Nestled near the Chariton River in Lucas County, Iowa, Pin Oak Marsh is a haven for wildlife and people. The marsh is home to great blue herons, Canada geese, frogs, Iowa's threatened river otter, and host to spectacular displays of migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. Pin Oak Marsh has white pelicans and prairie grasses and trees like the ones that covered the area when the pioneer settlers arrived. It has trails for hikers and a pier so that human visitors can get out and be a part of nature. ."
|
Pin Oak Lodge is a recent addition to the Lucas County Conservation Board's Pin Oak Marsh Recreation Area on Highway 14 south of Chariton. The Lodge is approximately 4500 square feet and is the headquarters for the Conservation staff. In the building there is a meeting room, a Great room, a library dedicated to the memory of Jack Coffey who was an influential wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, a display room with aquariums of live native fish, turtles, and salamanders. There are also many taxidermy mounts of fish, songbirds, waterfowl, big game, and even some African mounts. The great room is where programs are held for school groups and the public. Kids Fish Day and Archaeology Awareness Day are two examples. Leading away from the building and down to the marsh is a 1300-foot concrete trail that ends at a 50-foot pier overlooking the wetland. Recreational opportunities at the wetland include picnicking, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, and hiking. Contact the Lucas County Conservation Board at (641) 774-2438 for more information.
|
