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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get a full year of free access to all Pottawattamie County parks.
Become a member of the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation