Bordering the Iowa River in north central Iowa, the nature center includes woodland, wetland, and reconstructed native prairie.
Few areas of Hardin County Conservation feature such diverse habitat, cultural and wildlife diversity, like that found at Calkins Nature Area and Interpretative Center. This 76 area parcel of land was donated to Ellsworth Community College Board of Trustees in 1981. In 1993 Hardin County Conservation formed a partnership with the college and then Hardin County Conservation acquired management of the area. This area’s name sake was received from Homer and Ruth Calkins. Homer served as the Hardin County Conservation director for 18 years and rehabilitated animals most of his life.
Once the Calkins family homestead, the nature area has three native habitats including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and is bordered by the Iowa River. The nature area is home to over 30 different species of wildlife in the live animal display. You will also find a natural history museum, with over 620 mounted specimens, an extensive display of Plains Native American artifacts, and an exhibit on Hardin County’s geological history including the Ice Age.
Also, at this recreational area, you can explore the Iowa River Green Belt through two miles of trail system, get an up close view of Monarch metamorphism in the Shirley Welden Butterfly House, and test your bird identification skills at the bird blind. The newest attraction to the nature area is an Amphitheater that seats over 120 people, constructed primarily from plastic recycled lumber, and surrounded by native prairie plants.
At Calkins Nature Area we strive to accomplish Homer Calkins vision to provide Hardin County and the surrounding area with a beautiful educational outdoor classroom. Please come visit the area free of charge Monday through Friday 8 am – 4pm. Saturday and Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm.
* This page is ran by the Calkins family in cooperation with the Hardin Country Conservation to provide the community with the most up to date information possible for the Calkins Nature Area.
