Courthouse Main Entrance closed for remodeling starting September 3rd until further notice - The public will need to use the door on the Southwest corner of the courthouse.

Lime Creek Nature Center

The Mission of the Lime Creek Nature Center is to develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural world through conservation and education.

pollinators

Memberships

The Lime Creek Nature Center’s environmental education efforts are not tax-supported, but instead are funded by donations and memberships. Our programming reaches thousands of people each year, and the center provides passive educational and recreational opportunities to thousands more. The rewards of these activities are immense, as they improve quality of life and provide Iowans with the knowledge they need to preserve our natural world now and for future generations. By becoming a member of the Lime Creek Nature Center, you will help us continue these important efforts.

Your membership dues will fund:aquariums

  • Activities, programs, public nature outings, and events for people of all ages.
  • Programming for special populations such as handicapped, elderly, and at-risk youth.
  • Educational materials
  • Naturalist internships
  • Informational newsletters for LCNC members and teachers.
  • Nature center displays

Membership benefits include:

  • Free quarterly newsletter
  • Program discounts and privilegesnest
  • Qualification as a voting member (at the annual meeting of members)
  • Satisfaction of contributing to the education and quality of life of thousands of people

Membership Form

Volunteers

Volunteers play a special role at the Lime Creek Nature Center. Whether you are interested in volunteering once a week, once a month, or occasionally for a special event, the opportunities are endless. Please call us at 641-423-5309 for more information.

Volunteer Waiver Form

 

Maxine Sanberg Memorial Fund

The Maxine Sanberg Memorial Fund was created in 2014 with a bequest from the Maxine Sanberg estate to the Lime Creek Nature Center.  This gift provided the major source of funding for the exhibit renovation project and also funds our Monarch Mania program.  The fund also paid for our first educational touch screen for the center.

Maxine Sanberg was a Lime Creek Nature Center icon. Regardless of weather conditions she rarelyMaxine Sanberg proudly displaying a plaque. missed her daily walks at the Lime Creek Nature Center, followed by a stop in the office to say hello to the Lime Creek staff. She was always accompanied by one or more of her faithful canine companions, most recently a collie named Cisco.

Maxine had an uncanny knack for finding unusual and unique scenes in nature, and then capturing them on her camera, which was always in tow.  She took hundreds of photos of unique scenery and Lime Creek programs and events, entering many in photo contests and sharing them with us for programs and displays.  She was also a dedicated and loyal supporter of the Lime Creek Nature Center.  Maxine served on the board of directors for many years, put in countless hours volunteering at special events, and attended nearly all of Lime Creek’s public programs.

When it came to selling tickets for nature center fundraisers, Maxine had no equal.  Without fail she was far and away the top seller of tickets to the nature center’s chicken barbecue, held annually until 2001.

In 1998 Maxine’s generous financial gift funded the Sanberg Family Educational Wing, an addition to the nature center that increased office space and provided a large storage/work room, two items which were greatly needed to support the growth of the nature center and conservation board.

When Maxine passed away in December of 2013, the Lime Creek Nature Center lost an irreplaceable supporter and dear friend.  But her legacy lives on in her many long-lasting contributions to the center, her memorial fund, and the Monarch Mania! project.

Monarch Mania WebsiteRenovation Photos

 

County Courthouse

220 N. Washington Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
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Courthouse Hours

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Holidays
Department Hours May Vary