August 2026 Department Updates
As the dog days of summer settle in, there's still plenty happening at Des Moines County Conservation! Here's what's coming up and what staff have been working on.Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Upcoming Events
Leadership on the Landscape
August 12 | 7:00 to 8:30 AM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Leadership on the Landscape returns with a unique outdoor leadership experience that explores the question, What does leadership look like when force isn't an option? Participants will discover how nature's most adaptable force, water, can reshape the way people think about leadership. Designed for managers, supervisors, executives, and other leaders, this program offers a refreshing alternative to traditional leadership development by taking the conversation outside. Space is limited to 12 participants, so register early to reserve a spot.
Full Moon Paddle
August 28 | 7:30 to 9:00 PM | 4th Pumping Station
Experience the beauty of the river after dark during the Full Moon Paddle! Canoes and kayaks are available to reserve, or participants are welcome to bring their own and decorate them with glow sticks or string lights for a fun evening on the water. Registration is required for all participants, whether using a DMCC boat or bringing a personal watercraft.
Board Meeting
The monthly Des Moines County Conservation Board meeting will be held on August 5 at 5:30 PM at Starr's Cave Nature Center. Here is the agenda for the meeting. The public is welcome to attend.
Campground and Cabin Reservations
Now is a great time to start planning a fall getaway! DMCC offers three campgrounds throughout the county, along with two unique cabins at Big Hollow Recreation Area. The Ranger Cabin is available year round, and the Wilson Foundation Off Grid Cabin is available through October. Reserve a stay today!
Environmental Education Update
Summer programming has been in full swing! Although the Night Creek Stomp had to be rescheduled, approximately 275 participants still enjoyed an evening of creek exploration and s'mores around the campfire. Thanks to Warth Insurance for helping sponsor this event.
Five summer camps were held, including Caterpillar 2, Dark Wings 2, Discovery 2, Firefly 2, and Young Naturalist, serving approximately 75 campers. Activities included canoeing, fishing, archery, creek exploration, meeting live animals, visiting local partners such as an elk farm, using trail cameras, and spending time at the observatory. Thanks to Kiwanis of Burlington for sponsoring this year's camps.
A Dutch Oven cooking class also gave participants the opportunity to learn traditional outdoor cooking techniques while enjoying a delicious three course meal.
Coming up in August, registration information for fall school programming will be announced, Monarch tagging season will begin later in the month, and the Full Moon Paddle takes place on August 28.
August also marks the end of environmental education intern Carissa's internship. Her creativity and hard work have been instrumental in media and programming efforts, and she will be greatly missed. Best wishes are extended as she begins her next adventure.
Field Crew Update
The field crew has continued maintaining parks and improving visitor experiences throughout the county. Firebreaks were mowed, river docks were adjusted as water levels changed, and a creek crossing along the Big Hollow Perimeter Trail was reinforced with rock. Water bars on the Flint River Trail were moved to help reduce erosion, and the Cottonwood Boat Ramp on the Skunk River was scraped, widened, and resurfaced with fresh rock.
August also marks the completion of internships for Kendall and Grant. Throughout the summer, they assisted with park maintenance, improvement projects, mowing, trail work, equipment operation, and many of the day to day tasks that help keep the parks safe and enjoyable for visitors. Their hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to take on new challenges made them valuable members of the field crew. Best wishes are extended as they continue their education.
Your county parks are open every day, and there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy them. Head out on the trails, spend time on the water, or attend one of the upcoming events before the season winds down!
published Saturday, August 1, 2026
