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Pottawattamie Conservation Events

Pottawattamie County Conservation is proud to offer a variety of affordable educational events for all ages year-round.

Calendar View

Stay in the loop with the newest events and offerings at your county parks by subscribing to our e-newsletter.

Upcoming Events

Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Wood Carving

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026
6:00pm to 8:00pm
$30.00 per person
16+

Building relationship with nature through the practice of traditional craft

Event Information

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, February 14, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information

Midnight Madness

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, February 14, 2026
8:00pm
$32 - $42
All Ages

Shred after dark during Midnight Madness and experience a different kind of nightlife at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock.

Event Information Register Now

Fireside Sundays

Hitchcock Nature Center

Sunday, February 15, 2026
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Free with $5/vehicle park entry or membership
All Ages

Warm up after your winter hike by gathering around the fire and enjoying a free cup of cocoa at the Loess Hills Lodge. Available every Sunday in January.

Event Information

90-Pound Rucksack Challenge | Fundraiser for Crescent Hill Ski Patrol

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Free with Lift Ticket/Season Pass; Freewill Donation Encouraged; Register Below Then Email crescentskipatrol@gmail.com for Lift Ticket Voucher
18+

Participants will complete 5 hike uphill-ski downhill circuits at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, symbolizing the 1,500-foot vertical nighttime climb by the 10th Mountain ski troops during World War II, as we raise funds for the Crescent Hill Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division Foundation.

Event Information

Gardening with Native Plants: Introduction to Pollinators and Native Plants

Council Bluffs Public Library

Thursday, February 19, 2026
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Free
14 & Up

Learn about the importance of native plants and how you can incorporate them into you home landscape in this free series.

Event Information Register Now

A Good Oak: Introduction to "A Land Ethic Workshop" (Free!)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, February 21, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
Free Introductory Course
14 and up

Explore nature & philosophy during this immersive program perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Created and taught by Ron Cisar.

Event Information Register Now

Sledding Night

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, February 21, 2026
6:30pm to 9:00pm
$33
All Ages

Sled after dark at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock and experience an elevated twist on this favorite winter pastime.

Event Information Register Now

Fireside Sundays

Hitchcock Nature Center

Sunday, February 22, 2026
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Free with $5/vehicle park entry or membership
All Ages

Warm up after your winter hike by gathering around the fire and enjoying a free cup of cocoa at the Loess Hills Lodge. Available every Sunday in January.

Event Information

The Great Migration: Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, February 26, 2026
7:00pm to 8:00pm
Free
12 & Up

The Sandhill Cranes are arriving in Central Nebraska! Come learn more about this amazing annual phenomenon with Nic Salick

Event Information Register Now

Midnight Madness

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, February 28, 2026
8:00pm
$32 - $42
All Ages

Shred after dark during Midnight Madness and experience a different kind of nightlife at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock.

Event Information Register Now

Full Moon Hike

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
6:00pm to 7:00pm
$5 per person
Ages 5+ due to dark, uneven terrain

Join us for an evening hike on the trails at Hitchcock Nature Center.

Event Information Register Now

Maple Tree Tap

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, March 7, 2026
11:00am to 2:00pm
Free with membership or $3 park entry permit
All Ages

It's that time of year again! Bring the family out for our annual Maple Tree Tap at Botna Bend Park in Hancock, Iowa.

Event Information

Sledding Night

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, March 7, 2026
6:30pm to 9:00pm
$33
All Ages

Sled after dark at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock and experience an elevated twist on this favorite winter pastime.

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Bison & Elk

Botna Bend Park

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
10:00am to 11:30am
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Come meet these large herbivores!

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Bison & Elk

Botna Bend Park

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Come meet these large herbivores!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Story Weaver | March

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, March 12, 2026 to Thursday, March 12, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with membership or $5 park entry permit
16+

Reviving the art of natured-focused storytelling.

Event Information Register Now

A Land Ethic Workshop | All Session Signup

Hitchcock Nature Center

Friday, March 13, 2026
11:30pm
$75 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, March 14, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Sledding Night

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, March 14, 2026
6:30pm to 9:00pm
$33
All Ages

Sled after dark at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock and experience an elevated twist on this favorite winter pastime.

Event Information Register Now

Gardening with Native Plants: Design

Council Bluffs Public Library

Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Free
14 & Up

Discovers the who's, hows, and what's of garden design and installation.

Event Information Register Now

Waterfowl Identification | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, March 21, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Fire Making

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Saturday, March 21, 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
$10.00 per person
16+

Building Relationship with nature through the practice of traditional craft

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Animal Tracking

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
10:00am to 11:30am
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Come discover what wildlife have been up to this spring!

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Animal Tracking

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Come discover what wildlife have been up to this spring!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Hitchcock Folk School | Introduction to Ancient Jewelry

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, April 9, 2026 to Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
$30.00 per person
16+

Building relationship with nature through the practice of traditional craft

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Arrowhead Trail Run

Arrowhead Park

Saturday, April 18, 2026
8:00am to 12:00pm
$26 January | $30 February | $35 March | $40 April
All Ages

Enjoy scenic lake and wooded views while you run, jog, or hike the trails and grounds of Arrowhead Park. This is a 100% non-profit event with all proceeds supporting the Pottawattamie County Trails Association.

Event Information Register Now

Woodland Wildflowers | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Spring Medicinal & Edible Plant Walk with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
$10 per person
Ages 16+ please

Get to know spring flowers and herbs on a deeper level.

Event Information Register Now

Gardening with Native Plants: Garden Design and Maintenance Field Trip

Unleash Council Bluffs

Thursday, April 23, 2026
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Free
14 & Up

Learn the tips and tricks used by Lucky Toad Restorative Gardens during this field trip to the native gardens at the Council Bluffs Visitor Bureau.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, May 9, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Morels, Fungi & Lichen | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Where the Water Goes

Arrowhead Park

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
10:00am to 11:30am
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Take a journey through our watershed to see where our water goes.

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Where the Water Goes

Arrowhead Park

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per student ages 3 and up
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Take a journey through our watershed to see where our water goes.

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | May

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, May 21, 2026 to Thursday, May 21, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with membership or $5 park entry permit
16+

Reviving the art of natured-focused storytelling.

Event Information Register Now

Family Wild Edible Walk

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, May 23, 2026 to Saturday, May 23, 2026
2:00pm to 3:30pm
$5.00 per person
All Ages

Come learn about the delicious delicacies the late spring forest has to offer.

Event Information Register Now

Survive the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 to Wednesday, June 3, 2026
8:00am
$75 per person
High school

Step into the wild for an overnight backpacking adventure that will challenge your inner strength and elevate your survival skills.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Ones Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 to Thursday, June 4, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 1st and 2nd Grade

Venture into the wild during this immersive camp experience packed full of outdoor fun like fort building, water exploration, hiking, outdoor games, nature crafts, & more!

Event Information Register Now

Botanical Backstories: Native Plants & the People They're Named After

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
$5.00 per person
14+

Join Prairie Protector, Glenn Pollock, on a fun and fascinating leisurely hike.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Ones Summer Camp | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to Thursday, June 11, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 1st and 2nd Grade

Venture into the wild during this immersive camp experience packed full of outdoor fun like fort building, water exploration, hiking, outdoor games, nature crafts, & more!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to Thursday, June 11, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 3rd and 4th Grade

Campers will engage in epic adventures exploring Iowa’s wild side and unlock newfound talents through hands-on experiences like archery, primitive fire starting, orienteering, nature crafting, and more!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 to Thursday, June 18, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 5th and 6th Grade

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild, learning about the untamed wonders of the great outdoors while honing skills in archery, primitive fire building, orienteering, whittling, and more!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Freshwater Aquatic Studies | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Into the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 to Thursday, June 25, 2026
8:00am or 8:00am
$100
Entering 7th, 8th and 9th Grade

Older students are beckoned to answer the call of the wild and take their outdoor skills to the next level during this three-day outdoor adventure which includes a canoe trip on the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail (water level dependent) & an overnight campout at Botna Bend Park. 

Event Information Register Now

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 to Thursday, July 9, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 3rd and 4th Grade

Campers will engage in epic adventures exploring Iowa’s wild side and unlock newfound talents through hands-on experiences like archery, primitive fire starting, orienteering, nature crafting, and more!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 to Thursday, July 9, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 5th and 6th Grade

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild, learning about the untamed wonders of the great outdoors while honing skills in archery, primitive fire building, orienteering, whittling, and more!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 11, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 to Thursday, July 16, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 3rd and 4th Grade

Engage in epic adventures exploring Iowa’s wild side and unlock newfound talents through hands-on experiences like archery, primitive fire starting, orienteering, nature crafting, and more!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Butterfly Basics | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Ones Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 to Thursday, July 23, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 1st and 2nd Grade

Venture into the wild during this immersive camp experience packed full of outdoor fun like fort building, water exploration, hiking, outdoor games, nature crafts, & more!

Event Information Join Waitlist

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Botna Bend

Botna Bend Park

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 to Thursday, July 23, 2026
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 5th and 6th Grade

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild, learning about the untamed wonders of the great outdoors while honing skills in archery, primitive fire building, orienteering, whittling, and more!

Event Information Register Now

Wildlings Camp | Morning Session

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 to Thursday, July 30, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
$30
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, these morning camp sessions will introduce your child to the wonders of the great outdoors.

Event Information Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Afternoon Session

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 to Thursday, July 30, 2026
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$30
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, these afternoon camp sessions will introduce your child to the wonders of the great outdoors.

Event Information Register Now

Hunter Education Field Day

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 1, 2026
9:00am to 1:00pm
Free
12+

Join the Iowa DNR and learn the vital basics of hunting including wildlife identification, first aid, and firearm and archery safety.

Event Information Register Now

High Summer Prairie Medicine with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 1, 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
$10 per person
Ages 16+ please

Join Dustin Clayton at Hitchcock Nature Center and witness how life is ripening as the growing season approaches its apogee.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 8, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

A Chorus of Insects | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 15, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Ornithology 101 | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Family Wild Edible Walk

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 19, 2026
2:00pm to 3:30pm
$5.00 per person
All Ages

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | September

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with membership or $5 park entry permit
16+

Reviving the art of natured-focused storytelling.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Why Leaves Change Color | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

7th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 24, 2026
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$10.00
Ages 16+

Join naturalist and student of folklore Dustin Clayton for a hike through the Halloween forest.

Event Information Register Now

Nature's Recyclers & Winter Tree Identification | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Wild Sprouts – Empowering little ones to grow and thrive in the wild.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 12, 2026
9:00am to 10:00am
$5 per adult
Adults with youth 0-3 years old

Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!

Event Information Register Now

Winter Survival Secrets | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 12, 2026
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | Festive Folktales

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, December 17, 2026 to Thursday, December 17, 2026
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with Park Admission
16+

Stories, poems, and songs shared in and about the natural world.

Event Information

227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 328-5600
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