Browse upcoming meetings and events for Des Moines County departments.
February 12
Ladies Adventure Group Owl Prowl
7:00 pm to 8:30pm
Ladies Adventure Group Owl Prowl
Burlington, IA
February 12, 2026
7:00 pm · 8:30pm
Ladies ages 18 and up are invited to join us for a special Ladies Adventure Group Owl Prowl and learn all about owls!
January and February are peak months for barred owl activity, as they begin searching for a mate. During this time, owls use vocalizations and body language to communicate and attract a partner. Ladies 18+ who are interested in learning more about these fascinating birds are invited to take part in an Owl Prowl this February.
This guided Owl Prowl will take place on February 12th from 7:00–8:30 PM and will be led by a naturalist. The evening will begin with a brief presentation about owls, followed by calling for owls using recorded calls. Participants will then head out on a guided night hike of up to two miles round-trip. With a little luck, attendees may hear owls calling back and even catch a glimpse of one gliding silently through the night.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for hiking in the dark. There is no fee to attend, but advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration can be completed through RecDesk or call nature center at 319-753-5808. Location details will be shared with registered participants via email or phone call two days prior to the event.
For More Information
Contact: Shania Hansen
(319) 753-5808
hansens@dmcounty.com Website Posted by: Conservation
February 14
Big Hollow Ice Fishing Clinic
9:00 am to 12:00pm
Big Hollow Recreation Area (Hickory Shelter)
Big Hollow Ice Fishing Clinic
152nd Ave
Sperry, IA
Map to Event
February 14, 2026
9:00 am · 12:00pm
Join us for an Ice Fishing Clinic on Friday, February 14th, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Big Hollow Recreation Area, near the Hickory Shelter.
This hands-on clinic is designed for beginners and those looking to learn the basics of ice fishing. Participants will learn about ice safety, equipment, and techniques while gaining on-the-ice experience. All necessary ice fishing gear will be provided, so no equipment is required to attend.
The cost to participate is $5 per person.
Please note that this event is weather and ice-condition dependent. Adequate ice thickness is required for the clinic to take place. Participants will be notified in advance if conditions require cancellation or rescheduling.
Dress warmly and be prepared to enjoy a winter morning outdoors while learning a new outdoor skill.
Register Here
For More Information
Contact: Marcus Nack
(319) 753-5808
Nackm@dmcounty.com Posted by: Conservation
February 19
Owl Prowl
7:00 pm to 8:30pm
Owl Prowl
Burlington, IA
February 19, 2026
7:00 pm · 8:30pm
January and February are active months for barred owls, as this is when they begin searching for a partner. During this time, owls use sounds and body language to impress one another in hopes of finding a mate. Those interested in learning more about owls are invited to join us for an Owl Prowl in February.
This year’s Owl Prowl will take place from 7:00–8:30 PM and will be led by a naturalist. The program will begin with a short presentation about owls, followed by calling for owls using recorded calls. Participants will then head out on an up to 2-mile round-trip night hike. If all goes as planned, owl prowlers may hear owls calling back and might even get the chance to see one swoop silently down for a closer look.
This program is open to anyone; however, because silent listening is required, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for a 2-mile hike in the dark. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required as space is limited. Registration can be completed through RecDesk or call nature center at 319-753-5808.. Location details will be sent to registered participants via email or phone call two days prior to the event.
For More Information
Contact: Shania Hansen
(319) 753-5808
hansens@dmcounty.com Website Posted by: Conservation
February 21
NWS Virtual Weather Spotter Class #1
1:00 pm to 3:00pm
Virtual
NWS Virtual Weather Spotter Class #1
Burlington, IA
February 21, 2026
1:00 pm · 3:00pm
Spring Skywarn Spotter Training: https://www.weather.gov/dvn/spotters
Spotter training classes cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes. This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.
- All in-person and virtual classes to be conducted by the NWS Quad Cities office are scheduled and posted below.
- All classes last about 2 hours.
- They are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for virtual classes.
- Classes are appropriate for all ages. Ages 10 and up will likely get the most out of the training.
- You may attend a class in any location, offered by any NWS office, regardless of where you live. (Links to classes conducted by neighboring forecast offices): Des Moines LaCrosse Milwaukee Chicago Lincoln
For More Information
Website Posted by: Emergency Management Agency
February 26
NWS Virtual Weather Spotter Class #2
12:00 pm to 2:00pm
Owl Prowl
7:00 pm to 8:30pm
Owl Prowl
Burlington, IA
February 26, 2026
7:00 pm · 8:30pm
January and February are active months for barred owls, as this is when they begin searching for a partner. During this time, owls use sounds and body language to impress one another in hopes of finding a mate. Those interested in learning more about owls are invited to join us for an Owl Prowl in February.
This year’s Owl Prowl will take place from 7:00–8:30 PM and will be led by a naturalist. The program will begin with a short presentation about owls, followed by calling for owls using recorded calls. Participants will then head out on an up to 2-mile round-trip night hike. If all goes as planned, owl prowlers may hear owls calling back and might even get the chance to see one swoop silently down for a closer look.
This program is open to anyone; however, because silent listening is required, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for a 2-mile hike in the dark. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required as space is limited. Registration can be completed through RecDesk or call nature center at 319-753-5808. Location details will be sent to registered participants via email or phone call two days prior to the event.
For More Information
Contact: Shania Hansen
(319) 753-5808
hansens@dmcounty.com Website Posted by: Conservation
February 28
Starr's Cave Field Day
12:00 pm to 3:00pm
Starr's Cave Nature Center
Starr's Cave Field Day
11627 Starr's Cave Rd
Burlington, IA
Map to Event
February 28, 2026
12:00 pm · 3:00pm
Starr’s Cave is one of our community’s most important natural areas, but it is currently being threatened by invasive plants. Species like Honeysuckle and Oriental Bittersweet grow aggressively, crowding out native wildflowers and damaging the local ecosystem.
We are hosting a Field Day to restore the park's health. Our goals are to remove these invasive plants and collect any trash found along the trails and waterways. Every volunteer makes a significant difference in preserving this habitat.
Meeting Location
We will meet at the Nature Center for a brief orientation on how to identify the target plants and safe removal techniques.
Activities
Invasive Removal: Cutting and pulling Bush Honeysuckle and Oriental Bittersweet vines.
Trail Cleanup: Collecting litter along the main paths and creek areas.
Brush Management: Moving cleared vegetation to designated staging areas.
What to Bring
Clothing: For your safety, please wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. This provides protection against scratches and brush.
Tools: If you have your own work gloves, loppers, or hand pruners, please bring them. A limited supply of tools will be available for those who do not have their own.
Hydration: Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Thank you for helping us keep Starr’s Cave healthy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
For More Information
Contact: Marcus Nack
(319) 753-5808
Nackm@dmcounty.com Posted by: Conservation
