- Montrose, IA
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John H. Clark Wildlife Refuge
Discover John H. Clark Wildlife Refuge in Keokuk
The John H. Clark Wildlife Refuge is a 163-acre natural area along the Des Moines River, offering an excellent setting for walking and wildlife viewing. This serene refuge is ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking a quiet space to connect with the outdoors.
Hunting, fishing, and the use of ATVs/UTVs are not permitted to preserve the area’s ecological integrity.
This land was enrolled in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) with the NRCS prior to its acquisition by Lee County Conservation. The EWPP establishes guidelines to restore, protect, and enhance floodplain functions, conserve wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and reduce the impact of flooding and erosion. As a result, the refuge plays a vital role in supporting natural floodplain processes.
In flood years, much of the refuge has been submerged, underscoring its importance in flood water retention and natural resource conservation.