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.

Join us in Mahaska County for REAP assembly!
06/03/2026

Join us in Mahaska County for REAP assembly!

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.

Looking for a way to keep the kiddos outside and entertained this summer? Check out the Summer Birding Program by Iowa Y...
05/19/2026

Looking for a way to keep the kiddos outside and entertained this summer? Check out the Summer Birding Program by Iowa Young Birders!

Edited to add: We have found an amazing volunteer willing to drive (Peggy) the pigeon to Des Moines!❣️We are looking for...
05/15/2026

Edited to add: We have found an amazing volunteer willing to drive (Peggy) the pigeon to Des Moines!❣️

We are looking for a bird loving bestie headed to the Des Moines area tonight to help transfer an injured pigeon to a rehabilitator.

If you are willing to help, please call the nature center at 641-682-3091!

"It's amazing what you've done with such a modest budget. I like that boulder. That is a NICE boulder."- Donkey.... or n...
05/08/2026

"It's amazing what you've done with such a modest budget. I like that boulder. That is a NICE boulder."- Donkey.... or nature enthusiasts when they see a big rock covered in moss.

Did you know moss growing on rocks is not just a pretty furnishing, but it actually thrives on rock surfaces. Moss is a non-vascular plant, meaning it does not have a traditional root system for taking in water and nutrients. Instead, moss takes in water and nutrients directly from the surface. This allows moss to attach to the rock's surface with rhizoids, hairlike structures.

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? ☀🌳The outdoors can do wonderful things for your mental health. Studie...
05/06/2026

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? ☀🌳

The outdoors can do wonderful things for your mental health. Studies have shown that being in a natural environment can help lower stress, improve mood, and support mental clarity. You don't even have to spend hours outdoors to see the benefits. Often times, these results can be seen in a matter of minutes.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there is help available. Call 988 or 641‑682‑8772 for immediate crisis support.

“The Force is not a power you have. It’s not about lifting rocks. It’s the energy between all things, a tension, a balan...
05/04/2026

“The Force is not a power you have. It’s not about lifting rocks. It’s the energy between all things, a tension, a balance, that binds the universe together.” – Luke Skywalker 💫

Happy Star Wars Day! Use the force today to give back to this beautiful planet that we all call home.

We are so excited for summer camps at Wapello County Conservation! There is a little something for every kiddo to enjoy!...
05/02/2026

We are so excited for summer camps at Wapello County Conservation! There is a little something for every kiddo to enjoy! 🌳😎🛶

Summer camps are limited to 15 campers so don't wait to sign up!

For more information and to register today click the link below!
https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Wapello/Events

For questions: [email protected]

Happy May(apple) 1st! Mayapple plants can be found growing in woodland areas early in the spring. These plants grow in l...
05/01/2026

Happy May(apple) 1st!

Mayapple plants can be found growing in woodland areas early in the spring. These plants grow in large colonies and look like small green umbrellas.

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

Website

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