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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

Sledding Night

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

Saturday, January 24, 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, January 25, 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

Hitchcock Hike for Health Club

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
16+

If you are looking to get in tune with your body, work up a sweat, and engage with the outdoors, then this is the club for you (especially if you have a big hike or camping trip coming up!).

Event Information Register Now

Midnight Madness

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

Saturday, January 31, 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 1, 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

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 Register Now

Lollipop Challenge | Fundraiser for Crescent Hill Ski Patrol

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

Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00am
$5
6 to 15

Sign up your kiddo to compete in the Lollipop Challenge, a slalom-style ski and snowboard race for kids that supports our amazing Crescent Hill Ski Patrol volunteers.

Event Information Register Now

Sledding Night

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

Saturday, February 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

Fireside Sundays

Hitchcock Nature Center

Sunday, February 8, 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

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Predator Ecology

Hitchcock Nature Center

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

Discover how predators shape ecosystems

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Predator Ecology

Hitchcock Nature Center

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

Discover how predators shape ecosystems

Event Information Join Waitlist

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 Register Now

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
18+

Participants will complete 5 hike uphill-ski downhill circuits of the Crescent Hill Ski Area 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 Register Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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