Dubuque County Conservation Society

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Dubuque, IA
Dubuque County Conservation Society

Preserving and developing plant and wildlife areas and natural scenic spots in the county of Dubuque, Iowa, and its vicinity. https://www.dbqccs.org

The objects and purpose for which the corporation is organized is to do whatever is deemed necessary and proper to the end of preserving and developing plant and wildlife areas and natural scenic spots in the county of Dubuque, Iowa, and its vicinity; to promote conservation of natural resources; and whatever educational programs may be deemed essential to carrying out the objects of the corporati

on; and generally to encourage youth organizations in all interests related to the conservation ideal; to acquire and promote the establishment of forest preserves and to cooperate in the work of establishing park areas; and to promote fish, bird, and animal wildlife conservation.

04/05/2026

🪨 Free Artifact Show – Step Back in Time! 🪨

Looking for something unique to do with the family? Come explore world-class prehistoric artifacts from our region—right here in Dubuque County!

Hawkeye Archaeological Society is bringing together an incredible collection that highlights the rich history beneath our feet.

📍 Where: Dubuque County Fairgrounds
📅 When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: FREE

🌭 Concessions available on site

Bring the family, explore the past, and see artifacts you won’t find anywhere else!

04/03/2026

Spring Has Arrived – Get Outside and Explore! 🌱

As the days get longer and the landscape comes back to life, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the outdoors. Our Spring Newsletter is here, and it’s packed with updates, opportunities, and inspiration for the season ahead!

Spring is one of the best times to experience Iowa’s natural beauty—whether it’s hiking a new trail, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the fresh air.

📬 Check out the full Spring Newsletter here:https://www.dbqccs.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Newsletter-2026-Spring.pdf

👉 Be sure to follow us and stay connected for more updates, spotlights, and ways to enjoy the outdoors all year long!

03/29/2026

🌲 Did You Know? A Hidden 944-Acre Forest is Right Here in Dubuque County 🌲

White Pine Hollow State Park is one of the most unique outdoor destinations in the region—featuring 944 acres of rugged Driftless Area timber.

Located just outside of Luxemburg, this hidden gem offers a completely different landscape than most of Iowa—steep ridges, deep hollows, and a forest that feels like step back into time.

⚠️ But this isn’t for the faint of heart.
This is true backcountry-style terrain—and it’s easy to get turned around if you’re not prepared.

✔️ Bring a GPS
✔️ Download maps before you go
✔️ Pack extra water and supplies

If you're looking for a real adventure—not just a walk in the park—this is it.

📍 Right here in Dubuque County
🌿 Nearly 1,000 acres to explore
🥾 Adventure waiting around every bend

Have you taken on White Pine Hollow yet? 👇

https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-forests/white-pine-hollow-state-forest

03/07/2026

Public Access Property Spotlight – Oxford Junction Wildlife Area 🌿

Welcome back to our Public Access Property Spotlight series, where we highlight incredible outdoor spaces available for everyone to enjoy.

Today’s spotlight is the Oxford Junction Wildlife Area, a 561-acre public property near Oxford Junction, Iowa. This beautiful tract of land offers plenty of room to explore and experience Iowa’s natural landscape.

One of the highlights of this property is that it borders the Wapsipinicon River, adding scenic river views and great wildlife habitat along the water.

Whether you’re visiting for a short walk or planning to spend more time exploring, the area offers a peaceful outdoor escape where you can:

🥾 Take a quiet hike
🦌 Watch for wildlife
🌾 Enjoy prairie and river-bottom scenery

📍 Find it here:
41°58’50.3″N 90°57’04.0″W
🔗 Google Maps

Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss the next Public Access Property Spotlight! 🌿

02/21/2026

Public Access Property Spotlight – Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Management Area 🌿

Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Management Area

📍 Curoe Rd, Bernard, IA 52032
🕒 Just 16 minutes south of Peosta, IA

This incredible 558-acre public property offers a little bit of everything:

🌾 Prairie land
⛰️ Scenic bluffs
🌳 Timber
💧 A large, winding creek

Whether you’re looking for a quick walk to clear your head or an all-day (or multi-day!) adventure exploring diverse terrain, Whitewater Canyon delivers. The variety of landscapes makes every visit feel a little different.

If you haven’t explored this hidden gem just south of Peosta, now’s the time. 🥾

Follow us on Facebook as we continue highlighting special places made accessible for all to enjoy through our Public Access Property Spotlight series!

02/06/2026

🌿 Public Access Property Spotlight – Continuing the Series! 🌿
Welcome back to our Public Access Property Spotlight series! Today we’re featuring the Hale Wildlife Area in Jones County—a true outdoor gem.

🌲 416 acres of public land
🥾 Miles of trails
🐸 6 ponds
🦌 Abundant wildlife

This beautiful property offers plenty of space to explore, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. And there’s even more good news—the Hale Wildlife Area is growing, thanks in part to a $100,000 contribution from the Dubuque County Conservation Society to help expand and protect this special place.

📍 Find it here:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/42%C2%B001'22.9%22N+91%C2%B001'48.1%22W/@42.0230278,-91.0326027,840m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d42.0230278!4d-91.0300278?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIwMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

🗺️ Trail map:
🔗https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/files/conservation/hale_wa_map_96776.pdf

🥾 A great area for a hike—check it out!

👉 Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss future Public Access Property Spotlights!

01/24/2026

Public Access Property Spotlight – Series Kickoff! 🌿

Welcome to the beginning of our Public Access Property Spotlight series—highlighting special places made accessible to you, in part thanks to the support of the Dubuque County Conservation Society.

📍 Today’s spotlight: Leifker Wildlife Area
🌲 95 acres just outside Cascade, Iowa

Nestled along the Maquoketa River, this beautiful 95-acre property is a peaceful slice of nature right in our backyard. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with the outdoors.

🥾 Take some time, come hike around, and enjoy everything Leifker Wildlife Area has to offer!

📌 Find it here:
📍 42°12’23.6″N 91°00’11.1″W
🔗 Google Maps

Stay tuned for more spotlight properties coming soon!

01/18/2026

Huge thank you to Rexco Equipment, Inc. for their incredibly generous rental donation! 🙌. https://www.rexcoequipment.com/farley/

Because of their support, we were able to use their equipment to clear and improve the parking lot on our property South of Cascade. What could have been a long and difficult job was made efficient and successful thanks to their help.

We’re truly grateful for community partners like Rexco Equipment, Inc. who step up and make a real difference. Your generosity did not go unnoticed—thank you for supporting us and our community!

01/17/2026

Local Conservation Group Plays Key Role in Cascade Land Acquisition

You may have already seen the exciting news in the local paper or online — the 116-acre property outside of Cascade, complete with a beautiful fishing lake, has been secured for public enjoyment!

We’re proud to share that the Dubuque County Conservation Society is the LARGEST donor for this project, contributing $100,000 to help make this vision a reality. 🌿🎣

If you’d like to be part of future projects like this, consider joining the DCCS or making a contribution here: https://dubuque-county-conservation-society.square.site/

Together, we can continue protecting land, water, and wildlife for generations to come! 🌳✨

12/28/2025

Check out the 2026 Winter Newsletter

10/12/2025

Check out the 2025 Fall Newsletter!

Address

PO Box 645
Dubuque, IA
52004

Telephone

815-747-7786

Website

https://www.dbqccs.org/

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