Oneota Conservation Foundation

The Oneota Conservation Foundation was formed in cooperation with the Clay County Conservation Board in October 2005.  It was established in response to public concern over the rapid decline of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and other natural areas.  The goals are as follows:

• Promote environmental education and the awareness of natural resource conservation.
• Facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of public areas in Clay County.
• Support outdoor recreation and camping areas in the county.

Foundation Board Members: Trista Elsbecker, Lee A. Schoenewe, Bethany Schiefelbein, Luana Nair, Brenda Griffin, Keith Seivert

Winnie’s Nature Playscape

Winifred Schoenewe “Winnie” was the light that brightened any room she went into. Her spunky and kind heart led to the plan of building a nature playscape at Oneota Park.

 Why - We are helping to bring healthy risk and adventure back into the lives of children!  Adventure playgrounds are places where kids can freely experiment and create with loose materials.  They are places for kids to get messy, get creative, and take risks!

Play - Play is absolutely crucial for healthy development of the children’s brains, bodies, and spirits.  So many kids today are deprived of the basic right to play, as academic and social pressures displace unstructured free time.  Kids need to mess around, to experiment, to imagine, and to take some risks!  It is our mission to help create beautiful environments that support children’s right to play outside.