Buchanan County Conservation
Campgrounds facilities, including shower houses, now are open for reservations and public use. Please be aware that the Covid-19 pandemic still is occurring. Facilities receive at least a daily comprehensive surface cleaning, and occasional anti-viral mist cleaning. Users of facilities are STRONGLY URGED to take precautions, wash hands frequently, keep surfaces clean, and bring and use their own hand sanitizers. Please wear masks in any areas where you are likely to be in close proximity to other park users. SHOW COURTESY. Thanks you.
Fontana Interpretive Nature Center is currently open with limited hours due to the Covid-19 Pandemic:
Monday and Tuesday: 8-12
Wednesday: 8-12 and 12-4:30
Thursday: 1-4:30
Friday: 8-12
Nature Center can open by appointment by calling (319) 636-2617 or if staff is available
View Buchanan County parks and natural areas VIDEOS!
Come for a visit
Exploring Nature
Things to do
QR Code Challenge: Scavenger Hunt
Click here to get all of the information about this new challenge.
MILKWEED SEED PLANTING INFORMATION
The Conservation Board offices are located at Fontana Park Interpretive Nature Center. Buchanan County Conservation Board provides parks, prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and river accesses for both people and wildlife. The Conservation Board manages 41 properties, and features an award-winning Environmental Education Program. The Conservation Board's mission is to "improve quality of life through programs of conservation and education."
Monday - Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Weekends April 1st - October 31st 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends November 1st - April 1st 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Winter: Nature Center may be closed if travel conditions are "Not Advised," please call in advance (319) 636-2617.
Upcoming Public Programs
All programs offered by the county conservation have been cancelled until
further notice due to the Covid 19 virus!
Last updated 3/16/20
Friends of Fontana Park
The Friends of Fontana Park (FFP) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help fund the Buchanan County Conservation Board's environmental education programs. The FFP provides most of the material costs for the wildlife display, nature center exhibits, quarterly newsletters, and some of the many educational programs and exhibits offered at Fontana and other Buchanan County parks. For more information on Friends of Fontana Park and how you can contribute to this 501c3 organization, click here to download a Friends of Fontana Park Donation Form.
WE NEED TO PROTECT IOWA’S NATURAL AREAS
• Roughly half of Iowa’s rivers, lakes, and streams fail to meet water quality standards
• Less than 10 percent of Iowa’s wetlands – natural spaces that help prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife – remain, amounting to a loss of 5 million acres of wetlands
• Over the last two decades, Iowa has lost more than 1.6 million acres of habitat suitable for pheasants and other small game
• Iowa loses an average of 5 tons per acre of soil, our major economic engine, each year to erosion
Click here to learn about Fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund
Find us on:
Would you like to find out more about wildlife, county programs, Iowa fishing reports and more? Please email dcohen@co.buchanan.ia.us to be placed on the Conservation List serve. You will receive approximately 2-3 emails a week about conservation programs in Iowa.
Our office is located in Hazleton at 1883 125th St.
Phone: (319)-636-2617
Fax: (319)-636-2624
Email: bccbscheduling@gmail.com
Beginning the evening of May 20, Buchanan County campgrounds and pit latrines will be open to the public. Cabins now may be reserved only for weekend dates beginning May 29.
Shower houses, playgrounds, group picnic shelter use, and the nature center remain closed.
Check this website frequently for changes in facility use policies, and “like” Fontana Park on Facebook. The Conservation Board appreciates the public’s adherence to social distancing and efforts to keep parks and facilities clean and safe. Enjoy!