Buchanan County Conservation
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!
Thanks,Conservation Staff
Fontana Interpretive Nature Center & Exhibits will be CLOSED
as a precaution against the spread of the Covid 19 virus
for the health and safety of our staff and visitors.
For answers to other urgent questions, call 319-636-2617.
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
Iron Bridge Access Update Information
Dan Cohen, Executive Director
Buchanan County Conservation Board
319-636-2617
Major changes are taking place at the Iron Bridge Access on the Wapsipinicon River between Independence and Quasqueton, making this key recreation area a state-recognized gateway to the Wapsipinicon River.
Updated : 4/29/20
As the weather warms this weekend, some of us will be heading out for some social distance getaways. Those visiting the Iron Bridge Access will see some improvements underway.
The Iron Bridge Access between Independence and Quasqueton is undergoing a major renovation upgrade. The accessis now open for use. The accompanying photos show the new parking area on the east side of Nolen Ave., a new restroom planned to open as soon as possible, and some of the recently completed sidewalk and parking lot paving. The full project should be completed later this spring and provide improved ramps, parking, lighting, restroom, paved trails, and more. Funding for the project has come from several grants. For more information, visit: www.buchanancountyparks.com.
A new restroom was installed on April 9. Park facilities are waiting to open once Covid-19 policies allow.
A portion of the trail was paved in early April. 
Boat ramp is finsihed and is ready for use!
Please be advised that, as per the recent Governor's Proclamation for Covid-19 Region 6, groups visiting parks and natural areas are limited to members of their immediate household - regardless of group size. All indoor facilities, campgrounds, playgrounds, and restrooms remain closed.
For more information about the Iron Bridge Access Project click here.
View from new bridge of old access.
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!