Conservation names nature center park after longtime board member

Carol Kramer always envisioned a better home for Jasper County Conservation, but she never expected to see part of it named after her and her late husband.

For as long as Kramer has been a member of the Jasper County Conservation Board, she has dreamed of having a nature center that served as a hub for staff and an educational experience for the many families and children who support the department. The dream is coming true as the nature center is nearly finished.

It took years of fundraising to get to this point, and there is still plenty left to do. Kramer was pivotal in helping lead the charge for the nature center, now known as the Dana King Ceretti Environmental Education Center. In honor of her dedication to conservation, the facility will now reside in Kramer Park.

Friends, loved ones and community members gathered for the official unveiling on Aug. 15. The park sign was hidden behind a thick tarp, which Kramer pulled off with the help of daughters Anne Yakle and Katy Kramer Lee. Kramer was touched to see so many people attend the event.

“My goodness,” Kramer said with a smile. “I want to thank you all for coming. This place means the world to me. I’m only sorry that Fritz isn’t here — but he’s here in spirit — because we have dreamed about this ever since I started teaching. And that was a long time ago.”

She recalled speaking with then-Conservation Board Director Dennis Black about finding a new home for the department that kids would enjoy. He agreed and told her it was certainly possible, but it would cost a lot of money. Kramer told him she wasn’t rich, but she could definitely raise some money.

“We did that and now we’re here,” Kramer said. “…We’re ready to go to serve the kids in Jasper County, and I’m so proud of that. At the age of 88, I am ready.”

Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said the nature center project has been in the works for more than three decades, and Kramer has been along for the ride ever since. Naming the park after her seemed fitting, considering all that she has done not only for conservation but the community.

“It was a Conservation Board decision to honor Carol and Fritz for all of their gifts they have given to Jasper County,” Van Zante said in an interview with Newton News. “I don’t think conservation would be what it is without Carol. She knows everybody. She’s a pillar in our community … Her impact is all encompassing.”

In October 2024, Jasper County Conservation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the nature center, which is named after Dana King Ceretti, the daughter of Jeff and Jodi King. Dana King Ceretti died in late 2009 at age 30. The King family has provided generous donations to the project and held a donation challenge.

Van Zante said conservation is still raising funds for the nature center. Currently, staff are hoping to have a grand opening as early as November 2025.