Story County Conservation

10/25/2026

“I am the Lorax and I speak for Story County Conservation! Follow me as I bop around to some of our local parks to see more of what our great county has to offer!”

After several weekends of Halloween fun in the campgrounds lately, now it’s time for some Halloween fun in our other parks! Follow along for the fun.

10/23/2026

Last weekend, Dakins Lake transformed into quite the "Haunted Campground"! Thanks to everyone who camped, dressed up, and brought their family to enjoy the fun.

This weekend's forecast shows even more great camping weather! As of 1 PM Friday, 12 RV sites remain vacant. They are first come, first served.

As a reminder, the camping season ends October 31 (must leave on Nov. 1) and reservations for 2027 begin on November 1.

📍Dakins Lake, Zearing, IA
🔗Learn more on MyCountyParks.

10/22/2026

It's the perfect weather for an afternoon walk around the lake! Time to soak up all these fall colors before they're gone 😌

10/22/2026

Have you visited Dakins Lake recently and spotted a bird you weren't able to easily ID? Perhaps it is on the list of recent sightings from the Big Bluestem Audubon Society!

10/22/2026

‼NOTICE - Trail closure / detour at Hickory Grove Park

The trail bridge between Oriole Ridge Lodge and Pelican Point (north of lake) is closed until further notice for a bridge replacement. Staff are working to remove the old bridge and will soon begin constructing a new one. Closure signs have been posted and there is a detour around the closed area onto the roadway.

We know you're itching to visit the park while the weather is gorgeous yet this fall! As always, we appreciate your patience and cooperation while our team carries out yet another park improvement. Happy fall, y'all! 🍂

See pic in comments for map location.

10/22/2026

THANK YOU - Members of the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis recently volunteered alongside our staff in constructing a new pergola along the Touch-A-Life Trail at McFarland Park. The existing pergola was built in 2015, also with help from the Kiwanis (see pic #3), and was really beginning to show its age.

Not only did they provide volunteer support, but their chapter also made a generous $1,000 donation toward this project! It's the incredible support like this from our community that allows more and more projects to happen in our parks and natural areas.

Want to get your business or organization involved through donated services, financial support, or a volunteer workday? Contact Madi Nolte at [email protected].

10/20/2026

A big thanks to the Story County, Iowa "Go Green Team," and especially our naturalist Bekah Beall, for working hard at planning and putting on its 2nd annual Electronics Recycling Drive!

If you missed this one, be sure to follow us and/or Story County, as well as signing up to receive our regular upcoming event emails, to ensure you hear about any plans for next year's event.

10/20/2026

We still have a few spots left - but hurry, registration ends tomorrow! This is one of our biggest events of the year, and is great for all ages and experience levels!

Explore Halloween Hides & Creepy Caches with Story County Conservation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23! 🎃

Combining the thrill of geocaching with the spirit of the season, this special nighttime adventure invites families and friends to explore the origins of Halloween while learning how to use a GPS unit to navigate the park!

10/19/2026

👀Here's an October 2 bird's-eye view of a wetland in action, showing just how much space it provides for water - at Prairie Valley Preserve, near Gilbert.

As you probably know, September brought near-record rainfall to Iowa, putting the landscape’s ability to handle excess water to the test.

During typical conditions, water is pumped in from nearby drainage ditches so the wetland can filter nitrates before entering Ioway Creek. During heavy rainfall, water from the creek flows into the wetland, providing temporary floodwater storage. By slowing water’s movement through the landscape, wetlands help reduce peak flows and flooding impacts downstream. Plus, wildlife love them!

Prairie Valley is just part of the bigger picture. With funds from the Story County Water & Land Legacy Bond, oxbow restorations at Wicks Wildlife Area and Carroll Prairie are already similarly increasing floodwater storage and filtering out pollutants. Future land acquisitions along the South Skunk River will create even more opportunities to protect floodplains, improve water quality, and provide valuable wildlife habitat.

📸Rick Dietz, Volunteer