Conservationists reflect on Springbrook State Park's education center ahead of demolition

July 11, 2026 - 02:22

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is set to tear down the education center at Springbrook State Park, following a green light from the Natural Resource Commission. The building, located in Guthrie County, is scheduled for demolition, but those who spent time there say its influence will last far longer than its walls.

For decades, the center served as a hands-on classroom for thousands of students. It was a place where young people learned about wetlands, forests, and wildlife up close, not just from a textbook. Educators brought school groups from across the state to spend days exploring the park's trails and streams. Conservationists also used the building for workshops and training sessions, teaching the next generation of land stewards.

Many who worked or studied there recall the center's role in sparking a lasting interest in the outdoors. One retired teacher said the building was where she saw quiet kids suddenly light up while holding a crayfish or identifying a bird call. Another conservation officer remembered leading night hikes that started at the center's back door, with flashlights and field guides in hand.

The Iowa DNR has not announced specific plans for the site after the demolition. Some local conservation groups have expressed hope that a new facility might eventually take its place, though no timeline has been given. For now, the focus is on the memories made inside a building that quietly shaped how Iowans connect with their natural heritage.