Dickinson County is truly a jewel of Iowa. Carved out of some 13,000 year ago by a massive sheet of glacial ice, we have the gift of great natural diversity in landforms and ecosystems. The most obvious and widely appreciated features of our county are the many beautiful lakes that attract a hundred thousand visitors each year. The population of our county is growing. Such growth is not without a price. With increased population brings with it pressures that threaten the very natural systems which have attracted people to this area. Maintaining the integrity of our natural areas and insuring viable and sustainable clean water, air, and soil is a major concern. It was apparent that, awareness through education and interpretation of our natural and cultural resources was needed in order for the public to understand, appreciate and respect these treasures. So, in 1995, Dickinson County Conservation Board hired its first Naturalist Richard Leopold.

As the naturalist program developed, it became evident that some of the things necessary to operate effectively for conservation and environmental education did not fit well "inside the box" of county government. These awkward aspects slowly developed into actual reasons for a non-profit foundation. Through a non-profit foundation, the Naturalists would have more flexibility and could expand educational activities financially. Monies generated by the Naturalists through bus trips, financial gifts received from individuals, organizations and businesses could be kept (instead of going into the county's general fund) and used to further the efforts of environmental education, preservation, restoration, and conservation in Dickinson County.

With these reasons, the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County (or CFDC) was established in 1997. Since its humble beginnings, this non-profit organization has been gaining momentum. One of the foundation's long term goals is to have a Nature Center here in Dickinson County, and our dream is almost a reality.

Interested in joining us? please donate or become a member.

Listed below are some of the Conservation Foundation's accomplishments.

• The relocation and establishment of the Westport Schoolhouse at Kenue Park. The unique experience of a one-room schoolhouse along with a historical program is available to the public during the summer months and for school group outings.

• The Foundation has also co-sponsored Naturalist Internship with Friends of Iowa Lakeside Lab under the supervision of the County Naturalist during the school year. This intern organized Middle School Ecological Field Days at Iowa Lakeside Lab for Emmet, Clay, and Dickinson Counties and develops and presents programs at local schools.

• Naturalist-guided bus tours are funded by the foundation. These educational bus tours include the Hawk Watch Tour, the Henry Doorly Zoo Tour, the Black Hills Tour, and the Sandhill Crane Tour and are available to the public to enhance and promote environmental awareness through memorable experiences.

• Purchased thirty pairs of snowshoes to increase the naturalist's recreational and educational programs during the winter.

• Partnered with Lakes Art Center and created an award category in the Dickinson County All School Art Show based on using recycled materials.

• Sponsored and help develop the "Northern Iowa Prairie Lakes Area Birding" map brochure with other counties and Northern Iowa Prairie Lakes Audubon Society.

• Help fund the moving the former Back Porch restaurant building from its previous location to Kenue Park and constructed the footings for the foundation and basement level.

• Instrumental in obtaining 15.7 acres of county owned land at Kenue Park for the placement of the Back Porch building, the future Dickinson County Nature Center.

• Provide funding and support for the annual "Earth Day Environmental Learning Fair" and Earth Day Celebration.

• Donated to North American Wetlands Conservation Act project.

• Support IOW A TER monitoring project for Dickinson County.

• Is a member of the Iowa Environmental Council.

• Put on family oriented events such as the "Fall Family Frolic" in October and the "Winter Wonders Soup Fest" during U of O Winter Games in January.

• Provided funding match for the start of the Silver Lake Protective Association.

• The Foundation is fundraising for the Nature Center, Butterfly House, and Osprey Hacking Project.

• Donated funds to the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council for employing personnel to monitor our lakes for Aquatic Invasive species.

• Provide a funding source for the Naturalist Intern for Environmental Education workshops.

• Donated to the Angler's Bay "Save the Bullrushes" project.

• Purchased dissecting scopes for the Nature Center.

• Funding source for the Young Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms at Kenue Park.

• Created new annual "Green Wave Festival" Event promoting "Green Living" education and practices for residents and tourists.

• Provide funding for a Fundraiser for the Dickinson County Nature Center.