Willow Lake Nature Center

08/31/2026

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our dear friend and longtime conservation supporter, Dean McIntosh.

Dean dedicated 25 years of service to the Harrison County Conservation Board, generously giving his time, knowledge, and passion for conservation and our community. His dedication made a lasting impact, but it was his kindness and thoughtfulness that made him especially dear to those who knew him.

Dean had a wonderful way of making people feel cared for. He would often bring us freshly picked sweet corn or homemade zucchini bread made by Pam. Those simple, thoughtful gestures and the friendship behind them are memories we will always cherish.

Dean will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow conservation supporters, and our entire community. We are incredibly grateful for the many years of service, friendship, and memories he shared with us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to conservation live on for generations to come.

08/28/2026

The Harrison County Conservation Board is excited to welcome Madi Whalen, our new Naturalist, to the HCCB team!

Hello! I’m Madi Whalen, the new Naturalist for HCCB!

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and recently graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science, along with a minor in Philosophy.

During my time in college, I had the opportunity to assist with research and conservation in a variety of areas, including bats, prairies, prescribed fire, and so much more! This summer, I worked as an Anna Beal Conservation Intern for The Nature Conservancy, where I gained even more experience in conserving Iowa’s unique ecosystems.

I’m passionate about protecting our natural resources and sharing the joy of nature with others. When I’m not working, I enjoy making art, staying active, and, of course, spending time outdoors!

I’m so excited to be joining the Harrison County Conservation team and look forward to meeting all of you. I hope to see you at one of our parks soon!

Please join us in giving Madi a warm WELCOME TO HCCB! We’re excited to have her on the team!

08/26/2026

Join us for our next Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest, at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook!
Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:30-8:00pm
1634 County Road F20
Little Sioux, IA 51545

Join us for our next Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest, at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook!

Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:30-8:00pm
1634 County Road F20
Little Sioux, IA 51545

No experience necessary, but prepare for a short hike on rugged terrain.
Meet in the parking lot at 6:30pm.

Thank you to Harrison County Conservation Board for partnering on this seed harvest!

Details at goldenhillsrcd.org/prairieseed

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

CABIN CANCELLATIONS!
We now have cabins available for two popular fall weekends at Willow Lake!
September 25–26 – Applefest
October 9–10 – Creepy Campground
If you've been hoping to stay in a cabin for either of these weekends, now is your chance! These cabins may not be available for long.

Reservations can be made through My County Parks:
https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Harrison/Facility/Search
Come enjoy a fall weekend at Willow Lake!

08/18/2026

Getting ready for hunting seasons to start? Join the Harrison County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for a hands-on Hunter Education field day!

Register here: https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=3958

08/17/2026

Join us for our next Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest, at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook!

Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:30-8:00pm
1634 County Road F20
Little Sioux, IA 51545

No experience necessary, but prepare for a short hike on rugged terrain.
Meet in the parking lot at 6:30pm.

Thank you to Harrison County Conservation Board for partnering on this seed harvest!

Details at goldenhillsrcd.org/prairieseed

08/17/2026

The Loess Hills Hiking Guide is now available! Follow the link in the comments to find out how you can get a copy! Limit one per person while supplies last.

08/17/2026

What a great 50th Celebration of Willow Lake!
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! A special thank you to our amazing staff, board members, volunteers, vendors, and supporters. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We are so grateful for everyone who helped make Willow Lake’s 50th Celebration such a wonderful and memorable event. Here’s to 50 years of Willow Lake and many more to come!🎉

08/16/2026

Willow Lake Nature Center will be closed 8/16/2026. We hope everyone has a good weekend.