Winnebago County Conservation Board

10/16/2026

Tomorrow's the big day! Come join us for our annual Pumpkins and Prairies event at the Hanson Nature Center and the Corner Pumpkin Patch!

10/09/2026

Have you ever seen a praying mantis in Iowa? Although there are more than 2,000 mantid species in the world, only 2 species are found in Iowa. We have the native Carolina mantis and the Chinese mantis. The Chinese mantis is invasive and is typically the one you are more likely to see due to them outcompeting the Carolina mantis.

Pictured below is the Chinese mantis found on one of our wildlife areas. This species of mantis can grow up to 5 inches in length making it one of the largest mantis species in the world! 🌎

10/09/2026

A certain someone is avoiding her fruits and veggies…. 🦨

Our striped skunk, Daisy, having a morning breakfast of spinach, carrots, pumpkin, pears and one of her favorite treats….. mealworms and mealworm beetles! Don’t worry, she still eats her fruits and veggies, she just saves them for last! 😉

10/07/2026

The WCCB offices and the Hanson Nature Center will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day.

10/05/2026

We've got honey again! Come and pick up some honey for your fall baking needs! The suggested donation is $10 and all proceeds will go towards our new bee hive (coming in the spring) and other displays at the Hanson Nature Center.

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

Tonight's Public Trap Shooting at the Florence Trap Shooting Range has been canceled.

09/24/2026

The Hanson Nature Center will be closed today due to a meeting at the center.

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09/18/2026

We had a busy summer here at the Hanson Nature Center!

In June, we held our week-long Critter Camp that we host each year with NIACC. The kids got to learn about insects, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish, and pond critters!

Then in August, also in conjunction with NIACC, we held our second Hanson Nature Center Overnight Camp-in, where kids were able to spend a night at the nature center! The youngsters enjoyed exploring the center, hiking the trails, creating crafts, cooking hot dogs and s'mores over a fire, and relaxing with a movie with popcorn before bed.

Finally, also in August, the Blank Park Zoo visited the nature center, bringing along a giant cane toad and a chinchilla who entertained us with her dust baths!

We want to thank everyone who visited the Hanson Nature Center this summer, either for these programs or just walking in. And, don't forget--we are open all year, so be sure to stop by and visit us any time!

09/16/2026

Come enjoy the beautiful fall weather this evening at the Florence Trap Shooting Range! There will be public shooting from 5:00-7:00 PM. The cost to shoot will be $5 for a round of 25 targets. All shooters must bring their own gun and ammo, as well as their own eye and ear protection. We hope to see you there!