Silver Creek Wildlife Area


The Silver Creek Wildlife Area is located 6 miles west of Ryan in Section 18 of Adams Township (T87N-R6W) Delaware County, Iowa. This 72-acre complex was purchased in 1993, making it the first public owned property in the southwest portion of Delaware County. Acquisition of this property was made possible with the help of the following partners:

  • Delaware County Pheasants Forever
  • Iowa DNR-Wildlife Habitat Stamp Funds
  • Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
  • Delaware County Conservation

Silver Creek, the source of the areas name, meanders through the northwest corner of the property. This small tributary to the larger Buffalo Creek adds a great deal of diversity to the area.

Habitat improvements were made in 1995 with Delaware County Pheasants Forever planting 16-acres to native grasses and 8-acres to seedling trees and shrubs for wildlife.

In 1997 Delaware County Conservation initiated construction of an 8-acre wetland/pond. Cooperating partners:

  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Delaware County Pheasants Forever
  • Ducks Unlimited•
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • Iowa DNR

all made this project possible. This wetland provides diversity for waterfowl and other wildlife. The wetland also filters nutrients from surface runoff and tile water before it reaches Buffalo Creek.

Silver Creek Wildlife Area contains a diversity of wildlife habitat types including 48-acres of upland and bottomland timber, 16-acres of native grasses and 8-acres of wetland habitat. This benefits white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, furbearers, small game and non-game wildlife.



Location

1024  300th St

Ryan, IA



Features

The natural area amenities include:

  • Hiking Trails
  • Hunting and Trapping
  • Wildlife Observation


Operating Hours & Seasons

The natural area is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Closures

All parks and natural areas remain open all year. However, facilities are closed to vehicle traffic and allow only walk-in access during the late fall and winter season. Parks with campground are usually open from mid-April through mid-October.