OWLS Lunch & Learn "Underwater Critters"

The Mahaska County Conservation Board invites adults of any age to the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, May 24th from 11:30 am -12:30 pm at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center.

****Please let us know if you are coming because space is limited. Reservations are made by contacting MCCB at (641)673-9327 or decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

This month, Naturalist, Laura DeCook, will talk about the fascinating critters (macroinvertebrates) that live in ponds, lakes and rivers. Participants will have the opportunity to see some of them up close and learn which ones let us know if their aquatic environment is healthy.

Feel free to eat lunch during the program - so bring a lunch and a friend.

The Environmental Learning Center is located at 2342 Hwy. 92 East, Oskaloosa

Event Location

Pond Study (Evening Program)

Everyone is welcome to come out to the Environmental Learning Center on the evening of May 30th from 6:00-7:00 pm for a "Pond Study" program.

Participants will learn how to search for macroinvertebrates in ponds, creeks, rivers and lakes. We will identify whatever we can find and learn how these critters help identify water quality.

All ages are welcome to participate! Registrations are greatly appreciated contacting Mahaska County Conservation on Facebook, calling our office at (641)673-9327 or emailing decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

***Note: Any cancellations due to weather or lack or registrations will be posted on Facebook and our website.

Event Location

Eveland Access Summerfest 2024

The Eveland Access Summerfest event is hosted through the partnership between Mahaska County Conservation and the Muse Music Store.

We are excited to be gearing up for the 5th annual Eveland Access Summerfest on Saturday, June 1, 2024!

Together we provide an annual music festival held at the Eveland Access Campgrounds, located right next to the Des Moines River. You´ll find several music acts with different genres of music from noon-10 pm, great local food, bags and volleyball tournaments, and BINGO for everyone to enjoy.

Go to this link to see all the details for the Summerfest event:

https://www.musemusicstore.com/eveland-access

Event Location

Knee-High Naturalist Day Camp "Wild Animal Safari"

$10 per day per camper (adult is free)
Ages 5 & Younger
Limit of 15 campers

Kids will learn about wild animals and how they are different from pets. They will also go on a wild animal hike and have fun with crafts and games. An adult must remain with children attending this camp.
Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/FxCPaBZKN3

Event Location

Knee-High Naturalist Day Camp "Fishing & Fossils"

Kids will explore the Russell Wildlife Area while hunting for fossils and fishing in a pond. All supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring your own fishing pole if you want. An adult must remain with children attending this camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/FxCPaBZKN3

Event Location

Knee-High Naturalist Day Camp "Let's Go Camping!"

$10 per day per camper (adult is free)
Ages 5 & Younger
Limit of 15 campers

Kids will about camping outdoors. We will create a campsite, play games, go on a hike and make a campfire snack. An adult must remain with children attending this camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/FxCPaBZKN3

Event Location

Bowfishing Basics

If you have ever wanted to learn about bowfishing, come to the Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, June 13th from 6-7 pm. Naturalist, Laura DeCook, will teach all ages about the sport and provide bowfishing shooting opportunities on land. It will be a good time to try out equipment and test your skills. This activity if for all ages.

For questions and to register for the program, call Mahaska County Conservation at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Event Location

Jr. Naturalist Day Camp "Plants & Pollinators"

$10 per day per camper
Ages 6-10
Limit of 15 campers

Kids will have hands-on opportunities to create plantings for pollinators. Some of the projects will be for the Environmental Learning Center, and they will be able to take one home. The activities will help kids understand the importance of pollinators and how to provide a beneficial habitat for them. Kids will need to bring a lunch to camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/zZjLgWyK9m

Event Location

Jr. Naturalist Day Camp "Camp Ioway"

$10 per day per camper
Ages 6-10
Limit of 15 campers

Kids will learn about the Ioways that once lived in Iowa and about the lives of Ioway children. There will be games, storytelling, and activities related to the theme. Kids will need to bring a lunch to camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/zZjLgWyK9m

Event Location

Jr. Naturalist Day Camp "Lake Hike & Fishing"

Kids will have fun on a guided hike around the lake at this beautiful park. We will also go fishing! All equipment and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your own fishing poles and tackle boxes. Kids will need to bring a lunch to camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/zZjLgWyK9m

Event Location

Disc Golf 101

Disc golf is a popular sport for all ages and we have a top-notch 18 hole course at Mahaska County Conservation's Caldwell Park! Come out to the Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, June 20th from 6-7:30 pm to learn about this sport and test your skills on the course. TJ Brom, from the Oskaloosa Disc Golf Club, will be there to provide instruction and assistance. Discs will be provided for use during the program, but you are welcome to bring your own. This program is for all ages - a great family activity!

We will meet behind the Environmental Learning Center. Parking is available in the south parking lot.

For questions and to sign up, contact the Mahaska County Conservation at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Event Location

Challenge Camp "Fishing at Russell Wildlife Area"

We will go fishing at Russell Wildlife Area and learn confidence in tying on hooks, releasing fish and filleting them for cooking. Feel free to bring your own fishing pole and tackle box, but we have plenty of fishing equipment and bait for everyone. Please bring a lunch to camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/Jbj6d53Bpg

Event Location

Challenge Camp "Park Service Project Day"

$10 per day per camper
Ages 11-17
Limit of 15 campers

Kids will have an opportunity to experience a service project in one of our county parks. More information will be provided when we can arrange an appropriate project for the kids. Keep in touch with us to find out! Please bring a lunch to camp.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/Jbj6d53Bpg

Event Location

Challenge Camp "Canoeing

$10 per day per camper
Ages 11-17
Limit of 15 campers

Canoeing is a popular day camp activity, so we will end Challenge Camp with a fun day on the water at Russell Wildlife Area. Kids will learn the basics of canoe safety, how to paddle and maneuver their canoe in the water. Once the lessons are over, we will play some fun canoe games! Kids will need to bring a lunch.

Please sign up at this link:
https://forms.office.com/g/Jbj6d53Bp

Event Location

Dutch Oven Picnic

Bring your family, a picnic supper, and something to drink to a Dutch oven demonstration behind the Environmental Learning Center on Thursday, June 27 from 6:00-7:00 pm. We will meet at the back of the ELC at the picnic tables and Naturalist, Laura DeCook, will share information about cooking with Dutch ovens. She will also prepare and cook a dessert for everyone to sample while you eat your picnic supper.

***Please sign up for this program to make sure we have enough seating and samples. Call our office at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahakacountyia.gov and we will get you on the list. 

Event Location

Picnic in the Park (Quercus Wilderness Area)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Event Location

Picnic in the Park (Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Event Location

Picnic in the Park (Russell Wildlife Area)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Event Location

Picnic in the Park (White Oak Conservation Area)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Event Location

Picnic in the Park (Caldwell Park)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Event Location