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Watkins
Eden Index
Climate
7.5
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.0/10
Watkins, Iowa is a small town located in Benton County in the Midwestern region of the United States. The climate in Watkins is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, typical of a humid continental climate. Average high temperatures range from around 30°F (-1°C) in winter to approximately 85°F (29°C) in summer, with precipitation distributed throughout the year.
Hydrologically, Watkins is surrounded by diverse water bodies. The Cedar River flows nearby, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. In addition, local lakes and ponds offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find various recreational opportunities in Watkins. The town boasts several parks and green spaces, providing residents and visitors with places for picnicking, hiking, and sports activities. The nearby Cedar Valley Nature Trail offers a chance to explore the beautiful countryside on foot, bike, or horseback. For those interested in golf, the Vinton Country Club is a short drive away, offering a challenging course amid picturesque surroundings.
Overall, Watkins, Iowa offers a moderate climate, abundant water resources, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.5
Watkins receives approximately
898mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Watkins has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Iowa
Area Rivers
Iowa
Snowpack Depths
Iowa
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Iowa
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.8
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georges Cove - Norfolk Lake | None | 633 ft | |||
| Chamois Access - MDC | 4 | 530 ft | |||
| Sycamore Loop Dispersed - Noblett Lake | None | 905 ft | |||
| Rollins Ferry Access - MDC | 11 | 568 ft | |||
| Paydown Access - MDC | 6 | 596 ft | |||
| Pine Ridge | 8 | 770 ft | |||
| Dry Fork | 18 | 763 ft | |||
| Blanchard Springs | 254 | 638 ft | |||
| Jordan - Norfolk Lake | None | 683 ft | |||
| Lakeview Park - Mexico | None | 810 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.