News : Benton County Conservation Opportunity to Expand Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area

The Benton County Conservation Board (BCCB) is excited to announce an opportunity to expand one of its existing properties. Our park, Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area (Wildcat Bluff), two miles south of Urbana, Iowa is home to: The East Unit Shop, 24 campsites, a boat ramp, miles of hiking trails, Iowa's best disc golf course (ranked top 10 in the nation and top 20 in the world), great timber and wildlife habitat, and Cedar River fishing access. Wildcat Bluff offers all of this in just 134 acres.

As much as Wildcat has to offer, we are going to more than double the size of this property with this project, once funding is secured!

Benton County Conservation is partnering with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and we are going to be adding roughly 180 acres immediately to the east of Wildcat Bluff. This property includes ideal timber habitat, upland and lowland habitat, and additional Cedar River bank. It will provide amazing hiking trails and habitat to support our native flora and fauna. This addition will soon bring Wildcat Bluff to a total of 312 acres for all to enjoy.

We need your help to make it happen.

We need donors in all capacities. Whether it be for small donations and fundraisers to large personal and corporate donations. Every bit makes a difference. We have a goal to raise as much as we can for the 1.2-million-dollar acquisition. We are very fortunate to work with INHF through this acquisition, but we must find funding. As of mid-April, we have $208,500 from community commitment.

We're excited to improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing recreational and educational opportunities that foster stewardship of our natural resources.

Please note, until it's paid in full, this remains private property. The sooner we raise the funds, the sooner this will be open to the public for all to enjoy!

Reach out to us for donations or questions: email info@bentoncountyparks.com, call 319-472-4942, or go to www.bentoncountyia.gov/conservation.