Conservation

Mission: To preserve and protect natural and cultural resources and to improve community through access to parks, trails, open spaces and recreational and educational opportunities that are managed sustainably for the present and future.

Over 8,000 acres are managed by Linn County Conservation in the form of parks, trails, natural areas, and preserves for all to enjoy! Over 28 areas, 100+ miles of trail, over 300+ campsites, a nature center (Wickiup Hill Learning Center), and so much more! 

Register for conservation education programs and events.

Connect

Sign up for our  eNEWS  group for the latest Linn County Conservation news, including our latest programs at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center

COVID-19 announcement 

The Wickiup Hill Learning Center is closed until further notice due to the surge in positive COVID-19 cases locally and nationally. 

Linn County Conservation can be reached by email or phone:

          conservation@linncounty.org

          319-892-6485 (Wickiup Hill Learning Center)

          319-892-6450 (Conservation Headquarters)

Outdoor events, with limited participants, will be held as scheduled, dependent on the weather. 

Register for public programs and events

Lodge rentals/reservations are cancelled through January 31. More information can be found below.

Linn County Conservation announces facility closings

Derecho Update

Salvage Harvest

Linn County Conservation is continuing efforts to remove the devastation from areas impacted from this storm, while taking steps to replenish the woodlands. 

Removing the Devastation: Reclaiming our Woodlands (video) salvage harvest video

Learn more about our ongoing sustainability efforts:

Why a Salvage Log Harvest? (PDF)

Salvage Log sale bid information can be found on the Natural Resource and Land Management tab 

Morgan Creek Park, Wanatee Park,  and Wickiup Hill Learning Center outdoor areas have mostly reopened following the august derecho. However, some select trails and park sections may be closed for safety reasons and/or for ongoing debris removal. Please observe signage and gate closures where applicable. Several natural areas and trails may also have areas of debris, but are available for public use.

Campground host opening

Flying Squirrel Campground at Pinicon Ridge Park has a campground host opening (volunteer position) for 2021. Free camping is provided at a designated site between the months of April and October in exchange for light duties and customer service. (Position to be filled in February).

campground host description and application 

Cross-Country Ski Trails:

(This content is updated when there is new trail maintenance information.)

1/5 update: Matsell Bridge Natural Area - groomed

1/11 update: Morgan Creek Park - regroomed (route detoured due to wetland construction this winter. Please follow signage.)

1/5 update: Wanatee Park - groomed

1/5 update: Wickiup Hill Learning Center (prairie only) - groomed 

(There are no longer cross-country ski trails at Pinicon Ridge Park)


Matsell Bridge Shooting Range information

  1. Linn County Conservation unveils 2020 Annual Report

    Read on...

  2. Linn County Conservation announces facility closings

    Wickiup Hill Learning Center closes, as well as lodge rentals temporarily Read on...

  3. Linn County Conservation renames area Wanatee Park

    Board retires “Squaw Creek Park” name, supports changing creek name. Read on...
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