Water's Edge Nature Center

06/02/2026

It’s that time of year! First river float of the season.

05/30/2026

What a great way to start the summer!!

05/27/2026

Turtles are on the move right now, and they're STUBBORN. That's because they're out looking for a place to lay eggs (sometimes in gravel near the road, unfortunately). 🐢 🚧

Give them a hand during World Turtle Week (and beyond) without making them grumpier 👇

If you see a turtle trying to cross the road and it's safe for you to do so:
Pick up the turtle with both hands (with gloves if you have them) by the shell, and from behind. Do NOT pick up a turtle by its tail! (It can cause spinal damage.)

For snapping turtles, you may want to just encourage it across the road rather than picking it up. If you do pick it up, grab the snapper by its back legs with its head facing AWAY from your body. ***Trust us on the "away from your body" part.***

Always move the turtle in the direction it was already moving. Otherwise, it will just try to cross again after you leave. We said they're stubborn, remember? Do not take the turtle to a different location, and especially not home with you. They don't need to be rescued, just a crossing guard. 🐢🚸

If the turtle is sitting in gravel, leave it be, as it's likely nesting.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a turtle.

05/27/2026

Hi. I'm a fawn. ‍👋 Mom left me here while she went on a grocery run. It's cool, I have these neat spots that help me blend in with the forest floor and hide until she's back. Really!

If you see wildlife babies on their own, let them be - their parents know best, and most wildlife leave nests or dens well in advance of being able to care for themselves.

In the case of fawns, they don't move around much the first few weeks, which keeps them from spreading their scent. This hiding strategy is a fawn's best chance of survival until it's old enough to follow Mama Doe around. (Don't worry, she comes back to nurse her baby when you're not looking.)

Although broods or litters of wildlife babies may become widely scattered as young leaves the nest or den, little ones still remain under the direct care and feeding of their parents.

Remember, taking in wildlife is not only illegal, but it often dooms the creature you're trying to save. If you know for certain that a wildlife parent has died, contact a licensed wildlife rehabber and wait for any instructions before handling wildlife: iowadnr.gov/WildlifeRehab

Photo: Eric Burson

05/22/2026

And that’s a wrap! Final field trip of the school year. Thanks North Union Fenton 2nd grade!

05/20/2026

SPRAYER FOR SALE
The Conservation Board is selling at new 25 gallon Ag Smart ATV sprayer with accessories. The sprayer package includes 25 gallon tank, Pentair Shurflo pump, hose, hand wand, broadcast sprayer bar and mounting brackets. The unit is located at the maintenance shed at Smith Lake. Please call Ryan at 641-919-8926 to make an appointment to view. This item will be sold via sealed bid. Bids may be dropped off that the nature center or sent to KCCB, 1010 250th Street, Algona IA 50511. Deadline to receive bids is 12 p.m. (noon) on Monday, June 8, 2025. Bids will be opened at the monthly meeting on June 8 at 5:30 p.m. The Conservation Board reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Iowa Code Chapter 455B.307A: Prohibits discarding solid waste (including human waste and wastewater) onto any land or water in the state.

05/15/2026

Love when I get to spend a sunny day at the Quarry! Thanks NU Swea City 2nd grade.

05/14/2026

Best day of fishing ever! Thanks Garrigan 7th grade.