Blog
New DCCB Ebike Regulation in Place
New Motorized Transportation Regulation Now in Effect CLARIFICATION: This does not include the paved trail system managed by the Dickinson County Trails Board. This regulation only applies to Conservation Board parks and properties, including Sherwood Forest Park and the paved trails within it (managed by Conservation Board). ————————————————————————————————— The Dickinson…
DCCB Award CAT Grant for Nature Playscape
The Dickinson County Conservation Board (DCCB) has been awarded $387,000 through the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant program to support the development of the new Nature Playscape at Kenue Park in Okoboji. The grant marks another major milestone in the continued effort to create a destination environmental experience focused on nature connection, education, and family…
DCCB Awarded REAP CEP Grant
The Dickinson County Conservation Board (DCCB) has been awarded an $80,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Program (CEP) grant, marking a major step forward in fundraising efforts for the Nature Playscape project. For Fiscal Year 2026, REAP will fund a total of 12 projects totaling $574,377 with DCCB scoring third. The grant…
A New Face at the Regional Collection Center
The Dickinson County Conservation Board is pleased to announce the hiring of Clay Pavelko as the new Regional Collection Center (RCC) Manager. Pavelko transitions into this role after serving as the county’s Natural Resource Technician, where he has helped manage county properties for the past nine years. In this position, Pavelko will oversee operations at the Regional…
DCCB Hires New Roadside Manager
The Dickinson County Conservation Board is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Roadside Manager to lead the county’s Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program. Charles Vigdal, formerly the Regional Collection Center Manager, he will now oversee the IRVM program, which works to manage and maintain native vegetation along…
Leaf Pigments
Leaf Pigments Fall is arguably the best season, especially for the vibrant colors we see in leaves! What causes deciduous leaves to change color? As temperatures drop at night in September and October here in northern Iowa, deciduous trees (trees that lose leaves) decrease the amount of chlorophyll produced in…
Little Foote Forest: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Little Foote Forest: A Nature Lover’s Paradise in Dickinson County, Iowa Nestled in the heart of Dickinson County lies Little Foote Forest, a stunning natural area that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This forest boasts an array of activities that cater to nature…
Prescribed Burning
Prescribed burning is a tool used by land managers to maintain and improve the health of grasslands and other natural areas. In Northwest Iowa, prescribed burning is typically conducted in the spring and fall. Spring burns are typically conducted in March or April when the weather is cooler and there…
Kenue Park: A Hidden Gem in Okoboji
Kenue Park, a 70-acre park, is a hidden gem tucked away in Okoboji, Iowa, located at 22785 Nature Center Road, just a short mile heading west off highway 71. Established in 1986 by the Dickinson County Conservation Board, the park has expanded from its original 40 acres through land acquisitions.…
Creatures & Critters: Bearded Dragon Edition
Meet Steve! Steve is a bearded dragon and is the Nature Center’s newest animal ambassador! Bearded dragons are native to Australia. Therefore, Steve is named after Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife expert and environmentalist. Bearded dragons live in a variety of habitats including deserts and woodlands. The average size of…
Creatures & Critters: Rabbit Edition
Meet Bindi! Bindi is a mini rex rabbit. Mini rex rabbits are domesticated rabbits with a calm and friendly temperament. This means that they are bred to be pets. Mini rex rabbits only grow to be 4.5 pounds and they can be litter trained. Bindi is! The mini rex has…
Creatures & Critters: Snake Edition
Meet Rosie, Courtney, and Olive, the Nature Center’s three snakes! Rosie is a corn snake and Courtney is an albino corn snake. The corn snake is slender with a length of 24 to 72 inches. They are usually orange or brownish-yellow, with large black-edged red blotches down the middle of…