Two aspects of the Hardin County Conservation mission are to protect and enhance county natural resources
and to offer opportunities for our residents to participate in conservation education.
These goals are interdependent and could not be accomplished without the latter. To many, conservation still means increasing deer and pheasant populations, providing better hunting opportunities or making sure there are showers and playground equipment at our campgrounds.
Property Ownership & Education
There are about 365,000 acres of land in Hardin County. Only 1% (4,000 acres) of the total land area is being managed by the conservation board for the protection of natural resources and biodiversity. That leaves nearly 99% of the county’s natural resources in the hands of its residents and property owners. This staggering statistic spells out the overwhelming importance of county-sponsored environmental education for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Helpful Resources
Check the Upcoming Events section for information on upcoming educational programs, email Calkins Nature Area, or call at 641-648-9878 to discuss scheduling a field trip.
Historic Maps
- GLO Survey 1836 to 1859: This map shows the vegetation of Hardin County prior to European settlement. The tan areas represent prairie and the green areas forest.
- 150 Years Later: This map shows Hardin County land usage today. The white area represents cropland, green is forest or trees around farmsteads, and red is reconstructed prairie and CRP. Almost no original prairie remains in Hardin County.