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. Upon entry of the nature center masks are required, if you have one bring it along otherwise they are available upon arrival:
Fontana Nature Center Hours:
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
Improvements to shoreline access at Fontana Park
9/8/20
Today, work began on improvements to the shoreline access below the dam, between the Fontana Park Main Shelter House and Otter Creek. The old series of railroad ties and road rock are being replaced with uniform concrete steps, and more handrails will be installed. A wade-in slab will provide a platform for fishing and to provide access during education programs. Areas on either side of the dam will receive more riprap. This area will be closed all week to visitor use. Funds for this work have been acquired through a FEMA mitigation grant and grant from the Buchanan County Community Foundation. Updates will be provided via Facebook and by visiting the Conservation Board website: www.buchanancountyparks.com
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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.
Click here to view our upcoming programs!
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