Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Center

Web Site:

Wapsi Environmental Center

Managing Organization:

Scott County Conservation Board

Contact Person:

Dave Murcia, Director/Naturalist

Phone Number:

563-328-3286

Email:

wapsicenter@scottcountyiowa.com

Site Amenities and Recreation Opportunities:

Visitor center, Hiking Trails, Canoe/kayak access to the Wapsi River, Fishing, Picnicking, Rental Facilities, Rustic cabin, Shooting range, Campsites for Boy Scouts, Teams Course, Osprey Aquatic Lab, Outdoor Amphitheater

Hours:

Eagle View Eco Center is open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Special Closings and Special Events:

• June 18 ~ Where Buffalo Roamed @ Wapsi River Center ~ 10 a.m.
• July 2 ~ Wild Edibles @ Wapsi River Center ~ 11 a.m.
• July 2 ~ Woodland Terrariums ~ 1 p.m.
• July 16 ~ Watershed Festival @ Freight House Farmers Market ~ 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• July 22 ~ Flower Preservation @ Wapsi River Center ~ 11 a.m.
• July 22 ~ Paper Making @ Wapsi River Center ~ 1 p.m.

Natural Site Characteristics:

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 including 8 distinct plant communities. These communities are rich in plant and animal diversity. There are 161 bird species, 25 mammal species, 17 reptile and amphibian species, and over 300 plant species that have been identified. Ten plants and 9 animals on the Iowa threatened and endangered species list have been identified. During the winter, up to 28 eagles have been observed on a night roost within 200 feet of the Eagle View Eco Center. This roost provides a unique opportunity for interpretive programs.

Site Acreage:

225 acres

Programming and Infrastructure Needs:

If interested in volunteering, please consider becoming a member of the Friends of the Wapsi Center.