Connecting people with nature and improving natural resources –

making Story County a great place to live, work, and recreate

Story County Conservation works to provide central Iowa with a variety of outdoor leisure opportunities and quality recreational facilities.  Story County Conservation maintains over 3,500 acres of parks and natural areas within the county.

The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management department assists private landowners in developing and managing wildlife and habitat plantings and maintains vegetation along Story County roads.

The Environmental Education Program works with school districts and day cares to provide classroom programs and outdoor field trips that promote environmental awareness and enjoyment of our natural resources.

Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed on Story County owned public hunting land.  Public Hunting Brochure

For additional information about the services, programs and facilities offered by Story County Conservation, please utilize the following contact information:

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION
56461 180th Street
Ames, IA 50010-9451 
PHONE: (515) 232-2516
FAX: (515)-232-6989

EMAIL: conservation@storycountyiowa.gov
WEBSITE: www.storycountyconservation.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/storycountyconservation

 

Permanent Protection for Deppe Property

A new park is coming soon near Ames and you can be part of it! The Deppe Property, located immediately south of McFarland Park, is a 124-acre tract recently purchased by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. With timber, a small stream, more than 90 acres of open field, this property will complement the neighboring offerings at McFarland Park.

As a wildlife refuge, the Deppe Property will add an increased buffer for species like wild turkey and whitetail deer from development as Ames continues to grow. As permanently protected land, we hope to bring prairie and wetlands back to the landscape to hold soil, clean water, and give home to countless plants and animals... with permanent protection.

We're currently raising funds necessary for the land acquisition before we can open Deppe Family Conservation Area to the public. As of September 2023, we are more than 83% of the way there! Your gift now brings this park closer to completion and closer to opening. Your donation matters today, tomorrow, and every day into the future. Please give to be part of adding this new park to your neighborhood!

Click here to donate now.

 

NatureConnect is SCC's new Service Assistance Program

In need of financial assistance? We encourage you to check out NatureConnect, our service assistance program that provides 75% off the cost of SCC camping, educational programs, and more. Contact us at 515-232-2516 to receive a coupon code. 

Activities in Story County

Enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences and recreational opportunities at our lakes and rivers, parks, trails, prairies, marshes, and woodlands including camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, geocaching, bicycling, fishing, and hunting.

 

A new park is coming soon near Ames and you can be part of it! The Deppe Property, located immediately south of McFarland Park, is a 124-acre tract recently purchased by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. With timber, a small stream, more than 90 acres of open field, this property will complement the neighboring offerings at McFarland Park. As a wildlife refuge, the Deppe Property will add an increased buffer for species like wild turkey and whitetail deer from development as Ames continues to grow. As permanently protected land, we hope to bring prairie and wetlands back to the landscape to hold soil, clean water, and give home to countless plants and animals... with permanent protection. We're currently raising funds necessary for the land acquisition before we can open Deppe Family Conservation Area to the public. As of September 2023, we are more than 83% of the way there! Your gift now brings this park closer to completion and closer to opening. Your donation matters today, tomorrow, and every day into the future. Please give to be part of adding this new park to your neighborhood!

Parks in Story County

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265th Street Bridge Access Story 56091 265th Street
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location
Anderson Canoe Access Story 56743 150th Street
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond Story 57887 290th Street
515-232-2516
CambridgeIA50046 Map Location
Bear Creek Story 16415 Pleasant Valley Road
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
C.J. Shreck Access Story 59627 Highway 210
515-232-2516
CambridgeIA50046 Map Location
Carroll Prairie Story 61250 200th Street
515-232-2516
NevadaIA50201 Map Location
Christiansen Forest Preserve Story 55973 310th Street
515-232-2516
HuxleyIA50124 Map Location
Cooper's Prairie Marsh Story 58249 200th Street
515-232-2516
NevadaIA50201 Map Location
Crooked Bend Story 15997 Pleasant Valley Road
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
Dakins Lake Story 70613 130th Street
515-232-2516
ZearingIA50278 Map Location
Doolittle Prairie Story 14249 560th Avenue
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
E-18 Greenbelt Access Story 56342 130th Street
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
Ed Powell Wildlife Area Story 68328 130th Street
515-232-2516
ZearingIA50278 Map Location
Gladys Leui Preserve Story 27371 670th Avenue
515-232-2516
MaxwellIA50161 Map Location
Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Story Starts at R-38/Linn Street
515-232-2516
SlaterIA50244 Map Location
Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve Story 25401 Country Club Road
515-232-2516
NevadaIA50201 Map Location
Hickory Grove Park Story 67464 250th Street
515-232-2516
ColoIA50056 Map Location
I-35 Prairie Area Story 15233 I-35
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
Jennett Heritage Area Story 62321 280th Street
515-232-2516
NevadaIA50201 Map Location
Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh Story 21163 570th Avenue
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location
Larson Marsh Story 59537 220th Street
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location
Lekwa Access Story 56156 130th Street
515-232-2516
Story CityIA50248 Map Location
Leopold Woods Story 55821 175th Street
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location
McFarland Park Story 56461 180th Street
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location
O'Neil Prairie Story 5384 O’Neil Drive
515-232-2516
AmesIA50010 Map Location