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.
This short and accessible walk along a paved trail is a great opportunity to see lots of Iowa's native plants in peak summer bloom! The hike is about 1 mile round trip, and we will look at wildflowers, large oak trees, and views of Diamond Lake Park. Meet at the Diamond Lake's main shelter.
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon! This program will be led by our summer teaching assistant.
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon! This program will be led by our summer teaching assistant.
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
We will not meet in the afternoon on July 21st. Instead families are encouraged to go to the Montezuma Public Library to attend their Incredible Bats program!
Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607.
Oak Savanna Hike at Conard Environmental Research Area
Call Amy for further directions if needed! Kellogg, IA Map to Event
July 22, 2026 6:00 pm · 7:30pm
Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) is the field station for Grinnell College. With 365 acres of prairies and woodlands it makes for a great place to hike. Join Naturalist Amy and CERA staff as we walk through an oak savanna - the area where prairies and forests meet. Large oak trees create pockets of shade on the prairie creating this unique ecosystem. Learn about plant species and land management, while taking in gorgoeus summer views!
This event will not be strenuous, but it will involve hiking over rough ground and up and down some hills through vegetation, so do wear long pants and closed toed shoes!
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.
Because Hawthorne is a larger lake some previous kayaking experience is preferred.
For More Information Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin (319) 213-5607 Website
Recycle old paper into new at this adult craft program. We'll use moulds and deckles to create homemade paper out of scrap paper. Take your paper home and use it for greeting cards, collages, or other craft projects.
RSVP required! This helps ensure we have enough supplies for everyone! Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or call 319-213-5607 during business hours.
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.
Nature Explorers - Iowa Snakes - Guest Presenter Mary Blair
Montezuma, IA
July 28, 2026 10:00 am
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Join Iowa County Naturalist Mary Blair to meet the fox snake and Dekay's brown snake that live at the Lake Iowa Nature Center, and learn more about the biology and habits of Iowa's native snakes!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607.
Nature Explorers - Iowa Snakes - Guest Presenter Mary Blair
Montezuma, IA
July 28, 2026 1:00 pm
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Join Iowa County Naturalist Mary Blair to meet the fox snake and Dekay's brown snake that live at the Lake Iowa Nature Center, and learn more about the biology and habits of Iowa's native snakes!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 319-213-5607.
Enjoy a little hands on learning as we create small bouquets with the prairie flowers that once covered most of Iowa. We'll learn about types of flowers, how they support pollinators, and then participants can make 2 or 3 mini bouquets out of the flowers that are provided. Please bring a few clean jars or bottles to reuse as vases. Example: baby food jars, jam or sauce jars, iced coffee bottles.
This program is for all ages. Please RSVP by 4 pm on Monday 7/27 by emailing Naturalist Amy adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or calling or texting 319-213-5607 during business hours to sign up for either the 10 am or 1 pm program.
Enjoy a little hands on learning as we create small bouquets with the prairie flowers that once covered most of Iowa. We'll learn about types of flowers, how they support pollinators, and then participants can make 2 or 3 mini bouquets out of the flowers that are provided. Please bring a few clean jars or bottles to reuse as vases. Example: baby food jars, jam or sauce jars, iced coffee bottles.
This program is for all ages. Please RSVP by 4 pm on Monday 7/27 by emailing Naturalist Amy adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or calling or texting 319-213-5607 during business hours to sign up for either the 10 am or 1 pm program.
We'll blend old paper into pulp and then use a mould and deckle to create new sheets of recycled paper to take home. The Foster Center at Diamond Lake will be open for crafting from 10 am to 3 pm. Stop in any time to join in the fun. This event is open to all ages! RSVPs are appreciated so that we can plan for materials, but not required.
If you have colorful paper or cardstock in your recycling bin at home please bring it along.
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
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 the Main Shelter (near the playground) 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. Feel free to bring a picnic to eat in the shelter before or after your program.
Topic will be determined soon!
RSVPs are not required, but they are helpful for planning purposes!
Email Amy at adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov or text 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!
Crafternoons - Watercolor cards and upcycled envelopes
Montezuma, IA
August 20, 2026 1:00 pm · 2:30pm
Join us for an adult program! We'll have a different activity each month throughout the summer.
In August we'll try out some easy watercolor technicques to create nature themed notecards. We'll also have supplies on hand to make envelopes out of upcycled magazine pages so that you can leave with a card ready to drop in the mail!
This program will be capped at 15 participants. RSVPS are required. Call Amy at 319-213-5607 to RSVP.
