Calendar

Nature Explorers - Not so scary bats.

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.

Come learn about Iowa's insect eating bats as well as fruit bats who live in warmer climates. We'll especially focus in on how echolocation works and play an echolocation game. 

RSVPs are not required, but they are always appreciated!

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

Nature Explorers - Not so scary bats

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.

Come learn about Iowa's insect eating bats as well as fruit bats who live in warmer climates. We'll especially focus in on how echolocation works and play an echolocation game. 

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!

Independence Day - County Offices Closed

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 library prairie "walk" series is 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!

Kayaking at Hawthorne Lake

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

Enjoy a morning on the water! We'll explore the lake at the DNR's Hawthorn Lake Wildlife Management Area, just 15 minutes southeast of Diamond Lake in Barnes City. We'll meet at the west boat ramp. Amy can help give you directions when you call to RSVP. 

POSTPONED - Bat Presentation and Bat Netting

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - Watch for a make up date in early August

Join us for a special guest program! Central College Professor and bat biologist Russ Benedict will be joining us on Friday July 11th. 

Come on out to the Foster Center at 7:00 for a presentation all about bats indoors at the Foster Center. Then at 8:30 we'll meet across the road at the northeast parking area for Fox Forest Wildlife Area (1171 Diamond Trail Rd) to see how Dr. Benedict uses mist nets to catch bats. Come see for yourself that meeting bats in their natural habitat with an experienced researcher is a totally different experienct than meeting them indoors! 

Kids and adults are welcome for one or both portions of the night! If you plan to join us for netting at Fox Forest please bring a flashlight, a water bottle and prepare for bugs.  You may also want to bring lawn charis or blankets to sit on if you plan to stick around awhile. If you'd like to hike down the trail and see the net set up (optional) long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

RSVPS are not required, but they are appreciated! If needed any weather related updates will be posted on the Poweshiek County Conservation website, and on our Facebook page. 

Quiz Time: How many kinds of bats are found worldwide and how many live in Iowa?  Why are bats declining in populations in Iowa, with two species listed as endangered with another one being considered for listing.  What is the estimated economic value of bats in the U.S.?  And just how precise is the echolocation (or "sonar") of bats?  The answers to these questions and more await people at this fun and interactive talk on some of the most fascinating animals living in our state.  

Russ Benedict has studied bats for over 35 years, mostly focusing on the general biology of species in the Midwest.  He has published several articles in the scientific literature on bats and has given many talks to the public and other researchers.  Dr. Benedict earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Ph.D. from University of Nebraska Lincoln.  He has been a professor at Central College for 23 years and also conducts research on prairie conservation and ecology. 

Kessler Prairie Tour

Jim Kessler and his family have cared for this 26-acre preserve for over 25 years. In 2018, he and his wife donated the preserve to Bur Oak Land Trust to be protected forever. Join us for a tour to see oak savanna, wetland, and of course prairie! We expect dozens of native species to be in bloom! Please bring water, wear shoes for hiking, and long pants. There is no restroom at the prairie.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Poweshiek County Naturalist Amy Durbin to receive the address.

Outdoor Journey for Girls - @ Hickory Hills Park

Outdoor Journey for Girls is 3 days, 2 nights camp hosted by Iowa Women in Natural Resources for girls ages 12 to 15. Girls will have the opportunity to try various activities like kayaking, orienteering, archery, campfire cooking, and fishing, while also completing their Hunter Education Course through in person training.

Poweshiek County Pheasants Forever generously reimburses registration costs for all girls who attend. Once you have registered email proof of payment (a screenshot is fine) to aandrews@poweshiekcounty.org and after your child attends camp you will be reimbursed for the $175 registration fee. This offer is available for ALL girls from Poweshiek County. 

Contact Naturalist Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcounty.org or call 319-213-5607 to learn more about this great opportunity. 

Sign up and additional camp info at the link below: 

https://www.iwinr.com/outdoor-journey-for-girls 

Outdoor Journey for Girls - @ Hickory Hills Park

Outdoor Journey for Girls is 3 days, 2 nights camp hosted by Iowa Women in Natural Resources for girls ages 12 to 15. Girls will have the opportunity to try various activities like kayaking, orienteering, archery, campfire cooking, and fishing, while also completing their Hunter Education Course through in person training.

Poweshiek County Pheasants Forever generously reimburses registration costs for all girls who attend. Once you have registered email proof of payment (a screenshot is fine) to aandrews@poweshiekcounty.org and after your child attends camp you will be reimbursed for the $175 registration fee. This offer is available for ALL girls from Poweshiek County. 

Contact Naturalist Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcounty.org or call 319-213-5607 to learn more about this great opportunity. 

Sign up and additional camp info at the link below: 

https://www.iwinr.com/outdoor-journey-for-girls 

Outdoor Journey for Girls - @ Hickory Hills Park

Outdoor Journey for Girls is 3 days, 2 nights camp hosted by Iowa Women in Natural Resources for girls ages 12 to 15. Girls will have the opportunity to try various activities like kayaking, orienteering, archery, campfire cooking, and fishing, while also completing their Hunter Education Course through in person training.

Poweshiek County Pheasants Forever generously reimburses registration costs for all girls who attend. Once you have registered email proof of payment (a screenshot is fine) to aandrews@poweshiekcounty.org and after your child attends camp you will be reimbursed for the $175 registration fee. This offer is available for ALL girls from Poweshiek County. 

Contact Naturalist Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcounty.org or call 319-213-5607 to learn more about this great opportunity. 

Sign up and additional camp info at the link below: 

https://www.iwinr.com/outdoor-journey-for-girls 

OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Souls) - Make and Take Prairie Bouquet

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 July we'll use learn about prairie wildflowers in a hands on way - by making prairie bouquets! Bring a small mouth mason jar, or use one of our upcycled jars or bottles. 

This program will be capped at 12 participants. If we have additional interest, we may schedule an afternoon 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!

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!