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

 

March 25, 2026
10:00am to 11:00am

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

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Hwy. 92
Oskaloosa, IA
March 27, 2026
1:00pm to 2:00pm

OWLS Program "Prescribed Burns"

Join guest speaker Ella Paulson from Green Iowa AmeriCorps to learn how prescribed burns help keep prairies and woodlands healthy. Discover why land managers use fire as a tool and how these carefully planned burns benefit native plants and wildlife.

You can also sign up by calling (641)673-9327 or emailing decook@mahakacountyia.gov. You can sign up using this link:OWLS Program "Prescribed Burns" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
April 1, 2026
10:00am to 11:00am

Knee-High Naturalists "Actual Size"

How big is a bear? How small is a mouse? Join us for a fun and interactive program where young explorers will discover how big and small animals really are. Kids will compare their own size to different animals and enjoy hands-on activities designed especially for ages 5 and under.

A minimum of 5 kids is needed to hold this program. Sign up today using this link: 

Knee-High Naturalists "Actual Size" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
April 3, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am

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.

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
April 8, 2026
10:00am to 11:00am

Homeschool Science Lab "Spring Hike"

 

Homeschool and online learners are invited to join us for a spring hike at Caldwell Park! We will meet at the Nature Playscape Amphitheater next to the Environmental Learning Center before heading out on the grassy trails. Along the way, we’ll look for signs that spring is arriving, including budding plants, returning wildlife, and other changes in nature. Please dress for the weather and plan for a short hike around the park.

A minimum of 5 kids area needed to hold the program. Sign up today using this link!

Homeschool Science Lab "Spring Hike" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA
April 24, 2026
1:00pm to 2:00pm

OWLS Program "Inventions Inspired by Nature"

Nature has inspired many of the inventions we use every day. In this program, discover how people have looked to plants, animals, and natural systems for creative ideas and solutions. We’ll also explore how people learned to make maple syrup from tree sap and finish with a sample of homemade maple syrup!

You can also sign up by calling (641)673-9327 or emailing decook@mahakacountyia.gov. You can also sign up using this link:

OWLS Program "Inventions Inspired by Nature" - Caldwell Park, Mahaska County, IA - MyCountyPark.com

Event Location

Environmental Learning Center
2342 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA