Night Crawler Hunt

Have you ever gone on a night hunt to find and collect nightcrawlers? Join us for an exciting adventure at White Oak Conservation Area! You can take your crawlers home to use as fishing bait or donate them to the hungry critters at the Environmental Learning Center. It’s sure to be a fun experience for all ages! Be sure to wear shoes that can get wet and dirty, and don't forget your flashlight.

White Oak Conservation Area is located just south of Rose Hill at 2647 Ventura Ave., Fremont, IA 52561.

OWLS Program "YMCA Drumming Performance"

Adults of all ages are invited to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! Come enjoy a fun, free performance by the YMCA Cardio Drummers, where the group will move and drum to simple rhythms using stability balls and sticks. It’s a lively and engaging experience for everyone!

Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat. Contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up.

Coffee Club at the ELC

Drop in and join us for fresh coffee and tasty treats on a Coffee Club day. We talk about upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities with Mahaska County Conservation, and about everything in nature.

This month, bring a coffee cup or mug that has an animal on it to take part in a door prize.

We meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab. 

Knee-High Naturalists "Owls"

Bring your children ages 5 and younger out to the Environmental Learning Center on Wednesday, May 7 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 May 7th, the activity is titled "Owls". Kids will learn about owls and go on a hike where owls live. They will also learn how to call for owls and make owl puppets.

Pre-registration is needed to participate. Contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program.

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

Homeschool Science Lab "Fishing at Russell Wildlife Area"

The Mahaska County Conservation Board invites homeschool and online school families to the monthly Homeschool Science Lab on Wednesday, May 7th from 1:00-2:00 pm at (pond 1) Russell Wildlife Area.

The topic for May will be "Fishing". Kids will have an opportunity to go fishing. All fishing equipment are provided, but feel free to bring your own.

****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. 

Terrarium Class

Join Mahaska County Conservation at the Environmental Learning Center for a fun and creative experience! On Thursday, May 8 from 6:00-7:00 pm, Molly Hicks will teach participants about different types of terrariums and teach you how to build your own closed-style terrarium to take home. This is the perfect class for all levels of plant enthusiasts! All materials will be provided by Mahaska County Conservation.

The cost is $5 per person and you can pay at the event. Limited to 15 participants.

Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat. Contact hicks@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up. 

Wings of Life Documentary

This documentary gives you a close-up look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats, and flowers highlights their important role in nature. A third of the world’s food supply depends on these amazing—and increasingly endangered—creatures. Join us at the Environmental Learning Center to view this documentary on May 20, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 pm.
Feel free to bring snacks. (Some refreshments will be provided).

Save your seat by signing up at decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or by calling (641)673-9327.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike @ Quercus Wilderness Area

Bring your dog and explore Mahaska County's beautiful Quercus Wilderness Area and earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificate! Quercus offers a shady, scenic environment with towering oak trees, the state record Downy Serviceberry tree, and exciting hiking trails for a fun and memorable adventure. Mahaska County B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tags will also be available for purchase as a special memento. Just a friendly reminder—dogs must remain on a leash in the park.

OWLS Program "Volunteer Iowa"

The Mahaska County Conservation invites adults of any age to the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, May 23 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for a guest presentation about Volunteer Iowa.

Guest speaker, Shelly Elrod, will speak about ways adults can volunteer within the community. She will also share how the organizations such as Volunteer Iowa and Senior AmeriCorps can help make volunteering possible right here in our county.
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***RESERVATIONS are needed to save a seat! Call (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov by May 21. 

Knee-High Naturalists "Exploring Ice"

Bring your children ages 5 and younger out to the Environmental Learning Center on Wednesday, June 4th 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 June 4th, the activity is titled "Exploring Ice". Kids will stay cool while engaging in fun, hands-on activities and experiments with ice! They'll explore how ice forms and melts through exciting, interactive experiments. It's an immersive, learning-packed experience that lets them discover science in a playful way!

Pre-registration is needed to participate. Contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program.

Coffee Club at the ELC

Join us at Mahaska County Conservation's monthly "Coffee Club at the ELC" on Friday, June 6 from 9:00-10:00 am. We meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab and have homemade refreshments served along with freshly brewed coffee.

***Bring a cup or mug that has an animal 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.

Free Fishing Clinic! (all ages)

Free Fishing Clinic
10:00 am-12:00pm
Russell Wildlife Area, Pond 1

Come join us at the beautiful Russell Wildlife Area for a fun-filled morning of fishing! This family-friendly event is completely free and open to the public. Iowa residents can enjoy fishing without a license, and this clinic is part of the Iowa DNR Free Fishing Weekend. We'll provide worms for bait and fishing poles to borrow. This event is for ALL AGES!

Stay tuned for more details on our Facebook page.

Monkey Kingdom Documentary

This documentary is about an adventure of a young monkey and her son, who live among the ancient jungle ruins. But when they are forced to leave their home, she must guide her family to safety through unfamiliar lands and strange new creatures. Come join us to watch this on June 10 from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Discovery Lab of the Environmental Learning Center!

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

Save your seat by signing up at decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or by calling (641)673-9327. 

Bowfishing Basics

Bowfishing Basics
7:00-8:00 pm
Russell Wildlife Area, Pond 1

Bowfishing is a fun activity that blends fishing and archery skills. Join us at Pond 1 in Russell Wildlife Area for a beginner's lesson on how to safely use a bowfishing bow. Everyone of all ages is welcome to join, and all equipment will be provided!

Russell Wildlife Area is located at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA.

Sign up by June 11th by contacting decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327.

Discovery Camp "Backyard Bugs" (5 & younger)

Discovery Camp “Backyard Bugs”
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Environmental Learning Center
Ages 5 & Younger / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due by day of camp)

Children will explore the fascinating world of insects, learning about their characteristics and behavior, followed by a craft and fun hike to search for real-life insects. Participants should bring a snack and an adult to stay with them.

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 13.

Discovery Camp "Animal Planet" (5 & younger)

Discovery Camp “Animal Planet”
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Environmental Learning Center
Ages 5 & Younger / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due on day of camp)

Children will embark on an exciting exploration of where animals live and what they eat! The morning will be filled with hands-on crafts, fun activities, and up-close encounters with live animals. Participants should bring a snack and an adult to stay with them for the duration of the program.

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 13.

Challenge Camp "Brave Wilderness" (ages 10-17)

Challenge Camp “Brave Wilderness”
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Russell Wildlife Area
Ages 10-17 / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due on day of camp)

This camp is perfect for kids eager to explore the great outdoors! They'll enjoy exciting activities like fishing, wilderness survival lessons, building a campfire, and even embarking on a treasure hunt using a compass. It’s an adventure-packed experience that will spark a love for nature!

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 13.

Jr. Naturalist Camp "Pond Life" (ages 6-9)

Jr. Naturalist Camp “Pond Life”
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Russell Wildlife Area
Ages 6-9 / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due on day of camp)

Children will dive into the fascinating world of freshwater plants, animals, and insects! Along with hands-on exploration, they'll enjoy a fun fishing experience and a tasty fish fry. Participants should bring a snack and water bottle to stay refreshed during the day.

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 20.

Jr. Naturalist Camp "Ice Age Adventures" (ages 6-9)

Jr. Naturalist Camp “Ice Age Adventures”
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Environmental Learning Center
Ages 6-9 / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due on day of camp)

Kids will travel back in time to explore the Ice Age and the world of Woolly Mammoths! They'll learn to throw atlatls, a prehistoric hunting tool, create cool crafts, and even investigate real mammoth bones. It's an exciting, hands-on adventure into the past! Participants should bring a snack and water bottle to stay refreshed during the day.

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 20.

Challenge Camp "Outdoor Adventures" (ages 10-17)

Challenge Camp “Outdoor Adventures”
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Russell Wildlife Area
Ages 10-17 / $10.00 per child
(Cash or check to Friends of Mahaska County Conservation due on day of camp)

This camp is ideal for kids excited to explore the great outdoors! They'll dive into the skills of fishing, bowfishing, and canoeing while enjoying fun, hands-on adventures. Participants should bring a snack, water bottle, clothes that can get wet, and a towel.

Space is limited to 15 kids, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641) 673-9327. Registration deadline is June 20. 

Evening Canoe Adventure

Evening Canoe Adventure
6:00-7:30 pm
Russell Wildlife Area, Pond 1

As the summer day cools into evening, join us for a canoeing adventure on Pond 1 at Russell Wildlife Area. Mahaska County Conservation staff will teach you canoeing skills and safety. You’ll have time to paddle around the pond and enjoy some fun water games. All equipment will be provided. Kids must be 10 years old or older to paddle a canoe. Kids under 10 need to have an adult paddle for them.

Equipment is limited, so please sign up by June 25th by contacting decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327.

OWLS Program "Dutch Oven Cooking"

O.W.L.S. “Dutch Oven Cooking”
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Environmental Learning Center, lower level

Adults of all ages are invited to join the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program! Bring a friend and join us right outside the ELC for a fun demonstration on cooking with Dutch ovens. You’ll even get to sample some delicious food!

Pre-registration is needed to reserve a seat. Contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up.

New Volunteer Training

If you would like to join the Mahaska County Conservation's volunteer team, come to our one-hour training on Monday, April 14, 2025 or Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Environmental Learning Center.

Please sign up for one of two sessions on either date by calling us at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov .

Afternoon session 1:00-2:00 pm
Evening session 6:00-7:00 pm

New Volunteer Training

If you would like to join the Mahaska County Conservation's volunteer team, come to our one-hour training on Monday, April 14, 2025 or Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Environmental Learning Center.

Please sign up for one of two sessions on either date by calling us at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov .

Afternoon session 1:00-2:00 pm
Evening session 6:00-7:00 pm

Lunch in a Park @ Quercus Wilderness Area

Quercus Wilderness Area is located at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA.

Join the naturalist for lunch at one of Mahaska County’s beautiful parks! Bring your lunch, along with a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Enjoy learning about the park of the day and connect with other participants. Each person who attends will have their name entered into a drawing for a prize at the final Lunch in the Park on July 28th. The more Lunch in the Parks you attend, the higher your chances of winning! No registration is required—just come on by! 

Knee-High Naturalists "Nature Hike"

Knee-High Naturalists “Nature Hike”
9:00-10:00 am
Environmental Learning Center

This is a free program for kids ages 5 and younger. Kids will go on a fun hike through the woods behind the Environmental Learning Center at Caldwell Park.

Pre-registration is needed to participate. Contact decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or call (641)673-9327 to sign up. A minimum of 5 kids are needed to hold the program. 

Coffee Club at the ELC

Join us at Mahaska County Conservation's monthly "Coffee Club at the ELC" on Friday, July 11 from 9:00-10:00 am. We meet upstairs in the Discovery Lab and have homemade refreshments served along with freshly brewed coffee.

***Bring a cup or mug that has a story behind its purchase to take part 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.

Lunch in a Park @ Maskunky Marsh

*** We will meet next to the bird blind at Maskunky Marsh!

Join the naturalist for lunch at one of Mahaska County’s beautiful parks! Bring your lunch, along with a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Enjoy learning about the park of the day and connect with other participants. Each person who attends will have their name entered into a drawing for a prize at the final Lunch in the Park on July 28th. The more Lunch in the Parks you attend, the higher your chances of winning! No registration is required—just come on by! 

African Cats Documentary

African Cats Documentary
1:00-2:30 pm
Environmental Learning Center

This documentary is about several lions and cheetahs trying to survive on the African savannah. The film follows Mara, a lovable lion cub striving to inherit her mother’s strength, spirit, and wisdom; Sita, a courageous cheetah raising five playful newborns on her own; and Fang, a proud lion leader who must protect his family from a rival lion and his sons. Feel free to bring snacks. Some refreshments will be provided.

Save your seat by signing up at decook@mahaskacountyia.gov or by calling (641)673-9327.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike @ White Oak Conservation Area

Bring your dog and explore Mahaska County's beautiful White Oak Conservation Area and earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificate! White Oak has a hiking trail around a 20-acre lake that will give you and your dog a fun and memorable adventure. We will meet at the Cardinal shelter in the park. Come join us!

Mahaska County B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tags will also be available for purchase as a special memento.

Just a friendly reminder—dogs must remain on a leash in the park!

Lunch in a Park @ Nicholson Park

Join the naturalist for lunch at one of Mahaska County’s beautiful parks! Bring your lunch, along with a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Enjoy learning about the park of the day and connect with other participants. Each person who attends will have their name entered into a drawing for a prize at the final Lunch in the Park on July 28th. The more Lunch in the Parks you attend, the higher your chances of winning! No registration is required—just come on by!

OWLS Program "Board Game Day"

The Mahaska County Conservation invites adults of any age to the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) program on Friday, July 25 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for a Board Game Day.

Take a break from the hot July heat and come inside the Environmental Learning Center for some fun games! If you have one, bring your favorite board or card game to play with others. We will have some games on hand. Refreshments will be provided!
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***RESERVATIONS are appreciated, but stop in anyway! Call (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Lunch in a Park @ Environmental Learning Center

**** This is the day we draw for the prize!

Join the naturalist for lunch at one of Mahaska County’s beautiful parks! Bring your lunch, along with a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Enjoy learning about the park of the day and connect with other participants. Each person who attends will have their name entered into a drawing for a prize at the final Lunch in the Park on July 28th. The more Lunch in the Parks you attend, the higher your chances of winning! No registration is required—just come on by!