I Heart County Parks Fundraising Banquet

Mark your calendars for a night of food, family, friends, and FUNdraising for YOUR county parks!

The Partners for Conservation Foundation is hosting the second annual I *Heart* County Parks banquet on April 3 at Barn on the Ridge just outside of Burlington to raise funds for Des Moines County Conservation parks and programs. The event will include raffles, games, auctions, and a BBQ dinner. Raffle and auction items include all the gear you need to get outside such as bikes, kayaks, camping and cabin stays, and so much more.

Purchase tickets online. 

Want to showcase your business or service to the avid outdoors community? Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact us for more information.

All proceeds from this event will support Des Moines County parks and programs. To learn more about Des Moines County Conservation, go to www.DMCconservation.com.

See you there!

For More Information
Contact: Chris Lee
(319) 572-1564
leec@dmcounty.com
Website

Posted by: Conservation

Starr's Cave: Site History, Stories, and Treasures

Join us at Starr’s Cave Nature Center on Saturday, April 5 at 10 am for a special lecture by Des Moines County Historical Society’s Collections and Reference Assistant, Cora Wickham.

In her presentation, Cora will discuss current site features and geology, how Starr’s Cave got its name, the various owners and users of the property, Starr’s Cave Mining Company, rumors of gold in the area, park development, and more!
(No rsvp needed)

We hope to see you there!

For More Information
Contact: Marcus Nack
(319) 753-5808
Nackm@dmcounty.com

Posted by: Conservation

Donate Life Run/Walk

Donate Life Run – Celebrate, Honor, and Give Hope! April is Donate Life Month, and we invite YOU to join us for the Donate Life Run on Saturday, April 12, in support of the Iowa Donor Network and Des Moines County Conservation!

Why Participate?
By participating, you’ll help raise awareness for organ and tissue donation while honoring donors, donor families, recipients, recovery, and living donors. This is more than a race, it’s a chance to celebrate life, inspire others, and make a difference!

Event Details:
Location: Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve
9:00 AM – 1-Mile Run/Walk
9:30 AM – 5K & 10K Start (Combined)
All ages and abilities welcome!

Let’s come together as a community to support this incredible cause. Mark your calendars and spread the word!

Register Here!

For More Information
Contact: Aron Kehoe
(319) 753-5808
dmccores@dmcounty.com

Posted by: Conservation

Outdoor Youth Jamboree

Location: Big Hollow Recreation Area
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
5K Start Time: 8:00 AM
All Other Activities: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

RSVP

Join us for the 2025 Outdoor Youth Jamboree at Big Hollow Recreation Area, a day filled with hands-on outdoor activities and conservation education. This free, family-friendly event brings together local and statewide organizations dedicated to outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation.

Featured Non-Profit Organizations:
Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Kiwanis, The Burlington Library, Louisa County Conservation, Lee County Conservation, The Iowa DNR, NWTF, The Flint River Bow Club, and many more.

Activities Include:

• Instructor-led rifle range

• Instructor-led shotgun range

• Instructor-led archery

• BB gun range

• Canoeing and fishing

• Boat rides

• Pond study

• Meet a critter and story hike

Food and Refreshments:
Free snacks, drinks, and hot dogs will be available while supplies last.

5K Run:
The event kicks off with a 5K run at 8:00 AM. Registration is required for the race. All other activities begin at 9:00 AM and wrap up at 2:00 PM.

Come explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors at Big Hollow Recreation Area on June 7.

For More Information
Contact: Marcus Nack
(319) 753-5808
Nackm@dmcounty.com

Posted by: Conservation

The Muscatine Triathlon

The Muscatine Triathlon, presented by Sqwincher®, will feature a Sprint Class event tailored for both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the triathlon scene. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Deep Lakes Park in Muscatine, Iowa, this thrilling event kicks off with a 750-meter swim, will transition to a 12.4-mile bike ride, and complete the triathlon with a 5K run.

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Elite Class Purse Prize

The Muscatine Triathlon, presented by Sqwincher®, is proud to announce an Elite Class Prize Purse to reward top-performing athletes in both the Men’s and Women’s categories.

🏅 Prize Breakdown:

  1st Place: $5,000
  2nd Place: $2,000
  3rd Place: $1,000

This is your chance to compete for a substantial reward while showcasing your skills in swimming, biking, and running.

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Age Group Awards

In addition to the Elite Class, we also recognize excellence across all age groups. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers within their respective divisions, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to shine.

Whether you’re competing for the Elite Prize Purse or pushing for your personal best in your age group, the Muscatine Triathlon promises an unforgettable race day experience.

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How to Participate
 

• Elite Class Registration: When signing up, select the "Elite Class" option to compete for the prize purse.

• Age Group Registration: Choose your standard age group category during registration.

Join us at Deep Lakes Park on August 2, 2025, for a race that celebrates athleticism, determination, and community. Whether you’re aiming for the prize or the finish line, this event has something for everyone.

Register Now and secure your spot in the race!

For More Information
Website

Posted by: Conservation