Jones County, Iowa

Central Park Bat Netting Observation Opportunity

Join us at Central Park this Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 8–10 PM for a behind-the-scenes look at live bat research in action.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe researchers as they safely catch, study, tag, and release bats found within the park.

Learn how scientists collect data to better understand local bat populations and their role in the ecosystem.

This is a rare chance to see real wildlife research up close during the park’s busiest bat activity hours.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?

Visit the Central Park Nature Center!

Join us for opening weekend of the 2026 Jones County Walking Through History exhibit! View exhibits featuring artifacts left by past inhabitants of Jones County, and enjoy several hands-on activities and games in the Nature Center’s lower level.

Summer Nature Center Hours

• Saturdays: 1–5 PM (Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend)
• Weekdays: 8 AM–3:30 PM, when staff are present

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Jones County Conservation website.

Solid Waste Management Commission Meeting

Meeting Agenda

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2026 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones/Events

Central Park Family Fishing Day!

Did you know June 5 - 7,  2026 is Iowa's Free Fishing Weekend?   (All Iowa fishing rules and regulations still apply) Click here for more information on the IOWA DNR Free Fishing Weekend.

Load up your family and friends and head to Central Park for a Fun Family Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6th!   

Fishing Activities at the Nature Center/Central Park: 

• Go fishing at the Family Fishing Area with Loaner Rods, Reels, and Bait provided.
• Get artsy and chalk the Nature Centers walk with fish art!
• Test your fish ID IQ.
• Bring your sandcastle equipment and beach wear to enjoy the Central Park Beach
• Rent a Paddle boat or Kayak from the campground host and take a spin around the lake. 
• Learn about the parks purple martin colony as you watch them flying over the lake.
• Check out the latest Nature Center "Fishing Fun" exhibits.  (Nature Center will be open 9 AM - 5 PM, Saturday, June 6th).     
• Participate in the Jones County Family Fishing Challenge by taking a picture of your catch and emailing it to conservationofficemg@jonescountyiowa.gov  by the end of June! 

Central Park Family Fishing Day!

Join us at the Central Park Nature Center for a fun-filled day of fishing-themed activities for the whole family!

Try your hand at a fish ID quiz and interactive games, show off your artistic side with Fish Chalk the Walk, and take home free educational handouts and local fishing information.  

Join us for a Free Family Fishing Day at Central Park Lake on Saturday, June 6th between 9 AM and 5 PM.

This event is held in conjunction with the Iowa Deaprtment of Natural Resources Free Fishing Weekend - June 5th - 7th.   Click here for more information.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?

Visit the Central Park Nature Center!

Join us to view the 2026 Jones County Walking Through History temporary exhibit! View exhibits featuring artifacts left by past inhabitants of Jones County, and enjoy several hands-on activities and games in the Nature Center’s lower level.

Summer Nature Center Hours

• Saturdays: 1–5 PM (Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend)
• Weekdays: 8 AM–3:30 PM, when staff are present

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Jones County Conservation website.

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2026 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones/Events

Central Park Iowa Young Birders Association Outing

Join the Iowa Young Birders Association for a fun morning of birdwatching at Central Park — perfect for kids and families!

We’ll meet at the Central Park Nature Center at 9:00 AM to say hello and learn a little about birds before heading out on the trails together. We’ll see how many different bird species we can spot along the way!

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Binoculars and bird guides will be available to borrow, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

New birders welcome - you do not have to be a current member of the Iowa Young Birders Association to attend.

Click here to register for this event.