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 ]

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]

Find us on Facebook here!

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: 

Features

Holiday lights and ornaments on a tree.
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - 12:00am to Wednesday, December 25, 2024 - 12:00am

Scott County offices will be closed Tuesday, December 24, 2024 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Happy New Year
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - 12:00am

Scott County offices will be closed Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in observation of New Year's Day. Have a safe New Years.

Flyer advertising the event.
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

 

Flyer advertising the event.
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.

Flyer advertising the event.
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