Twin Ponds is a 157 acre area acquired in 1962. Twin Ponds is split by the Wapsipinicon River, forming an East Park and a West Park. A picnic shelter is provided on each side, and primitive camping is allowed. This is the home of the Twin Ponds Nature Center, a facility opened for public use in 2002. Twin Ponds Nature Center is located 10 miles Northeast of Nashua at 1811 240th Street, Ionia, IA.
The Twin Ponds Nature Center is the home of educational displays, large and small animal mounts, and also has a live animal display including reptiles, amphibians, bees and fish. There are hiking trails through the woodland area and there is a bird blind on the west edge of the wetland area. This bird blind overlooks a pond and is great for watching birds such as eagles, a variety of ducks, geese and wading birds such as great blue herons and egrets.The basement of the nature center can be rented out. The kitchen is also available with the basement. Rates vary and some groups such as educational or conservation groups may be able to use the basement at no charge. This nature center serves as the headquarters building for the Chickasaw County Conservation Board and its staff.
This area has a variety of habitat including woodland, prairie and wetland. Wildlife often seen here includes hawks, eagles, swans, deer and turkey. Twin Ponds is home to the smooth green snake and many varieties of amphibians and reptiles.
