1. The Monona Arboretum

This is the site of the Conservation Center and the headquarters for the Monona County Conservation Board. The 11 acre area is located at the east edge of Onawa and is the location for many of the environmental education programs offered by the Board. The Arboretum displays over 300 trees and shrubs representing 75 individual species. In the north field, seven windbreak designs show not only the diversity possible with windbreaks, but also offers shelter for the native prairie grass plot, the nut tree display, a demonstration wildlife habitat acre and a short grass prairie stand. Most of the displays have been marked and the area is open to the public. Group tours area available by request.

2. Huff-Warner Access Area

This 6 acre park is located 2 miles west of Blencoe on the Missouri River. This park is a popular camping spot with a boat ramp into the Missouri River, open shelter house, vault toilets and potable water. Electricity is available at the shelter house and to campers. Camping fees are charged.

3. Decatur Bend Access

Located 3 miles west and 1 mile south of Onawa, this 5 acre park is an excellent waterfowl and eagle viewing site in the early spring and fall. Situated on Middle Decatur Bend Oxbow, the area is popular for fishing, canoeing and primitive camping. Potable water and vault toilets are the only facilities provided. Camping fees are charged.

4. Onawa Materials Yard

Situated on an old Oxbow lake, 5 1/2 miles west of Onawa, this site was once used by the Corps as a material storage area for work done along the Missouri River. The 3 acre site is now used for primitive camping and for waterfowl viewing during the spring and fall migration. Camping fees are charged.

5. Rodney Pits Recreation Area

This complex is actually three separate abandoned gravel pits that are being developed into a recreation and fishing area. Located two miles east of Rodney, the combined 42 acres of water provide good fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Future facilities will include camping pads with electricity, vault toilets, an open shelter house and drinking water. Camping fees are charged.

6. Schoenjahn Wildlife Preserve

The preserve is a greenbelt along the Maple River, just south of Mapleton, adjacent to Hwy 175. The 113 acre area was donated for wildlife management. Hunting is prohibited and there are no facilities for the public.

7. Whiting Woods

This 80 acre tract of dense native timber is located 4 miles southwest of Mapleton. Approximately 10 acres have been developed for picnicking, hiking and nature studies. An open shelter house, drinking water and vault type toilet facilities are available. A 10:30 curfew is enforced for all visitors.

8. Oldham Recreation Area

This 13 acre park is located on a 12 acre lake, 1 1/2 miles northwest of Soldier. A boat ramp, swimming beach with a diving raft, along with some of the best fishing in the County makes this park very popular. Electricity is available to picnickers and campers. Camping fees are charged.

9. Savery Pond

Located approximately 4 miles southeast of Moorhead, this 25 acre park includes a 15 acre pond with 10 acres of land. Good populations of white crappie, bass, bluegill, carp and catfish are available to area anglers. A boat ramp is available, with other improvements planned for the future. Camping fees are charged.

10. Gray's Landing

This 43 acre wildlife management area was once a gravel operation. Located 5 miles south of Mapleton on Hwy 175, the area lies along the Maple River and contains a shallow six acre excavation pond which attracts local fishermen. Upland hunting and fishing are popular, with access to the Maple River for boaters and river walkers soon to be available.

11. Prairie Trail

This linear park is an abandoned railroad right of way that has been smoothed and planted to native short grasses and wildflowers. The two mile trail begins on the west side of the Maple River and follows Hwy 183.

12. Beaver Run

This 65 acre wildlife management area is located along county road L-37. Beaver dams have created a picturesque wetland, bordered on the west by native prairie grasses. The combination of water and cover make this a haven for pheasants and other wildlife. A long walk from the parking area is required for hunters and visitors.

13. Plum Thicket

Situated just west of the overpass between Onawa and Blencoe on Interstate 29 is a four acre wildlife management site that was an abandoned road right of way. The area has been enhanced with wildlife plantings.

14. The Davis Wetland

This marsh lies in the Little Sioux River floodplain just below the Loess Hills one mile north of Turin on the Larpenteur Road. The 54 acre property was planted with native grasses and woody plants to attract wildlife.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

A complete listing of the rules and regulations is posted at the entrance of each park. Here are some rules to help us keep our areas safe, clean and attractive for you.

Camping fees are charged in all areas on a self registration basis. Campers must register immediately.

Kegs are prohibited in all areas.

Build fires only in grills and fire rings.

Please don't litter.

Do not damage, disturb or remove trees, shrubbery, plants or wildlife from county park areas. Firewood cutting is prohibited.

All vehicles, including motorbikes, are restricted to roads and parking areas only. Snowmobiles are prohibited off roadways.

All pets must be on a leash.

Speed limit of 25 miles per hour must be observed.

AREAS MANAGED BY THE IOWA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS

The following tracts of land are managed by the Wildlife Section of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The wildlife biologist responsible for these areas can be reached at 712-423-2426.

A. Loess Hills Wildlife Area

This 3,896 acre property contains some of the best Loess Hills formations and prairie stands found in Iowa. Hiking is allowed throughout the area but trails are limited. Upland timber and prairie habitat provide good populations of deer, quail, squirrel, pheasant and turkey.

B. Blencoe Lake Wildlife Area

This 70 acre tract offers hunters a variety of marsh and dry timber. Access to this area is by river only.

C. Upper Blencoe Bend Wildlife Area

Both marsh and timber habitats exists on this 94 acre site. Visitors will find waterfowl, pheasant and deer. Access is by river only.

D. Louisville Bend Wildlife Area

This 904 acre site has a reputation for good hunting and wildlife viewing.

E. Middle Decatur Bend Wildlife Area

Good deer, pheasant, woodcock and waterfowl hunting is available on this 338 acre area.

F. Upper Decatur Bend Wildlife Area

This area contains 534 acres of marsh and timber. Visitors will find waterfowl, pheasant, deer and rabbit.

G. Blue Lake Wildlife Area

Located adjacent to and west of Lewis & Clark State Park, this 865 acre area is a very popular "drive through" wildlife viewing site in the evenings. Hunting is allowed in the wildlife area but prohibited on state park land.

H. Badger Lake Wildlife Area

This site is an old oxbow lake that provides upland and marsh habitats. The 987 acre is popular for viewing and hunting pheasants and waterfowl.

I. Blackbird/Ivy Island

Visitors will find a variety of upland and marsh loving wildlife species on the 722 acre area. Public access is by river only.

STATE PARKS

There are two State Parks that are managed by the Iowa DNR. The park ranger at Lewis & Clark State Park is also responsible for Preparation Canyon. For more information call 712-423-2829

J. Lewis and Clark State Park

This 176 acre park is situated on a 250 acre "Blue Lake". The park offers hiking trails, swim beach, enclosed lodge and a historical display of the keelboat and other equipment used by the Lewis & Clark party. There are 81 electrical camping sites for visitors. The auto trail through the park and adjoining wildlife management area is a popular evening activity to view the abundant wildlife.

K. Preparation Canyon State Park

Located at the north edge of the Loess Hills Pioneer State Forest, this 344 acre park offers excellent examples of Loess Hills prairie and forest. Eight hike-in camp sites are available for campers. Steeped in local history and nestled in the Loess Hills this area is well worth a visit.

LOESS HILLS PIONEER
STATE FOREST

The Loess Hills Pioneer Forest is the newest forest in the State of Iowa. Located in both Monona and Harrison counties, the four separate tracts will eventually contain 17,000 acres. The land is purchased with REAP funds from willing sellers only. Use of REAP funds insures that the State will pay the property and school taxes on this land. Once purchased, the public can use the property for hunting, fishing, camping, nature studies and sight seeing from the many vistas within the forest. Nature enthusiasts can search the forest hills for wildlife species found only in the Loess Hills. These species include plains pocket mouse, southern bog lemming and great plains skink. Some of the common species often seen include turkey, fox, coyote, pheasant, quail, and deer. The forest also contains a lake which has been restocked with bluegill, bass and catfish. For more information call the area forester at 712-456-2915.

THE PATCH

The shoulder patch displayed on the cover is the symbol and signature of the Monona County Conservation Board. Each of the 99 county conservation boards in Iowa have their own individual patch. In Monona County, this patch is proudly worn on the uniforms of employees, is incorporated into directional signs to county facilities and is displayed within the areas managed by the Conservation Board. The patch serves as a reminder that our mission is to not only to provide outdoor recreation and education, but more importantly, to preserve and use our natural resources wisely. The Board Members and staff truly feel that "the earth does not belong to us, we only borrow it from our grandchildren."

THE LOESS HILLS SCENIC BYWAY

The Loess Hills are a unique geological formation created by wind and water between 14,000 and 24,000 years ago. This narrow band of hills extends from Plymouth County south along Iowa's western border and into the state of Missouri. A scenic byway has been developed to allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful sites of the Loess Hills at their leisure. Signs displaying the symbol below guide visitors along the route. The scenic byway in Monona County is highlighted on the map.