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| 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 jacksonccb@jacksonccb.com for more information one month ahead of the program. |
The Wonders of Snow and Ice
Saturday, January 6th at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Winter is here and it's time to come to the Hurstville Interpretive Center and learn about how snowflakes and ice form. You will also
learn ow to tell safe ice from bad ice and what to do if you find a bad spot.
Nature Tales: Bobcats in the Snow
Thursday, January 11th at 10 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
We will read Pouncing Bobcats that talks all about Bobcats. Then we will talk about how animals can have a hard time getting food in
the winter. Please pre-register by January 5th.
Dubuque Eagle Watch
Saturday, January 13th from 9-4 pm
Grand River Center, Port of Dubuque
Join Jackson County Conservation Board staff at the Dubuque Eagle Watch. They will be assisting inside the river center with
activities.
Hunter Education Online Course
Saturday, January 27th from 8-12pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
The Iowa DNR has developed an independant/internet hunter education course designed for adults who work evenings and
weekends. There are three-steps to completing the process - the class on the January 27th 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 19th.
Owls on the Prowl
Thursday, February 1st at 7 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Some area schools do not have school on Friday so we have planned some late night fun! Students and their families can join
Naturalists for a program on owls and then head outside to do some owl calling! Activities will include an owl hike, craft and snack.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required by January 26th.
Winter Hike
Saturday, February 3rd at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Walk, Ski, or Snowshoe! Don't hibernate this winter, get out and enjoy it. Experience a quiet stroll through the prairie or strap on a
pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. Equipment will be available for use in limited supply so pre-registration is encouraged.
Nature Tales: Owl Moon
Thursday, February 8th at 10 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
We will read Owl Moon and then talk about owls and their adapations, some that we have in Iowa. Also discussion about owl
mommies having babies in February!! Please pre-register by February 2nd.
"Love Tails"
Saturday, February 10th at 7 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Did you know that squirrels have already begun to mate and owls are courting at Hurstville? Naturalists will share the secrets of
wildlife mating habits and love stories of the stars. Refreshments will be on hand to keep you toasty and sweetheart pictures will be
taken as a keepsake. Pre-registration is required by February 2nd, program for adults only.
Volunteer Appreciation Brunch
Thursday, February 15th at 9 am
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 9th if you plan to attend.
Bent Willow Basket Workshop
Saturday, February 17th from 12-3 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Cost $45/person or basket
This class would be great for those people who want to give the gift of a handmade basket. We will supply you with the willow cut to
size, nails, hammer, and drill. It will be a fun couple of hours of working with hand tools and making your own basket to take home. If
you have safety glasses please bring them with you! Pre-registration is required by February 12th.
Alaskan Adventure and Shorebird Study
Sunday, February 18th at 2pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Come and hear about an exciting Alaskan Adventure! The program will be presented by Dawn Carstensen who recently visited
Alaska and participated in a shorebird study and toured the region. There will be some great information if you are interested in bird
studies and traveling to Alaska.
Nature Tales: Terrific Turtles
Thursday, March 8th at 10 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
We will read the story Box Turtle at Long Pond. Learn all about turtles here in Jackson County. If held at the center, a wetland hike,
and meet the Hurstville Turtles! Optional turtle snack is available. Please pre-register by March 2nd.
Tricky Tracks
Saturday, March 10th at 2 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Join Jackson County Conservation staff to learn more about tracking animals. Following a Track 101 program we will take a hike
around the center identifying tracks and animals along the way. Warm refreshments will be served following the hike. Be sure to
dress for the weather.
Bird House Workshop
Saturday, March 24th at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Birdhouses 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 birdhouses. Pre-regisration is required by February 16th.
Nature Tales: Spring Fling
Thursday, April 12th at 10 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
We will read Why won’t winter go! Check out the early signs of spring, including a hike (at the Center) and imaginary frozen
salamanders!! Please pre-register by April 6th.
Gardening with Native Plants
Saturday, April 15th at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Join a Naturalist for an informative program on gardening with native plants. You will also learn about medicinal plant values and take
home some recipes.
Adventures with Microscopes
Saturday, April 21st at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Check out the wonders not visible to the naked eye. Join a Naturalist 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!
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 28th at 1 pm
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Spring has sprung and the hillsides are blanketed with brightly colored flowers. From the delicate pink of a Spring Beauty to the
blazing white of bloodroot flowers, see why these flowers tend to put a bounce in your step on a crisp spring day. Any warblers
spotted will be a bonus!
Visitor from the Past
Sunday, April 29th at 3 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Join us for a blast form the past as Michael Coltrain, a Park Ranger with the Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake, portrays John B.
Newhall in a "Glimpse of Iowa in 1846, or the Emigrant's Guide."There will also be a short program on "Great Plains Wagon Trail
Company," describes a typical day with a wagon train on the Oregon trail.
On the Prairie Chuck Wagon Feast
Sunday, April 29th at 5 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Prairie Exhibit Revealed! Following the Visitor from the Past program - join us for a tour of the NEW prairie exhibit and Chuck Wagon
Feast. The feast will include homemade stew, bread, and apple pie, there will be other items available. The Chuck Wagon Feast is
the Friends of Jackson County annual fundraiser - tickets will be sold in advance and available at the door.
May Day Baskets and Hike
Tuesday, May 1st at 7 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Some area schools do not have school on Wednesday so we have planned some May Day fun! Students and their families can join
Naturalists for a program making May Day baskets and then outside for a moonlit hike. Activities will include a hike, basket making
and a snack. Pre-registration is required by April 23rd.
Froggin’
Saturday, May 5th at 8 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Hurstville is hopping with frogs. You’ll learn to identify frogs and toads by sight and sound. We’ll be sloshing through a wetland in the
dark so be sure to bring shoes you can get wet and a flashlight. Froggin’ will start in the community room at the center for a short
program and then off to the marsh to slosh around.
Campground Programs
Friday, May 25th at 8:30 pm at South Sabula Lakes
Saturday, May 26th at 8:30 pm at Spruce Creek Park
Join our naturalists 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 2nd at 9 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 so we have enough equipment and prizes.
Science Under the Stars (Girls Only)
June 7 – June 8th at Hurstville Interpretive Center
This night is for girls interested in learning more about science related careers and who want to have fun meeting other girls from the
Jackson County area. “Campers” will make their own supper over a campfire, make fun nature crafts and learn about natural
resources. Pre-registration is required by June 1st, please contact the Jackson County Extension Office at (563) 652-
4923.
River Clean-up
Sunday, June 10th at 1 pm
River section to be announced
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jackson County while cleaning up along one of our precious freshwater streams. Bring your own
canoe or rent one from a local outfitter. Pre-registration is required in case of bad weather or changing river conditions by
June 4th.
Naturalist Lunch Box
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Tuesday, June 12th at 12 pm
Tuesday, June 26th at 12 pm
Tuesday, July 10th at 12 pm
Tuesday, July 24th at 12 pm
Tuesday, August 7th at 12 pm
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, June 13th from 8-4 pm
Wednesday, June 20th from 8-4 pm
Wednesday, June 27th from 8-4 pm
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. Pre-registration
is required by June 4th.
Campground Programs
Saturday, June 30th at 8:30 pm at South Sabula Lakes
Saturday, July 7th at 8:30 pm at Spruce Creek Park
Join our naturalists 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.
Adventure Camp
Wednesday, July 11th from 8-4 pm
Wednesday, July 18th from 8-4 pm
Wednesday, July 25h from 8-4 pm
Youth going into 7th-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 our natural resources and how we use and protect them. Participants will become more competent in skills
such as canoeing, fly fishing, etc. 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. Pre-registration is required by July 2nd.
Youth Outdoor Skills Day
Saturday, August 18th at 9 am
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Youth, ages 10, 11, and 12 are invited to participate in this outdoor adventure day. Activities include canoeing, fishing, archery,
campfire cooking and more. Pre-registration is required by August 3rd.
Campground Programs
Friday, August 31st at 8:30 pm at South Sabula Lakes
Saturday, September 1st at 8:30 pm at Spruce Creek Park
Join our naturalists 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.
Monarch Tagging
Saturday, September 1st at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 8th at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 8th at 1 pm at Bellevue State Park
Saturday, September 15th at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 22nd at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 29th at 1 pm at Hurstville Interpretive Center
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.
Jackson County Geology Hike
Sunday, October 7th at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Join Jackson County Conservation for a geology hike. We will start at the Hurstville Interpretive Center for an informative program
and then carpool to some geologically significant areas in Jackson County. Wear sturdy boots for hiking and bring a bottle of water
along for the journey.
Halloween Hike
Saturday, October 13th at 6 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Bring your family to the Hurstville Interpretive Center for some Halloween fun with a nature twist. Activities include a craft, snack and a
trail with characters with an environmental message. Wear your costumes and enter the costume judging contest! Space for hikes
is limited so call early – pre-registration is required by October 6th.
Friends of Jackson County Conservation Meeting
Tuesday, October 16th at 7 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!
The Truth about Bats
Sunday, October 21st at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
There are so many myths about bats – come and learn the truths of these flying mammals that aren’t 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
Saturday, November 3rd at 1 pm
Hurstville Interpretive Center
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. Pre-registration is required by October 20th.
Winter Camp (Boys Only)
December 27th – December 28th times TBA
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Spend the evening at the Hurstville Interpretive Center and explore the winter world. The camp will teach youth about the outdoors
and how to have fun and remain safe. You’ll have fun meeting boys from the Jackson County area, 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.
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