September 2026 Department Updates
Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and plenty of outdoor opportunities are just around the corner.Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Upcoming Events
All About Monarchs
September 5 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Big Hollow Recreation Area
Learn more about monarch butterflies and their incredible migration during this educational program at Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Leadership on the Landscape: Disturbance
September 9 | 7:00 to 9:30 AM | Hunt Woods Recreation Area
This session of Leadership on the Landscape explores leadership through the lens of disturbance and change. Participants will spend time outdoors considering how natural systems respond to disruption and what those lessons can teach about leadership.
A Trip to Shokokon, presented by Russ Fry
September 19 | 11:00 AM | Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Take a trip back in time with Russ Fry as he shares the story of Shokokon and explores the history and significance of this area.
Ladies Adventure Group: Aim and Adventure
September 22 | 11:00 AM | Starr’s Cave Nature Center
The Ladies Adventure Group is back with another opportunity to learn, explore and try something new.
Ladies Adventure Group Weekend Wellness Retreat
October 2 to 4 | Big Hollow Recreation Area
Spend a fall weekend enjoying the outdoors, connecting with other ladies and taking time to recharge during the Ladies Adventure Group Weekend Wellness Retreat at Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Ladies Adventure Group Fall Color Paddle
October 17 | 9:00 to 11:00 AM | Big Hollow Recreation Area
Take in the sights of fall from the water during a relaxing paddle surrounded by autumn color at Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Fall Color Hike
October 27 | 5:30 to 6:30 PM | Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve
Enjoy the changing leaves and cooler temperatures on an evening hike through Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve.
Hunt Woods Recreation Area Regulation Change
The Des Moines County Conservation Board has approved a new hunting regulation at Hunt Woods Recreation Area prohibiting all firearm use within the park. Archery hunting will continue to be allowed in accordance with applicable state seasons and regulations. The change follows repeated reports of firearms being discharged outside of lawful hunting activity, including a recent incident in which bullets passed dangerously close to a neighboring property owner. Due to Hunt Woods’ small size and proximity to neighboring homes, the new archery-only regulation is intended to improve safety and make the rules easier to understand and enforce. New signage will be installed throughout the park. Hunt Woods remains open to hikers, wildlife enthusiasts and archery hunters and is located at 12412 65th St., Burlington.
Environmental Education Department Update
The Environmental Education Department has been busy as summer comes to a close and another school year gets underway.
Chris led another session of Leadership on the Landscape, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on management and leadership through the lens of water.
On August 21 at Big Hollow, Shania hosted a campfire program where visitors gathered around the fire for an evening of s’mores and time outdoors at the campground.
Monarch tagging season officially opened on August 19. Des Moines County Conservation has 200 monarch tags this year. A new wing measurement is also being collected as part of the tagging process. This measurement provides Monarch Watch at the University of Kansas with additional information about the conditions monarchs experienced during the larval stage of their lives. Learn more at Monarch Watch.
The school year officially got underway on August 24, and the Environmental Education Department is now accepting program requests from local schools.
The Full Moon Paddle on August 28 at the 4th Pumping Station was a huge success, with 40 participants taking to the water under the light of the full moon.
Field Crew Department Update
The field crew has continued working throughout the parks to keep campsites, cabins and trails maintained and ready for visitors. Recent projects included cleaning up the shooting range, along with trimming and spraying vegetation to keep recreational areas accessible and looking their best.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Des Moines County Conservation celebrated the volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support local parks and programs. The evening included a great meal, plenty of appreciation and awards recognizing outstanding volunteer contributions throughout the year.
Volunteer of the Year: Sonya McLaughlin
Sonya was recognized for her support of the Big Hollow camp host and for her continued efforts helping clean and care for the parks.
Volunteer Group of the Year: Friends of Des Moines County Parks
The Friends of Des Moines County Parks were recognized for their many projects across DMCC properties. Recent efforts included preparing Welter Recreation Area for opening, staining the Big Hollow playground and addressing erosion along the concrete walkways at Big Hollow Beach. More projects are already planned for the future.
Educator of the Year: Sheldon Myatt
Sheldon was recognized for his assistance with summer camps at Starr’s Cave and his support of environmental education programming.
Outstanding Service Award: Afinitas and Mediapolis High School Welding Program
Afinitas and the Mediapolis High School Welding Program were recognized for their collaboration on an additional handrail at Big Hollow Beach. The project helps improve accessibility along the concrete walkway and supports continued efforts to make park amenities more accessible to visitors.
Looking Ahead to Fall
From monarchs and fall colors to paddles, hikes and cabin stays, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Des Moines County Parks this season.
Follow Des Moines County Conservation on Facebook for updates on upcoming programs, events and park news. See you in the parks this fall!
published Wednesday, September 9, 2026
