Blog
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 recreation in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The grant…
Read MoreDCCB 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 will be used towards educational components within the…
Read MoreA 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 Collection Center, helping continue service for residents…
Read MoreLeaf 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 their leaves. Eventually, production stops…
Read MoreLittle 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 enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike. Stepping…
Read MorePrescribed 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 is still some moisture in…
Read MoreKenue 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. Over the years, the park…
Read MoreCreatures & 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 a fully-grown bearded dragon is…
Read MoreCreatures & 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 a rounded back with short,…
Read MoreCreatures & Critters: Toads Edition
Meet Al and Wally! Al and Wally are the Nature Center’s Great Plains Toads. The great plains toad is covered in red and yellow wart-looking spots that actually contain glands that secrete poison. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt if you touch them! The poisonous milky fluid makes them taste bad to predators, and it is…
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