Pioneer Ridge Nature Area - Wapello County Conservation Board

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area - Wapello County Conservation Board The WCCB manages many areas throughout Wapello County, with our main hub being Pioneer Ridge.

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area is the headquarters of and one of the properties managed by the Wapello County Conservation Board. Contact us for information on camping, cabins, events and other nature-related topics.

Are you passionate about natural resources and looking for a way to get involved in your community? Look no further than...
07/27/2026

Are you passionate about natural resources and looking for a way to get involved in your community? Look no further than the Wapello County Conservation Board.

As some of our current members' terms come to a close, we are looking for a couple of conservation-minded individuals to take up their mantles.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Resident of Wapello County
18 years of age or older
Commit to a 4-year term
Commit to monthly board meetings
Have a passion for protecting natural resources
Complete a board member application to be reviewed by the board at their August 25th meeting

Application: https://www.mintchiplab.com/assets/wapello_county/files/conservation/conservation_board_member_application_32949.pdf.

Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to 1339 HWY 63, Bloomfield, IA 52537.

07/17/2026

"What if for one day we all just listened to the music?"

Mark your calendars! In just over six weeks—on Saturday, August 29th—we are joining a massive global celebration of music, community, and connection right here in our backyard.

Grab your favorite lawn chair or a cozy blanket, stretch out on the grass, and enjoy an incredible afternoon of live tunes played straight from the porch of the historic American Gothic House. 🏡🎶

Meet Your 2026 Lineup:
We have a stellar afternoon of local talent ready to soundtrack your Saturday:

Tom Shadonix

Adam Kulmatycki

Days Live Music

Famous BBQ Served the Whole Time:

Sweet ‘n Saucy

📌 The Quick Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: American Gothic House Center

🎟️ Cost: FREE! No reservations required, and we're offering free admission to the Center during the event.

🎭 Note: Our dress-up costumes will be tucked away for the day so we can all focus on the music!

🌦️ Weather Watch: We’re hoping for blue skies, but in case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. Keep your eyes on our page for any day-of updates!

Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt?! WCCB staff found this beautiful painted rock at one of our Wapello County Conservati...
07/17/2026

Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt?!

WCCB staff found this beautiful painted rock at one of our Wapello County Conservation parks! Keep your eyes open while you are out and about. You never know what you might find!

Wapello County Campground Series ☀Join us July 17th from 6PM-7:30PM at the Pond side shelter for the Wapello County Yout...
07/14/2026

Wapello County Campground Series ☀

Join us July 17th from 6PM-7:30PM at the Pond side shelter for the Wapello County Youth Conservation Board's Campfire and Craft! There will be a campfire, smores, and participants will take part in making their own recycled hummingbird feeder!

This event is FREE! No registration required.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

❗Quiz Time❗How many kinds of bats are found worldwide and how many live in Iowa?  Why are bats declining in populations ...
07/14/2026

❗Quiz Time❗
How many kinds of bats are found worldwide and how many live in Iowa? Why are bats declining in populations in Iowa, with two species listed as endangered with another one being considered for listing? What is the estimated economic value of bats in the U.S.? And just how precise is the echolocation (or "sonar") of bats?

The answers to these questions and more await people at this fun and interactive talk on some of the most fascinating animals living in our state. Participants will take part in the “Great Bat Quiz” and then watch and listen to bats as they fly overhead.

Additionally, we will attempt to catch bats using mist nets, and, if we are lucky enough to catch one, you will get the chance to see a bat up close. 🦇

07/13/2026

We know the temperatures have been soaring, but before long, the eagles will be too!

Meet Ottumwa and Pioneer Ridge Nature Area - Wapello County Conservation Board are excited to bring you the Fourth Annual Wapello County Wildlife Weekend happening on January 9, 2027 at Bridge View Center!

Get it on your calendar and stay tuned for event details, special guests, and activity announcements in the coming months!

07/06/2026

The Pioneer Ridge Nature Center will be closed 7/6.

It seems the weekend weather caused some issues with our electrical system. The Pioneer Ridge Nature Center will be closed and the phone lines down until further notice. We will let you know when things are back up and running!

07/03/2026

The Pioneer Ridge Nature Center will be closed today July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. Normal hours will resume Monday July 6th.

06/26/2026

Kids and families! Join us on Tuesday, June 30th, at 10am in Central Park for some conservation education from Pioneer Ridge Nature Area - Wapello County Conservation Board where we will get to learn all about animals who eat seeds!

This FREE program is open to all kids and families, no registration required.

Address

1339 Highway 63
Bloomfield, IA
52537

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16416823091

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