Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

Entrance to the Wapsi.

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.

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 External Link ]

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
wapsicenter@scottcountyiowa.com

Find us on Facebook here! External Link

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.

Attachments: 
PDF icon Wapsi Brochure and Map External Link

Features

Wapsi Center Caretaker- P/T External Link

Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Part-time) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time. (9 days remain)
Glynns Creek Golf course welcome sign. External Link

Glynns Creek Golf Course Open for the Season External Link

Monday, March 17, 2025 - 12:00pm

Glynns Creek Golf Course is now open for the season (weather permitting).  For more information and Tee times, please call.

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Frog & Toad Chorus External Link

Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 6:00pm

Come learn about the frogs and toads of Iowa and experience the sounds of the season in search of these amphibians which inhabit the Wapsi River Center

Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Frog & Toad Chorus External Link

Park Manager- West Lake Park External Link

Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Full-time) $78,561.60 to $108,284.80 per year plus benefits.

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 4:30pm Central Time. New (10 days remain)
Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Spring Wildflower Hike External Link

Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 3:00pm

Join Naturalist Mike for a lesson on spring woodland wildflowers at the Wapsi River Center. Mayapple, bloodroot, and hepatica are just some of the many wonderful wildflowers to discover. Please wear sturdy waterproof shoes for this woodland adventure.

Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Wildflower Hike External Link

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Forage to Fork External Link

Saturday, May 17, 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 spring wild edibles available during this time. After the hike, put your cast iron skills to the test and prepare a pizza topped with pesto and other foraged greens and mushrooms over a campfire!

Online registration is required: Wild Edibles External Link

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Archery Basics External Link

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 External Link

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Foraged Fine Arts External Link

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 External Link

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Summer Shelter Program-Hickory Hills External Link

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 External Link

Flyer advertising the event. External Link

Summer Shelter Program-Arrowhead Shelter External Link

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 External Link

Seasonal Skilled Park Maintenance Worker External Link

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.

Seasonal Concession Worker External Link

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.

Seasonal Park/ Golf Maintenance Worker External Link

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.

Seasonal Lifeguard External Link

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.

Assistant Beach/Pool Manager External Link

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.

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