Calendar

Nature Explorers - Bears and a hike!

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

For our first summer Nature Explorers we'll be learning about black bears and "going on a bear hunt". We'll start at the main shelter to learn about bears' diet and life cycle and read a few favorite stories. Then Naturalist Amy will lead an optional short hike (approximately 1 mile) to familiarize folks with some of the soft surface trails around Diamond Lake. 

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Nature Explorers - Bears and a hike!

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

For our first summer Nature Explorers we'll be learning about black bears and "going on a bear hunt". We'll start at the main shelter to learn about bears' diet and life cycle and read a few favorite stories. Then Naturalist Amy will lead an optional short hike (approximately 1 mile) to familiarize folks with some of the soft surface trails around Diamond Lake. 

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Kayaking at Diamond Lake

RSVPs are required for kayaking. To RSVP, call Amy at 319-213-5607.

Meet at the Diamond Lake Boat Ramp. Beginners welcome! All sessions start with a quick lesson. Kayaks and life jackets are provided. These events will be held regularly throughout the summer, and are a great time to do something as a family, meet up with an old friend, or make new friends!

Kayaking at Diamond Lake

RSVPs are required for kayaking. To RSVP, call Amy at 319-213-5607.

Meet at the Diamond Lake Boat Ramp. Beginners welcome! All sessions start with a quick lesson. Kayaks and life jackets are provided. These events will be held regularly throughout the summer, and are a great time to do something as a family, meet up with an old friend, or make new friends!

Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Prairie insects

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

Join us as we learn about insects. We'll read and make art inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We'll also learn about a very real local insect the Rusty Patched Bumblebee as we read It Begins with a Bee, and plant a native prairie species Monarda also know as beebalm for families to take home. Depending on Mother Nature's timing we might look at and talk about Monarch eggs and caterpillars as well! 

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Prairie insects

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

Join us as we learn about insects. We'll read and make art inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We'll also learn about a very real local insect the Rusty Patched Bumblebee as we read It Begins with a Bee, and plant a native prairie species Monarda also know as beebalm for families to take home. Depending on Mother Nature's timing we might look at and talk about Monarch eggs and caterpillars as well! 

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Prairie Remnant Hike at Hawthorne Lake

Hawthorne Lake is bordered by a small section of remnant prairie. Remnants are prairies that have never been plowed, and have been growing undisturbed since before Iowa became a state. Although Iowa was once about 80% prairie less than 1% of our remnant prairies remain, so hiking in one is a great way to connect to our state history while seeing many different flowers, and a beautiful view of Hawthorne Lake! 

This event will involve hiking over rough ground through unmowed vegetation, so do wear long pants and closed toed shoes!

RSVP required!

Call Amy at 319-213-5607 to RSVP And for more specific directions for where to park! 

Kids Kayaking Day at Diamond Lake

Do you have elementary aged kids who might like to try kayaking, but you haven't made it out to one of our evening or weekend kayaking programs? This is for you! We'll try boats out on dry land, fit everyone with life jackets, and launch into a shallow area of the lake, We'll have plenty of adults on hand, and gear for towing younger kids while they ride in their own boat. We'll also have other lake themed activities available on shore to keep kids busy when they aren't on the water. 

Grown ups are welcome to kayak or they can stay on shore with younger siblings if needed. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, snacks, or anything else you need to make it a pleasant time for grown ups and kids! 

RSVP required. Call Amy to RSVP or with any questions at 319-213-5607.

Kids Kayaking Day at Diamond lake

Do you have elementary aged kids who might like to try kayaking, but you haven't made it out to one of our evening or weekend kayaking programs? This is for you! We'll try boats out on dry land, fit everyone with life jackets, and launch into a shallow area of the lake, We'll have plenty of adults on hand, and gear for towing younger kids while they ride in their own boat. We'll also have other lake themed activities available on shore to keep kids busy when they aren't on the water. 

Grown ups are welcome to kayak or they can stay on shore with younger siblings if needed. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, snacks, or anything else you need to make it a pleasant time for grown ups and kids! 

RSVP required. Call Amy to RSVP or with any questions at 319-213-5607.

Prairie Walk at Drake Community Library

This prairie "walk" will be more prairie, less walking, as the Drake Community Library prairie is locatied just off the library's south patio. We'll look at what's in bloom, and talk about using native plants in an urban landscape. This is a great way to get to know some of the plant species that have been growing in Iowa for thousands of years. 

Join us in June, July, and August to watch the prairie transform through the summer!

Archery Trailer at Brooklyn Flag Days

Kids (6 and up) and adults are welcome to give archery a try during Flag Days. The archery trailer is a mobile, enclosed archery range. We have youth and small (easy to draw) adult sized bows available for folks to try out. This is a great opportunity for experienced archers or folks picking up a bow for the very first time!

Nature Explorers - Fishing!

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

On June 17th we'll be fishing! We'll talk about what fish we might find in Diamond Lake, and will have a few other educational activities set up in the shelter. We will provide fishing poles (big and little), bait, and tackle, and be on hand to assist as you reel in a big one! Grown-ups are welcome to fish as well, but they should have a fishing license! We will always plan to involve additional staff and volunteers on fishing day so we we can have a better kid to grown-up ratio!

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Nature Explorers - Fishing!

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

On June 17th we'll be fishing! We'll talk about what fish we might find in Diamond Lake, and will have a few other educational activities set up in the shelter. We will provide fishing poles (big and little), bait, and tackle, and be on hand to assist as you reel in a big one! Grown-ups are welcome to fish as well, but they should have a fishing license! We will always plan to involve additional staff and volunteers on fishing day so we we can have a better kid to grown-up ratio!

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Souls) - Willow crafts for your garden

Join us for a brand new program! This one is geared for adults. We'll have a different activity each month throughout the summer. 

In June we'll use locally harvested willow to create artwork for your garden. Options may include a small trellis or obelisk, a willow star for your porch, or a decorative dragonfly. 

Willow and hand tools will be provided. This program will be capped at 10 participants. If we have additional interest, we may schedule another session. RSVPS are required. Call Amy at 319-213-5607 to RSVP. 

Kayaking at Diamond Lake

RSVPs are required for kayaking. To RSVP, call Amy at 319-213-5607.

Meet at the Diamond Lake Boat Ramp. Beginners welcome! All sessions start with a quick lesson. Kayaks and life jackets are provided. These events will be held regularly throughout the summer, and are a great time to do something as a family, meet up with an old friend, or make new friends!

Kayaking at Diamond Lake

RSVPs are required for kayaking. To RSVP, call Amy at 319-213-5607.

Meet at the Diamond Lake Boat Ramp. Beginners welcome! All sessions start with a quick lesson. Kayaks and life jackets are provided. These events will be held regularly throughout the summer, and are a great time to do something as a family, meet up with an old friend, or make new friends!

Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Underground Friends

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

This week we'll be looking at the important biology under your feet! We'll read a few books about our underground friends, do a squirmy worm craft, look at real worms, and think about badgers and some of the other critters who make their home in the ground!

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Underground Friends

Summer Nature Explorers is a free program for preschoolers through 5th graders - though learners of all ages are always welcome! We will meet every Tuesday at Diamond Lake Park.  Some weeks will be a nature story and craft, others will be a short science lesson or outdoor activity. The same program will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, come to whichever works for your family's schedule. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.

This week we'll be looking at the important biology under your feet! We'll read a few books about our underground friends, do a squirmy worm craft, look at real worms, and think about badgers and some of the other critters who make their home in the ground!

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607. 

Prairie Walk at Diamond Lake

This short and accessible walk along a paved trail is a great opportunity to see many of Iowa's native plants. The walk is about 1.2 miles round trip, and we will look at native prairie flowers, large oak trees, and views of Diamond Lake Park. Meet at the Diamond Lake's main shelter.