Calendar of Events

Hamilton Prairie Walk (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls)

Calling all plant nerds. Join Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation OWLs (Older Wiser Livelier, Souls) group as we explore the natural beauty of Hamilton prairie. On Thursday, May 19, at 6 pm the we will explore Ray Hamilton’s prairie located at the corner of Codfish Hollow Rd. and 288th Ave Maquoketa, IA. Right across the road from the Codfish Hollow Barnstormers concert venue. Through a guided prairie hike we will look for and learn about native prairie plants. Hamilton’s prairie has been managed as a biological preserve for the past 35 years and is a shining example of a privately owned prairie. With a mixture of remnant and restored prairie Hamilton’s prairie will entrance plant lovers and give a glimpse into Iowa’s natural history. This prairie hike is geared towards adults but all ages are welcome. Please come dressed for the weather. Register 48 hours in advanced.   To register call (563) 652-3783 or email tvorwald@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov  

Additional Upcoming Hamilton prairie hikes: June 30, August 18, September 22
 

OWL's (Older Wiser Livelier Souls) Aldo Leopold Foundation Day Trip

Join Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation OWL’s (Older Wiser Livelier) group as we take a day trip to the Aldo Leopold Foundation and take of guided hike and tour of the Leopold shack. Famed as the “godfather” of modern conservation and the author of the influential “A Sand County Almanac,” Aldo Leopold is one of the famous figures in conservation. On Friday, May 27 we will take a day trip to The Aldo Leopold Foundation and take a tour of the Leopold shack. The shack is where Aldo Leopold wrote much of the Sand County Almanac. On our way home we will also stop by Pewits Nest State Natural Area to stretch our legs with a hike and see the glacially formed gorge and its series of waterfalls. This program is $5 per person. Those registered to carpool will meet at the Central Park Nature Center at 7 AM, Hurstville Interpretive Center at 7:30 am, and Swiss Valley Nature Center at 8:00 am. Limited carpooling is available. Come dresses for the weather. Bring a packed lunch and water bottle. OWL’s programs are open to all adults. For questions email tvorwald@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leopold-shack-trip-tickets-288763097197

Serenity Stones

Head to the Central Park Nature Center between the hours of 1 and 5 PM on Saturday or Sunday, May 28th and 29th to get creative and make your own serenity stone to take home.  Check out the Nature Center exhibits and view the live reptiles and amphibians that call the center home.    This event is a fun for all ages come and go event.  

Serenity Stones

Head to the Central Park Nature Center between the hours of 1 and 5 PM on Saturday or Sunday, May 28th and 29th to get creative and make your own serenity stone to take home.  Check out the Nature Center exhibits and view the live reptiles and amphibians that call the center home.    This event is a fun for all ages come and go event.  

Jones County Family Fishing Challenge

Load up your family and head to your favorite fishing hole in Jones County during the month of June.  Enter digital family photos of your catch for a prize drawing!  One entry per family member.  Check out our FaceBook page weekly to see prizes sponsored by local businesses.  

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-19  can join the 2022 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology leasons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Central Park Family Fishing Day!

Join us during the Iowa Department of Natural Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 4th from 10 AM - 1 PM for the Central Park Family Fishing Day!  Bring a picnic lunch and walk around the lake as you enjoy fun activity stations including music, games, crafts, and snacks.  Try your hand at fly casting with the Dubuque Fly Fishers and test our different makes and models of kayaks at the UP A CREEK kayak demonstration area.  Kids can test their casting skills at the Wapsi Valley Bassmasters Kids Casting Contest.  Don't have fishing equipment but want to give it a try?  Check out some of our loaner fishing equipment at the Family Fishing Station near the new lake walk and fishing pier area.  Take a stroll on our Jones County Wild for Reading StoryWalk® Trail  before hitting the beach to cool off.   Don't forget to stop by the Central Park Nature Center before you go.

If your an early riser be at the park by 8 AM to join the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Conation 5K Fun Run/Walk - check our Facebook page for the link to register for the run event.  

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-19  can join the 2022 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology leasons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Invasive Species Field Day

Join the Hawkeye Cooperative Weed Managament Area (HCWMA) for a Invasive Species Field Day on Wednesday, June 15th from 9 AM - 3 PM.    Check ou the HCWMA brochure for more information on guest speakers and to find out how you can register for this free event.  Lunch and snacks provided!   Click here to download the brochure.

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-19  can join the 2022 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology leasons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-19  can join the 2022 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology leasons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx