November 2025 Department Updates
Fall is flying by at Des Moines County Conservation, here’s a look at what’s in store for November!Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Holiday Closures
The DMCC office and Starr’s Cave Nature Center will be closed on the following dates:
- Veterans Day: November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: November 27
- Day After Thanksgiving: November 28
All DMCC parks remain open daily for public use.
Park closures for the season
The showerhouse at Big Hollow has been winterized for the season. Campsites are open year-round; however, water has been shut off for the season.
The 4th Pumping Station and Welter Recreation Area campgrounds are now closed for the season.
Ranger Cabin
Though the campgrounds are winding down for the year, we still have the Ranger Cabin available for rent year round. The Ranger Cabin is the perfect place to house relatives during the holidays. Right now when you book your stay, use code Cabin50 for $50 off!
Upcoming Programs
- Invasive Species Removal Day - November 13
- Support your county park by volunteering to remove invasive species! More information and RSVP here!
- Hook & Hunt University Deer Gun Range Day - November 15
- Get your gun ready for deer season at the Big Hollow Shooting Range! More information and RSVP here!
- Ladies Adventure Group Campfire Creations - November 19
- Ladies 18 and older are invited to join this group for a Campfire Creations event! RSVP here!
- Trivia Night - December 5
- Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night! RSVP here!
- Ugly Sweater 5k - December 20
- Dig that ugly sweater out and get ready to run (or walk) the 5k course at Starr’s Cave! Register here!
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are sponsorship opportunities available through the Partners for Conservation Foundation that support Des Moines County parks and programs. There are options to donate for the annual I Heart County Parks Banquet, the Big Hollow Shooting Range, and environmental education. Your donation helps to inspire conservation in the next generation. More information can be found here!
I Heart County Parks Banquet
Save the date for the I Heart County Parks Banquet on April 4, 2026! This will be the 3rd annual banquet that supports Des Moines County Conservation parks and programs. More information and tickets can be found here!
October Highlights
- Big Holloween was a huge hit, drawing in over 500 visitors for a night of family-friendly fun including hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, and costume contests!
- The education team led 15 field trips, helping students connect with nature through hands-on exploration and discovery.
- Roughly 70 people joined the Fall Color Hike, led by City Forester Patrick and Naturalist Shania.
- The Youth Pheasant Hunt was an exciting learning experience. Two youth hunters joined in, and one even got a shot at a pheasant!
- The Ladies Adventure Group had an archery, hatchet and knife throwing night that was a big success!
- Danville Elementary is starting its very own NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) team. Our equipment was lent to them for a few days to help them get started.
- The Flint River Archery Club hosted an Explore Bowhunting event, where students practiced tree stand safety, blood tracking, and more.
- Carissa, a new intern, has been shadowing staff for the past couple of weeks and has been a great addition to the team!
We hope to see you out in the parks this fall!
published Monday, November 3, 2025
