Baldwin Marsh
This 67-acre area includes a wetland, native prairie, and restored prairie, providing excellent habitat for waterfowl and upland birds. The wetland is one of the best examples of an upland marsh once very common in Iowa. Come and take a hike through this unique and beautiful area; watch the migrating waterfowl, discover the colorful wildflowers, and understand the importance of prairie and wetland habitats.
Location
Baldwin Marsh is located 1 mile west of Baldwin on Highway 64 (south side of highway).
Google Map Location
PARK CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jackson County Conservation
18670 63rd Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060
(563) 652-3783
Email
Features
- 30-acre wetland
- Native prairie
- Restored prairie
- Hiking trail (when water levels permit our mower to get around the area)
- Parking lot with area map
- Youth hunting and trapping allowed - youth ages 12-15 have the ability to learn hunting and trapping skills from an adult licensed hunter in a non-pressure setting. No permit required.
Jackson County Conservation acquired the first 15 acres from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 1990. An additional 15 acres was gained in 1999 through a REAP grant and donations from Pheasants Forever. In 2005, Jackson County Conservation entered into a management agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on a 37 acre tract of land immediately west of the existing county owned Baldwin Marsh. This addition brings the entire wetland complex at Baldwin Marsh to 67 acres. Acquired by the Iowa DNR, the property was purchased with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species funds.
The 37-acre acquisition to Baldwin Marsh allows the conservation department to reconstruct the original wetland site. Reconstruction of the former wetland basin was done, which included installing a water control structure, cutting of the field drainage tiles, and shaping the wetland dike. The local Maquoketa Izaak Walton League and the Jackson County Pheasants Forever chapter assisted in funding this habitat work.
With spring rains the wetland will hold water for migrating waterfowl. The remaining upland portion of the new acquisition was seeded to native grasses by the Jackson County Conservation staff in the summer of 2006. The native grass site area provides excellent wildlife habitat for waterfowl and upland birds like pheasants.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Open daily 4:00 A.M. - 10:30 P.M.
