Jones County, Iowa

OWLS - Homestead & Hammer - Spring Garden Tour -

Tour the gardens at Homestead & Hammer, an 1860s botanical paradise in Bellevue, Iowa, on Wednesday, April 29 at 9:30 AM.  

Being cultivated by a botanist in the 18 and 1900's and later by fellow horticulturists, the property is flourishing with medicinal herbs and plants, lush garden beds, spring ephemerals, florals, mycelium and fungus galore.  

Owner Jessica Oye grew up in a small Amish community where she learned old traditions for homesteading. See how they have blended these skills into their property and how they make these experiences available to the community.  

The tour will last approximately one hour.

Following the tour, participants will have time to shop in the store on site.  

Program is free and open to adults.

Please note, the site does have a lot of stairs and some steep paths. 

This is an OWLS event - open to any adult wanting to learn more about nature. OWLS events are a collaboration between Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation. 

Registration is required to attend. Please contact Jackson County Conservation at (563) 652-3783 or email jwagner@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov to register or for more information. Address and directions will be provided for registered participants. Carpooling is available from the Hurstville Interpretive Center. 

Recorder Month End Transaction Deadline

Jones County Recorder's office

• Business will be cut-off early on Thursday, April 30, 2026
  • Marriage Applications - 2:30 PM deadline
  • The following will cut-off at 3:00 PM :
    • Real Estate Recordings
    • ATV, ORV, ORM, snowmobile and boat transactions
    • Hunting & Fishing licenses
    • Certified Vital Record requests
    • Passport pictures with credit/debit card payments

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

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.

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

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

Discovering Chimney Swifts & Nighthawks! - Part of the Walk & Learn Birds & Binocular Series

Join the Walk & Learn: Birds and Binoculars Series this Summer!

Lace up your walking shoes, grab your binoculars (and bird field guide if you have one), and join fellow birding enthusiasts as we learn about Iowa’s chimney swifts and nighthawks. Along the way, we’re sure to spot other resident birds as we hike to and from several Monticello public parks in search of these special species.

We’ll meet at the Monticello Pocket Park at 7:00 PM for brief introductions before beginning our hike.

New to birding? No problem! Everyone is welcome to attend this relaxed, educational birdwatching outing.

Binoculars and field guides will be provided, or feel free to bring your own.

This series is co-sponsored by the Monticello Parks & Recreation Deaprtment and the Jones County Conservation Board.