April 2025 Department Updates
Spring is in full swing, and we’ve been busy with exciting events, new team members, and plenty of outdoor adventures! Read on for the latest updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved!Jacklyn Goodman, Naturalist / Conservation Technician
Woodland Warrior Challenge Run
The Woodland Warrior Challenge Run at Hunt Woods on March 8th was a huge success! Twenty participants leaped, crawled, and zigzagged their way through a series of obstacles. A special shoutout to our high school intern, Trevor, who designed and executed this event. Trevor not only mapped the course and built obstacles but also collaborated with various military offices to bring the challenge to life. Their support helped make the event both exciting and memorable!
Hook & Hunt University: Hunting Mentorship Program
Our Hunting Mentorship Program is officially underway! Mentors and mentees kicked off the program with an introduction session on March 20th. The first hands-on event took place on March 29th at Big Hollow, where participants gathered for a range day to practice their shooting skills. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, there’s still time to sign up! Contact Marcus at 319-753-5808 or email nackm@dmcounty.com to get involved.
Support YOUR County Parks!
Last call to get your tickets for the I Heart County Parks Fundraising Banquet! This event, happening on April 3rd at Barn on the Ridge, directly supports Des Moines County Conservation parks and programs. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions, and a great night with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss out—get your tickets now!
Campgrounds Are Open!
Camping season is here! All Des Moines County Conservation campgrounds are now open, so start planning your next outdoor getaway. Reservations can be made here!
- Big Hollow Campground – Our largest and most popular campground, offering a variety of camping options for every outdoor enthusiast. It features 32 full hookup sites, 18 electric-only sites, and 13 primitive campsites. Half of the RV sites can be reserved online up to one year in advance, ensuring you can plan your trip with ease.
- 4th Pumping Station – A scenic and serene campground along the Mississippi River, perfect for those looking to relax by the water. This location offers 46 campsites, 22 of which have electricity. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.
- Welter Recreation Area – Sycamore Loop – A hidden gem along the Skunk River, offering a peaceful camping experience. This campground features 18 campsites, 12 with electric hookups. Like 4th Pumping Station, all sites here are first come, first served.
Summer Camp Sign-Up
Registration for summer camps opens April 1st at noon! We’re using RecDesk for sign-ups, so be sure to create an account to register your child for camp. Spots fill up quickly—secure yours today!
Kiwanis of Burlington Partnership
Environmental Educator Manager, Marcus, had the opportunity to present to Kiwanis of Burlington, highlighting our environmental education programs. We’re incredibly grateful to Kiwanis for their generous $5,000 donation, which will go toward enhancing our summer camps. These funds will help us purchase new materials, ensuring a richer and more engaging experience for all campers. We’re excited to continue strengthening this valuable partnership!
Burlington River Days
Get ready for an unforgettable summer as Burlington River Days makes its debut on the riverfront June 12-14! Enjoy free live concerts from country artist Jake Clayton and rock bands Saliva and Ghost of Judas, plus a carnival, boat parade, and tons of family fun! This exciting new event is all about bringing the community together, connecting downtown to the river, and making our riverfront the place to be! Mark your calendars and join the celebration!
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a way to give back? We need volunteers to help open the nature center on weekends from April through September. Shifts are Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM – 4 PM and involve welcoming visitors, answering questions, and sharing information about the park. Even if you can only volunteer one day, your help makes a big difference! Call us at (319)-753-5808 to learn more.
Team Updates
We’re excited to welcome Shania, our new Naturalist, who will be joining us in April! We can’t wait to see the fresh ideas and enthusiasm she’ll bring to our Environmental Education department. Once she’s fully onboarded, we’ll begin accepting program requests again—stay tuned!
We’re also thrilled to have Trevor, our high school intern, returning as our Summer Intern Naturalist! Trevor has already made a big impact, and his dedication was recently highlighted in an article by The Hawk Eye. We’re looking forward to another great season with him on the team!
Meanwhile, our field staff has been hard at work preparing the parks for camping season. They’ve been conducting prescribed burns to maintain healthy ecosystems and have also updated the shooting range backboards.
Upcoming Events
April
I Heart County Parks Fundraising Banquet – April 3
Join us at Barn on the Ridge for a night of food, fun, and fundraising in support of Des Moines County parks! Enjoy a BBQ dinner, raffles, and auctions featuring outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, and camping stays. Get your tickets here!
Starr’s Cave: Site History, Stories, and Treasures – April 5
Discover the fascinating history of Starr’s Cave with Cora Wickham from the Des Moines County Historical Society. Learn about the site’s geology, mining past, local legends, and more! This program begins at 10 AM at Starr's Cave Nature Center, no RSVP or fee required.
Donate Life Run – April 12
Join us at Starr’s Cave for the Donate Life Run in support of the Iowa Donor Network! This event celebrates life while honoring donors, recipients, and their families. The race schedule includes a 1-mile run at 9:00 AM, followed by a combined 5K and 10K at 9:30 AM. Register in advance to secure your spot—race fees increase by $5 on the day of the event. Come run, walk, and show your support for organ and tissue donation awareness!
Earth Day Cleanup – April 19
Join us for the annual Earth Day Cleanup Event and help keep Burlington beautiful! Volunteers will receive supplies and site assignments at the Port of Burlington from 8 AM – 9 AM before heading out for litter pick-up. Let’s make a difference together!
Looking Ahead
Mayday Marathon – May 17
Starr’s Cave will host the Mayday Marathon, featuring race options from a 1-mile fun run to a half marathon. Stay tuned for registration details!
Outdoor Youth Jamboree – June 7
The Outdoor Youth Jamboree returns to Big Hollow Recreation Area for a free day of outdoor adventure. The day kicks off with a 5K at 8 AM, followed by various activities from 9 AM – 2 PM. Activities include instructor led rifle range, shotgun range, archery, BB gun range, canoeing, fishing, boat rides, pond study, meet a critter, story hike, and free food!
Burlington River Days – June 12-14
Three days of summer fun on the Burlington riverfront! Enjoy live music, a boat parade, a carnival, River Days Olympics, and delicious food. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to win a brand-new boat!
published Tuesday, March 25, 2025
