Calendar of Events

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Nachusa Grassland Older Livelier Wiser (O.W.Ls) Trip

Early summer is a perfect time to check out a new prairie and a new area! On July 2nd join Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation naturalists as we take a trip to Nachusa Grassland. Nachusa Grassland is a 4,100-acre prairie owned by the Nature Conservancy and is comprised of both remnant and replanted prairie. Nachusa Grassland is home to hundreds of plant and animal species including a bison herd. Participants will meet at the Hurstville Interpretive Center at 8 am and carpool/caravan to Nachusa Grassland, roughly a 2-hour drive. We will hike the trails and learn about prairie ecology. This is an O.W.Ls program which is for adults interested in learning about our natural history. Please register 48 hours in advance. To register call Jackson County Conservation at (563) 652-3783 or email tvorwald@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov.  Limited carpooling space available.  Click here for more information.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Introduction to Kayaking

Educational Introduction to Kayaking Course!  

Central Park 

Ages 10+, Parents or Gaurdian Must Be Present During The Course

Space is Limited!  Please Only Register For One Session 

Register at - https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx 

Introduction to Kayaking

Educational Introduction to Kayaking Course!  

Central Park 

Ages 10+, Parents or Gaurdian Must Be Present During The Course

Space is Limited!  Please Only Register For One Session 

Register at - https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Maquoketa River Archaeology Paddle

Join the Jones, Jackson & Dubuque County Conservation Department Staff on Tuesday, August 6th , from 8:30 AM – 2 PM, for a Maquoketa River Archaeology Paddle Older Livelier Wiser (OWL) event. This 6.6-mile paddle will take us from Pictured Rocks Park to the newly renovated Eby’s Mill Access.

Learn about the archaeological history of this area through a short presentation provided by staff from the Office of the State Archaeologists.  Prepare to be spellbound by Iowa’s beautiful fall colors as we travel past heavily wooded bluffs, huge boulders, and rocky outcroppings around almost every turn.

Participants can rent a kayak or bring their own watercraft and equipment.   A limited number of kayaks and equipment are available for rent.  Registration for this event is required.  Please register by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones.aspx   Registration deadline is Noon August 5th.  This outing is river level and weather dependent.  

Older Wiser Livelier (OWL) events are sponsored by Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments.  OWL programs offer the opportunity for like-minded adults to get together and have a great time while learning more about the world around them. OWLS host speakers as well plan trips throughout the tri-state area.

Jones County REAP Committee Annual Grant Review & Comment Session

Did you know REAP Grant applications for City Park/Open Space and County Conservation grant applications are required to get comments from their local county REAP committee?  The 2024 Jones County REAP Committee Grant Review Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 8th beginning at 10 AM.  Interested individuals are invited to attend.  Members of the Jones County REAP Committee will meet in the Central Park Nature Centers Lower-Level Meeting Room to review and comment on proposed 2024 Jones County REAP Project applications. The meeting agenda will include the election of Jones County REAP Committee officers, review of grants being submitted with input and recommendations on any proposed projects, and updates on any recent Jones County REAP Grants awarded.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.

Central Park Nature Center Open

Looking for a fun summer activity?  Visit the Central Park Nature Center this summer!  The Central Park Nature Center will be hosting monthly themes with special displays and interactive activities set up in the lower level of the center.  Learn about Iowa fishing during the month of June, find out what edible delicacies might be found in your yard in July, and discover Iowa’s powerful pollinators in August.  Help us document the Monarch Migration in September and try your skill at tagging migrating monarchs.  

Nature Center hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM and during the week 8 AM – 3:30 PM, when staff are present.  For more information on upcoming events check out the Jones County Conservation website at  https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ 

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.

Monarch Tagging

Become a scientist for a day!  Bring your family to Central Park to learn about, capture, and tag migrating monarch butterflies.  Bring your own net or borrow one of ours.  Check-in at the Central Park Nature Center to receive instructions and tagging equipment.