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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.

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

Upcoming Events

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

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00am to 11:00am
$5.00 per person
14+

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

Event Information

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 to Thursday, June 19, 2025
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

Land Management Field Day

Vincent Bluff State Preserve

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 to Tuesday, June 17, 2025
8:30am to 11:00am
Free
All Ages

Join us on June 17th at Vincent Bluffs State Preserve for a land management field day.

Event Information Register Now

Hitchcock Hike for Health Club

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
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

Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
18+

Welcome to Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman. This event is for anyone who is interested in yoga, whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Event Information Register Now

Family Learn Archery at Carter Lake Public Library

Carter Lake Public Library

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
6:00pm to 7:30pm
FREE
Ages 8+ (youth ages 8 and 9 must have accompanying registered adult)

We provide the guidance, bows, arrows, and targets, YOU provide the energy and enthusiasm!

Event Information Register Now

Freshwater Aquatic Studies | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 21, 2025
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

Insect Discovery Station

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 21, 2025
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages

Calling all critter enthusiasts! Are you interested in all the little things that creep, crawl, hop and fly by?

Event Information

Into the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 to Thursday, June 26, 2025
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

Hitchcock Hike for Health Club

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
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

Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
18+

Welcome to Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman. This event is for anyone who is interested in yoga, whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Event Information Register Now

Hitchcock Insect Club | Community Involvement in Insect Conservation.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:30pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry
14+

Hitchcock Insect Club is a grassroots club made up of local individuals who are passionate about bugs, and they want YOU to join in the fun!

Event Information

Hitchcock Hike for Health Club

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
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

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 to Thursday, July 10, 2025
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 8, 2025 to Thursday, July 10, 2025
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

Butterfly Basics | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 12, 2025
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 Join Waitlist

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 to Thursday, July 17, 2025
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

Meander & Gander | A Mindfulness in Nature Program with Lindsay Knieper

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 19, 2025
9:00am to 11:00am
$15 per person
16+

Meander along the trails of the lovely Loess Hills as we observe, reflect, and practice spaciousness. Summer program themes include: Feeling Discomfort and Flourishing Anyway.

Event Information Register Now

Wild Ones Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 to Thursday, July 24, 2025
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 22, 2025 to Thursday, July 24, 2025
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 29, 2025 to Thursday, July 31, 2025
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 29, 2025 to Thursday, July 31, 2025
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 Join Waitlist

High Summer Prairie Medicine with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 2, 2025
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

Land Stewardship Series: Soft Trail Planning & Development

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
5:30pm to 8:30pm
$65 per class
18+

This hands-on series is designed for landowners, natural resource professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of managing Iowa’s unique ecosystems. Hosted through Iowa Western Community College.

Event Information Register Now

A Chorus of Insects | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 9, 2025
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

Go Wild For Conservation 22nd Annual Fundraiser

The Landing

Thursday, September 11, 2025
5:30pm to 8:30pm
$65.00
21 and over

Support public land and recreation opportunities in Pottawattamie County during the 22nd Annual Go Wild For Conservation fundraiser and auction.

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | September

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, September 18, 2025
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

Ornithology 101 | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 20, 2025
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

Family Wild Edible Walk

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 20, 2025
2:00pm to 3:30pm
$5.00 per person
All Ages

Event Information Register Now

Why Leaves Change Color | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025
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

6th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 25, 2025
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

Story Weaver | October

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, October 30, 2025 to Thursday, October 30, 2025
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

Nature's Recyclers | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 15, 2025
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

Winter Survival Secrets | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 13, 2025
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 18, 2025 to Thursday, December 18, 2025
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with Park Admission
16+

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

Event Information Register Now

Test Event Name

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Wednesday, December 2, 2026
7:00am
Free
5 and Up

This is a test event

Event Information

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