Warren County Conservation Board

05/29/2026

Not a great way to start a Friday. We unfortunately had some vandalism along the Summerset Trail this week. This is going to set our staff back on current projects so this can be taken care of.

This is not a cheap or quick fix. If you have any information regarding the removal of part of this bridge, please contact our office at 515-961-6169.

05/28/2026

Rumor has it that the construction crews on the Great Western Trail drank extra espresso ☕this month! They are crusing right along giving the Great Western Trail a much needed facelift.

The section from the Martensdale trail head to 30th Ave has officially been torn up for resurfacing. Saying goodbye to the bumps, cracks, and uneven pavement. Making way for fresh concrete to be poured soon!

Stay tuned for completiong updates! Whats your mode of transportation 🏃🚶🏼‍♀️🚵‍♀️to try out the new surface once complete! Let us know below!👇

05/27/2026

A good reminder from our friends over at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources .

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.

05/22/2026

And now a word from our Park Super.....Tyler!

We're tearing up the dirt at the to plant some sunflowers. Right now it looks like alot of overturned dirt but in a few short months this spot will be a sea of vibrant yellow sunflowers! We're prepping the soil today to create a double-duty paradise:
📷a picture perfect spot for you and your family
🐝🦋A vital sanctuary and food source for our local pollinators
Do you have a favorite sunflower photo! Show us your best shot in the comments below. 👇

05/19/2026

🐍☀️ Boo, the fox snake’s day out!

Boo is a busy snake, just take a look at her “to-do list.” After doing a great job helping the naturalists teach about snakes, Boo was able to take a much-needed break by exploring! Enjoy these photos of Boo at the park. 🌿🍃

Spending time exploring different textures, scents, and environments is a form of enrichment for Boo. Enrichment helps keep animals mentally and physically active by encouraging natural behaviors like exploring, climbing, and investigating their surroundings. 🪵👃🐍

Boo seemed to enjoy her sunny adventure! ☀️💚

05/19/2026

Everyone's coming out to check for trail damage! Staff spotted this beautiful Barred Owl along the Summerset trail this morning while checking for downed trees after last night's storm. 😍

05/18/2026

🩺 Last week, we received several calls about injured and distressed wildlife. Both animals were taken in by Melinda with Ahimsa Wildlife Medicine and Rehabilitation. We trust Melinda to always do what’s best for each animal and are grateful for the care and compassion she provides. 💚🐾

The hawk pictured had injuries that were unfortunately too severe, and she was humanely euthanized due to the extent of those injuries. The opossum was taken in alongside approximately 15 others currently in care. 🍼

If you find an injured or distressed animal, contact Ahimsa Wildlife Medicine and Rehabilitation. 🐿️🦦🦨

🙏 THANK YOU to the people who found and called about these animals.

📱 For progress updates, check out the Ahimsa page!

05/16/2026

📣And now a word from Park Superintendent Tyler! Staff are teaming up with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to prep the Lester Pond for . Check out our website for more information and registration for Kids Fish Day!

05/15/2026

🚧The news you've all been waiting for! 🚧

The Great Western Trail will be getting another facelift starting Monday May 18, 2026.

The Plan:
- Crews will be starting on the corner of Hamilton Street and 30th Ave, working their way south to Main Street in Churchville.
- Once that section is complete they will move to the 30th Ave. gravel crossing and work back to the trail head in Martensdale.

⏰Construction is expected to last approximately 45 days, though this is weather-dependent.

🚫Please do not access the the trail where closed signs are posted for your safety as well as the crews.

05/14/2026

Hootin’ Hannah had a great morning teaching about bats🦇 and snakes with special guest the fox snake, Boo🐍