About Winneshiek County

Winneshiek County first achieved Bird Friendly County status in 2020.

Winneshiek County has over 9,500 acres of public parks, trails, recreational areas, and wildlife management areas, managed by various entities for birding, hiking, hunting, biking, fishing, and camping. The Winneshiek County Conservation Board manages 750 acres and providing native habitat for birds, and other wildlife is the primary objective of their management plans. 38 out of the 48 Species of Greatest Conservation Need found in Winneshiek County have been documented on county-owned properties. Winneshiek County also promotes bird-friendly practices through a variety of educational programs and events for schools, outside organizations, and the public, including birding hikes and field trips, birdhouse and birdfeeder workshops, bird-focused presentations, and outreach regarding the dangers of lead ammunition and fishing tackle. Winneshiek County staff help coordinate the local Audubon Christmas Bird Counts and promote participation in citizen science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count and Project FeederWatch. Winneshiek County is also homebase for The Raptor Resource Project, known globally for its Decorah Eagle Nest webcam that educates tens of thousands of people each year about raptors.