Events

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 the color blue 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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Magic of Monarchs

Join Ella Paulson, Green Iowa AmeriCorps member, as she shares the fascinating story of monarch butterflies—their life cycle, incredible migration journey, and even a live butterfly release! You'll get a chance to see live monarchs in every stage of life. No registration is required for this program.

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Make a Cattail Duck Decoy

Join us at the Environmental Learning Center for a fun and creative experience! Learn about the cultural significance of cattails and build your own cattail duck decoy to take home. All materials will be provided by Mahaska County Conservation.

This is a free program. For ages 13 and up. Limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat. Save your seat by signing up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../27413/Cattail-Duck-Decoys

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Birding Basics with Ella

Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Ella Paulson for a bird-watching adventure at Caldwell Park! We’ll meet behind the Environmental Learning Center and explore the area while learning the basics of birding. Ella will share tips on how this relaxing activity can turn into a fun lifelong hobby. Binoculars will be available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own. All ages are welcome! Registration is not needed for this program.

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OWLS Program "Dutch Oven Cooking"

Adults of all ages are welcome to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! This month, come ready to enjoy delicious homemade treats cooked in Dutch ovens. You’ll also learn just how simple it is to cook with and care for these classic outdoor cookware pieces. Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat and a fork. You can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../OWLS-Program-Dutch-Oven... 

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More Birding with Ella

Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Ella Paulson for another exciting bird-watching outing—this time at Maskunky Marsh! We’ll meet at the bird blind near the south parking lot and explore the area in search of migrating waterfowl. Learn birding basics and enjoy the sights and sounds of the marsh. Binoculars will be available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own. All ages are welcome, and no pre-registration is required!

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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 words 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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Volunteer Training

If you would like to join our volunteer team, come to our one-hour training on September 8, 2025 at the Environmental Learning Center. Please sign up for one of two sessions by using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../27457/Volunteer-Training

Afternoon session 1:00-2:00 pm
Evening session 6:00-7:00 pm

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Knee-High Naturalists "Big, Bouncy Bubbles"

This is a free program for kids ages 5 and younger. This month, the kids will have a blast with bubbles! Blow, chase, and pop bubbles of all sizes as they float through the air. It’s a simple, silly, and super fun way to play.

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link: http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Knee-High-Naturalists... 

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Youth Outdoor Field Day

This annual event is a family favorite, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for kids and their families to enjoy. This year’s lineup includes fishing, wildlife identification, .22 shooting, fossil hunting, trapping, water safety, atlatl throwing, and more! Families can explore the trails while taking part in these hands-on activities. Registration is available in advance or on the day of the event.

***Kids can win a Youth Outdoor Field Day prize for participating in event activities!

If you are interested in purchasing an event t-shirt, please contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov by August 29th. If we get enough interest in t-shirt sales, we will place an order.

The cost to attend the event is $5.00 per person. Skip the lines and secure your registration early with a card payment. Registrations are accepted on site the day of the event by cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation.

Advanced online registrations can be made at this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Youth-Outdoor-Field-Day

Use this link to view/print an event flyer:

Youth Outdoor Field Day Flyer 2025

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Homeschool Science Lab "Animal Adaptations"

This free program is open to homeschool and online students of all ages. This month’s session will explore the incredible adaptations animals use to survive in the wild.

A minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold the program. Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Homeschool-Science-Lab...

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Tiger Documentary

Watch the journey of Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in the forests of India. Her cubs are curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy, and have a lot to learn from their mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears and marauding male tigers. This documentary took an amazing 1,500 days of filming!

Feel free to bring a drink and snacks. Save your seat by signing up with this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../27414/Tiger-Documentary

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Tracks & Trails (NEW!)

Come take a relaxing stroll with us on the bike trail next to the Environmental Learning Center! This outdoor walk is open to all ages and is a great way to enjoy nature together. Along the way, we'll explore topics like plant and wildlife identification, try nature scavenger hunts, and discover other fun activities. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll head inside to check out the exhibits instead.

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Events/27415/Tracks-Trails

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OWLS Program "Monarch Butterflies"

Adults of all ages are invited to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! Bring a friend and discover the amazing fall migration of monarch butterflies—and learn simple ways you can help support their journey.

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../OWLS-Program-Monarch... 

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Knee-High Naturalists "Animal Mix & Match"

This free program is designed for kids ages 5 and younger. This month, little learners will explore different animals and have fun sorting and matching them by species through hands-on activities.

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Knee-High-Naturalists...

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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 spooky 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 "Atlatl Throwing"

This free program is open to homeschool and online students of all ages. This month, kids will have a chance to try their hand at throwing a primitive hunting tool called an atlatl. Children ages 6 and up will have the best success with the activity, while younger participants will enjoy an alternative hands-on activity to help them join in the fun.

A minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold the program. Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Homeschool-Science-Lab... 

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Sea Lions of the Galapagos Documentary

This documentary takes place deep in the Pacific Ocean at the Galapagos Islands. These islands are home to animals found nowhere else. We will watch Leo, a young sea lion pup learning how to survive with help from his mom, Luna. As Leo grows, he learns to swim, fish, and explore the world around him. One day, he must leave home to find his own place—where only the strongest sea lions become leaders. Along the way, Leo meets many fascinating creatures and faces exciting challenges in both land and sea.

Feel free to bring a drink and snacks.

Save your seat by signing up with this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../Sea-Lions-of-the... 

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Tracks & Trails

Come take a relaxing stroll with us on the bike trail next to the Environmental Learning Center! This outdoor walk is open to all ages and is a great way to enjoy nature together. Along the way, we'll explore topics like plant and wildlife identification, try nature scavenger hunts, and discover other fun activities. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll head inside to check out the exhibits instead.

Pre-registration is needed and you can sign up using this link: http://page.www.mycountyparks.com/.../27418/Tracks-Trails 

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STEM Lab for Kids "Owl Pellets"

Grab your friends and head to the ELC for a FREE and fun, hands-on science activity—dissecting owl pellets! Discover what makes owls such incredible hunters while exploring the fascinating remains of their meals. It’s a unique and exciting experience you won’t want to miss! A minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold the program.

Pre-registration is needed, and you can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../STEM-Lab-for-Kids-Owl... 

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Halloween Bash

Join us for a favorite fall tradition! Enjoy an afternoon at the campground filled with carnival games, BINGO, contests, and not-so-spooky stories by Linda Fox. Don’t miss the dog costume parade and campground-wide trick-or-treating! There will be plenty of parking for the public.

Campground campers are encouraged to decorate their sites for both trick-or-treaters and the nighttime lighted auto tour. Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated campsites on both the east and west sides. Campsites fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead!

A schedule and detailed information are found on this link:
http://www.mahaskacountyia.gov/.../halloween_bash_flyer... 

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OWL Program "Spooks of the Night"

Adults of all ages are welcome to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! Bring a friend and enjoy some spine-tingling stories as we explore why certain creatures and legends give us the creeps. We'll dive into the mysteries of bats, owls, spiders... and even Bigfoot!

Pre-registration is needed to save you a spook-free seat. You can sign up using this link:
http://www.mycountyparks.com/.../OWLS-Spooks-of-the-Night

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Trick or Treat at the Environmental Learning Center

Ghouls and goblins are invited to come out the ELC and collect candy for trick-or-treating. While you visit, take a look around to see the exhibits and live animals. The ELC will be open until 8 pm and trick-or-treating will take place as long as supplies last. 

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