Conservation Areas
Jones County Conservation Board Area Brochure
The Maquoketa River
The scenic Maquoketa River begins in Fayette County and passes through Delaware, Jones, and Jackson County and joins with the North Fork of the Maquoketa before entering the Mississippi River near Green Island. In Jones County the Maquoketa flows roughly 35 miles passing through the community of Monticello before entering Jackson County near Canton. Several canoe liveries provide canoe and tube rental opportunities.
It is said that the black bear, once common to this area, helped give the river its name. “Maquoketa” is a Native American word for bear. The cave-ridden, heavily wooded bluffs and hills making up the river valley were once prime habitat for the black bear. Black bears would have lived here year round hibernating in these cavern areas. Today black bears are only occasional visitors from Minnesota or Wisconsin. 
Wildlife abounds along this river and represents many of Iowa’s native species. Recreationalists along this river might be lucky enough to see a nesting pair of bald eagles performing a courtship ritual overhead or hear the pounding of a pileated woodpecker. Anyone willing to wet a line along the river will enjoy pulling walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and suckers from hidden pools and riffles. A welcome wild place in our modernized world.
History is subtly evident as you travel the Maquoketa. Fossils of brachiopods and coral let us dream about a moment in time 
when Iowa was once covered by a shallow prehistoric sea. The steep bedrock walls inspire us to envision a period in Iowa’s history when rivers ran high and swollen as melt water made its way downstream from huge melting glaciers gouging deep valleys as they flowed. The sandy loess soil on the rivers bluff tops tell a tale of wind and erosion. Ornate box turtles still survive in this sandy loess and remind us of a drier time in Iowa’s history. Indian grass, little bluestem, shooting star, and wild bergamot cling to life on rocky outcrops, fallen boulders, and bluff tops reminding us that the face of Iowa was once covered by a tall and beautiful prairie ecosystem. Rock fishing weirs remind us man was here too, hunting and living long before our circles began.
People today enjoy the river by water and from shore. The Maquoketa River has several public river access points in Jones County including the Mon Maq Dam Access, Pictured Rocks, Indian Bluffs, Hwy 136 Access, and Supples Access. Camping is available at 
Walnut Acres.
CAUTION: Use extreme caution near the Mon Maq Dam near Monticello. Low head dams are extremely dangerous. Uniformly falling water below the dam scours holes where the water recirculates trapping its victims under water. People should not venture over, on, or close to these structures or will risk drowning.
Maquoketa River Maps:
Hopkinton to Mon Maq Dam
Mon Maq Dam to Eby's Mill
Eby's Mill to Hwy 136
Hwy 136 to Canton
North Fork of the Maquoketa River Maps:
Cascade to Ozark Bridge
Rules and Regulations:
Mon Maq Area Rules and Regulations
Pictured Rocks Area Rules and Regulations
The Wapsipinicon, or Wapsi, as it is locally known, is a tributary of the Mississippi River, and the longest of the area, reaching approximately 225 miles.
Beginning in Mower County, Minnesota, the Wapsi enters Iowa in Mitchell County, and flows southeast through Howard, Chickasaw, Bremer, Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Linn Counties before it arrives in Jones County. Entering Jones County just north west of Stone City, it flows for roughly 43 miles, before exiting the county approximately 5 miles southeast of Oxford Junction. Along the lower 25 miles, it turns east, and forms the boundary between Clinton and Scott Counties. From there, it joins the Mississippi southwest of Clinton.
There are several legends of how the river was named. One interesting version comes from a Native American love story of two young lovers, Wapsie and Pinnekon, who went on a canoe trip, where a jealous rival for Wapsie’s love shot an arrow into the heart of Pinnekon. When Wapsie jumped to help Pinnekon, the canoe tipped, and the lovers were drowned in the fast-moving waters. Their names were joined and given to the river, thus unifying them forever.
Another interpretation is “river abundant in swan potatoes.” This came from the Native American tribes that lived along the river and early French traders, and refers to the abundance of arrowhead plants, known as “swan potatoes”, which once grew in large quantities along the river’s banks.
A variety of scenic views can be fully appreciated as you float along the Wapsipinicon in Jones County. Historical stone buildings and homes 
provide a sense of history and a “Grant Wood” feel as you float through Stone City. The pounding from local quarries, which provided much of the stone for local buildings as well as giving this community its name, can sometimes be heard along this stretch.
Downstream recreationalists will need to portage around the dam at Anamosa. CAUTION: Use extreme caution near the Anamosa Dam. Low head dams are extremely dangerous. Uniformly falling water below the dam scours holes where the water recirculates trapping its victims under water. People should not venture over, on, or close to these structures or will risk drowning. Be prepared to be awed and inspired by the relocated and restored Hale Bridge located in Wapsipinicon State Park.
Canoeists paddling downstream from Anamosa will be amazed at the solitude and beauty that the limestone bluffs, cliffs, and wooded shorelines have to offer. Agricultural fields and pastures will remind you that you are in Iowa as you pass Olin and head downriver.
Wildlife abounds along this serene river. You can expect to encounter a variety of animal species along the river on a typical canoe jaunt including whitetail deer, wood ducks, wild turkeys, squirrels, bald eagles, Canada geese, and turkey vultures. More reclusive wildlife includes river otters, beaver, bobcat, red and grey fox, and mink. Bird lovers will be astounded at the diversity of woodland and song birds along the rivers banks. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera.
Commonly sought after fish include catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, carp, sunfish, and northern pike. Several deep fishing holes and rocky shorelines provide excellent fishing. A popular fishing area is below the dam in Anamosa.
Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa offers recreational trails, boat ramps, and camping. Other public river access areas include the Stone City Boat Ramp, Anamosa Boat Ramp, Newport Mills Access, Olin Access, Jungletown Access, and Oxford Mills Access.
Wapsipinicon River Maps:
Matsell Bridge to Lead Mine Bridge
Anamosa to Landis Bridge
Landis Bridge to Olin Access
Hale Bridge to Oxford Mills
Oxford Mills to Massillion Bridge
Central Park
Located near the center of Jones County, Central Park houses the administrative offices of the Jones County Conservation Board. This 217 acre park includes a 25 acre lake with good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for those who enjoy fishing.
Around five miles of hiking trails transverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat that animals in the park call home.
A new playground area, swimming beach, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits are all close to the enclosed pavilion which is a popular reunion location.
Central Park has modern, semi-modern, electric, primitive camping, and camping cabins available from April 15 – October 15; after which primitive camping is available year round.
The Jones County Nature Center draws thousands of visitors each year. Public educational programs are given almost every Saturday during the summer months. The Nature Center is open from 1 - 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day Weekend.
Central Park Map
Central Park Basic Rules and Regulations
JCCB Area Rules and Regulations
Grant Wood Trail
Olin Section: 
This 3.5 mile long trail is the beginnings of a recreational trail which is hoped to one day reach across Jones County.
Recreationalists can enter the Olin section of trailhead on the west edge of Olin and travel 3.5 miles to Hwy E-45. This old railroad right of way transverses typical “Grant Wood Country” as it heads west. Gently rolling hills are plainly visible from the trail as you make your way past fields, small wetland areas, meadows, and a wooded stream corridor. You might catch a glimpse of a whitetail deer, ring-necked pheasant, or maybe a wild turkey as you quietly walk or ride the trail. Spring can delight you with the arrival of migrating warblers. Summer might intrigue you with the sound and sight of a nesting pair of sand hill cranes. Fall will announce its arrival with flocks of ducks and geese heading south. And if you brave the cold winter weather tracks of the areas winter residents will tell their stories in the snow.
The Grant Wood Trail Association is working on the westward extension of this trail section to Muskrat Slough and eventually Martelle. When completed this trail will bring reacreationalists and tourism to this area from across the state. 
Grant Wood Trail - Olin Trail Map
Martelle Section:
Recreationalists can enter the Martelle section of trailhead on the east edge of Martelle. This newly blacktopped one half mile section of trail is a great addition to the community of Martelle, providing residents and visitors alike a recreational corridor that can be used year round.
Most of this section of trail is lined by trees planted by the Plattenberger family providing shade to those on the trail. Prairie remnant grasses and flowers can also be observed in the wetland area along the north side of the trail. Local ecotype prairie seed is planned to be used to plant more native prairie habitat directly along the trail in the coming years.
Grant Wood Trail - Martelle Trail Map
Whitewater Canyon
This 562 acre wildlife management area of forest, upland, and riparian habitats is located just 5 miles east of Cascade in extreme northeast Jones County. Watch for and follow the familiar brown arrowhead directional signs as you travel east on Hwy 151.
Appropriately named this unique location features 200 foot cliffs and scenic overlooks in a narrow valley along Whitewater Creek. 
A unique section of Whitewater Canyon, “Lost Canyon”, can be found tucked into the southeastern corner of the Whitewater Canyon Area and will impress anyone with its plethora of caves and concave bedrock walls. Both Whitewater and Lost Canyon are believed to have formed when an ancient cave system collapsed about 16,000 – 21,000 years ago. Large pieces of dolomite, some nearly 25 feet in diameter, can be found scattered along the narrow valley floors.
Native animal and plant life abounds here in this hidden corner of Iowa. Anyone wishing to “get away” for a bit of solitude can immerse themselves in nature here. Spring wildflowers paint the forest floor from March thru May while the beauty of the restored upland prairie will astound you from summer thru fall. Bring your binoculars and check out the array of birds who call this area home. A winter cross country skiing foray will show you tracks and animal sign of those hardy enough to stay thru the winter.
Preservation and enhancement of this site’s unique habitats and plant and animal communities are a primary goal of future management. This site will provide many outdoor opportunities, including serving as an educational area as well as being open to hunting, hiking, fishing, and nature appreciation activities. It is truly a hidden gem.
Whitewater Area Map
Whitewater Area Rules and Regulations
Pictured Rocks
Just 5 miles south of Monticello, this 1,138
acre wildlife management area can be found along the banks of the Maquoketa River. It is named for the steep limestone bluffs that enclose the narrow river valley. The terrain makes it ideal for the smallmouth bass fisherman, canoeist, climber, deer and turkey hunter, woodland wildflower enthusiast, and hiker. Hiking trails transverse the undeveloped hardwood forest at Pictured Rocks and the adjacent state preserve, Indian Bluffs. Several small caves along the bluff face attract spelunkers from across Iowa.
Pictured Rocks has primitive restroom facilities, picnic shelter, and a hard surface river access and staging area.
Due to the steep narrow road leading down into Pictured Rocks a gate is closed and locked at the beginning of the winter season. Contact the Jones County Ranger at (563)487-5038 for more specific information on gate closure dates.
Caving at Pictured Rocks is now limited to protect bat species against White Nose Bat Syndrome. Cave users will need a letter of authorization from the Jones County Conservation Board Director in order to access the caves at Pictured Rocks. Contact the Jones County Conservation Administrative Office at (563)487-3541 for a cave user authorization form.
Indian Bluffs Cave Map
Climbing Downloads
Fixed Anchor Permit Application
Fixed Anchor Permit Application Instructions
Caving Disinfection Protocol:
1. Leaders must ensure that no participants have entered caves in infected states - check the following website for current maps: http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/cavers.html.
2. Any participant that has entered any other cave including those in Iowa must follow the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disinfection protocols for clothing, shoes, and equipment. http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/cavers.html.
3. Participants that have not entered any cave in the last five years will not need to complete the disinfection protocol.
4. Cave users must have a letter of authorization from the Jones County Conservation Board or Director to enter the cave and the letter must be carried when entering the cave. (copy of permit is acceptable)
Current Information:
USFWS Website: http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/
Hale Wildlife Area
This 261 acre Hale Wildlife Area, located abut 2 miles northeast of Hale, was acquired with the aide of Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, the Turkey Federation, and a grant from Iowa’s Habitat Stamp Program.
Soil scientists believe that at the time of European settlement this area was covered with forests. Since that time all of the original forest has been removed and the rolling hillsides were converted to agricultural land and pastures for grazing. Several farm ponds were built to provide water for livestock and a farmstead was located near the current parking area.
Today the Jones County Conservation Board and area conservation organizations are working hard to restore and plant prairie and woodland plant communities at this site. In addition to the prairie and woodland plantings the three man made ponds on the site have been drained, dredged, and had fishing structure added. These ponds will provide fishing opportunities for bluegill, bass, and catfish for generations to come.
With the farm pond restoration several wetland areas have been created which will add to the diversity in plant and animal communities this area has to offer.
Hale Wildlife Area Map
Scotch Grove Prairie Area
Once farmland, this area has become 69 acres of restored prairie and seasonal wetlands. The project was undertaken in 1999 by the Twin Rivers chapter of Pheasants Forever and is now owned and managed by the Jones County
Conservation Board. Author of a “Prairie Reunion” and native resident, Barb Scot, sold these 69 acres at a discounted price with the agreement that the area be restored to tall grass prairie.
Scotch Grove Prairie is now home to a variety of prairie flora including big bluestem, Indian grass, switch grass, side-oats, gray headed coneflower, wild bergamot, black eyed Susan, and pale purple coneflower among many other reemerging species. Waterfowl and other wildlife can be found amid the tall grass and marsh basins.
As a nearby location, it is ideal for the nature photographer, bird watcher, or prairie enthusiast. Hunting is allowed during permitted seasons. Please note that hunting is not allowed when the nearby church is in session.
Scotch Grove Prairie is located two and a half miles south east of Scotch Grove. Follow the brown arrow head signs off of County Road E-17.