ALERT: Newly Renovated Arrowhead Park Campground 3 is Now OPEN!
ALERT: Boil Order in effect until further notice for Arrowhead Park. All water for cooking and drinking needs to be boiled before use. Boil Order

Pottawattamie Conservation Events

We've listed all of our upcoming public programs on this page!

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

Night Out with Nightjars

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
8:00pm to 10:00pm
$10 per person
12+

Nightjars are nocturnal, owl-like birds that don't build nests and have some funky behaviors. Join us for a late-night guided hike where you'll get a special chance to hear their unique mating calls.

Event Information   Register Now

Loess Hills Prairie Seminar: Head for the Hills!

Loess Hills Prairie Seminar Campground

Friday, June 2, 2023 to Sunday, June 4, 2023
5:00pm
All Ages

A free, family-friendly weekend of hands-on learning, activities, and sessions with conservation partners to explore and experience the Loess Hills.

Event Information   Register Now

June Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 3, 2023 to Sunday, June 11, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

June Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, June 3, 2023 to Friday, June 30, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

Trail Work Volunteer Signup | Trailblazer Bonanza at Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 3, 2023
8:00am to 12:00pm
Free, no park entry fee required
Ages 12+

Grab a shovel and work up a sweat with the Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol doing trail work and maintenance on National Trails Day!

Event Information   Register Now

Kids' Fishing Derby at Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Saturday, June 3, 2023
10:00am to 12:00pm
Free with $3 park entry or membership
15 & Under

Enjoy Arrowhead Park during Iowa's free fishing weekend & see what's biting.

Event Information

Trailblazer Bonanza New Trail Celebration at Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 3, 2023
1:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages

Explore four new trails at Hitchcock Nature Center on National Trails Day during our Trailblazer Bonanza celebration!

Event Information

Wild Ones Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 to Thursday, June 8, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 1st and 2nd Grade

Join us for some classic nature camp fun. We’ll be taking hikes, playing games, exploring the pond, and making crafts while we learn about the wonders of the wild.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Sunset Bird Hike

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
7:30pm to 9:00pm
$10 per person
12+

Join avid birder, Nic Salick, for an evening guided hike where you'll learn about local birds while walking in Iowa's beautiful Loess Hills.

Event Information   Register Now

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 to Thursday, June 15, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 3rd and 4th Grade

Campers will enjoy beginning archery lessons, shelter-building challenges, hiking, plant and animal identification, and nature crafts.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Freshwater Ecosystems | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 17, 2023
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

Midsummer Magic | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, June 17, 2023
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$10 per person
Ages 16+ please

Take a Summer Solstice hike while learning about the traditions, folk practices, and herbal preparations associated with this time of year.

Event Information   Register Now

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 to Thursday, June 22, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 5th and 6th Grade

Campers will continue growing their outdoor survival skills through archery lessons, orienteering, fire building, and more during this hands-on camp.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

June Hitch Hike | Badger Ridge

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, June 20, 2023
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Admission or Membership
All Ages

Join us for a guided hike through the Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

Into the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 to Thursday, June 29, 2023
8:00am
$100
Entering 7th, 8th and 9th Grade

Youth entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grades get a chance to put all their outdoor skills to use during a paddling adventure and an overnight camping stay at Botna Bend Park.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

July Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 1, 2023 to Sunday, July 9, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

July Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, July 1, 2023 to Saturday, July 29, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

Wild Wanderers Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to Thursday, July 13, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 5th and 6th Grade

Campers will continue growing their outdoor survival skills through archery lessons, canoeing, orienteering, and more of the most iconic summer camp games during this hands-on camp. 

Event Information   Register Now

Wild Seekers Summer Camp | Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 to Thursday, July 20, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 3rd and 4th Grade

Campers will enjoy beginning archery lessons, canoeing, pond exploration, hiking, plant and animal identification, and nature crafts.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

July Hitch Hike: Fox Run Ridge

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 18, 2023
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Admission or Membership
All Ages

Wind your way through the woodlands and along a prairie ridge on a guided hike at Hitchcock Nature Center.

Event Information

Butterfly Basics | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, July 22, 2023
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 Ones Summer Camp | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 to Thursday, July 27, 2023
8:00am to 1:00pm
$75
Entering 1st and 2nd Grade

Join us for some classic nature camp fun. We’ll be building forts, taking hikes, playing games, and making crafts while we learn about the wonders of the wild.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Brilliant Birds (Morning)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Monday, July 31, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the brilliant world of birds and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Morning (All Week Sign Up)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Monday, July 31, 2023 to Friday, August 4, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$50
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, these shortened afternoon camp sessions the week of July 31st will introduce your child to the great outdoors as they get to meet live animal friends all week long.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Afternoon (All Week Sign Up)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Monday, July 31, 2023 to Friday, August 4, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$50
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, these shortened afternoon camp sessions the week of July 31st will introduce your child to the great outdoors as they get to meet live animal friends all week long.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Brilliant Birds (Afternoon)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Monday, July 31, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the brilliant world of birds and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Register Now

Wildlings Camp | Impressive Insects (Morning)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the impressive world of insects and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Impressive Insects (Afternoon)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the impressive world of insects and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Register Now

Wildlings Camp | Awesome Amphibians (Morning)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the awesome world of amphibians and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Awesome Amphibians (Afternoon)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the awesome world of amphibians and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Register Now

Wildlings Camp | Magnificent Mammals (Morning)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, August 3, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the magnificent world of mammals and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings Camp | Magnificent Mammals (Afternoon)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, August 3, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the magnificent world of mammals and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Register Now

Wildlings Camp | Rockin' Reptiles (Morning)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Friday, August 4, 2023
9:00am to 11:00am
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the rockin' world of reptiles and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Wildlings | Rockin' Reptiles (Afternoon)

Hitchcock Nature Center

Friday, August 4, 2023
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$15
Ages 3 to 5

Designed for children ages 3 to 5 where they will learn about the rockin' world of reptiles and experience the outdoors.

Event Information   Register Now

August Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 5, 2023 to Sunday, August 13, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

August Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, August 5, 2023 to Saturday, August 26, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

High Summer Prairie Medicine | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 12, 2023
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$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

August Hitch Hike | Historical Old Lincoln Highway & Hohneke Trail

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Admission or Membership
All Ages

Wind your way through the woods and prairie and explore the northern section of the park during this guided hike.

Event Information

A Chorus of Insects | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, August 19, 2023
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

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Leafing-Out with Trees

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, August 23, 2023
10:00am to 11:30am
$4 per child
All Ages, Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Learn to identify local trees, what they need, how they function, and their role in an ecosystem.

Event Information   Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Leafing-Out with Trees

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, August 23, 2023
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$4 per child
All Ages, Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Learn to identify local trees, what they need, how they function, and their role in an ecosystem.

Event Information   Register Now

September Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 2, 2023 to Sunday, September 10, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

September Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, September 2, 2023 to Saturday, September 30, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

Botna Bend Pancake Feed

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, September 9, 2023
8:00am to 11:00am
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry, Free Will Donations Appreciated
All Ages

Grab a tasty breakfast at Botna Bend & enjoy the taste of real maple syrup!

Event Information

Monarch Tagging | 9 A.M.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:00am to 10:30am
$5 per person
All Ages

Learn about monarch butterflies, their life cycle, and their miraculous migration to Mexico as we teach you how we catch, handle, and tag monarchs for research.

Event Information   Register Now

Monarch Tagging | 11 A.M.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 9, 2023
11:00am to 12:30pm
$5 per person
All Ages

Learn about monarch butterflies, their life cycle, and their miraculous migration to Mexico as we teach you how we catch, handle, and tag monarchs for research.

Event Information   Register Now

Monarch Tagging | 1 P.M.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 9, 2023
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per person
All Ages

Learn about monarch butterflies, their life cycle, and their miraculous migration to Mexico as we teach you how we catch, handle, and tag monarchs for research.

Event Information   Register Now

Monarch Tagging | 3 P.M.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 9, 2023
3:00pm to 4:00pm
$5 per person
All Ages

Learn about monarch butterflies, their life cycle, and their miraculous migration to Mexico as we teach you how we catch, handle, and tag monarchs for research.

Event Information   Join Waitlist

Summer's End Harvest Lore | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 16, 2023
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$10 per person
Ages 16+ please

Join Dustin Clayton for a meaningful discussion about the turning of summer to fall and learn how to preserve medicines as tinctures and teas.

Event Information   Register Now

ICCS 2023: Living with Loess

Mid-America Center

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 to Thursday, September 21, 2023
12:00am
$205
County conservation staff, board members, and interns are welcome to attend.

This annual conference brings together county conservation professionals to share ideas and learnings that preserve the state of Iowa's most precious natural resources and public recreation areas.

Event Information   Register Now

Go Wild For Conservation 20th Annual Fundraiser

The Plaza courtyard, Mid-America Center Entertainment District

Thursday, September 21, 2023
5:30pm to 8:30pm
$50.00
21 and over

Support public land and recreation opportunities in Pottawattamie County during the 20th Annual Go Wild For Conservation fundraiser and auction.

Event Information   Register Now

Ornithology 101 | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, September 23, 2023
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

September Hitch Hike | Westridge Trail

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Admission or Membership
All Ages

Join us for a challenging guided hike of the rolling Loess Hills and view the early signs of fall at Hitchcock Nature Center.

Event Information

October Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 7, 2023 to Sunday, October 15, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

October Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, October 7, 2023 to Saturday, October 28, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

Arrowhead Park Chili Fest

Arrowhead Park

Saturday, October 14, 2023
4:00pm
Free with Park Admission, Free Will Donations Welcome
All Ages

Grab a tasty chili dinner and enjoy pumpkin painting, hayrack rides, and trick-or-treating while soaking up the fall colors at Arrowhead Park.

Event Information

All Hallows Eve Festival

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, October 14, 2023
5:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages

Join us at Botna Bend Park for some fall fun during our annual All Hallows Eve Festival!

Event Information

October Hitch Hike | Mt. Crescent Ski Area

Mt. Crescent Ski Area

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages

Join us for our BONUS final guided hike of the season and explore the Loess Hills at Mt. Crescent Ski Area!

Event Information

Why Leaves Change Color | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 21, 2023
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

Hitchcock Haunted Hollow | Saturday

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 28, 2023
11:00am to 2:00pm
$5.00 per person, ages 4+ | Free for kids 3 and under
All Ages

Explore Iowa's Loess Hills during this fun-for-all-ages, "spooky" scavenger hunt. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

Event Information   Register Now

4th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 28, 2023
2:00pm to 4:30pm
$10.00
Ages 16+

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

Event Information   Register Now

Hitchcock Haunted Hollow | Sunday

Hitchcock Nature Center

Sunday, October 29, 2023
11:00am to 2:00pm
$5.00 per person, ages 4+ | Free for kids 3 and under
All Ages

Explore Iowa's Loess Hills during this fun-for-all-ages, "spooky" scavenger hunt. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

Event Information   Register Now

November Little Tike Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 4, 2023 to Sunday, November 12, 2023
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Event Information

November Little Tike Hike | Botna Bend Park

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, November 4, 2023 to Saturday, November 25, 2023
6:30am to 10:30pm
Free with $3/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
All Ages, Designed for Ages 3-5

Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Botna Bend Park!

Event Information

Bison Fest at Botna Bend

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, November 4, 2023
11:00am to 2:00pm
Free with $3/vehicle park entry or membership
All Ages

In honor of National Bison Day, come visit our bison herd out at Botna Bend Park and learn more about this magnificent species and the conservation efforts that help protect them.

Event Information

Nature's Recyclers | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 11, 2023
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

Autumn's End Hike | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 18, 2023
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$10.00
Ages 16+

Join naturalist and student of folklore Dustin Clayton for an end-of-autumn hike that will encourage you to contemplate the shifting season.

Event Information   Register Now

Winter Survival Secrets | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 2, 2023
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

Annual Winter Solstice Night Hike | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, December 21, 2023
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
Ages 16+

Join naturalist and student of folklore Dustin Clayton for this free winter solstice night hike along Fox Run Ridge trail.

Event Information

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