Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park available during regular park hours of 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. April 3rd through 30th. As you enjoy the sights and sounds along a Botna Bend Park trail you will spot activities posted along your route that are designed to help learners age three to five experience nature in a new way. Activities are posted along a .25 mile stretch of trail for your enjoyment. This is an "out and back" hike, once you reach the end of the trail you turn around and head back to the trailhead, making a .5 mile round-trip hike. This event is completely self-guided. It is free to all park users with paid park admission and is available any time during regular park hours. While it is designed for learners age 3 to 5, older learners may also enjoy participating.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
We will be hosting our first ever craft fair! Come check out all of the great handmade items by mini Iowa artist and crafters.
The sprawling mighty oak tree remains a symbol of the American Midwest but a new, swift, and little understood disease has recently emerged in our area with the potential to eliminate these iconic trees from our landscape. Join us for the first of three training sessions for a volunteer project aimed at understanding and alleviating the effects of this new threat. Training sessions will cover a variety of topics and include field training sessions to help volunteers practice their skills and become independent project volunteers. Topics covered will include the project and field data collection app, oak ecology, and oak fire wounds. Portions of the training will occur out of doors and off-trail, so please dress appropriately. This event is free but pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Arrowhead Obstacle Trail Run is a 5k (3.1 mile) event on the scenic trails of Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa featuring 14+ obstacles. There is also a 1 Mile Kid's Obstacle Trail Run with 7+ obstacles! All proceeds will benefit the Pottawattamie County Trails Association.
This is not a "mud run" and there are no mud pits to crawl through (and therefore no cold April hose showers are necessary). All obstacles (except the hills) are optional. You may choose to run it as an unimpeded 5k Trail Run. The 1 Mile Kid's Run is recommended for ages 6-12 and adult chaperones. (If you are an adult who wishes to run the 1 Mile as a parent/guardian and the full 5k course, please sign up for the 5k and run the 1 Mile course at no additional charge. If you wish to run only the 1 Mile as a parent/guardian, please sign up for the 1 Mile Kid's Run.) Chaperones are not required, there will be volunteers along the course.
In honor of the Dump Busters, whose hard work and perseverance made Hitchcock Nature Center possible, we are inviting the public to come out and bust some litter. Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24th to check-in and pick up your trash collection materials then head out into the park for some litter pickup action. Participants collecting trash are admitted to the park for free and will be entered into a drawing to win a free stay in one of Hitchcock Nature Center's camping cabins. This event is open to participants of all ages and there is no fee or pre-registration. Participants are asked to bring their own gloves, bags, and other items that may help with their clean-up efforts. Gloves and bags will also be available at check-in.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Join the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation as we celebrate Earth Day weekend at Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, and Hitchcock Nature Center! Stop by April 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn what a membership to the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation can do for you and for our natural areas. Visit with staff to get the details, pick up a free packet of Monarch Flyaway seed mix (while supplies last), and enter to win some terrific prizes. Make it a full day of fun and hit the trails, visit the playground, or enjoy a picnic as you enjoy the great outdoors. Pre-registration is not required for this event, just stop by! This event is open to current members, future members, and non-members!
Join naturalist and folk magic practitioner Dustin Clayton for a springtime walk through the Loess Hills! This walking discussion will focus on folkloric practices in springtime. Participants will discuss the plant, animal, and mineral communities common to our area and some of the ways our ancestors interacted with these elements of the natural world during this liminal season. This event is being presented as part of our adult education programming and is intended for participants age 16 & over. The cost is $12.00 per person and online pre-registration is required. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online in minutes.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The great outdoors begins in your own backyard. Join us for our new programming series "Gardening for Diversity". Our third program session will be held on Monday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. at Narrows River Park. This session kicks off your hands-on training as we break ground and begin our own native planting at Narrows River Park. This session is free! Learn how to properly plant native plugs, how we choose the species, and how to place them for a native pollinator garden.
Big, huge thanks to Mulhall's for donating the native plugs that we will be installing during this program!
Gardening for Diversity is a 6 part programming series that will walk participants through creating their own diverse native gardens through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on gardening exercises. Each session will cover different aspects of native gardening, from planning to planting to maintaining, and is perfect for beginning gardeners and anyone who is looking for new ways to incorporate native plantings in their own garden.
Go off the beaten path and explore the far reaches of Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area during a new kind of guided hike. Hikers will meet at Young Pond located at Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area, 45638 Chestnut Road outside of Carson, Iowa. You will have to travel on gravel surface roads to reach this habitat area and no restrooms or water will be available.
New for 2021, Hikin' With a Nature Nerd, is a series of naturalist-led hikes aimed at exploring the rhythm of nature in southwest Iowa. Each hike will set out to explore new areas of your county parks and will include exploration of our native ecosystem through the changing seasons. Each hike will be a unique adventure, get ready to get off the trail and see what nature has in store for you. The cost for this event is $5.00 per person and includes park admission. Attendees must be age 14 and over. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park available during regular park hours of 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. May 1st through 31st. As you enjoy the sights and sounds along a Botna Bend Park trail you will spot activities posted along your route that are designed to help learners age three to five experience nature in a new way. Activities are posted along a .25 mile stretch of trail for your enjoyment. This is an "out and back" hike, once you reach the end of the trail you turn around and head back to the trailhead, making a .5 mile round-trip hike. This event is completely self-guided. It is free to all park users with paid park admission and is available any time during regular park hours. While it is designed for learners age 3 to 5, older learners may also enjoy participating.
Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center available during regular park hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. May 1st through 10th. As you enjoy the sights and sounds along a Hitchcock Nature Center trail you will spot activities posted along your route that are designed to help learners age 3 to 5 experience nature in a new way. Activities are posted along a .25 mile stretch of trail for your enjoyment. This is an "out and back" hike, once you reach the end of the trail you turn around and head back to the trailhead, making a .5 mile round-trip hike. This event is completely self-guided. It is free to all park users with paid park admission and is available any time during regular park hours. While it is designed for learners age 3 to 5, older learners may also enjoy participating.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Come along on a hike to search for fungi in the forest during this homeschool student field trip! Learn how these amazing organisms keep the forest habitat balanced and healthy! We will be hosting two program sessions. Our morning session begins at 10:00 a.m. attendees must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to participate. Our afternoon session begins at 1:00 p.m. and attendees must arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. to participate. Online pre-registration is required and walk-in participants will not be admitted. The cost for this event is $4.00 per person for children age 3 and over, accompanying adults and children under 3 are free, children under 3 do not need a reservation. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Go off the beaten path and explore the far reaches of Hitchcock Nature Center during a new kind of guided hike. Please meet at the Badger Ridge trailhead located on the south side of the main Loess Hills Lodge parking lot at Hitchcock Nature Center. New for 2021, Hikin' With a Nature Nerd, is a series of naturalist-led hikes aimed at exploring the rhythm of nature in southwest Iowa. Each hike will set out to explore new areas of your county parks and will include exploration of our native ecosystem through the changing seasons. Each hike will be a unique adventure, get ready to get off the trail and see what nature has in store for you. The cost for this event is $5.00 per person and includes park admission. Attendees must be age 14 and over. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
Come along on a hike to search for fungi in the forest during this homeschool student field trip! Learn how these amazing organisms keep the forest habitat balanced and healthy! We will be hosting two program sessions. Our morning session begins at 10:00 a.m. attendees must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to participate. Our afternoon session begins at 1:00 p.m. and attendees must arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. to participate. Online pre-registration is required and walk-in participants will not be admitted. The cost for this event is $4.00 per person for children age 3 and over, accompanying adults and children under 3 are free, children under 3 do not need a reservation. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Join us for the 7th annual hearse and car show! This show is open to all makes, models, and cars. To enter your vehicle, please be sure to review the registration form for all classes of cars. The car show is pet friendly!
Please note that masks are required in all indoor areas and when social distancing is not possible.
Camping is available (first come first serve) for car show friends, vendors, and registrants beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd.
We will be raising money for the Midlands Humane Society in Council Bluffs. If you are interested in being a vendor, sponsor, volunteer, or providing auction items, please call or text (402) 216-3282.
Schedule of events:
May 7 at 6 p.m.: meet and greet potluck (BYOB)
May 7 at 9 p.m.: Paranormal investigation with Iowa's Most Haunted Car Elvira
May 8 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Poker run
May 8 from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.: Double picture show featuring Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and Rocky Horror Picture Show complete with karaoke intermissions, props, actors, concessions, and cosplay!
May 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Car show, vendors, oddities, live music, and Pagent magic.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our May program participants will learn to identify common mushroom, fungi, and lichen, learn about fungal structure and adaptations, read and discuss Aldo Leopold's essay "Back from the Argentine", and explore tern and plover conservation efforts. This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session or $75.00 for the full 10 session 2021 program season. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Harvester Artist Lofts & Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment are hosting a family friendly outdoor artist market with handmade goods and art on May 8th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join us outside of the Harvester and Hoff Family Arts & Culture center for awesome art and goods, music, food, entertainment and more! Over 45 vendors will be selling and showcasing their goods. The perfect time to get that special gift for Mom for Mother's Day (and something for yourself too)! The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center (1001 S. 6th Street) will be open with bar services and outdoor seating, as well as a food truck parked on-site to offer lunch! Check out the Harvester Artist Lofts on Facebook or at www.harvesterartistlofts.com for more information.
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for Building Better Birders: Guided Birding Hike and learn more about the birds that call the Loess Hills home. This program is open to all ages but is geared toward participants age 12 and over. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Building Better Birders is a programming series designed to improve the bird identification skills of local citizens and promote a greater interest in citizen science programming. Workshops are presented free of charge and supported by the Resource Enhancement and Protection - Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP).
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for Building Better Birders: Introduction to Sparrows, Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Buntings & Similar Species of Iowa and learn more about these amazing birds that are common in Iowa. This program is open to all ages but is geared toward participants age 12 and over. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Building Better Birders is a programming series designed to improve the bird identification skills of local citizens and promote a greater interest in citizen science programming. Workshops are presented free of charge and supported by the Resource Enhancement and Protection - Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP).
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for Building Better Birders: Guided Birding Hike and learn more about the birds that call the Loess Hills home. This program is open to all ages but is geared toward participants age 12 and over. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Building Better Birders is a programming series designed to improve the bird identification skills of local citizens and promote a greater interest in citizen science programming. Workshops are presented free of charge and supported by the Resource Enhancement and Protection - Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP).
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for Building Better Birders: Sunrise Guided Birding Hike and learn more about the early morning songbirds that call the Loess Hills home. This program is open to all ages but is geared toward participants age 12 and over. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Building Better Birders is a programming series designed to improve the bird identification skills of local citizens and promote a greater interest in citizen science programming. Workshops are presented free of charge and supported by the Resource Enhancement and Protection - Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP).
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for Building Better Birders: Introduction to Warblers of Iowa and learn more about many species of warblers that can be spotted in Iowa. This program is open to all ages but is geared toward participants age 12 and over. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online. For questions not answered online please call 712-545-3283.
Building Better Birders is a programming series designed to improve the bird identification skills of local citizens and promote a greater interest in citizen science programming. Workshops are presented free of charge and supported by the Resource Enhancement and Protection - Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP).
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Go off the beaten path and explore the far reaches of Arrowhead Park during a new kind of guided hike. Please meet in the Delbert's Den parking lot. New for 2021, Hikin' With a Nature Nerd, is a series of naturalist-led hikes aimed at exploring the rhythm of nature in southwest Iowa. Each hike will set out to explore new areas of your county parks and will include exploration of our native ecosystem through the changing seasons. Each hike will be a unique adventure, get ready to get off the trail and see what nature has in store for you. The cost for this event is $5.00 per person and includes park admission. Attendees must be age 14 and over. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Join us for the first Hitch Hike of 2021! Enjoy a guided hike through a section of the Loess Hills not normally open to the public and learn more about the plants, animals, and history of the prairie. Visitors will hike along a Loess Hills ridgetop through the scenic prairie to reach the McIntosh Pioneer Cemetery, founded in 1874. This trail is only accessible with a Pottawattamie County Conservation Board staff member and is not considered open to the public. Enjoy the spring wildflowers of the prairie including blue-eyed grass, puccoons, and locoweed. This event is free with paid park admission or current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation membership. Visit www.pottconservation.com for details.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Come shop from a variety of local maker and craft vendors! This fair is being held to help support and bring awareness to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Admission is free.
We are also looking for vendors for this event. Please email us for more information on having a booth at this event.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Go off the beaten path and explore the far reaches of Wheeler Grove Conservation Area. during a new kind of guided hike. Meet in the parking area of Wheeler Grove Conservation Area located at 43774 Boxelder Avenue, Carson, Iowa. Participants will need to travel on gravel surface roads, water and restrooms are not available.
New for 2021, Hikin' With a Nature Nerd, is a series of naturalist-led hikes aimed at exploring the rhythm of nature in southwest Iowa. Each hike will set out to explore new areas of your county parks and will include exploration of our native ecosystem through the changing seasons. Each hike will be a unique adventure, get ready to get off the trail and see what nature has in store for you. The cost for this event is $5.00 per person and includes park admission. Attendees must be age 14 and over. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Infuse your spring with joy – while you add strength and calm to your life. For the third year, Honey Creek Creamery offers goat yoga experiences. You can be one with nature, while our baby goats delight you and add laughter to your day. High-quality, certified yoga instructors will provide 45-minute classes with the kids joining in. Additional time is available to visit the nursery after class. Classes held rain or shine. Please refer to COVID Policy by clicking here. Outdoor classes will be held at the base of the burr oak savannah at our farm so you can enjoy the Loess Hills. Swing by Stanley's Snack Shack afterward to celebrate. Don't miss out. Classes only held while the babies are little.
Classes available at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us for the second hike of the 2021 Hitch Hike series. Take a closer look at some of Hitchcock's best prairie remnants as you are guided along Badger Ridge. Discover purple coneflowers and other early summer wildflowers and get an idea of what the hills may have looked like during the time of Lewis and Clark. This event is free with paid park admission or current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation membership. Visit www.pottconservation.com for details.
Students entering first and second grade (age 6 to 7) are invited to explore nature during Wild Ones at Hitchcock Nature Center. Campers will walk on the wild side during this immersive camp experience packed full of fort building, hiking, outdoor games, nature crafts, and more. The camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 15th through 17th. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper and includes park admission, snack, and camp materials. Campers will need to provide a sack lunch for each day of camp. We also request campers bring a refillable water bottle, sunblock, and insect repellent. Also recommended are a hat, sunglasses, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our June program participants will enjoy an introduction to the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater lakes, and a look at aquatic invasive species.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session or $75.00 for the full 10 session 2021 program season. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
Students entering 3rd and 4th grade (ages 8 to 9) will expand their outdoor knowledge during Wild Seekers at Hitchcock Nature Center. Campers will discover new skills and explore the wild side of Iowa during this hands-on camp. Campers will enjoy beginning archery lessons, shelter building challenges, hiking, plant and animal identification, and nature crafts. The camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 22nd through 24th. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper & includes park admission, snack, and camp materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Barenaked Ladies are bringing Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket to Harrah's Stir Cove for their Last Summer On Earth Tour. This will be the 6th edition of the tour, founded by the band in 2012 – the year that the Mayan calendar predicted would be the last, hence the “Last Summer On Earth”. Don't miss a summer night of good times and great music.
Wheels of Courage Car Show is an exciting outdoor car show with a variety of car categories that are open to the public to enter and win! There is also an auction and raffle with amazing and unique prizes. The 6th Annual Wheels of Courage Car Show is revving up for another great year. You can be involved by registering your vehicle, purchasing a sponsorship, or a t-shirt.
All proceeds benefit the Spirit of Courage Charitable Patient Fund at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. Charitable Patient Care is one of the most rewarding programs. For hundreds of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital patients in genuine need each year, coping with serious illness and mounting medical bills at the same time can be overwhelming. Funds raised during the Wheels of Courage help relieve some of the financial burdens with funding for medical services, therapy, and prescriptions. Outside judging in 13 categories.
The sprawling mighty oak tree remains a symbol of the American Midwest but a new, swift, and little understood disease has recently emerged in our area with the potential to eliminate these iconic trees from our landscape. Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for the second of three training sessions for a volunteer project aimed at understanding and alleviating the effects of this new threat. Training sessions will cover a variety of topics and include field training sessions to help volunteers practice their skills and become independent project volunteers. Topics covered will include the project and field data collection app, oak ecology, and oak fire wounds. Portions of the training will occur out of doors and off-trail, so please dress appropriately. This event is free but pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
Students entering 5th & 6th grade (age 10 to 11) will expand their outdoor knowledge during Wild Wanderers at Hitchcock Nature Center. Campers will continue growing their outdoor survival skills through archery lessons, advanced shelter building, and fire building during this hands-on camp. The camp will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. June 29th through July 1st. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper and includes park admission, snacks, and camp materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Students entering 7th through 9th grade (age 12 to 14) are invited to explore nature and develop new skills during Into the Wild at Arrowhead Park & Botna Bend Park. This outdoor adventure program is designed to help students develop valuable outdoor skills and put them to the test on a guided canoe trip and overnight stay. Campers will enjoy a full day of canoe practice at Arrowhead Park from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 6th before heading out on an overnight stay, departing at 8:00 a.m. on July 7th and returning at 11:00 a.m. on July 8th. Into Cost is $100.00 per camper and includes park admission, all instruction, canoe, and life jacket use, tent, outdoor gear, and two meals. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our July program participants will enjoy an introduction to common butterflies of the Midwest, learn how to use a dichotomous key, and explore the importance of prescribed burns as a land stewardship tool.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session or $75.00 for the full 10 sessions 2021 program season. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
The great outdoors begins in your own backyard. Join us for our new programming series "Gardening for Diversity". Our fourth program session will be held on Monday, July 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Narrows River Park. This session will cover basic maintenance including plant identification and weeding as we work to support our native planting at Narrows River Park. Gardening for Diversity is a 6 part programming series that will walk participants through creating your own diverse native gardens through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on gardening exercises. Each session will cover different aspects of native gardening, from planning to planting to maintaining, and is perfect for beginning gardeners abd anyone who is looking for new ways to incorporate native plantings in your own garden. Cost is $15.00 per person per session. Registration is required as space is limited.
Students entering 1st and 2nd grade (age 6 to 7) are invited to join us for a wet and wild time during Wild Ones at Arrowhead Park. Campers will explore this unique aquatic habitat as they enjoy canoeing, pond dipping, water games, and much more. The camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 13th through 15th. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper and includes park admission, snacks, and camp materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us for the third hike of the 2021 Hitch Hike series. Hike out Fox Run Ridge to take in the stunning views of the Missouri River valley, beautiful prairie, and pasture land and catch a glimpse of our research plots. This event is free with paid park admission or current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation membership. Visit www.pottconservation.com for details.
Students entering 3rd and 4th grade (age 8 to 9) will enjoy some fun on the water during Wild Seekers at Arrowhead Park. Campers will head out on the lake to continue building their canoe and water safety skills, head to the archery range, and expand their outdoor knowledge through hikes and outdoor activities. The camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 20th through 22nd. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper and includes park admission, snacks, and camp materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Students entering 5th & 6th grade (age 10 to 11) will make some waves as they continue to expand their outdoor knowledge during Wild Wanderers at Arrowhead Park. Campers will continue growing their outdoor survival skills through continued archery lessons, canoeing, advanced shelter building, and more of the most iconic summer camp games during this hands-on camp. The camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 27th through 29th. The cost for this three-day camp is $75.00 per camper and includes park admission, snacks, and camp materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Students age 3 to 5 are invited to join us for Wildlings: Rockin' Reptiles! Why do snakes stick out their tongues? How do snakes move without legs? What other reptiles make Iowa their home? Join us for this hands-on camp and find out! Campers will get to meet a local snake and learn all about reptile adaptations through hands-on activities. Wildlings Camp is designed for unaccompanied campers age 3 to 5 who have not attended Kindergarten. The cost is $15.00 per camper per day and includes park admission and all program materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
Students age 3 to 5 are invited to join us for Wildlings: Magnificent Mammals! Our furry friends the whitetail deer, the raccoon, the fox, and more take center stage at this camp. Touch and feel animal furs, head out on a hike to spot animal tracks, and learn about some of the furry friends that make Hitchcock Nature Center their home. Wildlings Camp is designed for unaccompanied campers age 3 to 5 who have not attended Kindergarten. The cost is $15.00 per camper per day and includes park admission and all program materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
Students age 3 to 5 are invited to join us for Wildlings: Awesome Amphibians! How far can a frog jump? Learn the answer and much more as we learn more about frogs and other amphibians. Meet live frogs and have a "hopping" good time with hands-on activities and a froggy craft. Wildlings Camp is designed for unaccompanied campers age 3 to 5 who have not attended Kindergarten. The cost is $15.00 per camper per day and includes park admission and all program materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Students age 3 to 5 are invited to join us for Wildlings: Impressive Insects! Did you know butterflies taste with their feet? Or that most flowers cannot make seeds without help from insects. Insects are fascinating and have so many neat adaptations to learn about. Go on an insect safari and see what insects live in the forests and prairies. Discover their secrets and learn more about these tiny creatures that share our world. Wildlings Camp is designed for unaccompanied campers age 3 to 5 who have not attended Kindergarten. The cost is $15.00 per camper per day and includes park admission and all program materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
Students age 3 to 5 are invited to join us for Wildlings: Brilliant Birds! Why are some birds so colorful? Do all birds build nests? How do they fly so high? Campers will answer all these questions and more as they learn to use binoculars, climb our observation tower for a birds-eye view, learn about wings, and even meet a live bird friend. Wildlings Camp is designed for unaccompanied campers age 3 to 5 who have not attended Kindergarten. The cost is $15.00 per camper per day and includes park admission and all program materials. Online pre-registration is required as space is limited, register at www.pottconservation.com.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our August program participants will enjoy an introduction to common insect species of the Midwest and an introduction to monarch tagging.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us for the fourth hike in the 2021 Hitch Hike series. Meet up with the group at the Old Lincoln Highway Deck at the Hitchcock Nature Center Campground to begin this walk down the Hohneke Trail to Oak Avenue and the Bunker Hill Loop. Explore the northern section of the park and view a remnant of the original Old Lincoln Highway. This event is free with paid park admission or current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation membership. Visit www.pottconservation.com for details.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us in the fight against veteran suicide at our 3rd Annual Poker Run. Registration will open from 10 a.m until 12 p.m. at Edward's Motorsports & RV. Food and drinks will be served by The Dock Bar & Grill. Register with us, get your route maps, and then grab breakfast before heading out. The Dock will have breakfast burritos available. The route will be announced in 2021. Our ride will once again end at Full Fledged Brewing Co. for a street party. There will be a silent and live auction, food truck, and a live band. We will have a suggested donation of $20 for single riders or car drivers, and $35 for couples or carloads. All donations will be collected at registration. More details to come in 2021. Please visit our website.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our September program participants will enjoy an introduction to common raptor species of the Midwest, a discussion of lead poisoning and its effect on bald eagles, and an introduction to the annual raptor migration through the Missouri River valley.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
The sprawling mighty oak tree remains a symbol of the American Midwest but a new, swift, and little understood disease has recently emerged in our area with the potential to eliminate these iconic trees from our landscape. Join us for the final training session for a volunteer project aimed at understanding and alleviating the effects of this new threat. Training sessions will cover a variety of topics and includes field training sessions to help volunteers practice their skills and become independent project volunteers. Topics covered will include the project and field data collection app, oak ecology, and oak fire wounds. Portions of the training will occur out of doors and off-trail, so please dress appropriately. This event is free but pre-registration is required as space is limited, visit www.pottconservation.com to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for the final Hitch Hike of the 2021 season. This hike will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is the most challenging hike of the series. Head out to the westernmost section of the park along the famed Westridge Trail to our final destination, a scenic overlook with an astounding view of the Missouri River. All experience levels are welcome but the +2.5 mile hike will include traversing steep terrain. This event is free with paid park admission or current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation membership. Visit www.pottconservation.com for details.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The great outdoors begins in your own backyard. Join us for our new programming series "Gardening for Diversity". Our fifth program session will be held on Saturday, October 16th at 1:00 p.m. at Narrows River Park. Participants at this session will evaluate the progress of our native planting, learn about seed harvesting and storage, and learn the important steps that should be taken to successfully put your native planting bed to sleep for winter. Gardening for Diversity is a 6 part programming series that will walk participants through creating their own diverse native gardens through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on gardening exercises. Each session will cover different aspects of native gardening, from planning to planting to maintaining, and is perfect for beginning gardeners and anyone who is looking for new ways to incorporate native plantings in their own garden. Cost is $15.00 per person per session. Registration is required as space is limited.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our October program participants will enjoy an introduction to the science behind our annual fall color and a look at the process of photosynthesis.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The IMPACT for Women Summit on October 28, is the inaugural event for the Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa. This half-day event is packed with dynamic conversations geared toward sharing knowledge and building community to support women in our region. The morning discussion is focused on women in the workforce and the most relevant work happening from a statewide perspective with Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Also scheduled are two fast-moving conversations -- one regarding childcare as a driver of economic development featuring Dawn Oliver Wiand, executive director of the Iowa Women's Foundation, and the other on opportunities and challenges around aging in place in rural communities with Lakelyn Hogan, Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate with Home Instead Senior Care. The summit culminates with Elizabeth Smart, the renowned author and nationally recognized advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs, and national legislation.
This is a hybrid event with online and in-person (Ameristar Casino Hotel) options available.
The great outdoors begins in your own backyard. Join us for our new programming series "Gardening for Diversity". Our sixth and final program will be held on Saturday, November 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Narrows River Park. Participants at this session will cover fall seeding techniques for spring success along with coverage of brome and tall fescue grasses. Gardening for Diversity is a 6 part programming series that will walk participants through creating their own diverse native gardens through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on gardening exercises. Each session will cover different aspects of native gardening, from planning to planting to maintaining, and is perfect for beginning gardeners and anyone who is looking for new ways to incorporate native plantings in your own garden. Cost is $15.00 per person per session. Registration is required as space is limited.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our November program participants will explore the process of nature's annual decomposition and the organisms responsible for breaking down organic matter.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
Join us and celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop". This program will be held entirely online and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door. Our December program participants will explore winter adaptations of the plant and animal world as well as tips and tricks for effective winter bird feeding.
This program is intended for participants age 14 and over. The cost is $15.00 per session. Pre-registration is required for this online program, visit www.pottconservation.com for details and to register online.
