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
Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 11:00am to Monday, May 26, 2025 - 4:00pm
Sunday May 25 & Monday May 26
Celebrate an Old Fashioned Family Memorial Weekend at Pioneer Village!
Enjoy kid's activities, Wapsi Wranglers "shoot-out", food vendors, blacksmithing, & ice cream in the Soda Fountain
Admission: $2 for Adult and $1 for Children
Monday, May 26, 2025 - 12:00am to 11:59pm
Scott County, City and State offices will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025 in observation of Memorial Day. Additionally, the General Store is closed Saturday.
Visit the Scott County Veterans Memorial of those from Scott County who made the supreme sacrifice.
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
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Join Wapsi River Center Director and LNT Master Educator, Dave Murcia for a presentation on camping basics that emphasize Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
Register on-line at Campfire.
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
Thursday, June 19, 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 ]
Thursday, June 19, 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 ]
Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position:
Conservation Department (Full-time) $27.78 to $38.30 per hour plus benefits.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 20, 2025, 4:00pm Central Time. New (30 days remain)
Thursday, June 26, 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 ]
Thursday, June 26, 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 ]
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.