Calendar

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 Local FARMERS MARKET

Join us for the 2nd Annual Jones County Farmers Market at Central Park!

This year, you'll find us beachside in the Wetlands Parking Lot, providing greater visibility and easier access for campers, park visitors, and local residents.

Shop locally grown produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, specialty products, and more while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of one of Jones County's favorite outdoor destinations.

Whether you're stocking up on fresh ingredients, searching for unique gifts, or simply looking for a fun Friday afternoon outing, there's something for everyone at the market.

Market Details:

Dates: June 26th, July 10th & 31st, August 7th & 28th

Wetlands Parking Lot at Central Park - South Side of Lake Near Beach

Time:  4-6 PM

Local produce, baked goods, crafts, and specialty vendors

Convenient beachside location

Easy access for campers and park visitors

Family-friendly atmosphere

Come support local farmers, makers, and small businesses while enjoying all that Central Park has to offer. We look forward to seeing you at the market!

Illuminating the Dark - Central Park Bat Research!

Come explore the science behind bat conservation and discover how local research is helping us better understand and protect bat populations.  Learn how researchers are studying Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes White-nose syndrome, through a collaboration with Iowa State University Master's Student Faith Hansen.  The evening will feature:  A brief presentation on the bat research being conducted at Central Park.  An overview of the results and discoveries made so far.  Hands-on activities  demonstrating field research methods.  Opportunities to learn how scientists study bats, monitor their health, and discover ways you can help protect bats.  

Join us on Friday, August 7th at 6:30 PM at the Central Park Nature Center.  

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 REAP Committee Annual Grant Review & Comment Session

Did you know REAP Grant applications for City Park/Open Space and County Conservation grant applications are required to get comments from their local county REAP committee?  The 2026 Jones County REAP Committee Grant Review Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12th beginning at 10 AM.  Interested individuals are invited to attend.  Members of the Jones County REAP Committee will meet in the Central Park Nature Centers Lower-Level Meeting Room to review and comment on proposed 2026 Jones County REAP Project applications. The meeting agenda will include the election of Jones County REAP Committee officers, review of grants being submitted with input and recommendations on any proposed projects, and updates on any 2024/2025 Jones County REAP Grants awarded.

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.

OWLS - Wildlife Prairie Park Trip

Join us for our August OWLS event and take a walk on the wild side!

Wildlife Prairie Park is located just outside of Peoria Illinois with a mission to educate and provide recreational opportunities that inspire learning about conservation. Learn about the animals that call the Midwest home!

Cost is $25/ person and includes admission, an educational guided tour, and train ticket.   Participants will meet at the Hurstville Interpretive Center at 8am to carpool/ caravan to WPP.   Participants can bring a sack lunch, but there are a few places in the park to get small food items like sandwiches.

Older Wiser Livelier Souls (OWLS) events are for adults 18 years+.

Please register online at https://3common.com/wildlifeprairiepark by Monday August 10th by 5pm. For more information or questions, email mjurczyk@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov or call (563) 652-3783

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.

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.  This is a come and go event  - stay for an hour or the entire time:-)    

Central Park Lake Sunset Kayaking

Perfect for beginner kayakers!  Join us for a fun and relaxed introduction to flat water kayaking!  Learn the basics of kayak safety and paddling, followed by a peaceful paddle on Central Park Lake.   

Bring your own kayak or use of the the Jones County Conservation educational kayaks.

Wednesday, August 26

6:30 - 8:30 PM

This event is for ages 10 and up.  Children must be accompanied by and adult.   

All equipment is provided.  PFD's required to be worn.

Registration is required.  Click here to register.

Jones County Local FARMERS MARKET

Join us for the 2nd Annual Jones County Farmers Market at Central Park!

This year, you'll find us beachside in the Wetlands Parking Lot, providing greater visibility and easier access for campers, park visitors, and local residents.

Shop locally grown produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, specialty products, and more while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of one of Jones County's favorite outdoor destinations.

Whether you're stocking up on fresh ingredients, searching for unique gifts, or simply looking for a fun Friday afternoon outing, there's something for everyone at the market.

Market Details:

Dates: June 26th, July 10th & 31st, August 7th & 28th

Wetlands Parking Lot at Central Park - South Side of Lake Near Beach

Time:  4-6 PM

Local produce, baked goods, crafts, and specialty vendors

Convenient beachside location

Easy access for campers and park visitors

Family-friendly atmosphere

Come support local farmers, makers, and small businesses while enjoying all that Central Park has to offer. We look forward to seeing you at the market!

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.

Central Park Bumble Bee Survey

Head to the Central Park Nature Center on Saturday June 27th, July 18th, and August 29th from 3-5 PM to take part in the 2026 Central Park Bumble Bee Survey!  Learn about the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas and help survey the bumble bees of Central Park.