Babcock Woods

Babcock Woods is an 80-acre, natural area located within the Waverly City limits. The woods contain 150-year old red oak trees and give a view of what Bremer County looked like during its settlement.

History

Through the will of Aldora Babcock, the Bremer County Conservation Board received the west 40 acres from the Easter Seal Society of Iowa (the primary recipient of the property). The Easter Seal Society then decided to sell the remainder of the property (east 40 acres). ESS gave the Bremer County Conservation Board the first option to purchase it. BCCB started a fund-raising campaign to acquire $100,000 to purchase the remaining forty acres.

Through the generous donations of many individuals and organizations, over $106,000 was raised. The Bremer County Conservation Board was able to purchase the additional 40 acres and has since placed a parking lot, kiosk, pit toilets, in addition to reconstructing a wildflower prairie in the former pasture.  There is a bird blind and an additional parking lot adjacent to 11th Street SE.

The area is used as an outdoor education site for area schools. The BCCB continues to work with the DNR District Forester to develop a timber management plan for the area.