Welcome

Welcome to the Winnebago County Conservation Board, one of 99 county conservation boards in Iowa.

We are located in the rolling hills of north-central Iowa's prairie pothole region.

Our purpose is to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone and to protect and conserve our natural resources.

Scroll down for the latest news and browse through our web site often to see what we have to offer! And, be sure to contact us if you have any comments or questions!

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Read the latest edition of "The Prairie Country Quarterly" here.

Meet Our Newest Employee--
Nicole Templeton

“Hi! My name is Nicole Templeton and I am the new Natural Resource Technician for the Winnebago County Conservation Board. I grew up in Thompson, IA, and have lived nearly my whole life here in Winnebago County. I graduated from Forest City High School in 2012 and went on to college at Iowa State University. I graduated from ISU in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology. Ever since I was little I have enjoyed doing things like horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and basically anything outdoors. I am very excited for this new opportunity and look forward to serving Winnebago County and getting to know more of its residents!”

Our “Educating and Connecting Generations Naturally” Capital Campaign has topped the $1.4 million fundraising mark, thanks to some nice grants and many private donations! We are currently in discussions about the best time to let bids.

Some work has already been completed. In fall of 2019, a septic system was installed at the site, there was preliminary site preparation, and a grove of trees was removed. The grove consisted of “weedy” trees such as box elder, mulberry, and ash that are of minimal benefit to wildlife; they will eventually be replaced with trees and shrubs that will be more beneficial. This past spring, we also completed dirt work at the site and planted native prairie grasses and flowers! The plan now is to decide the best time to let bids. Depending upon that time line, actual construction may begin this fall. Hopefully, we'll be able to celebrate a Grand Opening sometime in 2021!

We want to thank all the donors who have contributed so generously to this project and have helped to make this vision become a reality! We are truly grateful for all the support we have received!

• The center will contain exhibits and interactive displays to help increase people's awareness and knowledge of their natural resources, as well as how to conserve those resources.
• It will be centrally-located in the county, just south of the north junction of Highways 9 and 69.
• The building will be 40' x 96', or 7,680 square feet over two levels.
• It will be a post-and-beam design, with 28'-high vaulted ceilings.
• The building will meet ADA specifications for accessibility.
• It will include a variety of green design elements, including geothermal and solar energy systems.
• Rooms will include offices, a large program/meeting room (that will seat 85-100 people), an exhibit area, a workshop/activity area, a staff meeting room, and a kitchenette.

It is estimated that the cost of the new center will be between $1.4 and $1.5 million. The WCCB has already voted to commit $225,000 to the project and the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors has committed $145,000. None of this money will come from county tax dollars. The rest is being raised through grants and private donations.

The following donor recognition levels have been established...

• Chickadee Level: < $250
• Bluebird Level: $250-$499
• Goldfinch Level: $500-$999
• Cardinal Level: $1,000-$2,499
• Sandhill Crane Level: $2,500-$4,999
• Trumpeter Swan Level: $5,000-$9,999
• Bald Eagle Level: $10,000 and higher.

All donations under $250 will be recognized in "The Prairie Country Quarterly," our quarterly newsletter. Donations above that amount will also be recognized at the center itself. A variety of naming opportunities will also be available for larger donations.

Fundraising will continue throughout 2020. We have completed preliminary dirt work, installed the septic system, and plan to let construction bids this summer, with actual construction beginning in the fall. If all goes as expected, we then hope to be holding our Grand Opening early in 2021!