Events

Watch this space for upcoming programs and events happening with Mahaska County Conservation! Registration forms and flyers for specific events are listed below.

Special Event Flyers - view and print event information by selecting an event.

Halloween Bash 2025

Youth Outdoor Field Day 2025

 

December 12, 2025
1:00pm to 2:00pm

OWLS Program "Christmas Cookie Decorating"

O.W.L.S. – Cookie Decorating (NOTE NEW TIME!)

Mahaska County Conservation invites adults of all ages to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, December 12, from 1:00–2:00 pm for a festive afternoon of holiday cookie decorating.

Bring a friend and enjoy a cozy, creative time decorating homemade sugar cookies. We’ll have coffee, hot chocolate, plenty of cookies to sample, and lots of holiday cheer!

Reservations are required. Please call (641) 673-9327, email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov, or register online with this link by noon on December 11.  O.W.L.S. Program "Cookie Decorating" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
December 22, 2025
10:00am to 11:00am

Ice Age Mammoths

Ice Age Mammoths
10:00-11:00 am
Environmental Learning Center

Step back in time and discover the amazing world of Ice Age mammoths! In this fun, hands-on program, kids will learn how woolly mammoths survived the freezing Ice Age—from their giant curved tusks to their thick fur coats. We’ll explore real mammoth bones dug up right here in Mahaska County and find out what they can teach us about these incredible animals. To finish our adventure, we’ll listen to exciting mammoth stories and imagine what life was like when these giants roamed our land. Perfect for young explorers who love fossils, animals, and big discoveries!

Sign up by using this link by noon on Dec. 21: https://www.mycountyparks.com/.../28030/Ice-Age-Mammoths

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
December 23, 2025
1:00pm to 2:30pm

Nature Documentary "Chimpanzee"

“Chimpanzee” is a heartwarming documentary that follows Oscar, a young chimp, as he grows and explores life in the African rainforest. Viewers will enjoy watching his playful curiosity, his bond with family, and the challenges he faces while learning to survive in the wild. This film offers a close, inspiring look at the world of chimpanzees and the importance of family.

Feel free to bring a drink and snack to this program. We will meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab.

Please sign up to watch this documentary by using this link:  Nature Documentary "Chimpanzees" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosahttps://venus.daktronics.com/identityserver/account/login?clientId=VenusControlSuite, IA
December 29, 2025
10:00am to 11:00am

Reindeer Facts & Fun!

Join us for a fun Reindeer program! Participants will learn all about these amazing animals—what they eat, where they live, and how they survive in the cold. We’ll explore fun reindeer facts and get into the winter spirit together. Perfect for young and old nature lovers!

Sign up online using this link by noon on Dec. 28thhttps://www.mycountyparks.com/.../27971/Reindeer-Facts-Fun

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA