Conservation

All About Monarch Butterflies!

At Big Hollow Recreation Area's Hickory Shelter on Saturday, September 23rd, starting at 10 AM, Des Moines County Conservation is all about Monarch Butterflies! During this program you will learn all about the beautiful Monarch Butterfly and what you can do to promote healthy habitat for this butterfly and other pollinators in Iowa. You will also have the opportunity to participate in citizen science by tagging Monarch Butterflies!

Every year, thousands of Monarch Butterflies migrate from the Midwest to overwinter in the Oyamel Fir Forests of Mexico. Citizen scientists east of the Rocky Mountains mark captured butterflies with special tags to identify individuals. When they arrive in Mexico the tags are retrieved, giving scientists valuable information to promote the conservation of this fascinating species.

Bring the whole family and come take part in this program at Big Hollow Recreation Area's Hickory Shelter! Call Starr's Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808 to learn more about this free program!

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

Posted by: Conservation

Bike A Trail

Come and join us for an exciting biking program on the Flint River Trail! Mark your calendars for September 27th from 9 AM to 12 PM. The starting point is the Flint River Trail parking lot, located south of Hickory Bend Recreation Area. To ensure everyone finds the starting point easily, we encourage participants to gather at the Starr's Cave parking lot at 8:30 AM, where our naturalist will lead a caravan to the starting point.

These are the directions to the starting point if you choose to meet us out there and not join the caravan. From Highway 61, turn west down Iowa City Road and go approximately 1.6 miles (the road will bend around to the north). Then turn left (west) on 155th St. and go approximately 2 miles. At the stop sign, turn right (north) and go approximately 0.3 miles. The access road will be on the left.

This event is free to join, but registration is mandatory so we can prepare accordingly and arrange bikes for those who need them. We have a limited number of bikes available. To register, simply call the Starr's Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808.

The ride covers approximately 8 miles of scenic beauty along the Flint River Trail and gravel roads. While the route is mostly flat, keep in mind that there is no shade. This ride will be out and back, and participants may leave at any time. Don't forget to bring water to stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the weather. Your safety is essential to us, so please remember that helmets are mandatory during the ride. Please note that no maintenance services will be provided during the program.

This promises to be a fantastic biking experience, so don't miss out! We look forward to seeing you on September 27th at the Flint River Trail. Let's enjoy the great outdoors together!

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

Posted by: Conservation

Turkey Run Wildlife Area- Hike A 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. The next hike will take place in Lee County's Turkey Run Wildlife Area. For this hike, participants should meet at the Turkey Run parking lot.

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

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.

For More Information
(319) 753-8260
conservation@dmcounty.com
Website

Posted by: Conservation