The Cedar River Natural Resource area has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast. In addition to easy access to the Cedar Valley Nature trail, there is a rifle range, trap shooting, boat ramp and 593 acres of public land. The park contains flood plain forest along with diverse prairie plots and open fields The combination of flood plain woodlands, wetlands, as well as lowland prairie provides for a variety of habitats for wildlife species such as waterfowl, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and a variety of songbirds. Upland game birds may be found as well in the lowland prairie located on the northern section of the park.
The park actually has two separate shooting ranges with multiple shooting benches. Ranges of up to 50 to 75 yards are possible within the shooting ranges. Miller Creek meanders through the park as well. The park provides trap shooting with sporting clay stations.
One of the unique features of the park is the Prairie Biofuel Project in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa. The prairie vegetation will be harvested and tested as a source of biofuel. The project is currently underway and will provide additional excellent wildlife habitat for the future once the project is complete. This partnership emphasizes the committment the conservation board has in engaging in energy conservation projects.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Park boundaries may not be clearly marked in all locations within the park so please be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Contact Us:
Black Hawk County Conservation Board
1346 West Airline Hwy
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 433-PARK (7275) Fax: (319) 433-7276
conservation@co.black-hawk.ia.us
Park hours: 6:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m.