New Poweshiek County Conservation director hits the ground running

Taylor Nelson, the new Poweshiek County Conservation Director, isn’t letting any grass grow under his feet since taking the reins of the organization late last year.

Nelson began his duties as conservation director Oct. 23, 2023, taking over for March Vavroch, who had been with Poweshiek County Conservation since 1987 and became director in 1990.

A native of Ankeny, Nelson attended Hawkeye Community College and Upper Iowa University, graduating in 2014 with a degree in conservation management and natural resources.

Nelson said that from a young age he learned the value of preserving our natural resources, from wildlife to trees, water and soil. His interest in natural resources led him on his current career path.

Nelson and staff oversee Diamond Lake Park, which encompasses 660 acres of land and features a 90-acre lake, a fish cleaning station, hiking trails, a playground, four shelter houses, paved bike trails, 100-plus electrical and tent campsites with grills, three shower houses, three restrooms and two dump stations.

The park also has several miles of grass trails around the main lake and the seven-acre pond east of Diamond Lake.

Diamond Lake is also the water source for the City of Montezuma.

In addition, the county conservation board oversees 10 preserves and wildlife areas encompassing an additional 1,800 acres.

Prior to coming to Poweshiek County, Nelson was the Natural Resource Manager for Guthrie County.

He said opportunity and location led him to apply for the position.

Joining Nelson in the conservation department is Cole Rozendaal, natural resources technician; Daniel Schreur, park technician and Amy Andrews, naturalist.

County conservation is under the direction of a board of directors.

Currently, Nelson and staff are planning for wetland restoration at two locations north of Diamond Lake. They plan to drain and dig out the two wetlands that fed into Diamond Lake next winter.

“We also plan to install a pond on new land acquisition north of the Stagecoach Trail,” said Nelson.

His goal since coming to Montezuma is to learn about the community and appreciate the area more each day, Nelson said.

“This is a big project,” Nelson said of the wetland restoration project. “People have asked me about my plans, and I tell them it’s all about habitat and making quality improvements.”

For more information on activities and events at Diamond Lake and the area preserves and wildlife areas, visit poweshiekcounty.org/conservation/events/ or contact Andrews at 319-213-5607 or aandrews@poweshiekcounty.org.

Nelson can be reached at 641-623-5607 or at tnelson@poweshiekcounty.org.