Jackson County Conservation
Calendar of Events
There may be a charge for programs in which materials are consumed. Please contact
Jackson County Conservation at (563) 652-3783 or email for more information.
January
Spring Clean-up
Saturday May 3 at 1:00 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Join Jackson County Conservation staff to clean up the butterfly garden & area around the center.  Wear appropriate work
clothes, bring a rake, hand pruner, & gloves if you have them.  

Adventures with Microscopes
Sunday May 4 at 1:00 PM
Hustville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Check out the wonders not visible to the naked eye.  Join a naturalist Ann Burns for a fun filled program on all the little things
we have often wondered about but couldn't see.  You won't want to miss this!

Nature Tales: Flowers
Thursday, May 8 at 10:00 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Naturalist Jess O'Connor will read a story about flowers and then lead a hike where pre-school age children can explore
blooming flowers outside.  

GPS/Compass Workshop for Adults
Saturday May 10 from 12:30-4:00 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $5
Participants will learn how to find their way using GPS technology.  Topics covered will include basic topographic map use,
waypoints, determining location using GPS and maps, and internet resources.  Participants should wear sturdy shoes and
dress for off trail hiking.

Campground Programs
Friday, May 23th at 8:30 pm at South Sabula Lakes
Saturday, May 24th at 8:30 pm at Spruce Creek Park
Join naturalist Ann Burns for entertaining and educational programs at the picnic shelter in each campground. You don’t have
to be a registered camper to participate in our campground programs.









Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 7th at 9:00 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
It’s free fishing weekend for Iowa residents! Practice casting, learn how to clean a fish, learn who’s who in the water, and other
activities at learning stations. Then, see if you can catch the biggest or smallest fish to win a prize! Bring your own equipment
or borrow from us. Pre-registration is required by June 2nd (in order to have enough equipment and prizes).

Nature Tales: Eggs
Thursday, June 12 at 10:00 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Naturalist Jess O'Connor will read a story about animal eggs and pre-school age children will learn about animal babies

Science Under the Stars
June 12 at 4:00 PM to June 13 at 9:00 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
This night is for youth who are going into 5th-7th grade and are interested in learning more about things that soar - birds,
planes, stars, etc. "Campers will make their own supper and spend the evening gazing a the stars and the universe around us.  
Pre-registration is required by June 6th, please contact the Jackson County Extension Office at (563) 652-4923.

River Clean-up/ Canoe Trip
Sunday June 15 at 1:00 PM
Maquoketa River
Cost: Free
Enjoy the beautiful scenery in Jackson County while cleaning up along one of our precious streams.  Participants will canoe
and pick up trash along a portion of the Maquoketa River.  A limited supply of canoes will be available or you can bring your
own/rent from a local outfitter.  

Naturalist Lunch Box
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month (June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, Aug 14) at Noon
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Bring your lunch and join naturalists in the community room for a program on natural resources. You will be entertained while
you dine and hopefully will learn something new to share with your co-workers, friends and family.

Explore Your Resources Camp
Wednesday’s- June 11, 18, & 25
Youth going into 4th-6th grade are welcome to sign up for all three dates or choose one or two. These day camps are
designed to help students learn about our natural resources and how we use and protect them. Each day we will start at the
Hurstville Interpretive center with activities that go with the theme of the field trip that day. Lunch and snacks will be provided
each day.








Campground Programs
July 4 at 8:30 pm at South Sabula Lakes
July 5 at 8:30 pm at Spruce Creek Park
Join AmeriCorp naturalist Vanessa Vanis for entertaining and educational programs at the picnic shelter in each campground.
You don’t have to be a registered camper to participate in our campground programs.

Naturalist Lunch Box
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month (June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, Aug 14) at Noon
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Bring your lunch and join naturalists in the community room for a program on natural resources. You will be entertained while
you dine and hopefully will learn something new to share with your co-workers, friends and family.

Adventure Camp
Wednesday's- July 2, 9, & 16
Youth going into 6th-8th grade are welcome to sign up for all three dates or choose one or two. These day camps are
designed to help students learn about outdoor recreation and develop new skills. Participants will become competent in skills
such as canoeing, backpacking/camping, and fishing. We will take a field trip to a natural area each day to do planned
activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day.








Youth Outdoor Skills Day
Saturday August 16, 2008
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Youth, ages 10, 11, and 12 are invited to participate in this outdoor adventure day. Activities include canoeing, firearm safety,
fishing, archery, campfire cooking, and more.  

Campground Program
Friday August 29 at 8:30 PM South Sabula Lakes Park
Saturday August 30 at 8:30 PM Spruce Creek Park
Cost: Free
Join naturalists for an entertaining and educational program at the picnic shelter.  You don't have to be a registered camper to
participate in the campground program.  








Monarch Tagging
Saturday, September 6 at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 13 at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 13 at 1 pm at Bellevue State Park
Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 27 at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Learn about the monarch butterfly’s journey south for the winter. Be a part of the research by catching and tagging this year’s
migrants.


Fall Canoe Trip
Timee & Date TBA
Cost: Free
Enjoy some early fall leaf color and the fresh air as you canoe with a naturalist.  Depending on water levels, we will canoe the
Green Island Wildlife Area or try a new stretch of the Maquoketa River.  A limited number of free canoes are available through
the JCCB office, please call us to reserve a spot, or contact one of the local outfitters to rent a canoe.  Please call the JCCB
office the week before the event to find out where we will be canoeing.  
















Halloween Hike
Saturday October 18 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $2.00
Bring your family to the Hurstville Interpretive Center for some Halloween fun with a nature twist. Activities include a craft, snack
and a trail hike with characters with an environmental message. Wear your costumes and enter the costume judging contest!
Space for hikes is limited so call early.

Friends of Jackson County Conservation Meeting
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Interested in supporting and assisting the Jackson County Conservation Board? Join the Friends of Jackson County
Conservation for their spring meeting and learn more about the benefits of being a friend and become involved!

The Truth about Bats
Time & Date TBA
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
There are so many myths about bats – come and learn the truths of these flying mammals that are not always our favorite
friends. It will be a very informative program with tips on how to keep these creatures out of your house.















Bird Feeder Workshop
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $6.00
All ages are welcome! Get ready to feed your winter visitors! This workshop will provide the materials to make a feeder,
instructions, and time for you to do a project together. We’ll discuss what types of seed attract which birds and how to keep
them safe and healthy.










Winter Camp
Date & Time TBA
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $15.00
Spend the evening at the Hurstville Interpretive Center and explore the winter world. The camp will teach youth in 4th-6th grade
about the outdoors and how to have fun and remain safe. You’ll have fun meeting youth from the Jackson County area.  
Participants will make your own supper, and enjoy breakfast before heading home the next morning. Pre-registration is
required, please contact the Jackson County Extension Office at (563) 652-4923.
January
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Nature Tales: Moms On The Go
Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Join us for a story- featuring the book, You Are Special, Little One.  Followed by a discussion and activity about animal moms!

Dubuque Eagle Watch
Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 9:00 am -4:00 pm
Grand River Center, Port of Dubuque
Join Jackson County Conservation staff at the Dubuque Eagle Watch. They will be inside the river center assisting with activities.

Hunter Education Online Course
Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
The Iowa DNR has developed an independant/internet hunter education course.  There are three-steps to completing the
process - the class on the January 19th is the final step - you must complete the other parts before attending the classroom
session. For more information please visit: www.iowadnr.gov/law/lawdb/viewcourse.html.
        Space is limited and pre-registration is required by January 16th.

Winter Fun Day
Sunday January 27, 2008 from 1:00-3:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $1/person
Join Jackson County staff for a fun filled afternoon looking at snowflakes under a microscope, making a winter craft, and
learning how to identify animal tracks. Learn how to snowshoe at 2:00 pm—limited number of snowshoes will be available so get
there early! Warm refreshments will also be served.
Nature Tales: Tracks
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 10:00 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
We will read In the Snow: Who's Been Here? We will look at different tracks and how to tell them apart.  If there is snow, we will
go outside to make tracks in the snow.  

“A Salute to Songbirds” Exhibit Grand Opening
Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: $2/person or $5/family
“A Salute to Songbirds” is a traveling exhibit about America’s fastest growing sport—birdwatching!  To kick off the grand
opening, Dr. James Pease, Extension Wildlife Specialist at Iowa State University, will discuss neotropical migrants and the
challenges they are facing. Following the program participants will explore the exhibit and get a chance to interact with all the
hands-on activities.  Stay for the Songbird Supper! Discount prices for program and supper—adults $7 ($6 in advance) and
children $3 ($2 in advance).

“A Salute to Songbirds” Exhibit
February 10—April 16, 2008
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
This informative and interactive exhibit on America’s fastest growing outdoor interest delights and educates visitors while
addressing the challenges facing migratory songbirds and what individuals can do to help them.

Volunteer Appreciation
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Everyone and anyone who has volunteered or helped out Jackson County Conservation is invited to attend. This will be a great
chance to meet other volunteers and hear their stories. Please RSVP by February 8th if you plan to attend.

Owls on the Prowl
Saturday , February 23rd at 6 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Hooting for a good time? Join Naturalists for a program on owls and learn how to tell one hoot from another. Following the
program—head outside for some owl calling.
Bird House Workshop
Sunday, March 2nd at 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Wren $5, Bluebird $7, Kestrel $16
Bird houses are a wonderful addition to your yard. They increase your success of seeing and keeping wrens and bluebirds
around your home. We will provide the materials and information on bird houses. If you have a hammer please bring it with
you. Pre-registration is required by February 27th.

Nature Tales: Insects
Thursday, March 13th at 10:00 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
This program will feature the story Don't Stomp that Bug!  We will learn about ants, beetles, dragonflies, honeybees, &
ladybugs.  Depending on weather, we will go outside and see what insects we can discover in the butterfly garden and prairie.  

Iowa DNR Hunter Education Class
Tuesday, March 11th from 6:30-9 pm
Thursday, March 13nd from 6:30-9 pm
Saturday, March 15th from 9:00- 3:30 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Hunter education certification is mandatory for residents born after January 1, 1972 and non-residents born after January 1,
1967. The minimum age for certification is 12. All three classes must be attended. Please pre-register by March 16th, class
size is limited.

Duck Waddle—Dubuque Audubon Society
Saturday March 15 at sunrise (6:15 am)
Blakes Parking Lot at Green Island State Wildlife Area
Cost: Free
Join the Dubuque Audubon Society for the spring waterfowl count at Green Island. See if you can identify one waddle from
another!

Friends of Jackson County Conservation Meeting
Tuesday March 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Interested in supporting and assisting the Jackson County Conservation Board? Join the Friends of Jackson County
Conservation for their spring meeting and learn more about the benefits of being a friend and become involved!

Bird Hike
Sunday, March 30th at 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Join members of the Dubuque Audubon Society for a bird hike around Jackson County. Birding will begin at the Hurstville
Marsh and then continue to the Maquoketa Caves State Park and Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area.

Iowa Wildlife Action Plan
Sunday March 30th at 1:30 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
This plan is the first attempt ever to spell out management plans for most of the state's wildlife and evaluate the status of each
species.  Katy Reeder, Iowa DNR, will also examine stresses on wildlife and their habitats and lay out the Iowa DNR's visions
and strategies to conserve wildlife over the next 25 years.
Bird Banding
Sunday, April 6 at 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost: Free
Join us along with David Shealer, professor at Loras College for an afternoon of banding birds.  

Nature Tales: Stars & Planets
Thursday, April 10th at 10:00 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Featuring the book The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System.  Explore the night sky in a star lab and learn about
constellations.  

Soils & Kids
Sunday, April 13 at 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Chad Heinzel, of the UNI Geology Department will lead us in this interactive program for kids & parents in the development, use,
& importance of soil.

Rain Gardens
Sunday, April 20th at 1:00 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Wayne Petersen, with Iowa Department of Agriculture, will discuss Infiltration-based water management practices which will
include rain gardens as one of a number of practices people can use to manage water more sustainable on their properties.

Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 AM
Maquoketa Caves State Park at upper picnic shelter
Join naturalist Ann Burns for a hike at Maquoketa Caves for some wildflower viewing.
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