Conservation faces campground challenges and staff changes

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Conservation is heading into a busy spring with exciting developments, ongoing challenges, and key staffing changes, according to an update from Director Caleb Waters to the county’s Board of Supervisors.

Waters announced the department’s plans to open the campgrounds at Oakland Mills next week on April 15. Unfortunately, not all projects have been completed in time for this opening. Specifically, the new, and long-awaited, dump station will not be ready for the beginning of the season.

“It's been delayed. We're about a month behind schedule,” Waters reported.

He added that the delay is due to issues with tank delivery and that an exact completion date remains uncertain.

“I wish I had that golden ticket to tell everybody when it will be completed and open to the public, but I don't know,” he said, emphasizing that weather could also play a role in the timing.

Despite infrastructure hiccups, the department is ramping up for a full season of summer programming.

“April through October is our busiest time of the year,” Waters said.

Summer camp listings are now posted, with activities ranging from nature exploration to environmental education for youth across the county.

Waters also expressed excitement for the progress made toward a new playground at Oakland Mills Park.

“We've raised about $40,000 thus far, that being grants and or donations,” Waters said.

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A concept rendering of the project continues to circulate as the department continues raising funds for the project.

Waters also announced that Assistant Naturalist Shania Hansen has accepted a new position in Des Moines County.

“We hate to see Shania go,” he said, “but I'm … thinking about restructuring it a little bit because I need more help out in the field.”

No final decision has been made on how the role will be filled or redefined.

The department continues to benefit from strong community partnerships, most notably with the Friends of Conservation. A recent fundraising banquet, hosted at the Mt. Pleasant Golf & Country Club, drew more than 200 attendees.

The event featured live and silent auctions, with proceeds earmarked for local conservation efforts.

“All proceeds go to toward conservation efforts within the county,” Waters said. “So last year's proceeds are actually coming back to the Conservation Department to build a new shelter house at Stevenson Park in Lowell, as well as move the historical monument that is down there, which I've been working with the daughters of the revolution to do that.”

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