Past Events

Jefferson County Park. Shelter 3 Ever wondered about the different turtles we have here in Iowa? Chad Dolan, Biologist with the Iowa DNR, will begin his presentation with some general information on turtles then show some live turtles which call Iowa home.

For the past several years high numbers of migrating monarchs have been found at Zillman’s Hickory Hills. Join us for a fun evening of catching, tagging and releasing monarch butterflies as they begin their annual migration. Monarch butterflies cannot survive our cold Iowa winters, instead they travel up to 3,000 miles south to forests high in the mountains of Mexico. Monarchs will stop to nectar along the way which is to our advantage. Not only do they help to pollinate…

Meet at Lake Sugema North Boat Ramp Join us for a fun evening of catching, tagging and releasing monarch butterflies as they begin their annual migration. Monarch butterflies cannot survive our cold Iowa winters, instead they travel up to 3,000 miles south to forests high in the mountains of Mexico. Monarchs will stop to nectar along the way which is to our advantage. Not only do they help to pollinate our plants, but it also gives us the opportunity to…

Meet at Jefferson County Park, Shelter 1 Are you a landowner managing timber or just want to learn more about Iowa’s forests? If so, this is the program for you! Cassidy Robinson, District Forester with the DNR, will be leading a program covering overall timber management, timber stand improvement, invasive species, and the diversity of forests. Participants should be prepared for a short hike off trail.

Meet at Jefferson County Park Nature Center Pre-registration is required Join us for a tour of the Eddyville Sand Dunes. This unique area consists of a patchwork of wind-blown sand, associated wetlands and woodland that are home to some of Iowa’s rarest plants and animals. Participants will meet at the Nature Center before caravanning to the Sand Dunes where Mahaska County Conservation Naturalist Laura DeCook will give participants a tour of the area. Pre-registration is required.

Ancient technology was incredibly innovative. Technologies such as stone tool making, weaponry, cordage production, stone-boiling and pottery manufacture were crucial to ancient societies. These technologies represent some of the very first scientific innovations in the history of human technology. These technological “firsts” were essential to the advancement of society. People had to understand and apply basic principles of, physics, chemistry, engineering, and natural history. Learn about flint knapping, pottery making, bone tools, unique uses for plants, and more. This is…

Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! We will be doing a short introduction before heading out on a hike. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather! Pre-registration is not required.

Preschool-2nd Grade: 10:30-11:30am *Meets at Shelter #1 3rd Grade & Up: 1:00-2:30pm This monthly program is designed for homeschool students to explore the park throughout the year. Each month we will have activities for the two different age groups. The younger age group for preschool through 2nd grade students will meet from 10:30-11:30am. The older group is for students in 3rd grade or up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.