Calendar of Events

FLY Tying Classes

Do you like to fish?  Have you ever thought about learning to tie your own flies?  Join Hawkeye Fly Tyer - Mike Jacobs as he leads FLY Tying Classes in March at the Central Park Nature Center.  Learn to tie 3 new flies from 5-7 PM Thursday evening in March (March 6, 13, 20, and 27).    This class is a great introduction to fly tying and will include expert advise and instruction to participants attending.  A fly tying vise will be provided during each class for each registered participant.  All materials for tying flies will be included.  Total cost for materials - only $20. (Cash or check payable to Mike Jacobs at the first class.)   Space is limited!  Pre-registration is REQUIRED!  Click here to register.  Please note - Participants 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  

2025 Woodcock Watch!

Join Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Naturalists at Whitewater Canyon on Friday, April 4th at 7 PM to learn about the amazing aerial display of the American woodcock!    Dress for the weather and be prepared for a short sunset hike.  

Annual Midwest Crane Count

Help monitor the abundance and distribution of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes in Jones County.  Join us at sunrise on Saturday April 12th.  Contact  the Jones County Crane Counter Coordinator, Michele Olson for more information and to learn how you can participate.   

OWLS - Woodland Wildflower Walk

Enjoy beautiful spring wildflowers as we hike the trails of Mississippi Palisades State Park!     OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls) events offer programs for adults and are sponsored by Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments.  Carpooling for the Mississippi Palisades outing from Central Park will meet at 7:30 AM in front of the Central Park Nature Center.  Those traveling on their own to Palisades can meet there at 9:30 AM.  The wildflower walk will take place from 9:45 AM through Noon and will be followed by a picnic lunch.  BYOL  Carpooling will also take place from Swiss Valley in Dubuque County and Hurstville Interpretive Center in Jackson County.  Please call (319)481-7987 to arrange carpooling from Central Park.   Please contact Jess at jwagner@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov to register for  this event.  

Central Park Earth Day Volunteer Litter Pick-Up

Join the “Pick-Up Iowa” 2025 effort!  Help us keep our parks clean! Meet conservation staff in front of the Central Park Nature Center on  Earth Day April 22 at 10 AM to receive a map, trash bags, garbage picker-uppers, & protective gloves.  Take a picture to share with us on Facebook.

Foraging Series

Join Monticello Parks and Recreation Staff and Jones County Conservation Naturalist, Michele Olson, for a foraging hike.  Learn how to safely identify, harvest, and enjoy nature's wild bounty!    Mark your calendar for the following Foraging Series outing dates:  Spring: April 30th, 4 PM Willow Park, Monticello.   Summer:  July 9th, 4 PM Riverside Gardens, Monticello.  Fall: October 15th, 4 PM, Central Park Nature Center.   Wear hiking footwear, comfortable tick and Mosquitoe proof clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Bring a water bottle and insect repellent.  

Iowa Science Phenomena Outdoor Adventure Bioblitz

Iowa Science Phenomena from Iowa PBS offers a growing collection of local standards-aligned phenomena, unique and relevant to the students and teachers of Iowa. You are invited to contribute to this collection by joining this one-day outdoor event. 

On May 3 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Iowa PBS and Jones County Conservation will host an outdoor adventure with a guided tour of Central Park. Bring along your camera or phone as our tour will begin at the Central Park Nature Center where we will offer valuable tips and tricks to help improve your own amateur nature photography skills. You are invited to share the images you capture from this event for use in our Iowa Science Phenomena collection. Don’t miss your chance to connect with nature and explore this unique park in Jones County. 

This experience is for all ages and is family-friendly. Registration is not required. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and the environment (e.g. hat, long pants, sunscreen, etc).

Questions? Contact iowaphenomena@iowapbs.org

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2025 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2025 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2025 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Jones County Youth Conservation Crew

Youth Volunteers WANTED!  Youth ages 12-18  can join the 2025 Jones County Youth Conservation Crew.  Join conservation staff in leadership activities, educational conservation and ecology lessons, and hands on service learning  Thursday mornings in June from 9 AM - Noon.  Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx    

Foraging Series

Join Monticello Parks and Recreation Staff and Jones County Conservation Naturalist, Michele Olson, for a foraging hike.  Learn how to safely identify, harvest, and enjoy nature's wild bounty!    Mark your calendar for the following Foraging Series outing dates:  Spring: April 30th, 4 PM Willow Park, Monticello.   Summer:  July 9th, 4 PM Riverside Gardens, Monticello.  Fall: October 15th, 4 PM, Central Park Nature Center.   Wear hiking footwear, comfortable tick and Mosquitoe proof clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Bring a water bottle and insect repellent.  

Foraging Series

Join Monticello Parks and Recreation Staff and Jones County Conservation Naturalist, Michele Olson, for a foraging hike.  Learn how to safely identify, harvest, and enjoy nature's wild bounty!    Mark your calendar for the following Foraging Series outing dates:  Spring: April 30th, 4 PM Willow Park, Monticello.   Summer:  July 9th, 4 PM Riverside Gardens, Monticello.  Fall: October 15th, 4 PM, Central Park Nature Center.   Wear hiking footwear, comfortable tick and Mosquitoe proof clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.  Bring a water bottle and insect repellent.