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 - 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!
