Mahaska County Conservation Looks Ahead to Fall Programs and Outdoor Activities
Mahaska County Conservation Looks Ahead to Fall Programs and Outdoor Activities
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – After a busy summer that welcomed families and visitors to the Environmental Learning Center and its Nature Playscape, Mahaska County Conservation is now looking ahead to the fall season.
Laura DeCook from Mahaska County Conservation recently spoke with Oskaloosa News about upcoming events and programs, and how local residents can get involved.
DeCook said the Nature Playscape was busy all summer. The outdoor space also helped more people discover the Environmental Learning Center and the conservation opportunities just outside Oskaloosa.
Now, Mahaska County Conservation is getting ready for several fall activities, including a major event for local children and families.
Youth Outdoor Field Day Set for Sept. 12
Youth Outdoor Field Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at Russell Wildlife Area, which is about five miles north of Oskaloosa on Highway 63.
There will be around 12 activity stations. Kids can try fishing, fly fishing, .22 shooting, and kite building. There will also be K-9 demonstrations and activities about honeybees.
Families do not need to arrive right at the start. They can come anytime between 8 a.m. and noon. DeCook suggests planning for a couple of hours so kids have time to enjoy several activities.
The cost is $5 for each child who participates. Adults and young children who are not joining the activities can attend for free.
Kids who complete at least 10 stations will get a Youth Outdoor Field Day water bottle.
Families are encouraged to sign up ahead of time. Registration details can be found on Mahaska County Conservation’s Facebook page, website, and MyCounty Parks.
Volunteers Play Important Role
Mahaska County Conservation is also looking for volunteers.
Volunteers can help with conservation programs, host at the Environmental Learning Center, or become park stewards.
DeCook shared that volunteers at Cedar Bluffs removed nearly 3 tons of scrap metal during a recent cleanup.
Volunteer training is available for anyone who wants to learn more about the different ways to help.
Programs Available for All Ages
Mahaska County Conservation offers regular programs for both kids and adults year-round.
Knee High Naturalists is for children ages 5 and under. Homeschool classes give local students another way to learn about nature and the environment.
There are programs for adults too. A coffee gathering takes place on the first Friday of each month, and the OWLS program offers educational opportunities for adults.
Programs are scheduled year-round and shared in the Prairie Star newsletter. DeCook said some have become annual traditions, while others come from staff and community ideas.
More Than Mammoth Bones
The Environmental Learning Center is known for its woolly mammoth exhibit, but there is much more to see inside.
The center features exhibits on Native American history, Iowa ecosystems, and the natural world. There is also a discovery lab with STEM and craft activities for visitors.
Admission to the Environmental Learning Center is free.
The center gives families a place to learn about nature and discover the parks, wildlife areas, and other natural resources in Mahaska County.
As fall approaches, DeCook encourages residents to learn more about the programs and activities that Mahaska County Conservation offers.
From Youth Outdoor Field Day and children’s programs to adult activities and volunteer opportunities, the department offers several ways for people to get outside, learn something new, and become more involved with Mahaska County’s natural areas.
