Warren County Conservation is reflecting on a busy 2025 that included major projects, successful grant applications, and expanded public access to county conservation areas. Warren County Conservation Director Zach Hall tells KNIA News the success has made time fly by. 

“Looking back, it’s been incredibly quick. Our team’s been working really hard out into the field and at the Annett Nature Center. Some major projects have come up, and we’ve been able to successfully complete them.”

Among the year’s highlights, the Warren County Conservation Board approved a new policy allowing limited bow hunting and falconry hunting on a 100-acre portion of Medora Prairie. Hall said staff also completed extensive habitat management work at the site, significantly improving the health of the property.

On the trail side, Warren County Conservation was awarded a $543,000 State Recreational Trails Program grant to repair a 1.47-mile section of the Great Western Trail, beginning in Martinsdale and extending north. Hall said the project represents one of the department’s largest recent investments in trail infrastructure.

In addition to large-scale projects, Hall credited staff for handling daily operations and public engagement throughout the year, often stepping in to cover multiple roles as needed. Looking back, Hall said the department faced challenges in 2025 but credited the conservation team for meeting them while continuing to serve the public across Warren County.

The full interview with Warren County Conservation Director Zach Hall can be heard in a future Let’s Talk Indianola program.