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
- Wapsi River Environmental Education Center Map (Attached Below)
- Rates & Rental Fees
- Waspi River Environmental News
- Wapsipinicon River Water Levels
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 10:30am to 2:30pm
Once a month the Wapsi River EE Center will be hosting a day just for homeschoolers! Join us for programming led by our Naturalists!
The goal of this series is to immerse children in the natural world and help them experience seasonal phenomena in a hands-on way. Most appropriate for K-8th grades, though all ages welcome. Suggested donation of $1/student. Please come prepared for the weather because much of the planned programming will take place outdoors.
Registration opens the first of each month.
2023 Spring Meeting Dates - Time: 10:30-2:30, Bring a lunch to eat!
April 19 - Animal Tracking/Hiking
May 17 - The Lorax
June 14 - [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Director and LNT Master Educator, Dave Murcia for an introduction to the 7 Principles of Outdoor Ethics. These Leave No Trace principles help protect the outdoors while minimizing our impacts to the land, water, soil, plants, wildlife, cultural resources, and other visitors.
This program will be held at Scott County Park - Pine Grove Campground Shelter
Registration for non-campers may be made by calling. If you are a park camper, please bring a chair & feel free to join in.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Director and LNT Master Educator, Dave Murcia for an introduction to the 7 Principles of Outdoor Ethics. These Leave No Trace principles help protect the outdoors while minimizing our impacts to the land, water, soil, plants, wildlife, cultural resources, and other visitors.
This program will be held at West Lake Park - Park Terrace Campground (gate 5)
Registration for non-campers may be made by calling. If you are a park camper, please bring a chair & feel free to join in.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 - 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.
Registration is required so please call.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 - 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.
Registration is required so please call.
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. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $13.50 to $14.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023, 4:30pm Central Time. (22 days remain)
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. (22 days remain)