Nature center expands reach with TikTok

WASHINGTON - Washington County Conservation has found various ways to interact with the community online as.

Naturalist assistant Randi Brase said until a few years ago, the conservation center didn't have any form of social media. Now, they have a Facebook, Instagram and - most recently - TikTok, video service popular with teens and young adults.

TikTok is a video-sharing social media app. Users upload short videos with music, text or audio. The Washington County Conservation joined in July 2020.

'We though ‘might as well,'” she said.

They initially wanted to work with a local videographer to make videos but because of busy schedules it has not happened yet, she said. TikTok gave them the opportunity to create their own videos.

Brase said there are other county conservations centers such as Henry, Jefferson and Johnson on the app. The platform gives them an opportunity to interact with the other conservations and come up with new idea for programming. It also allows them to show the community different aspects of the work in a fun way.

Brase said it is operated by all of the employees. The videos talk about day camps, show various animals at the conservation and more. Every time the employees go to do something interest, Brase said, she asked them to take videos.

'Anytime they see something cool I say to make sure to take video of it,” she said.

A recent video showcases the release of a rehabilitated barred owl that was injured.

Many of the videos are uploaded on Facebook for those who may not have a TikTok account. Brase said older generations who are not on the app appreciate it.

Brase said her favorite part is picking the perfect music to go with the videos. She said if anyone has ideas for videos she loves feedback from the public.

Washington County Conservation can be found on TikTok @wcciowa.