Travel all the way to the western end of Central Avenue and look toward the Des Moines River and you’ll see the beginnings of a major construction project.

The area looks a bit like a muddy mess right now, but out of that muck will rise a much-anticipated nature center. Owned by Webster County Conservation, it will be called The River’s Edge Discovery Center. Inside will be a wealth of exhibits about what is perhaps Iowa’s most precious natural resource: its water. The theme of the center is summed up by this statement: “Immerse yourself in the living story of Iowa’s water – the lifeblood that shapes our communities and our landscapes – while discovering our responsibilities to protect it for the future.”

Area residents can help to finish this nature center by making a donation.

County conservation leaders have secured several sources of financing for the project, including a $4 million grant from the state’s Destination Iowa Program. Like most grants, that award requires some matching funds, and in this case at least some of those matching funds must be from private sources. That means businesses, organizations and citizens need to chip in so that the requirements of the grant can be met. A total of $500,000 is being sought.

To contribute, checks can be sent to Friends of Webster County Conservation, River’s Edge Discovery Center, 1415 Nelson Ave., Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

The new nature center will educate children and adults alike for decades to come, reminding them of the importance of our water resources. It is a significant and worthy project. We encourage people to consider making a donation to ensure its completion.