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.
The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center provides multiple uses, with an emphasis on resource protection and environmental education. Specific goals include:
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 ]
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]
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.
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 cooking skills to the test and make an egg bake out of our foraged ingredients over a campfire!
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Spring Wild Edibles
Nature Journaling allows new perspectives to be discovered by looking at nature in a new way. Join Naturalist Clarah for a guided experience to start your journal.
Bring your favorite lawn chair, journal, and writing tools to add your personal touch. (Journals and writing tools will also be provided to those who need them)
Online registration is required. Please go to our website to register: Journaling
Bring your littles out to the Wapsi River Center for some fun FREE stories and nature play!
Th Scott County Library System's Bookmobile* will be there with lots of stories and the Wapsi River Center has plenty of places to explore! Ages 3 and under welcome to attend with their adults.
Registration not required. *You do NOT have to be a Scott County resident to enjoy the Bookmobile!
Come out to the Wapsi to dispel the myths and legends of bats! We will have several learning opportunities and activities throughout the evening! We recommend bringing insect repellent and a flashlight if you are planning to go on the hike.
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register:
7-8 pm Build a Bat house - $10/house hold please bring a hammer
8-dusk Bat Presentation & Hike
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 ]
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 ]
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. Click the link to register: Archery Basics
Learn about the cause and effect of the decline pollinator 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.
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Pollinator
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 ]
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 ]
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 make dandelion lotion bars and more. We will also learn about upcycling and reducing your footprint on the planet! Participants must be 7 years and older. The program costs $8/person for supplies.
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Health & Home
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.00 to $14.00 per hour
Conservation Department (Part-time) $12.00 to $14.00 per hour
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $14.00 to $16.00 per hour
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $13.50 to $15.50 per hour