Beaver Documentary "Leave It to Beavers"

Come out the Environmental Learning Center to watch "Leave it to Beavers" in the Discovery Lab. This is a documentary documentary film (FREE for all ages) about the fascinating story of beavers in North America.

Watch this documentary to learn about the North American beaver's history, near extinction, and comeback as a growing number of scientists have come to regard beavers as overlooked tools when it comes to reversing the disastrous effects of global warming and world-wide water shortages.

Feel free to bring snacks and a drink. Some refreshments will be provided.

Seating is limited, so if you plan to attend, please let sign up by calling Mahaska County Conservation at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Homeschool Science Lab "Push Pull Rockets"

***POSTPONED from 2/12 to 2/19 due to upcoming weather.

The Mahaska County Conservation Board invites homeschool and online school families to the monthly Homeschool Science Lab on Wednesday, February 12th from 10:00-11:00 am at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center.

The topic for February will be "Push-Pull Rockets". Kids will become scientists as they explore push and pull forces with balloon rockets.

****This program is free, and reservations are needed to participate. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program. Sign up by calling MCCB at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskcountyia.gov. 

OWLS Program "Life In the Arctic Circle"

The Mahaska County Conservation invites adults of any age to the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, February 21 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for a guest presentation about "Life in the Arctic Circle".

Guest speaker, Ella Paulson, will talk about her experiences traveling abroad and spending time in Lapland. She has amazing stories about her studies and experiences in the arctic wild! Ella is a current Green Iowa AmeriCorps member serving Mahaska County Conservation.

***RESERVATIONS are needed to save a seat! Call (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov by Nov. 20. 

Dolphin Documentary "Dolphin Reef"

Come out the Environmental Learning Center to watch the film "Dolphin Reef" in the Discovery Lab. This is a documentary documentary film (FREE for all ages) about a young bottlenose dolphin named Echo and his adventures in the coral reefs of French Polynesia. Echo learns to survive with the help of his mother Kumu and his pod. You will discover the dangers and wonders of the ocean in this film.

Feel free to bring snacks. Some refreshments will be provided.

Seating is limited, so if you plan to attend, please let sign up by calling Mahaska County Conservation at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Knee-High Naturalists

Bring your children ages 5 and younger out to the Environmental Learning Center on Wednesday, March 12 from 9-10 am for the monthly Knee-High Naturalist program. This FREE program is designed to help foster learning about nature and exploring the outdoors. We ask that adults bringing children remain with them during the program.

On March 12th, the activity is titled "Reptiles". Kids will learn why some animals are reptiles and have a chance to meet a few of our ambassador snakes and turtles.

***Registration is needed to participate. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program. To sign up for this program, contact the Mahaska County Conservation by calling (641)673-9327 or emailing decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Coffee Club at the ELC

Join us at Mahaska County Conservation's monthly "Coffee Club at the ELC" on Friday, March 14 from 9:00-10:00 am. We meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab and have homemade refreshments served along with freshly brewed coffee and hot chocolate.

***Bring a cup or mug that has green colors on it to be entered in a door prize!

At the Coffee Club, we have a great time visiting and learning about fascinating things about nature and Mahaska County Conservation.

The Environmental Learning Center is located at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. 

Homeschool Science Lab "Trading Post"

The Mahaska County Conservation Board invites homeschool and online school families to the monthly Homeschool Science Lab on Wednesday, March 19th from 10:00-11:00 am at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center.

The topic for March will be "Trading Post". Kids will learn how people in our past used trading posts and then participate in a trading post inside the ELC.

****This program is free, and reservations are needed to participate. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program. Sign up by calling MCCB at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskcountyia.gov.

OWLS Program "The Prairie Tool: American Bison"

The Mahaska County Conservation invites adults of any age to the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, March 21 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for a guest presentation about the American Bison.

Guest speaker, Lilly Morin, will speak about "The Prairie Tool: American Bison". She will share her wealth of knowledge of how bison have historically shaped America's prairies. She will also explain how our land today can benefit from modern grazers working the land as herds of bison once did. Lilly is a current Green Iowa AmeriCorps member serving Mahaska County Conservation.

***RESERVATIONS are needed to save a seat! Call (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov by March 20.