Fayette County Conservation

06/02/2026

🐝 Check out what all the buzz is about! The honeybees have arrived at the Nature Center in Elgin! 🐝

A big thank you to Fassbinder Apiaries for providing the honeybee colony for visitors to enjoy and learn from throughout the summer!

Nature Center & Petting Zoo Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. We hope to see you soon! 🐝🌻

🍯 And don't forget to pick up some delicious Fassbinder honey at your local grocery store!

05/22/2026

We’re excited to welcome you back to Gilbertson Nature Center & Petting Zoo this summer, kicking off Memorial Day Weekend!

📅 Opening Day: Saturday, May 23
🕚 Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM | Wednesday–Sunday
⭐️Open May 25 11 AM – 4 PM too!

Come enjoy:
Scenic walking trails
Nature exhibits & ambassador animals
Animals at the petting zoo
Fun for the whole family

We're looking forward to seeing all of you!

The Fayette County Conservation Board is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the county’s natural resources by providing quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and promoting responsible land stewardship for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

05/22/2026

🌿🥾 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Third Thursday Hike at beautiful Echo Valley State Park! It was a great evening exploring the trails, visiting the CCC kiln, and enjoying time outdoors together. We loved seeing both familiar and new faces on the hike!

Mark your calendars now — our next Third Thursday Hike will be at Volga River State Recreation Area on June 18! 🌲🥾

More details coming soon, so stay tuned!

05/18/2026

🌿🥾 Third Thursday Hike, May 21 6:00pm! 🥾🌿

Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned pro, we’d love to have you join us at beautiful Echo Valley State Park!

📍9672 Echo Valley Rd, West Union, IA 52175. Enter on the right toward Otter Creek and park at the bottom of the hill near the small shelter.

We’ll start with a relaxing walk along the Jensen Trail to visit the CCC kiln. You’re welcome to end there, or if you’re feeling up for a bit more of a challenge, we’ll continue on to the Backbone Scenic Trail.

Bring a friend and join us for some time out exploring the trails together!🌿

05/13/2026

05/11/2026

Fayette County Conservation Board Meeting will be held on May 13, 2026 at 6:00pm

05/08/2026

Reminder: UTVs are not allowed on trails in Fayette County Conservation Parks. They are only permitted on roads open to regular vehicle traffic. Thank you!

05/02/2026

🚲♻️ Recycle Your Bicycle – May 11-31! ♻️🚲

May is Bike Month, and Fayette County is excited to bring back the “Recycle Your Bicycle” program!

🗓️ We will be accepting donated bicycles May 11–31

Last year, this amazing effort collected over 200 donated bikes from across Northeast Iowa!

This program is all about:
🌎 Reducing waste
🚲 Giving bikes a second life
🤝 Helping community members exchange bicycles
🌿 Promoting cycling throughout Northeast Iowa

If you have a bike you no longer use, this is a great opportunity to get involved! Drop off by the blue recycling bins on the west side of the old city shop, corner of S. Walnut and Railroad Streets in West Union.

Let’s keep our community rolling forward! 🚴‍♀️💚

05/01/2026

🌿🏕️ Fayette County Campgrounds & Parks Are Open for the Season! 🏕️🌿

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get outside and enjoy all that Fayette County Conservation has to offer! Our campgrounds and parks are officially open for the season, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.

Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a family picnic, a peaceful hike, or just some time to relax in nature, our areas are ready for you to explore. 🌳☀️
✅ Campsites available
✅ Trails open
✅ Playgrounds and picnic areas
✅ Beautiful natural spaces

For campground details, visit our website www.fayettecountyconservation.org or give us a call.

See you soon! 🌼

The Fayette County Conservation Board is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the county’s natural resources by providing quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and promoting responsible land stewardship for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

04/20/2026

Congrats to Isaac Sedlmayr on his 10 year work anniversary with Fayette County Conservation!