Mark Your Calendar Now for Our 2026 OWLS - Older Wiser Livelier Souls - Events!

posted on 12/22/25

We’re excited to invite you to mark your calendars for another fantastic year with OWLS – Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls in 2026!

Our upcoming events are designed to bring us together for meaningful connections, engaging activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn, laugh, and enjoy community.

What to expect in 2026:

Inspiring speakers and programs
Social gatherings and special outings
Opportunities to connect with fellow OWLS
More details coming soon!

Please keep an eye out for future announcements with specific dates, times, and registration information. We can’t wait to share another lively year with you. Click on this link to learn how to register for upcoming OWLS events.

You Might Ask - What is the OWLS Program?

OWLS stands for:
Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls. It’s a series of events and outings geared to adult learners and nature enthusiasts, but open to all adults who enjoy outdoor education and shared experiences. The Jones County “OWLS” program is a partnership between Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Deapartments featuring an adult-focused environmental education and outdoor activity program designed to help adults (often those retired or “young at heart”) get outside, enjoy nature, learn new things, and socialize with others.

Typical Activities

The program includes a wide range of nature-based and educational activities, such as:

Guided hikes and snowshoe outings on local trails and parks.
River paddles and day trips (e.g., kayaking on the Wapsipinicon or archaeology paddle trips).
Outdoor educational topics like wildlife, plant foraging, natural history, and seasonal nature observations.
Special excursions and trips beyond the county (e.g., regional travel with naturalist guides to explore unique landscapes).

Who It’s For

Adults interested in conservation, the outdoors, and learning new skills.
Participants don’t need to be “experts” — just curious and willing to enjoy nature!

How It Works

Events are typically scheduled periodically throughout the year (e.g., seasonally or monthly).
Some events require pre-registration and may have a small fee or equipment rental option (e.g., snowshoes).
There’s no formal membership required — you can pick and choose which events to attend.

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Resources & Services

Parks & Wildlife Areas Facilities Campsite Availability Rivers Current Projects

Environmental Education Bluebird Project Calendar of Events Natural and Cultural History Nature Center

Conservation Board Partners Staff Volunteer Facebook

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