Safe Mushroom and Tree Nut Foraging Class
Thursday, September 4 from 5:30- 7:30 PM
Jackson County Extension Office
Hear from Gina Buelow, ISU Extension Natural Resources specialist, about sage mushroom foraging and Jess Wagner with Jackson County Conservation about tree nut foraging! Cost is $15 per person and includes a book and other materials. RSVP to Jackson Co. Extension at (563) 652-4923 or email [email protected].
Monarch Tagging
Sundays, September 7, 14, 21, 28 at 2:00 PM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Learn about the monarch butterfly’s life cycle and migration to central Mexico. Then head out to the prairie to catch monarchs and participant in a citizen science project to place stickers on their wings.
Adult Intro to Tent Camping
Friday-Saturday, September 5-6 from 5 PM to 9 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
Never been camping before, but want to give it a try? We will go over basics of camping, practice setting up a tent, practice making a fire, and more! Then spend the night outside by the center. Breakfast will be provided and snacks the night before, but please bring your own dinner. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18+.
Night Hike
Friday, September 5 from 5:00- 7:00 PM
Jackson County Recreation Trail
Event held in conjunction with Preston Growth and Development. A free hot dog meal will be provided by the Preston Lions Club, followed by a nocturnal animal program by Naturalist Macey. After the program, enjoy a stroll along the trail, ask questions, and enjoy nature. The hike will be approximately 1 mile on flat terrain, but participants can turn around whenever they like. No registration is required, open to all ages.
Fungi Foray
Saturday, September 13 from 9:00-11:00 AM
Maquoketa Caves State Park- meet at the stone shelter
Experts with the Prairie States Mushroom Club will lead a hike off trail through the forest to look for mushrooms. We will then come back to identify the mushrooms we find. All knowledge levels welcome! Wear good hiking shoes, and long pants. Please register in advance.
Ozark Wildlife Area Remnants and Restoration Hike
Saturday, September 20 at 9:00 AM
Ozark Wildlife Area
Ozark Wildlife Area is home to some of the best remnant prairies, savannas, and open oak woodland in Jackson County, IA. On Saturday, September 20, at 9 AM, join Jackson County staff member and Iowa Prairie Network Board member Tony Vorwald for a hiking tour of Ozark Wildlife Area’s remnant prairies and woodlands. Tony will showcase the remnant prairies and the active ecological restoration areas present at Ozark WA. This tour will involve rugged off-trail hiking conditions, and participants must be able to hike in challenging, potentially hot, off-trail terrain. Participants will meet at the Hurstville Interpretive Center at 9 am and will carpool to Ozark Wildlife Area. This event will be cancelled if inclement weather is expected. For registration or questions, please contact Tony Vorwald at [email protected] or call (563) 652-3783
Hamilton Prairie Hike
Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 PM
Codfish Hollow Barnstormers at 35th St and 288th Ave, Maquoketa
Join Ray Hamilton, JCC ecologist Tony Vorwald, and the Iowa Prairie Network to experience Hamilton Prairie. Knowledge of prairie ecology will be shared during this guided hike through the prairie. This area has been managed as a local biological preserve for 37 years and is home to a unique and diverse set of native plants. Participants come dressed for the conditions, wear long pants, and bring a bottle of water.
Nature Through a Lens
Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AM
Papke Wildlife Area
Join Naturalist Macey on a relaxing walk through Papke Wildlife Area. Explore Iowa’s native habitats through a camera lens. Bring your phone or professional camera to take a little piece of nature home with you. As you walk, ask questions, share stories, tips or tricks, or just enjoy your time in nature taking photos. This event is free and open to all ages and photography levels. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Homeschool Series: KinderNature and Nature Tales
3rd Thursday September-April from 10:00-11:00 AM
Hurstville Interpretive Center
New this year: we will be hosting two separate homeschool programs each month. KinderNature is for elementary ages kids and Nature Tales is geared for preschool and kindergarten age children. Youth will have fun learning about nature through stories, games, and activities!
———————————————————————————————————
**** Participants must register for programs at least 48 hours in advance. Contact Jackson County Conservation for more information or to register at (563) 652-3783 or [email protected]. or visit Jacksonccb.com and click on events. To see more or upcoming events, visit our website. All programs are free and family friendly unless otherwise noted. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
