Calendar of Events

2023 Healthiest State Annual Walk - Central Park Lake Walk!

Join Jones County Conservation staff to participate in the 2023 Iowa Healthiest State Annual Walk on Wednesday, October 4th from 11 AM - Noon.  Meet at the Central Park Nature Center at 11 AM to begin the walk around the lake.  Enjoy the beauty and colors of October at Central Park!

Growing Up Wild - Reconnecting Children with Nature

Registration is NOW open for our upcoming Growing Up Wild – Reconnecting Children with Nature training session.  This wonderful training opportunity is coming to Jones County Central Park Nature Center on Wednesday, October 4th from 1:30 – 5:30 PM.    NO COST for Teachers!  (Growing Up Wild guides included for each school participating.) - Sponsored by - Jones County Extension and Outreach.

Growing Up Wild workshops  provide hands-on activities and resources to build on a child’s sense of wonder.  Early learning activities use age-appropriate practices and concepts with a focus on math, science, language, literacy, healthy living, play, and creativity.

See the Growing Up Wild flyer for registration information.

OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Souls) Maquoketa River - Fall Colors Paddle

Join the Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Naturalists as we enjoy the beauty of autumn on the scenic South Fork of the Maquoketa River.  Vehicle staging and shuttles from Eby's Mill back to Pictured Rocks -  8:45 - 9:30 AM.  9:30 AM Safety talk and river expectations talk at Pictured Rocks Access.  Put in at 10 AM.  Bring your own watercraft or rent a kayak or canoe.  (Limited #'s available.)  (Due to fall water and air temperatures, this event is recommended for experieinced paddlers.)  Registrtation required  - https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx  

Central Park StoryWalk® Fall Festival

Join us for a fun fall festival at Central Park on Saturday,  October 14th, from 5-7 PM.  This fall festival featuring the pumpkin lit Jones County Wild for Reading Storywalk® Trail includes music, crafts and games, a book giveaway, and hot chcolate and cookies.  Costumes are FUN but optional!  Bring your flashlight or lantern to enjoy the pumpkin lit StoryWalk® Trail book - "What Color Is Night?" by Grant Snider.      (Wear hiking footwear - the trail is dark and wooded and the ground may be uneven.)

Fall Prairie Seed Harvest

Join the Jones County Conservation Board Staff on Tuesday, September 19th and October 17th, from 4-6 PM to enjoy an evening harvesting prairie seed at Hale Wildlife Area! We will enjoy the beauty of Iowa’s fall prairie as well as the company of others who appreciate it.  All seeds collected will be used for future prairie restoration projects around Jones County.  Please make sure to bring a water bottle, gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather - long pants and hiking footwear recommended.  Meet at the Hale Wildlife Area parking lot for introductions and instructions. For more directional information refer to: https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks/hale_wildlife_area/. This program is weather dependent and will not be held if rain or thunderstorms occur.   Please email Curtis.behrens@jonescountyiowa.gov to register for one or both days.