Calendar of Events

Earth Day Compost Bin Sale

Make backyard composting a cinch! Made from 100% recycled plastic, this Home Composter is Recycling Connections employees' top pick of backyard composters.

Click here to register to purchase your own compost bin.  $40 each.  Payable in Cash or Check (Checks made out to Friends of Jones County Conservation and Nature Center)  

Only 18 Compost Bins available - make sure to register online at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx  to secure your bin.

When you register online, specify the number of bins you will be purchasing. Pick up and pay for your bins on Monday, April 22, at the Central Park Nature Center, from Noon-5pm.

Key features: -- It is attractive -- 100% recycled plastic -- Black to absorb heat quickly -- 128 gallon capacity (can hold six to eight 30-gallon bags of yard material) -- Easy to use, simple to assemble and move if you need -- Long-lasting --A door that slides open at the bottom giving you easy access to finished compost without emptying entire bin --A tight lid keeping pests out; yet is well vented to decompose organic material well -- 30" Height x 35" Diameter. Includes a door to access and a tight lid that is well ventilated.  They are collapsible for easy transportation.

Live Healthy Iowa Jones County Wild For Reading StoryWalk® "Go the Distance" May Challenge

An Introduction to Shed Dogs and the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series

Join us on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 AM - Noon at the Central Park Nature Center to learn about the UKC Elite Shed Dog Series.  Will Heckart and Paul Andersen, with Eastern Iowa Shed Dogs, will share their wealth of knowledge on  training shed dogs and put on a mock UKC Shed Series trial demonstration.  

You will learn

1.  The basics of training a Shed Dog.  Both adult and puppy training techniques and tips.

2.  Learn about wild shed hunting and competition shed hunting.  Find out what the basic similarities and differences are.

3.  Find out what the UKC Shed Series is through a basic overview of the classes and rules.

4.  Enjoy a mock UKC Elite Shed Series trail watching real shed dogs at work.

Please register for this free event at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx by noon on May 3rd. 

OWLS Prairie Walk at Codfish Hollow Hill Prairie

Wear your hiking shoes!  Learn about the ecology of remnant prairies and the plants and animal species that call them home.  Be prepared to stop along the walk to take in the beauty of the spring prairie in full bloom!  

OWLS - Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls events are specifically geared toward adults.  These programs are educational, fun, and a great way to meet others interested in conservation and the outdoors.  OWLS programming is a partnership between Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation departments. Registration for events are taken through any of ther 3 counties Naturalist Staff.  

Please register in advance by contacting one of the following:
Jackson County Conservation (563) 652-3783
Dubuque County Conservation (563) 556-6745
Jones County Conservation (563) 487-3541

OWLS Birding Hike - Bowstring Wildlife Area

Wear your hiking footwear and bring your binoculars and birding book as we saunter along the trails of the Bowstring Bridge Willdife Area.  From the prairie to the forest we'll search high and low for a variety of feathered friends.  Extra binoculars and field guides will be available first come- first serve.  

OWLS - Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls events are specifically geared toward adults.  These programs are educational, fun, and a great way to meet others interested in conservation and the outdoors.  OWLS programming is a partnership between Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation departments. Registration for events are taken through any of ther 3 counties Naturalist Staff.  

Please register in advance by contacting one of the following:
Jackson County Conservation (563) 652-3783
Dubuque County Conservation (563) 556-6745
Jones County Conservation (563) 487-3541

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-19  can join the 2024 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, 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 2024 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, 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 2024 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, 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 2024 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx