Des Moines

The 56 acre Kevin J. Gahn Memorial Recreation Area rests directly behind Des Moines County Conservation's main office. Having previously been part of the county home facility, it was transferred to the department for management in 1993 and named in honor of Kevin Gahn, a board member tragically killed in an auto accident the year before. The site features open fields, woodlands, and a one acre pond.

Currently, the property is managed as a natural resource area and is not open to public access except during DMCC sponsored events. Organized groups such as Boy/Girl Scout Troops and youth groups are given the opportunity to use the area for programs upon request. Contact DMCC's Main Office for more information on group reservations.

From 1995 to 2011, a four acre area surrounding the pond was used as a captive trumpeter swan enclosure, part of DMCC's participation in the Iowa DNR's statewide trumpeter swan reintroduction efforts. When the state's swan restoration goals were met in 2010, DMCC discontinued its swan program, leaving the property sitting idle.

Location

Take Mt. Pleasant St. west to Washington Rd. Turn north on Washington Rd., then north on Landfill Rd. just past DMCC's main office. The entrance to the property will be on the right, about halfway to the landfill.

Features

• 56 Acre Wildlife Refuge
• Open only by request