Donations

Jasper County Conservation

Jasper County Conservation Educational Nature Center

The Planning Process

In May 2009, the Jasper County Conservation Board began laying the groundwork for what is expected to become the crowning jewel of the county conservation system. The facility, a longtime dream of numerous Conservation Board members dating back 25 years, would serve as a hub for the county conservation department and create a destination point for visitors, students, local groups and civic organizations.

Jasper County Conservation Board members and staff conducted thorough research before coming forward with a plan. Board members hired consultant Jim Pease to help determine the needs and goals for this project and then investigated several sites around the county for the location of the Nature Center. Finally, it was determined that the nature center’s location should be at the old county care facility park, located east of the Iowa Speedway on the north side of Liberty Avenue. The property, just off of Interstate 80 and centrally located within the county, holds many natural amenities that have been deemed necessities for this project, including native timber, a pond, an unplowed pasture/possible native prairie area, and a spot for an additional pond. In addition, the land is consistent with Jasper County Conservation Board values: take neglected land, and restore its natural conservation value. The 40-acre parcel of land is being generously donated to the Conservation Board by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.

The Site Plan

The 40-acre site plan includes two ponds, a sculpture walk, a community garden, a natural playscape, a wetland exploration area, a natural amphitheater, shelter house, a soft trail system, prairie restoration, and group camp area.

The Sustainable Design

The Environmental Education Center is being designed by architect Jamie Malloy of Studio Melee, and will be a state-of-the-art facility that will offer research, education and family uses. The building is approximately 7,200 square feet and will feature flexible spaces for display areas, a laboratory, classrooms, storage, kitchen, outdoor viewing platform and offices. It will also serve as a community venue capable of holding events for as many as 400 people.

Not Just a Building!

The facility itself will serve as an educational tool by demonstrating environmentally sustainable construction and operational practices that will reduce our carbon footprint and teach about the impact of green energy on climate change. The 40 Acre Site Plan for the area includes the construction of 2 ponds, a handicapped accessible paved sculpture walk, community gardens, natural playscape, wetland exploration and education area, amphitheater for outdoor education programming, shelter house, soft trail system, group camp area for scouts and other youth groups, and a prairie restoration.

Environmentally Sustainable Construction & Operational Practices

The building has been designed with green energy in mind, and with the installation of a photovoltaic array that could generate enough energy to essentially operate “off the grid”. Building mechanical, plumbing, and lighting systems will be extremely efficient and construction materials will be durable, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly. Local products will be utilized to the greatest extent possible.

Donate Now

Caring for Conservation Classic Sponsorship

Support Jasper County Conservation as we raise funds for the classroom components of the environmental education center with this 4-person best shot scramble at Westwood Golf Course on May 31,2025. A four-person team is $360.00 - includes 18 holes, cart, lunch and two drink tickets. The components include both the upstairs and downstairs classroom tables, chairs, projectors, white boards, laptops, microscopes, iPads, Native Iowa display furs, and aquariums. These classroom components will advance Jasper County Conservation’s ability to reach more people through programing, education and events. The Environmental Education Center is not simply a building, but will create an extraordinary location for agricultural research, community gatherings and family enjoyment. The building has been designed with green energy in mind, with the installation of a photovoltaic array. Building mechanical, plumbing, and lighting systems will be extremely efficient and construction materials will be durable, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly.

Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact Jade Read at jread@jasperia.org or mail your sponsorship with your business information to Jasper County Conservation Attn: Jade Read 1030 W 2nd St S Newton, IA 50208. Please email company/business logo to jread@jasperia.org.

Monarch $150- Shared Green Sign, 2 Extra Drink Tickets, Small Logo on Promotions

White Tail $300- Individual Green Sign, 4 Extra Drink Tickets, Medium Logo on All Promotions, Recognition in Tournament

Bald Eagle $1000- Main Sponsor, Large Banner with Logo, 1 Night Stay @ Coneflower Cottage or Uhlenhopp Cabin, Main Logo on All Promotions, Recognition in Tournament

Donate Now

Jasper County Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond

Our Mission

To honor the legacy of outdoor mentors who have inspired future generations by establishing a dedicated youth fishing pond. This space will serve as a living sanctuary where young people can discover the joys of fishing, connect with nature, and develop a lifelong appreciation for conservation, outdoor recreation, and mentorship.

Project Vision & Impact
The Outdoor Mentor Legacy Pond will serve as a lasting tribute to the parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, conservationists, and community members who have introduced others to fishing and the outdoors. The project will create a safe, accessible, and engaging environment where children and families can learn, connect, and build memories together.

Youth-Focused Fishing Experience
The pond will be managed and stocked with species well-suited for young anglers, including bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. A high-success fishing experience helps build confidence, fosters outdoor participation, and encourages long-term stewardship of natural resources.

Accessible Outdoor Recreation
Project plans include a stable shoreline, accessible fishing dock, family-friendly seating areas, and shaded gathering spaces. These features will create an inviting environment where youth of all backgrounds can experience the outdoors and learn the fundamentals of fishing.

Preserving a Legacy of Mentorship
More than a fishing destination, the pond will celebrate the lasting influence of outdoor mentors whose guidance, knowledge, and passion continue to shape future generations. Every fishing trip, lesson, and shared experience at the pond will help carry their legacy forward.

How You Can Help
To bring this vision to life, we are seeking support from individuals, local businesses, conservation organizations, and community partners who share a passion for youth outdoor education and conservation.
Contributions will directly support:
• Construction of a 12' x 24' fishing dock ($8500)
• Pellet fish feeder ($1500)
• Supplemental stocking of hybrid bluegill, channel catfish, and pellet-trained largemouth bass ($550)
• Installation of fish habitat structures to improve fishing success and habitat diversity ($500)
• Development of accessible shoreline and family-friendly gathering areas ($1200)

Total: $12,250

Lasting Community Impact

Every contribution helps create opportunities for young people to experience the outdoors, learn from others, and build memories that can inspire a lifelong connection to fishing, conservation, and responsible stewardship of natural resources. This project honors the enduring impact of outdoor mentors by ensuring their passion continues to influence future generations.