Henry County Nature Center Garden gets TLC

Henry County Conservation Department has many projects designed to improve the grounds and educational value of the many properties it oversees.

Last year, renovation of the interior of the Nature Center occurred.

This spring, the garden surrounding the Nature Center was cleared and new plantings of Iowa plant species are occurring.

Caleb Waters, Director, purchased the plants. He and Conservation staff have done much of the heavy work.

A group of young ladies whom we affectionately call the Rebekahs have volunteered to plant and oversee this project. The Rebekahs are Master Gardeners and became Master Conservationists after attending one of the Henry County Master Conservationist classes.

These amazing workers combine the knowledge and skills of both organizations restoring and nurturing many projects. The Rebekahs are responsible for the rebuilding of the Monarch Garden at the Burlington Public Library.

At the Nature Center, plants native to Iowa are used to attract beneficial insects and butterflies. In addition, marigolds have been added to the borders.

Using annuals in this way demonstrates that integration of native perennial species and annual cultivars can be used together to enhance one’s home garden.

Right now, the garden illustrates the resilience of native species. Despite all the clearing, digging and disturbing of the soil, the common milkweed is flourishing.

The Nature Center garden also has a recirculating waterfall and Koi pond. It has proven to be a challenging project to renovate.

Caleb and the staff have sealed the liner. Some zealous ground squirrels chew holes.

Several volunteers in addition to the Rebekahs are working on ensuring the water circulates in a controlled manner so the Nature Center does not flood.

Cleaning out the related ponds and Koi pool is ongoing. Plants and lily pads will be added when the water begins to circulate again.

There is no finish date on this project, but it is hoped by mid-July things will be working correctly.