SPENCER, IA – (NorthwestIowaNow.com) -– The Clay County Conservation Board officially broke ground yesterday on the Oneota Environmental Learning Center and Clay Co, a 6,000-square-foot facility set to revolutionize environmental education in Northwest Iowa. Located within the 223-acre Oneota Park, the center is slated to open by Spring 2026. Clay County Conservation Director Will Horsley says he project aims to foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

He hopes it will be a “regional educational center” designed to bring families, friends, and students to Oneota Park to cultivate relationships with nature and inspire future conservationists.

The center’s design champions hands-on learning with a clear goal: “no child left indoors.”

This ambitious endeavor was made possible by broad community support and diverse funding.

With construction now underway, continue following Clay County Conservation on Facebook and their website for updates, and to find out more fun ways to get outside.