Events

Christmas Ornament Workshop

Get into the seasonal spirit with this fun, nature-inspired craft program! Participants of all ages are invited to create festive ornaments using pinecones, wood cookies, and other natural materials. This free, hands-on activity if a wonderful way to celebrate the season and take home a homemade decoration to enjoy or give away as a gift. Join us for a cozy crafting experience that's perfect for the whole family!

Preregistration is needed.

You can sign up using this link:  Christmas Ornament Workshop - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

 

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA

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. 28th: https://www.mycountyparks.com/.../27971/Reindeer-Facts-Fun

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA

Ice Age Mammoths

 

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

Animal Tracks & Scat Discovery

Join us for an exciting exploration of local wildlife! Participants will learn how to identify different animals tracks and scat and discover clues they reveal about the animals living around us. After our indoor introduction, we'll head out on a guided hike to put these new skills into action and see what signs of wildlife we can find. This free, all-ages program is perfect for curious nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike!

Please sign up using this link:  Animal Tracks & Scat Discovery - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA

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

Slime-Making STEM Lab

Join us for a fun and gooey S.T.E.M. adventure! Kids will learn simple science concepts while making their very own slime to take home. This free, hands-on lab is the perfect mix of creativity and curiosity - get ready to stretch, squish, and explore! A minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold the program.

Program registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:  Slime Making S.T.E.M. Lab - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA

Knee-High Naturalists "Nature Clues"

This is a free program for kids ages 5 and younger. This month, kids will learn how animals make tracks with their feet. We will also take off our shoes and make a few tracks of our own! An adult needs to accompany the participating child.

Pre-registration is required, and a minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold the program.

You can sign up using this link:  Knee-High Naturalists "Nature Clues" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA

Coffee Club

Drop in and join us for fresh coffee and tasty treats during Coffee Club. We have fun talking about upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities with Mahaska County Conservation, and about everything in nature.

This month, bring a coffee cup or mug that is decorated with a winter theme on it to take part in a door prize.

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

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA