Events

Owl Prowl

Meet us at the Eveland Access Campground parking lot to learn about the fascinating owls of Iowa and learn why we're looking for them in the dead of winter. While we cannot guarantee you'll see or hear an owl, we'll do our best to call in our feathered friends. Be sure to dress for the weather!

Please sign up using this link: https://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Events/28072/Owl-Prowl 

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Volunteer Training (afternoon session)

If you would like to join our volunteer team or renew your volunteer status, come to our one-hour training on January 19, 2026, at the Environmental Learning Center. Please sign up for one of two sessions by scanning the QR code below, contacting our office at (641)673-9327, or emailing decook@mahakacountyia.gov. Volunteers are asked to attend a training once every three years.

Afternoon session 1:00-2:00 pm
Evening session 5:00-6:00 pm

Registration ends on Friday, January 16th at noon.

Please sign up using this link for the afternoon session:

Volunteer Training (Afternoon Session) - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Volunteer Training (evening session)

If you would like to join our volunteer team or renew your volunteer status, come to our one-hour training on January 19, 2026, at the Environmental Learning Center. Please sign up for one of two sessions by scanning the QR code below, contacting our office at (641)673-9327, or emailing decook@mahakacountyia.gov.

Volunteers are asked to attend a training once every three years.

Afternoon session 1:00-2:00 pm
Evening session 5:00-6:00 pm

Registration ends on Friday, January 16th at noon.

Please sign up using this link for the evening session:

Volunteer Training (Evening Session) - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Nature Documentary "Oceans"

Join Sir David Attenborough as he explores the wonders of the ocean and the threats it faces, like destructive fishing practices. With stunning underwater footage, this documentary highlights the ocean's role in life on Earth and its fight against climate change. It also shows how marine ecosystems can recover if we take action now. Feel free to bring a drink and snack.

Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat. Save your seat by signing up with this link: 

https://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Nature-Documentary-Oceans 

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OWLS Program "Backyard Bird Treats"

In this hands-on program, participants will make easy-to-follow bird food cakes to take home and hang outdoors. These treats are perfect for attracting winter birds and adding a little extra nourishment during the colder months. Come enjoy a relaxed crafting session and leave with something your feathered friends will love!

Pre-registration is needed. You can sign up using this link:

OWLS Program "Backyard Bird Treats" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

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Knee-High Naturalists "Songbird Sweets Craft"

This free program is designed for children ages 5 and younger. This month, our little learners will explore what birds eat, discover how different foods help them stay healthy in winter, and make a special bird treat to take home. Join us for hands-on fun, simple science, and a chance to help our feathered friends!

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:

Knee-High Naturalists "Songbird Sweets Craft" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

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Coffee Club

Drop in and join us for fresh coffee and tasty treats on a Coffee Club day. We talk about upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities with Mahaska County Conservation, and about everything in nature.

This month, bring a coffee cup or mug that has something about love on it to take part in a door prize. If you don’t have one, feel free to decorate one!

Registration is not needed, and we meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab. 

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Homeschool Science Lab "Gravity Games"

Get ready to drop, launch, roll, and explore! In this program, homeschool students will dive into Newton’s laws of motion and discover how gravity shapes the way things move. We’ll investigate both the challenges and the surprising benefits of gravity, then put our learning into action with hands-on experiments and fun gravity challenges. A perfect blend of science, creativity, and active learning!

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:

Homeschool Science Lab "Gravity Games" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

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Storybook Players Return!

Oskaloosa High School’s popular Storybook Players will bring their talents to the Environmental Learning Center this year with a fun and engaging lineup of performances. Audiences of ALL AGES will enjoy these stories:

• The Golden Goose
• Peter and the Wolf
• Scrunch’s Magical Pinecone
• Scooby-Don’t

Each presented with the troupe’s signature creativity and energy. The event will feature interactive performances and student-led theatre, offering a lively and immersive experience for children and adults alike.

Seats fill quickly! Registration is not needed, just arrive early to get a seat!

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Nature Documentary "African Lions"

This visually stunning wildlife feature offers an up-close look at life within an African lion pride. Follow their daily challenges, family bonds, and survival struggles on the savanna, all captured through immersive, cinematic storytelling. Both engaging and educational, it highlights the strength, beauty, and social complexity of these iconic big cats.

Feel free to bring a drink and snacks.
Save your seat by signing up with this link:

Nature Documentary "African Lion" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

OWLS Program "Pine Needle Sachet Craft"

Adults of all ages are invited to join our O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing, hands-on session as we make fragrant pine needle sachets. These natural sachets are simple to create and perfect to take home and use in drawers, closets, or as a calming winter scent. Come for the craft, stay for the conversation!

Pre-registration is needed to reserve supplies!

You can sign up using this link:

OWLS Program "Pine Needle Sachet Craft" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Knee-High Naturalists "Animal Tea Party"

You’re invited to a special Animal Tea Party!

Children ages 5 and younger are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal as their very own tea party guest. We’ll enjoy snacks along with lemonade and hot chocolate, play fun games, and make new friends together. Dress-up is welcome—feel free to wear your fanciest, funniest, or favorite outfit for the celebration!

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:

Knee-High Naturalists "Animal Tea Party" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

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Coffee Club

Drop in and join us for fresh coffee and tasty treats on a Coffee Club day. We talk about upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities with Mahaska County Conservation, and about everything in nature.

This month, bring a coffee cup or mug that the color GREEN on it to take part in a door prize. Registration is not needed, and we meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab.

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Macrame Plant Hanger & Wall Art Workshop

Join us for a fun and creative macramé workshop! Participants of all ages can choose to make either a macramé plant hanger or a unique piece of wall art crafted on natural sticks. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxing evening of hands-on crafting!

Save your seat by signing up with this link:

Macrame Plant Hanger & Wall Art Workshop - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Please note that there is a waiting list for this program.  Go ahead and sign up!

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Homeschool Science Lab "Inventions From Nature"

Discover how nature inspires human creativity! Homeschool students will explore real examples of inventions in medicine, clothing, food, and more that were created by observing plants, animals, and natural systems. From Velcro to bullet-proof vests, nature has shaped countless ideas. After exploring these fascinating examples, kids will have the chance to design and build their own nature-inspired invention. A hands-on, creative adventure in biomimicry!

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:

Homeschool Science Lab "Inventions From Nature" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

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