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Departments | Conservation | Environmental Education

Environmental Education

The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board employs a Natural Resource Manager - Environmental Education to provide environmental education assistance and programming to schools, youth groups, and adults. Public interpretive and environmental programs are offered several times a month. Programs on a variety of outdoor/conservation related topics are also available to civic groups, elderly, physically challenged, mentally challenged, and other special interest groups. The Lime Creek Nature Center also provides many environmental education opportunities. If you have questions, suggestions, comments or want more information on environmental education programs, please contact our office at (641)423-5309.

Lime Creek Nature Center - 3501 Lime Creek Rd., Mason City, IA 50401

The Lime Creek Nature Center opened in 1984 as a conservation education facility serving North Iowa. It was funded exclusively by donations from private citizens, businesses, organizations, and foundations.

Nestled atop the limestone bluffs of the Lime Creek Conservation Area, this unique building was designed to fit the natural environment and to make use of energy conservation concepts.

Inside the building there are mounted animals, live animals, hands-on materials, an auditorium, various natural resource displays, a natural resource library (with periodicals and books) and CGCCB staff offices. Outside the building you'll find a picnic area, an outdoor amphitheatre, and an observation deck.

The surrounding Lime Creek Conservation Area provides over eight miles of trails on 450 acres of mixed species floodplain forest, old fields, and restored prairies. Hikers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts all enjoy using the trails.

Cerro Gordo County Conservation Office