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Information |
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HIKING, BIKING, TRAIL RIDING-Over
eight miles of trails wind through the various habitats at the Lime Creek
Conservation Area, providing an excellent opportunity to view native plants
and wildlife in their natural settings.
Hikers, cross-country skiers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders,
photographers, and nature enthusiasts all use these trails. Bicycling and horseback riding are not
allowed during the winter season due to the cross-country ski trail
grooming. The Easy Access trail is
restricted to walking, wheel chair and stroller traffic. |
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HUNTING-Bow hunting is
allowed on LCCA designated areas. Bow
hunters must register every fall and are required to return a post-season
survey. Tree stands can not be affixed
to a tree in any manner which may cause damage to the tree. All state hunting regulations are
enforced. |
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WOODLANDS-A
wide variety of trees species grow on the LCCA, including a mixed species
floodplain forest. The LCCA is also a
prime location to view a large variety of woodland wildflowers. An educational/demonstration windbreak is
located north of the shop buildings. |
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SKIING-The LCCA trails
are groomed for cross-country skiing during the winter months with adequate
snowfall. Both diagonal stride and
skating trails are groomed for cross country skiing enthusiasts. Horses and bicycles are restricted from
trail use during the winter months and other trail users are encouraged to
stay off the groomed portions of the trails. |
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FISHING-The Winnebago
River provides anglers with fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass,
largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, carp, bullhead, crappie and
rock bass. The Quarry Lake has an
ample supply of green sunfish to try your luck on. |
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BIRDS & PHOTOGRAPHY-The
area is also listed in the Iowa’s Wildlife
Viewing Guide. The
LCCA is one of 77 areas listed as Iowa’s prime wildlife watching
locations. Bird watching
opportunities are excellent. The
various habitats attract a wide variety of bird and animal species all year
long. Bird feeders just outside the
nature center’s many windows are kept full year round . |
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CAMPING-LCCA has two
different areas in which primitive camping are allowed, the Bat House and
Area #2. Both areas are “carry in”,
trash is carry out and firewood is provided at the site. Campers must register at the Nature Center
Office (M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm) prior to camping and the cost is
$1.00/tent/night. |
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WETLANDS-The LCCA has a
prime example of a restored wetland which is easily viewed from your car or
the White-tail Loop. An observation
blind, built as an eagle scout project, provides a closer view of wetland
inhabitants. This wetland was
constructed in 1998 and has been used by Canada Geese and wood ducks for
nesting. Numerous waterfowl utilize
this wetland during migrations. |
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HISTORIC RUINS-The
historic ruins of the Old Brewery are also located on the LCCA. The Old Brewery was built in 1873 and
served a variety of uses until the 1930’s.
The ruins are easily viewed from the “Brewery Loop” trail along the
Winnebago River. |
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PICNICKING-Picnic
tables and grills are located west and northeast of the Lime Creek Nature
Center. Picnic tables are also found
at the prairie shelter house north of the parking lot. Firewood is available at the northeast
corner of the nature center building.
Please carry out your trash. |
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PRAIRIES-Restored native
prairie and prairie seed production plots can be found on the LCCA. The largest segment of restored prairie was
established in 1984. Seed harvested
from the production plots within the Barred Owl Loop is used to restore
prairie on public areas throughout the county. |
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LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER-Over
35,000 people of all ages and backgrounds visit the Nature Center
annually. The Lime Creek Nature Center
Foundation consists of dedicated volunteers who serve as committee members. Through the Lime Creek Nature Center
Foundation, the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board provides environmental
education throughout the county. |