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
Monday, January 20, 2025 - 12:00am to 11:59pm
Scott County offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Come join Wapsi River Center staff and learn to create your own health and home products made with natural ingredients. Making your own natural products is more sustainable, customizable, and it's FUN! At this program we will make soap, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. We will also discuss recycling, upcycling, and reducing your footprint on the planet! Participants must be 5 years and older. The program costs $8/person for supplies
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Health & Home
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi Center Staff for a FREE outdoor adventure in snowshoes. Snowshoes are weight rated for both adults and children. Waterproof boots are suggested.
This program is dependent on weather and site conditions.
To register, click on Wapsi
Sunday, February 2, 2025 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Join our ranger staff for a morning of ice fishing. Bring a bucket or chair to sit on and we will provide the rest! We will pre-drill the holes, provide bait, poles, and will discuss the types of fish you may catch and equipment being used. We welcome all ages and experience levels for this free event. Anyone 16 years and older must have an Iowa fishing license. For questions please call 563-328-3282.
To register, click on Ice Fish.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Join Wapsi Naturalists to discover the wonders of winter at the Wapsi River Center. Please dress accordingly, waterproof boots are suggested.
Space is limited. Online registration is required. Please click the link(s) below.
Session 1: 9:00 am to 10:30 am - Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe*
Session 2: 10:30 am to Noon - Cross Country Ski or [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi Center Staff for a FREE outdoor adventure in snowshoes. Snowshoes are weight rated for both adults and children. Waterproof boots are suggested.
This program is dependent on weather and site conditions.
To register, click on Scott County Park.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 10:00am
Learn how to identify and attract backyard birds! Plus learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count. At the end of the program, you will make take-home pine cone bird feeders to hang in your own backyard. Bird watchers of all ages can participate in this FREE program.
Register on line at Backyard Birds.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
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 winter wild edibles available during this time. After the hike, put your cast iron cooking skills to the test and make pancakes served with hickory syrup and tea out of our foraged ingredients over a campfire!
Online registration is required: Wild Edibles
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 1:00pm
Join Wapsi Center Staff for a FREE outdoor adventure in snowshoes. Snowshoes are weight rated for both adults and children. Waterproof boots are suggested.
This program is dependent on weather and site conditions.
To register, click on Wapsi
Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 1:00pm
Discuss the history of syruping, tree identification, and learn how to gather sap! Fun for the whole family.
Space is limited so register online now at Maple
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - 1:00pm
Discuss the history of syruping, tree identification, and learn how to gather sap! Fun for the whole family.
Space is limited so register online now at Maple
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)
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) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:15pm Central Time.