Shearer Wildlife Area


The Shearer Wildlife Area is located 1.5 miles south of Delhi in Section 28 & 29 of Delhi Township (T88N-R4W), Delaware County, Iowa.

In 1991 Delaware County Conservation was able to acquire 150.0 acres of rolling land as a green belt corridor along the Maquoketa River. The George Shearer family donated funding to assist with the acquisition of this project. Other partners assisting with this project were:

  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund
  • Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)
  • Delaware County Conservation

The 104.0 acres of woodland contains a variety of upland trees.

In 1992 Delaware County Pheasants Forever Chapter assisted County Conservation with planting over 9,000 trees on 13.0 acres for additional wildlife habitat. Pheasants Forever also assisted with planting 5.0 acres to native prairie grasses in 1997.

The south and east portion of this property borders the Retz Wildlife Area forming a 580.0 acre complex for outdoor recreation.



Location

2592  240th Avenue

Delhi, IA



Features

The natural area amenities include:

  • Hiking Trails
  • Hunting and Trapping
  • Wildlife Observation


Operating Hours & Seasons

The natural area is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Closures

All parks and natural areas remain open all year. However, facilities are closed to vehicle traffic and allow only walk-in access during the late fall and winter season. Parks with campground are usually open from mid-April through mid-October.