Central Park Nature Center Open
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 22, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Monarch Tagging
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 26, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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:-)
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Central Park Lake Sunset Kayaking
Central Park
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 26, 2026
6:30 pm · 8:30 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Jones County Local FARMERS MARKET
Central Park - South Side
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 28, 2026
4:00 pm · 6:00 pm
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!
For More Information
Contact: Kaileen Weaver - Director of Jones County Tourism Association
(319) 462-4101
director@traveljonescounty.com Website Posted by:
Conservation
Central Park Nature Center Open
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 29, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Central Park Bumble Bee Survey
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
August 29, 2026
3:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Monarch Tagging
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
September 2, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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:-)
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Following the Fall Migration - Part of the Walk & Learn: Birds & Binoculars Series!
Riverside Gardens
441 East 3rd Street
Monticello
September 5, 2026
9:00 am · 11:00 am
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Central Park Nature Center Open
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
September 5, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Monarch Tagging
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
September 5, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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:-)
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Monarch Tagging
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
September 9, 2026
1:00 pm · 5:00 pm
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:-)
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
O.W.L.S. Birding Paddle - Green Island
Green Island Wildlife Area
Green Island Rd
Miles
September 10, 2026
9:00 am · 12:00 pm
Fall is a great time to look for waterfowl, and what better way to look for them than on the water!
Join Naturalists from Jackson, Jones, and Dubuque Counties in a birding paddle around the Green Island Wildlife Area as we look for migrating and resident birds. We'll keep our eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of bald eagles, pelicans, egrets, and migrating waterfowl frequently found in this 3,6000 acre wetland and woodland complex along the Mississippi River valley.
Kayaks will be available for people to borrow, as well as binoculars, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
Join us as we leisurely paddling across the water, looking for birds in the marsh, trees, bushes, and more!
Registration is required, as boats are limited!
Older Wiser Livlier Seniors (OWLS) programs are designed for adults 18 years or older.
O.W.L.S programs are shared between Jackson, Jones, and Dubuque county.
Please call 563-652-3783 to register for this event by September 8th.
For More Information
Contact: Julia Rodewald
(563) 652-3783
Website Posted by:
Conservation
Providing programs and recreational opportunities that preserve and enhance our natural and cultural resources. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join us in the great outdoors, exploring Jones County's many parks, wildlife areas, and trails.
