Calendar of Events

OWLS Paddling on the Maquoketa River

OWLS (older wiser livelier souls) programs are for adults looking to get outside!

Join the Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones OWLS group for a paddling trip on the Maquoketa River from Canton to Royertown in Jackson County.

Canoes and kayaks are available to borrow. Or bring your own.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Eastern Iowa as we paddle ~9 miles.

Meet at Canton County Park at 9:00 AM. We'll figure out canoes/kayaks/life jackets, etc. Shuttle vehicles. Get on the water by 10:00. Paddle 9 miles with a stop at a sandbar for lunch. Arrive at Royertown at approximately 2:30 PM.

Dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get wet. Bring a lunch, water, sunscreen, and hat.

This event is FREE and open to ALL adults.

Registration is required by June 29.

Email conservation@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov or call (563) 652-3783

Foraging Series

Join Monticello Parks and Recreation Staff and Jones County Conservation Naturalist, Michele Olson, for a foraging hike.  Learn how to safely identify, harvest, and enjoy nature's wild bounty!    Mark your calendar for the following Foraging Series outing dates:  Spring: April 30th, 4 PM Willow Park, Monticello.   Summer:  July 9th, 4 PM Riverside Gardens, Monticello.  Fall: October 15th, 4 PM, Central Park Nature Center.   Wear hiking footwear, comfortable tick and Mosquitoe proof clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Bring a water bottle and insect repellent.  

Introduction to Kayaking

Join the Jones County Naturalist for an introduction to kayaking then spend some time on the water paddling a few different styles of kayaks.  Pick one Saturday session out of three to attend - June 21, July 12, or August 2.  Sessions run from 9 AM to Noon - beginning at the Central Park Nature Center.  Bring your own PFD or use one provided.  PFD's required to be worn.   Click here to pre-register for this event.

Jones County Local Farmers Market - At Central Park!

Mark your calendars for the new Jones County Local Farmers Market sponsored by Jones County Tourism Association!  Check out whats available at the new local market at Central Park  this summer.  Market dates include Saturday June 28th, July 19th, and August 16th.  Market vendors will be on site from 1-3 PM and will be located on the Nature Center side of the lake.  

Central Park Bumble Bee Survey

Head to the Central Park Nature Center on Saturday June 21, July 19, and August 30th from 3-5 PM to take part in the 2025 Central Park Bumble Bee Survey!  Learn about the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas and help survey the bumble bees of Central Park.  

Introduction to Kayaking

Join the Jones County Naturalist for an introduction to kayaking then spend some time on the water paddling a few different styles of kayaks.  Pick one Saturday session out of three to attend - June 21, July 12, or August 2.  Sessions run from 9 AM to Noon - beginning at the Central Park Nature Center.  Bring your own PFD or use one provided.  PFD's required to be worn.   Click here to pre-register for this event.

Jones County Local Farmers Market - At Central Park!

Mark your calendars for the new Jones County Local Farmers Market sponsored by Jones County Tourism Association!  Check out whats available at the new local market at Central Park  this summer.  Market dates include Saturday June 28th, July 19th, and August 16th.  Market vendors will be on site from 1-3 PM and will be located on the Nature Center side of the lake.  

Mushroom Foray

Join the Prairie States Mushroom Club for an introduction to mushroom foraging followed by a hike around Central Park.  August is an excellent time to look for fungi, whether edible or just beautiful!  Expect to find oyster mushrooms, coral fungi, and perhaps chanterelles!  

Meet at the Central Park Nature Center lower level meeting room at 9 AM.  Wear hiking footwear and long pants and bring insect repellent.  We will be heading off trail.  

This program is sponsored by the Jones County Conservation Board, Prairie State Mushroom Club, and Ross and Elizabeth Baty Monticello Public Library.  

Pine Needle Art Class - Pendants

Come learn how to make beautiful pendants using pine needles.  Get creative as you design some of your own pendants for necklaces, ear rings, or bracelets.  All materials will be provided.  Classes will take place from 9 AM - 1 PM in the lower level meeting room of the Central Park Nature Center.  A lite lunch will be provided by the Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center.  This class is sponsored by the Jones County Conservation Board and Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center.  Participants must register for each class separately.  $10 cost per person per class.  Click here to register.

Central Park Bumble Bee Survey

Head to the Central Park Nature Center on Saturday June 21, July 19, and August 30th from 3-5 PM to take part in the 2025 Central Park Bumble Bee Survey!  Learn about the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas and help survey the bumble bees of Central Park.  

Foraging Series

Join Monticello Parks and Recreation Staff and Jones County Conservation Naturalist, Michele Olson, for a foraging hike.  Learn how to safely identify, harvest, and enjoy nature's wild bounty!    Mark your calendar for the following Foraging Series outing dates:  Spring: April 30th, 4 PM Willow Park, Monticello.   Summer:  July 9th, 4 PM Riverside Gardens, Monticello.  Fall: October 15th, 4 PM, Central Park Nature Center.   Wear hiking footwear, comfortable tick and Mosquitoe proof clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Bring a water bottle and insect repellent.  

Pine Needle Art Class - Baskets

Come learn how to make a beautiful simple pine needle basket.  Create your own mini basket to take home.  All materials will be provided.  Classes will take place from 9 AM - 1 PM in the lower level meeting room of the Central Park Nature Center.  A lite lunch will be provided by the Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center.  This class is sponsored by the Jones County Conservation Board and Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center.  Participants must register for each class separately.  $10 cost per person per class.  Click here to register.