Join us for a conservation event!
Foraging Series
Willow Park
511 East Oak Street
Monticello
October 15, 2025
4:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Central Park Lake Fall Colors Sunset Floats
Central Park Lake
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
October 16, 2025
5:00 pm · 7:00 pm
Enjoy a paddle on Central Park Lake. Join in for a fun and relaxing introduction to flat water kayaking. You will learn the basics of kayak safety and paddling, followed by a peaceful paddle on Central Park Lake. The perfect way to enjoy the vibrant fall colors and beautiful autumn sunset.
Registration required - visit https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones/Events to register.
This event is for ages 12 and up.
All equipment provided.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
O.W.L.S. Sandhill Crane Migration & Aldo Leopold Center Tour Field Day
Aldo Leopold Center
Baraboo
November 10, 2025
7:00 am · 9:00 pm
Join Naturalists from Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County on a trip for a private visit to the Aldo Leopold Center, Leopold Shack, and witness the fall migration of thousands of sandhill cranes.
The Aldo Leopold Center is located about 2 hours from Dubuque near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Space is limited and the cost of $71 covers transportation to the center by van, along with the tour of the center, shack and bird blind for observing the cranes. Car pooling arrangements will be available from the Hurstville Nature Center, Central Park Nature Center, and the EB Lyons Nature Center.
Click here for more information on this event.
Anyone wishing to attend this event must pre-register at https://secure.rec1.com/IA/dubuque-county-ia/catalog
Space is limited!
O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls) events sponsored by Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments are open to all adults.
For More Information
Contact: Swiss Valley Nature Center
(563) 556-6745
addy.schober@dubuquecountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Amazing ATLATL Fun!
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
November 12, 2025
2:30 pm · 4:00 pm
Throwback Skills: Atlatl Spear Throwing
Join the Jones County Naturalist to learn how to safely throw spears using an atlatl, an ancient hunting tool. Test your aim on a variety of fun, seasonal targets in this hands-on program!
This Early Out Wednesday activity will take place at the Central Park Nature Center on:
-
Tuesday, November 12 at 2:30 PM
-
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:30 PM
Who Can Attend:
Open to interested adults and youth ages 8 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration:
Online registration is required. Space is limited. Participants may register for one or both sessions—each date is listed separately.
Click Here To Register
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Pine Needle Art Class - Baskets
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
November 19, 2025
9:00 am · 1:00 pm
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.
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
naturalist@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Amazing ATLATL Fun!
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
November 19, 2025
2:30 pm · 4:00 pm
Throwback Skills: Atlatl Spear Throwing
Join the Jones County Naturalist to learn how to safely throw spears using an atlatl, an ancient hunting tool. Test your aim on a variety of fun, seasonal targets in this hands-on program!
This Early Out Wednesday activity will take place at the Central Park Nature Center on:
-
Tuesday, November 12 at 2:30 PM
-
Tuesday, November 19 at 2:30 PM
Who Can Attend:
Open to interested adults and youth ages 8 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration:
Online registration is required. Space is limited. Participants may register for one or both sessions—each date is listed separately.
Click Here To Register
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Holiday Open House
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
December 3, 2025
1:00 pm · 4:00 pm
🎄 Celebrate the Holidays at Central Park! 🎄
Join us for festive fun during our Holiday Open House events at Central Park!
Dates & Times:
-
Early Out Wednesdays: December 3, 10, & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
-
Saturday: December 20 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎁 No registration required – come and go as you please!
Come enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including:
✨ Educational displays & exhibits
🎨 Make-and-take holiday crafts
☕ Hot chocolate & cookies
🖍️ Coloring contest
❄️ Snowshoeing on the trails (weather permitting)
Be sure to visit the Jones County Wild For Reading StoryWalk® Trail and enjoy When Winter Comes – Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods by Aimee Bissonette.
Don’t miss this magical chance to celebrate the season with nature, learning, and holiday cheer!
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Holiday Open House
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
December 10, 2025
1:00 pm · 4:00 pm
🎄 Celebrate the Holidays at Central Park! 🎄
Join us for festive fun during our Holiday Open House events at Central Park!
Dates & Times:
-
Early Out Wednesdays: December 3, 10, & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
-
Saturday: December 20 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎁 No registration required – come and go as you please!
Come enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including:
✨ Educational displays & exhibits
🎨 Make-and-take holiday crafts
☕ Hot chocolate & cookies
🖍️ Coloring contest
❄️ Snowshoeing on the trails (weather permitting)
Be sure to visit the Jones County Wild For Reading StoryWalk® Trail and enjoy When Winter Comes – Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods by Aimee Bissonette.
Don’t miss this magical chance to celebrate the season with nature, learning, and holiday cheer!
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Holiday Open House
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
December 17, 2025
1:00 pm · 4:00 pm
🎄 Celebrate the Holidays at Central Park! 🎄
Join us for festive fun during our Holiday Open House events at Central Park!
Dates & Times:
-
Early Out Wednesdays: December 3, 10, & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
-
Saturday: December 20 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎁 No registration required – come and go as you please!
Come enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including:
✨ Educational displays & exhibits
🎨 Make-and-take holiday crafts
☕ Hot chocolate & cookies
🖍️ Coloring contest
❄️ Snowshoeing on the trails (weather permitting)
Be sure to visit the Jones County Wild For Reading StoryWalk® Trail and enjoy When Winter Comes – Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods by Aimee Bissonette.
Don’t miss this magical chance to celebrate the season with nature, learning, and holiday cheer!
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
Holiday Open House
Central Park Nature Center
12515 Central Park Rd
Center Junction
December 20, 2025
1:00 pm · 4:00 pm
🎄 Celebrate the Holidays at Central Park! 🎄
Join us for festive fun during our Holiday Open House events at Central Park!
Dates & Times:
-
Early Out Wednesdays: December 3, 10, & 17 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
-
Saturday: December 20 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎁 No registration required – come and go as you please!
Come enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including:
✨ Educational displays & exhibits
🎨 Make-and-take holiday crafts
☕ Hot chocolate & cookies
🖍️ Coloring contest
❄️ Snowshoeing on the trails (weather permitting)
Be sure to visit the Jones County Wild For Reading StoryWalk® Trail and enjoy When Winter Comes – Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods by Aimee Bissonette.
Don’t miss this magical chance to celebrate the season with nature, learning, and holiday cheer!
For More Information
Contact: Michele Olson
(319) 481-7987
michele.olson@jonescountyiowa.gov Website Posted by:
Conservation
