Eagle Watch 2025

Join Des Moines County Conservation for the annual Eagle Watch program on Saturday, January 18! The program begins at 10:00 AM at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center with a bald eagle presentation. Following the presentation, participants will caravan to Lock and Dam 18, located about a 15-minute drive from the Port, for an opportunity to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat. The event will run until noon, and participants should plan to drive their own vehicles or carpool with others to the viewing site.

Binoculars will be available to borrow, though participants are encouraged to bring their own. This program is open to all ages, free of charge, and does not require registration. Please dress for the weather and check the Starr’s Cave Nature Center Facebook page for event updates or cancellations. For more information, contact Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319) 753-5808. Come experience the beauty and majesty of bald eagles during this engaging and educational event!

For More Information
Contact: Jacklyn
(319) 753-5808
goodmanj@dmcounty.com

Posted by: Conservation

Westland Crawl 5K

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Join the Westland Mall Crawl 5K! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

📍 Where: Westland Mall

📅 When: January 25th💲

Registration Fees: $15 (pre-registration) | $20 (day of the event)

Race Details: Stay cozy while you conquer 9 laps inside the mall to complete your 5K.Enjoy a unique experience racing through the mall's climate-controlled environment.

Bonus:After crossing the finish line, take advantage of being in the mall and treat yourself to some post-race shopping!

📢 Register Now! Don't miss this warm, fun, and fitness-filled event!

See you at the starting line! 🏅

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

Posted by: Conservation

Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop

Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop

The Great Rivers Conservation Alliance of Southeast Iowa is hosting a Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Lee County Conservation Center at Heron Bend Park in Montrose.  This workshop is geared toward landowners who are interested in using prescribed fire as a management tool for prairies and woodlands, although anyone 18 and older may attend. Volunteer fire fighters are also encouraged to attend and may find this class helpful in responding to wildfires. 

The class will cover a brief history of fire in Iowa; the benefits of prescribed fire; how to set management goals and objectives; the use of burn plans; fire weather; equipment, techniques, and safety. This one-day class is not a certification, it is a training to make attendees more knowledgeable about using fire as a management tool. Landowners are encouraged to bring a map of the area they are interested in burning, time is included for some site-specific questions.

Besides the knowledge gained, participants of this class will be allowed to check out a fire cache, equipped with wildland firefighting equipment such as bladder bags, drip torches, Nomex suits, fire specific tools, and personal protective equipment. In addition, participants will get to meet other like-minded landowners; share ideas and strategies; and hopefully make some contacts to help each other apply fire safely to the landscape. 

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Participants can register and pay online at https://www.tri-rivers.org/new-events. Contact Muscatine County Conservation at 563-264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov with questions. The $25 fee includes class materials, coffee, rolls, and a catered lunch. Registration and morning refreshments will begin at 8:30 am with the workshop starting at 9:00 am.

This class is sponsored by the Great Rivers Alliance of Southeast Iowa. Partners include US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy; Des Moines, Johnson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, and Washington County Conservation Boards; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Bur Oak Land Trust, National Wild Turkey Federation, Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. It is a coalition of private and public conservation agencies working to improve the ability of all people to care for the unique natural resources in Southeast Iowa.

For More Information
Contact: Muscatine County Conservation Board
(563) 264-5922
conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
Website

Posted by: Conservation

Owl Prowl

January and February are active months for barred owls because it is when they begin looking for a partner. They use sound and body language to try to impress each other in hopes of finding a mate. Those who would like to learn more about owls are invited to join an Owl Prowl in February.

This year we will be holding our Owl Prowl from 7-8 PM and will be led by a naturalist. this prowl will begin with a short presentation regarding owls and calling for owls using recorded calls. Then participants will head out for a 2-mile round trip night hike, and if all goes as planned, owl prowlers will hear owls talk back and might even get to see one swoop silently down for a closer look.

These programs are open to anyone, but since silent listening is required, children must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to dress for the weather and prepare for a 2-mile hike in the dark. There is no fee to join this event, but registration is required, as space is limited. To register, contact Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319)-753-5808. Upon registration, you will receive the location details for the Owl Prowl.

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

Posted by: Conservation

I Love County Parks Winter Games

Celebrate winter with a day of outdoor fun at the "I LOVE County Parks Winter Games"! This action-packed event at Big Hollow Recreation Area offers something for everyone!

Facebook Ice Fishing Contest
Check-in: 7:00 AM at the Hickory Shelter.
Submit your largest catch by posting a picture on our Facebook page with the provided measuring device.

5K & 1 Miler
Start: 9:00 AM at the Hickory Shelter.
Take on the challenge of a scenic 5K & 1 Miler!

5K and Rifle Shoot Challenge
Starts with the 5K at 9:00 AM.
Combine endurance and accuracy—shoot during open range time, and your shooting score will impact your race time.

Compass Quest
Starts: 10:00 AM at the Shooting Range Complex.
Put your navigation skills to the test in this fun and interactive challenge.

.22 Caliber Open Range
Begins: 10:00 AM at the 25-yard range.
Practice your aim in a safe and supportive environment.

How to Participate:
All activities take place at Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Mark your calendar for February 22nd!

Register Here!

Bundle up and join us for a day of competition, adventure, and outdoor fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

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

Posted by: Conservation