delaware county conservation areas
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to
Delaware County
The Delaware County Conservation Board invites you to enjoy and spend leisure time in scenic northeast Iowa. Utilizing the rugged beauty that nature has provided, our parks feature limestone bluffs, sloping forest lands, winding trout streams and scenic views of the Maquoketa River Valley. You will find a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities available which makes the enjoyment of the outdoors possible for people of all ages and interests.
Purpose
The purpose of the Delaware County Conservation Board is to acquire, develop, maintain and make available to the public; parks, museums, preserves, county forests, playground, wildlife and other conservation areas. To encourage the orderly development of parks and improve conservation of our natural resources and promote programs for public recreation.
Delaware County Conservation manages over 2,265 acres with 28 areas. Office, Nature Center and shop are located at Baileys Ford Park.
History
In 1959, Delaware County citizens voted to establish the Delaware County Conservation Board, under guidelines by the Iowa legislature. The five member board is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.
The county conservation program is funded by property taxes, user fees, donations, conservation grant programs such as wildlife habitat stamps, state and federal grants and the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) act.
Donations and Memorials Donations are accepted from private individuals, businesses and organizations to support conservation and park development efforts in Delaware County. Donations can be in the form of cash, real estate, equipment, materials and/or services.
Memorials are an excellent way to publicly recognize a loved one. This could include planting trees, gift of real estate or funding of specific projects. Donations from life estates or wills are also possible. Contact the Director for more information. You can help by volunteering your time and skills or by
giving a gift of money or land. The goals of conservation are only realized when people are engaged in activities and practices that promote use and protection of natural areas.
Services
CONSERVATION EDUCATION—In an effort to better understand our relationship to the environment and wildlife there is a Nature Exhibit room at the Conservation Building located at Baileys Ford Park which offers the opportunity to view a variety of interpretive displays. Programs on natural resource subjects are available. These programs are presented at the Nature Exhibit room.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE—People may stop by the office, call by phone or email to obtain information about parks with recreational amenities, wildlife areas and/or habitat improvement projects.
WILDLIFE HABITAT—In cooperation with the Iowa DNR and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, County Conservation Department staff will provide assistance to private landowners in the design and layout of windbreaks, tree plantings, native prairie grass establishment or wetlands for wildlife habitat. Seedling tree planters and native grass drills are available for rent to county landowners to use for these types of projects. Call the conservation office for reservations to use this equipment.
Delaware County
Conservation Areas
A guide to Parks and Wildlife Areas managed by Delaware County Conservation Board
Delaware County Conservation 2379 Jefferson Rd Manchester, IA 52057
563-927-3410
www.delawarecounty.iowa.gov
Your questions, comments or suggestions will be appreciated to help guide us in our constant efforts to improve our parks and natural resource areas. Your input can be directed to:
General Information
Park Hours 6:00 am—10:00 pm
(except for registered campers or as posted)
Opening and Closing Park roads may be closed October 15 to April 15
(walk in access available all year)
Camping First come first serve in all areas
No reservations Self-registration—fees required
No camping unit shall occupy a camp site more than 14 days out of any 19 day period
Quiet hours begin at 10:00 pm Check-out at all campgrounds 4:00 pm
Shelters May be reserved by calling DCCB Office
Litter and Trash Removal Trash must be placed in provided dumpster or
carry in - carry out as posted
Speed Limit 10 mph or as posted
Fires Use facilities provided
For more information obtain a complete set of Park Rules & Regulations.
Historical Sites
Several areas managed by the DCCB have historical significance.
Baileys Ford Park—1838 a surveyor by the name of Joel Bailey came to Delaware County, built a cabin and settled on the east side of the Maquoketa River where the park is today. As one of the first settlers his cabin became the first post office and was also used as a stage coach inn for travelers overnight on their way westward. Property acquired by DCCB in 1969.
Dunlap Park—Settlement started in this area in 1838 and expanded with more permanent housing and a log dam across the river to power a sawmill which was later converted to a flour mill. The log dam was rebuilt several times and then replaced with a cement structure with Iowa Electric assuming ownership to operate as an electric plant until 1953. Property transferred from the Dunlap family to DCCB in 1961.
Oneida 38 Township Park—Former site of pioneer Hickam Church and School—early settlement cemetery—renamed Hickory Grove School—meeting hall for township established in 1855. Property transferred to DCCB in 1968.
Red School—In 1959 preserved as one of the last one room schoolhouses used in Delaware County.
Quaker Mill Dam—Originally constructed as a wooden structure in 1852 to supply power for a sawmill. The dam was named “Quaker Mill” in the 1860’s in reference to the owners religious heritage. A more permanent concrete dam was constructed in 1914 and was modified a few years later by the Iowa Electric Company to generate electricity. Dam was removed and property transferred to DCCB in 2018.
Additional historic information signs located at each site.
Delaware County does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or disability. If anyone believes they have been subjected to such discrimination they may file a complaint with Delaware County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity, US Dept of Interior, Washington, DC 20240.
Recreational Activities
Maquoketa River Water Trail Backbone to Baileys Ford
Whitewater Park Manchester
Lake Delhi
Camping
Trout Fishing