Calendar of Events

16th Annual Healthiest State Walk - Central Park

Meet at the Central Park Nature Center at Noon for a fun walk around Central Park Lake.   

Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours and watch migrating birds as we walk.

This Annual Walk is an opportunity to join thousands of other Iowans statewide in walking for at least 30 minutes!

Grab your friends or family to join us for a scenic walk while participating in the 16th Annual Healthiest State Iowa Walk event!

For more information visit: https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk

OWLS - Wapsipinicon River Fall Colors Paddle

Join the Dubuque, Jones and Jackson County Conservation Department Staff on Thursday, October 10th for our annual O.W.L.S fall colors paddle! 

Enjoy the colorful autumn sights and sounds of the scenic Wapsipinicon River as we paddle 8.9 miles beginning at Wapsipinicon State Park below the dam in Anamosa to the Newport Mills River Access. 

The event is part of the Older Wiser Livelier Seniors (OWLS) program, sponsored by the Dubuque, Jackson and Jones County Conservation Departments. OWLS programs provide opportunities for like-minded adults to gather, enjoy outdoor activities and learn more about the natural world.

Participants should arrive at 9 a.m. at the Wapsipinicon State Park access below the dam to drop off their watercraft or check in for rental reservations. Drivers will then meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Newport Mills River Access to leave vehicles and board shuttles back to the put-in location. Following introductions and a brief safety presentation, paddlers will launch at approximately 10 a.m.

Participants should bring a kayak or canoe, paddle, PFD, dry bags, extra dry clothing, aquatic footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, lunch or snack, and drinking water. A limited number of conservation kayaks and equipment will be available for rent.

The cost is $5 per person for participants bringing their own kayak/watercraft and $10 per person for conservation kayak rentals. Cash payment will be collected on the day of the event. Conservation kayak rental costs include a kayak, paddle, PFD and shuttle.  Paddlers are encouraged to bring a sack lunch or snack to enjoy along the river at a sandbar or visit an area restaurant following the event.

Pre-registration is required through MyCountyParks – Jones County by Tuesday, October 6th. 

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones/Events

This outing is dependent on river levels and weather conditions. Participants should check with the Jones County Conservation Department website and Facebook page for any changes or cancellations

Central Park Nature Center Fall Open House

Fall Open House at Central Park Nature Center! 

Join us on Saturday, October 10, from 10 AM–4 PM for a fun-filled fall day at the Central Park Nature Center!

This come-and-go event is a great opportunity to explore the nature center, enjoy the outdoors, and try something new.

Activities will include:

• Atlatl spear throwing

• StoryWalk trail

• Fun games and activities

• Fall treats provided by the Friends of Jones County Conservation and the Nature Center

Stop by anytime between 10 AM and 4 PM—bring the family and enjoy a day of fall fun, nature, and community!

We hope to see you there!

Central Park Lake Sunset Kayaking

Perfect for beginner kayakers!  Join us for a fun and relaxed introduction to flat water kayaking!  Learn the basics of kayak safety and paddling, followed by a peaceful paddle on Central Park Lake.   

Bring your own kayak or use of the the Jones County Conservation educational kayaks.

Saturday, October 10

5-7 PM

This event is for ages 10 and up.  Children must be accompanied by and adult.   

All equipment is provided.  PFD's required to be worn.

Registration is required.  Click here to register.

OWLS Grapevine Wreath Workshop

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

OWLS Soap Making Workshop

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.