PIONEER RIDGE NATURE AREA
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General Description: Located just north of the Davis and Wapello County line on Highway 63, Pioneer Ridge Nature Area is the headquarters for Wapello County Conservation Board. The topography is rolling with the primary vegetation type consisting of relatively mature oak/hickory timber open grass ridge tops. An effort is underway to convert all of the non-native pasture grasses to diverse native prairie as well as restore oak savanna plant communities. With Pioneer Ridge Nature Center on site, a major focus of this area is educating both youth and adults in environmental and natural resource management issues. Primitive camping is available in a small camping area. The area also has two fully furnished log cabins available for rent all year. An extensive trail system allows users to traverse this beautiful area by foot, bike or horseback.
Location: Six miles south of Ottumwa on Hwy 63
Acres = 737
Site Amenities: Nature Center with interpretive displays and programming, a half mile paved handicapped trail, two open shelters with picnic tables, grills, water and pit toilets, over 12 miles of multi-use trails, four fishing ponds, bird observation blind, two fully furnished log cabins for rent, and a small primitive campground to be used individually or as a group.
Recreation Activities:
- Environmental Education Programming
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
- Shelter rental for special events such as weddings, reunions, meetings and social gatherings
- Education Garden
- Managed Deer Hunting opportunities
- Wildlife Viewing and Photography
- Public Hunting in Selected Areas
Classification: Multiple Use Area
Acquired: 1977
Our mission: To create awareness of our natural environment
by providing quality outdoor experiences. (June 1995)