Calendar

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:-)    

Following the Fall Migration - Part of the Walk & Learn: Birds & Binoculars 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 Fall Migration.   Find out which birds head south for the winter, which birds stay, and which birds find Iowa a cozy winter retreat! 

We’ll meet at the Riverside Garden Gazebo at 9 AM for brief introductions before beginning our hike.

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

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:-)    

Labor Day - County Offices Closed

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:-)    

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:-)    

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, September 23

6 - 8 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.