Henry County Conservation to host presentation on 65 years of county conservation

The Henry County Conservation Board is hosting a presentation by Tom Hazelton, Iowa's County Conservation System CEO, on Feb. 11, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakland Mills Nature Center.

The presentation, '65 Years of County Conservation - What's Not to Like?!” will dive into Iowa's 99 County Conservation Boards. Each of the 99 County Conservation Boards across Iowa have a unique local history, array of facilities and programs, and a talented staff who provide dedicated public service. The operations also provide a significant economic impact to both the local and statewide economies. Tom Hazelton, CEO for Iowa's County Conservation System will share his 44-year 'satellite view” perspective of the finest county conservation system in the nation with a blend of local and statewide statistics, pictures and history. Learn how the Henry County Conservation Board is an important piece of this 65-year-old puzzle that has done so much for Iowa's quality of life, natural resources and economic health.

Hazelton began his work in the conservation field in 1976 as an intern with the Linn County Conservation Department. He was finishing up his Biology degree from Coe College and had dreams of being an aquatic research biologist in the Florida Keys. Foregoing the tropics for a time - Tom would spend the next 20 years along the Wapsipinicon River as the District Park Ranger at Pinicon Ridge Park, and the following 15 years as the Community Outreach Coordinator - wrapping up a 35-year Linn County career with his retirement in early 2011. He immediately jumped back into the fire as the new CEO of Iowa's County Conservation System - leading the statewide network of 2,024 parks, 1,150 staff and Board Members, as well as website operations through a period of exponential growth and expansion. He also has been a co-leader in the decadelong mission to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

For more information, contact the Henry County Conservation Department, (319) 986-5067 or email us at: office@henrycountyconservation.com.