As fall is wrapping up and winter is on its way, send your child to a half day camp to explore what the park looks like during this season change.
Pre-School & Kindergarten
1st-3rd Grade
3rd-5th Grade
6th-8th Grade
The Nature Center and Office area are temporarily closed due to the office remodel project which will be happening throughout the Fall. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (641)-472-4421 or email Info@JeffersonCountyConservation.com.
Camp Kyle was awarded the 2019 Chris Holt Youth Environmental Education Award for an outstanding environmental education program for youth. This award is sponsored by the Iowa Association of Naturalists and the Iowa Conservation Education Coalition. Camp Kyle is a one-day program aimed at teaching the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts that your dreams are just one shot away!
Kyle Longerbeam was a 25-year-old man from Fairfield, Iowa, and had a love for all things outdoors. He chased his dreams by moving to Alaska in 2011 in hopes of becoming a hunting guide, own some land, build a home, and to obtain his license as a pilot. He achieved all of that and more in just 5 years. In December 2016, the plane he was piloting never arrived in Anchorage and after a day of extensive searching, debris was found in a lake located just miles from the runway. There were no survivors.
This event, created and inspired by his memory, was held for the second year at Jefferson County Park on Friday, July 24th. Sixteen youth entering 6th-8th grade attended. The Camp Kyle Committee would like to thank its generous sponsors and volunteers: Pete Tollenaere, Gary Roth, Sabin Sirdoreus, JD Diers, Jon Trumpold, Therese Cummiskey, Jessica Anderson, Abbey Lutz, Carla & Terry Longerbeam, Libertyville Savings Bank, Washington State Bank, Edward Jones, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, HyVee, and the Conservation Foundation of Jefferson County.
Open
Parks and Wildlife Areas
Playgrounds
Trails
Modern Bathrooms
Campgrounds– we are encouraging self-contained campers
Cabins- require reservation made at least 24 hours prior to stay
Shelters– Available for use with restrictions
Nature Center– Not to exceed 50% capacity
Things to Note:
Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more
Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products.
All areas closed at 10:00pm
Unfortunately the cloud cover is too thick for the program tonight. We will have to cancel.. Thanks for understanding.
This spring the portion of the Fairfield Loop Trail that runs through Lamson Woods and Neff Wetland was closed due to the new sewer project. On Friday, May 15th, Stephen Pedrick, engineer with French-Reneker and president of the Jefferson County Trails Council met with Naturalist Brittney Tiller on site to give an update on the project. Check out this video to see the update!
Zillman’s Hickory Hills- Pond Project
The Jefferson County Conservation Board has received a grant through the Iowa DNR’s Fish Habitat Program to construct a two-acre pond. This will not only improve fishing opportunities, it will also make the area more attractive to many types of wildlife.
The construction process includes significant logging, clearing, and earthwork. Please be patient and understanding that this will result in an improved park for you the user and improved habitat for the local wildlife.
Many of the large Hickory trees that this area is named for will be left and prairie will be seeded into the cleared areas once occupied by dying pine trees and invasive honeysuckle.
Mowed paths and fishing access areas are also part of the plans for this pond project as well as a new expanded parking area.
Do not enter the construction area while contractors are working.
If you have concerns or would like more details about this improvement project please contact Shawn at (641)472-4421.
All programs in April and May have been canceled in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. We will evaluate our June programs as they approach in accordance with the Governor’s recommendations.
Public Programs Canceled:
Hunter Education- April 4
Toddler Time- April 8
Spring Birding- Saturday, April 25
Toddler Time- Thursday, May 7
Wild Edibles Hike-Thursday, May 14
Dutch Oven Cookoff- Saturday, May 30
Covid-19 Update:
Open:
Parks and Wildlife Areas
Trails
Campgrounds to self-contained campers only
Closed:
Playgrounds
Modern Bathrooms
Office/ Nature Center/ Shop
Things to Note:
Gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited
Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more
Stay home if you are sick
The gate to the Jefferson County Park Picnic Area will be closed at sunset. Please park your vehicles at the bottom of the hill if you will be using the park after sunset.
All areas closed at 10:00pm
Join Jefferson County Conservation for a summer of fun! We have a great line up sure to peak your outdoor adventurers’ interest!
4 & 5 Years Caterpillar Camp FULL
1st-2nd Grade Tadpole Camp FULL
2nd-3rd Grade Nature Detectives Register Here
3rd-5th Grade Astronomy Camp Register Here
4th-6th Grade Fishing Camp Register Here
5th-7th Grade Best of the Best FULL
7th-9th Grade Overnight Explorers Register Here
Please note:
- You may only sign your child up for one camp during the month of April to give more participants the opportunity to attend.
- We ask that adults do not attend camp as it allows participants to better explore and try new things.
- Camps are set up for students who will be entering the listed grade during the summer