RSVPs are required for kayaking and hikes and preferred for all events, so we can call you if we need to reschedule due to weather! Call Amy at 319-213-5607 to RSVP or with any questions.
Last minute changes due to weather will be posted to our Facebook page when possible.
Printable Upcoming Events
Every couple of months, we create a flyer with all of our upcoming programs. Print the convenient seasonal list below or continue scrolling to see all upcoming events.
Registration forms can be filled out at our events, but if you are under 18 and coming to the event without a parent or guardian, please print this form in advance, fill it out at home, and bring it with you to the event.
Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Prairie insects
Montezuma, IA
June 10, 2025 10:00 am · 11:00am
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
Montezuma, IA
June 10, 2025 1:00 pm · 2:00pm
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.
Call Amy for further directions if needed! Barnes City, IA Map to Event
June 10, 2025 5:30 pm · 7:00pm
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
Montezuma, IA
June 19, 2025 10:00 am · 12:00pm
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.
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
Nature Explorers Stories and Crafts - Underground Friends
Montezuma, IA
June 24, 2025 10:00 am · 11:00am
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
Montezuma, IA
June 24, 2025 1:00 pm · 2:00pm
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.
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.
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
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 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:
OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier Souls) - Make and Take Prairie Bouquet
Montezuma, IA
July 17, 2025 10:00 am · 11:30am
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.
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
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!
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607
Outdoor Journey for Girls - @ Wildwood Hills Ranch
August 4, 2025 to August 6, 2025
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:
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!
