Monona County Conservation Center & Arboretum

Arboretum and Conservation Center
Arboretum and Conservation Center
Butterfly Garden and Pond
Butterfly Garden

The Arboretum is the site of the Conservation Center and the headquarters for the Monona County Conservation Board which was created in 1960 by the voters of Monona County.  The purpose of the Board is to manage land for public parks, wildlife areas, forest preserves, recreational areas, and historic sites.   The five members of the Conservation Board are appointed by the Board of Supervisors for five-year terms.  Individual members receive no pay for official duties but are reimbursed for actual expenses.  It is the duty of the Conservation Board to set policy and to decide which projects are to be implemented and developed.  A director is hired to be responsible for carrying out these policies and projects. 







The 11-acre area is located at the east edge of Onawa and is the site for many of the environmental education programs offered by the Board.  The Arboretum displays a large variety of trees and shrubs.    There is a butterfly pond/garden area located at the arboretum and an open shelter house.   New Community Planters were constructed in 2009.    

Location

318 E. Iowa Avenue, Onawa, Iowa

Features

The 10 acre site is home to the main office including a meeting area where classes are held and a variety of taxidermy displays. School groups and other organizations are welcome for guided tours by our Naturalist upon request. There is a shop and two buildings for storing equipment, a shelter house and information center. The Arboretum displays a large variety of trees and shrubs.  There is a butterfly pond/garden area located at the arboretum and an open shelter house. New community planters were constructed in 2009.    

Operating Hours & Seasons

Monday - Friday:  7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed on Holidays