Picnic in the Park (Caldwell Park)

Join Mahaska County Conservation for a Picnic in the Park at one of our county parks each monday in July!  We will meet from 11:00 am until noon at a set location where you can eat your sack lunch.  The naturalist will share special information about each park and give ideas on what you can do to enjoy nature in the park.

Each day you come to Picnic in the Park, your name will go into a drawing for a MAMMOTH PRIZE!  The prize winner will be drawn at the picnic on July 29.

Reservations are not needed, just show up and have fun with us!  Feel free to bring extra supplies such as a lawn chair, camera or anything else you want for comfort or if you stick around and enjoy the park.

This is our weekly schedule:

Monday, July 1 @ Quercus Wilderness Area                                                                      Main parking lot at 3139 Kent Ave., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Monday, July 8 @ Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie                                                                Shelter house at 2200 Memory Lane, Eddyville, IA 52553 (by cemetery)

Monday, July 15 @ Russell Wildlife Area                                                                            Shelter house at 2254 - 200th St., New Sharon, IA 50207

Monday, July 22 @ White Oak Conservation Area                                                          Cardinal Shelter house at 2647 Ventura Ave., Rose Hill, IA 52586

Monday, July 29 @ Caldwell Park                                                                                     Picnic area behind ELC at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

In case of rain or severe weather, cancellations will be make on the website www.mahaskaconservation.com or on Mahaska County Conservation Facebook page.

If you have questions, call our office at (641)673-9327.

Coffee Club at the ELC

Join us at Mahaska County Conservation's monthly "Coffee Club at the ELC" on Thursday, August 1 from 9:00-10:00 am. Homemade refreshments will be served along with freshly brewed coffee.

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

***Bring a coffee cup with an animal on it, show it off to our group and fill it with our fresh, hot brewed coffee. If you bring a coffee cup with an animal on it, you will be entered in a door prize!

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

Animal Tracking

All ages are welcome to come to the Environmental Learning Center to learn about animal tracking. Which animal was here? Which way is it going? What tracks will we find in Iowa? We will cover these questions and more as we do some fun tracking activities.

If you plan on coming, please let us know by calling our office at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Turtle Races

Which box turtle is the fastest? Come out to the Environmental Learning Center to learn about the box turtles that live in the ELC. One of our favorite turtle activities is to put them to a challenge and let them race each other. So come out and cheer for your favorite turtle! Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the turtles. Come early so you can check out everything else in the Environmental Learning Center!

Let us know you plan on coming by calling us at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Youth Outdoor Field Day

This event is in the planning stages.  Check back for more information!

Halloween Bash at Eveland Access

This event is in the planning process.  Please check back for more information!

BARK Ranger Costume Party & Talent Show

This event is being planned.  Check back for information!