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
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
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 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 ]
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - 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 ]
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - 10:00am
Join Naturalist Paige for a fun program on how animals stay cool in summer and then complete a watermelon-themed summer painting
This event is family friendly! All ages and abilities welcome to come learn and paint.
There is a program fee of $3/canvas . .
Space is limited and online registration is required. Please go to our website to register: Paint by Nature
Saturday, July 26, 2025 - 10:00am
Learn how to use a bow and arrow in this fun, informative and free hands-on class! Children must be 9 years old 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
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 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 ]
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 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 ]
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. (20 days remain)
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. (20 days remain)
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. (20 days remain)
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. (20 days remain)
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. (20 days remain)
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $25.00 to $27.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time. (20 days remain)
The Scott County Conservation Board has approved a special deer hunt for archery hunters only from October 1, 2025 through January 10, 2026 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, 2025 by 4:30pm. Please click the attachments below for additional application information.
Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 10:00am
Come join Wapsi River Center staff and learn to become more sustainable by creating your own health and home products made with natural ingredients. Making your own natural products is customizable, and it's FUN! We will also learn about upcycling and reducing your footprint on the planet! Participants must be 8 years and older. The program costs $8//person for supplies.
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Health & Home