Calendar

Conservation Board Meeting

The Des Moines County Conservation Board generally meets the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30PM at the Conservation Office in West Burlington. 

For more information on the conservation department, visit the department's website.

Posted by: Conservation

Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test

Posted by: Emergency Management Agency

Hike A Park - Crapo Park

Join us as we embrace the vibrant colors and crisp air this fall season with our Hike A Park Series! Running from September to November on select Thursdays, from 3:00 PM to approximately 4:00 PM, Des Moines County Conservation has partnered with Lee County Conservation, Van Buren County Conservation, and the City of Burlington to explore your local parks this fall.

Mark your calendars for November 2nd when we convene at the outdoor classroom in Crapo Park. We're in for a treat as the City Forester and the Parks Superintendent will be accompanying us on this hike to lead tree identification and share fascinating insights into the park's history.

Led by naturalists, these guided hikes will take you on a journey of discovery, exploring trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles in length. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this series caters to everyone's preferences and fitness levels. Feel free to leave at any time; no registration or fee is required to join!

Nature's surprises await you at every turn, so come prepared! Dress appropriately for the weather—bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for cooler days, sun protection, and a water bottle. With our naturalists by your side, you'll learn fascinating facts about the flora and fauna we encounter along the way.

For additional information, reach out to the Starr’s Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808 or contact our Naturalist, Jacklyn, at 319-752-1508. We can't wait to see you on the trails!

Posted by: Conservation

CERT Academy

What is CERT you ask? FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. 

At CERT's core is the philosophy of "neighbor helping neighbor." Participants in the program are given the tools they need to help themselves, their families, neighborhoods and communities. This is a FREE course and you are under NO OBLIGATION to join Des Moines County CERT in order to take this course!

Posted by: Emergency Management Agency

DMC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Meeting

Posted by: Emergency Management Agency

Fire Building

Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a beginner, this event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your fire building skills in a beautiful natural setting. Bring your enthusiasm and a readiness to learn.

What to Expect:

• Learn the Basics: Our experienced instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of fire building using Ferro Rod and Steel

• Hands-On Experience: Practice and perfect your fire-starting skills under expert guidance.

• Safety First: Understand safety measures and responsible fire building in a natural environment.

• Connect with Nature: Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Starr's Cave Nature Center while learning valuable outdoor skills. 

Dress for the Weather: Please dress appropriately for the weather, as we'll be outdoors. This event is perfect for families, friends, and individuals looking to add an exciting skill to their outdoor toolkit. Feel free to bring your own Ferro Rod and Steel if you have them, but we will also provide some for shared use. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn a valuable skill, and enjoy the great outdoors. We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to invite your friends, and we look forward to a fantastic afternoon of fire building. For more information, contact the nature center at 319-753-5808. See you on November 9th!

Posted by: Conservation

Veteran's Day - County Offices Closed

CERT Academy

What is CERT you ask? FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. 

At CERT's core is the philosophy of "neighbor helping neighbor." Participants in the program are given the tools they need to help themselves, their families, neighborhoods and communities. This is a FREE course and you are under NO OBLIGATION to join Des Moines County CERT in order to take this course!

Posted by: Emergency Management Agency

Hike A Park - Pollmiller Park

Join us as we embrace the vibrant colors and crisp air this fall season with our Hike A Park Series! Running from September to November on select Thursdays, from 3:00 PM to approximately 4:00 PM, Des Moines County Conservation has partnered with Lee County Conservation and Van Buren County Conservation to explore your local parks this fall.

The next hike of this series is scheduled to take place at Pollmiller Park in Lee County. We will be meeting at the second parking lot coming into the park. Carpooling is available, call the nature center to save your spot at 319-753-5808.

Led by naturalists, these guided hikes will take you on a journey of discovery, exploring trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles in length. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this series caters to everyone's preferences and fitness levels. Feel free to leave at any time; no registration or fee is required to join!

Nature's surprises await you at every turn, so come prepared! Dress appropriately for the weather—bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for cooler days, sun protection, and a water bottle. For additional information, reach out to the Starr’s Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808 or contact our Naturalist, Jacklyn, at 319-572-1508. We can't wait to see you on the trails!

Posted by: Conservation

Adventure Pack Hike

Looking for a way to enhance your park visit? How about a few tools and activities that make your visit most memorable? Here is your chance! Starr's Cave Nature Center has recently purchased a variety of adventure packs for the public to rent. These packs include a variety of activities and tools. This program will showcase one of the adventure packs and how to use them. At this event you can expect a hike of about 1.5 miles on and off the trails. Please come prepared for the weather and the elements. We will be meeting at the shelter next to the nature center at noon.

Posted by: Conservation

Thanksgiving Day - County Offices Closed

Thanksgiving Holiday - County Offices Closed