Calendar

Tax Credit Filing Deadlines

Thursday, July 1, is the filing deadline for the following tax credits/exemptions:

• Business Property Tax Credit
• Homestead Tax Credit
• Military Tax Credit
• Disabled Veteran Tax Credit

For more details, visit the Credits & Exemptions page.

Jones County Family Fishing Challenge

Load up your family and head to your favorite fishing hole in Jones County during the month of June.  Enter digital family photos of your catch for a prize drawing.  One entry per family member.  Check out our FaceBook page weekly to see prizes sponsored by local businesses.  

Digital Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun weekend activity?  Complete the Summer 2021 Central Park Digital Scavenger Hunt by using your digital camera, tablet, or phone to take selfies of your family at each scavenger hunt destination.  All families completing the scavenger hunt and visiting the Nature Center for verification of photos by 5 PM will receive a certificate and prize!  Locate the scavenger hunt list online at https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ beginning at 1 PM, July 3rd, or pick up a copy at the Central Park Nature Center that afternoon.  

Secrets of Sowbugs

Whether you call them roly poly bugs, pill bugs, or sow bug, there's no denying the importance and intrigue of these quiet, secretive critters.  Have you ever wondered what they eat, where they live, or what their life cycle is like?  Learn all about these gentle ground dwellers July 10th at 1 PM at the Central Park Nature Center!  See some of these little critters up close and hold a few if you dare!  

Music in the Park

Bring your bag chair or picnic blanket and picnic supper to join us for an evening of music at Central Park.  Visit with and listen to the music performed by Marvin Rickels on July 16th beginning at 6:30 PM.  Music will be performed outside near the Enclosed Pavilion area - look for the musicians when you arrive.  

Central Park Family Beginning Canoeing Days

Want to try canoeing?  Bring your family to Central Park to learn the basics of canoeing and spend an hour exploring Central Park Lake by canoe.  Pre-register for a time slot for either Saturday, July 17th or July 24th .   "The Early Bird" - Session 1 - from 8 - 10 AM or "The Late RIser" - Session 2 -  from 10 AM - Noon.   All equipment provided.    To register:  call (563)487-3541 or email naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov    Space is limited - register early!  

Geology Paddle

Join Naturalists from Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones Counties on a guided geology paddle along the Turkey River on Friday, July 23rd at 10 AM.  Paddle 6.5 miles on the Turkey River and learn about the unique features that shaped our region.  A limited number of watercraft are provided.  Sign up required!  www.eventbrite.com/e/160196890211

Central Park Family Beginning Canoeing Days

Want to try canoeing?  Bring your family to Central Park to learn the basics of canoeing and spend an hour exploring Central Park Lake by canoe.  Pre-register for a time slot for either Saturday, July 17th or July 24th .   "The Early Bird" - Session 1 - from 8 - 10 AM or "The Late RIser" - Session 2 -  from 10 AM - Noon.   All equipment provided.    To register:  call (563)487-3541 or email naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov    Space is limited - register early!  

A Visit to the Blackberry Patch

Nothing says summer quite like a basket of fresh picked blackberries! Join AmeriCorps Naturalist, Diana Reuber, on Saturday, July 31st for a hike on Central Park’s Blackberry Trail, and the chance to bring home fresh, local blackberries!  The hike will begin at Noon at the Central Park Nature Center. Be sure to bring a basket or container to collect berries and enjoy the taste of summer!  Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid scratches when picking.  For more information on this program, please contact Diana Reuber at dreuber@dbq.edu.