November 14, 2026 to
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
December 19, 2026 to
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Central Park Nature Center invites community members and area visitors to its upcoming Autumn Open House on Saturday, November 14, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the season, connect with others, and discover the many activities and programs available at Central Park.
This free, come-and-go event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Park Nature Center. Guests are invited to explore displays within the nature center, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in a variety of family-friendly fall activities.
Special activities will include:
Visitors can also enjoy delicious fall treats provided by the Friends of Jones County Conservation and the Nature Center.
The Fall Open House is a great opportunity for community members of all ages to spend time outdoors, experience the changing season, and learn more about the programs and recreational opportunities available through Jones County Conservation.
A HUGE Thank You to Hall Heritage Farm Pumpkin Patch for the wonderful donation of pumpkins and gourds to make this event festive and special!
For more information on upcoming programs check out the Jones County Conservation website at https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/
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Wild grapes are commonly found along riverbanks and fence rows. Take this common vine and turn it into a natural and unique wreath at a workshop on Thursday, November 19 at 10:00 AM at EB Lyons Interpretive Center, Dubuque.
Participants will learn to identify grapevine and how to harvest it. We will then create a wreath to use as décor for your home for the holidays.
This is an OWLS event sponsored by Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation departments.
OWLS events are open to all adults 18 years and older.
Free event.
Registration is required by November 17.
Register online at 3common.com/wreath.
For more information, call (563) 652-3783 or email Jess at jwagner@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov
This event will be held at EB Lyons Interpretive Center at 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
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Explore the history, chemistry, and process of making homemade bar soap at a workshop on Thursday, December 10. This 2-hour workshop will be held at Central Park starting at 10:00 AM.
Participants will learn the cold process soap method using lye and customize their own bar of soap to take home. Whether you are using it as gifts or for personal use, you're sure to be hooked on your first batch!
Enjoy lunch provided by the Friends of Jones County Conservation & Nature Center.
Cost is $10 per person, lunch provided. Register online at 3common.com/soapclass.
For more information, contact Jones County Conservation at 563-487-3541.
Central Park is located at 12515 Central Park Rd. Center Junction, Iowa.
This is an OWLS event and is open to all adults. OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) events are a collaboration between Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments.
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This December join Jones County Conservation for Holiday Open House Event Fun at Central Park!
Saturday, December 19th
10 AM–3 PM
Families can make pine cone bird feeders, join a digital scavenger hunt, explore trails with snowshoes, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and view the Nature Center exhibits.
If we have four or more inches of snowpack - checkout a pair of snowshoes and head outside to explore the trails of Central Park. No snow? - Take a hike along our Jones County Wild for Reading StoryWalk® Trail or drive around the park to look for wildlife and participate in the Central Park Holiday Digital Scavenger Hunt to win a prize.
Visit Central Park on Saturday the December 19th to watch the runners participating in the B & W Racing Services, LLC Annual Polar Run 5K, 800 M Candy Cane 10 and under kids run, and Reindeer Plunge that will be occurring in the park with events staggered from 12:45 – 2 PM. (Runner’s registration link found on their Facebook page.)
Before you go, have a holiday treat and cup of hot chocolate courtesy of the Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center. Bring the whole family for some holiday fun!!!
Visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ for more information on upcoming programs and events.
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