prairie-themed painting with guided step-by-step instructions. All supplies will be provided. All ages and abilities are welcome!
There is a program fee of $5/canvas . All painters must be registered.
Online registration is required. Please go to our website to register: Paint by Nature
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 10:00am
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]