Twin Ponds is a 157 acre area acquired in 1962. Twin Ponds is split by the Wapsipinicon River, forming an East Park and a West Park. A picnic shelter is provided on each side, and primitive camping is allowed. This is also the home of the Twin Ponds Nature Center, a facility opened for public use in 2002.
The Twin Ponds Nature Center is the home of educational displays, large and small animal mounts, and also has a live animal displays including reptiles, amphibians, bees and fish. There are hiking trails through the woodland area and there is a bird blind on the west edge of the west pond. This bird blind overlooks the pond and is great for watching birds such as eagles, a variety of ducks, geese and wading birds such as great blue herons and egrets.The basement of the nature center can also be rented out. The kitchen is also available with the basement. Rates vary and some groups such as educational or conservation groups may be able to use the basement at no charge. This location acts as headquarters for the Chickasaw County Conservation Board and its staff.
This area has a variety of habitat including woodland, prairie and wetland. Wildlife often seen here includes hawks, deer and turkey. Twin Ponds is also home to the smooth green snake as well as a variety of amphibians and reptiles.
Location
1811 240th St., Ionia, Iowa - USA 2 miles south and 3 miles east of Ionia.
Features
Twin Ponds Nature Center was built on the west side in 2002. The Center has meeting space and facilities available for rent. Call 641/394-4714 to reserve.
A new pond has been added north of the nature center. Bluegill, catfish and bass will be stocked in the pond, but will not be large enough for keeping until about 2015. There is parking in the southeast corner of the pond with a boat ramp for access to the pond. This will be an electric motors only pond. Trails and a shelter house will be added in the spring of 2012.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The park areas are open all year. The Twin Ponds Nature Center is open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are not able to visit during these hours, appointments can be made by calling 641-394-4714.
Closures
Holidays & Saturdays
Month of December on Sundays.