Cargill donates $50,000 for new nature center near Vinton

Cargill Corp. has donated $50,000 to the Benton County Conservation Foundation to help build a nature center adjacent to Rodgers Park near Vinton.

The nature center will be built on six acres purchased by the Benton County Conservation Board (BCCB) in a retrofitted 4,000 square foot ranch home.

The conservation board has worked closely with school systems in the county to develop an environmentally focused, year-round program for both students and the people of Iowa. Activities will include frog and toad studies, agricultural field studies, hunter education, and kayaking.

“We will use the new nature center to educate the public on topics around land stewardship, water quality and wildlife issues,” said Karen Phelps, naturalist for the Benton County Conservation Foundation. “We appreciate Cargill's support in providing this donation to help bring these opportunities to people in our community.”