Des Moines County Conservation is dedicated to the sustainability of natural resources through land stewardship, conservation education and by providing quality outdoor recreation opportunities.
Gahn Wildlife Refuge
Vital Stats:
- 56 acre wildlife refuge
- Restricted access
- Trumpeter swan enclosure
Things to do:
Fishing (only during DMCC sponsored open house events)
Description:
The 56 acre Gahn Refuge rests directly behind Des Moines County Conservation’s main office. It was transferred to the Conservation Board for management in 1993 and named in memory of Kevin Gahn, a board member tragically killed in an auto accident the year before. The site features open fields, woodlands, and a 1.5 acre pond. It is managed as a natural resource preserve and is not open to public access except during DMCC sponsored open house events. Since 1995, a four acre area surrounding the pond has been used as a captive trumpeter swan enclosure, part of DMCC’s participation in the Iowa DNR’s statewide trumpeter swan reintroduction efforts.
Directions:
Take Mt. Pleasant St. west to Washington Rd. Turn north on Washington Rd., then north on Landfill Rd. just past DMCC’s main office. The entrance to the property will be on the right, about halfway to the landfill.