December 2025 Department Updates
Take a look at what's in store at DMCC this December!Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
DMCC Office and Nature Center Closures
December 9 (Staff meeting)
December 24 and 25 (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
January 2 (New Year’s Day)
Ranger Cabin
Looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything? Give the gift of a relaxing stay at the Ranger Cabin at Big Hollow! Right now, when you book your stay, use code Cabin50 for $50 off. The Ranger Cabin also makes a wonderful place to house relatives over the holidays or gather with friends for your own celebration.
Upcoming Programs
Trivia Night • December 5
Join us for Trivia Night on Friday, December 5 at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. Gather your team of 2–6 and put your knowledge to the test in a night full of laughs, friendly competition, and fun surprises. All money raised will benefit the Environmental Education Department and help support programs that inspire a love of nature and conservation. Doors open at 6 PM and trivia begins at 6:30 PM. Cost is $25 per person and preregistration is required.
Ladies Adventure Group Sound Bath • December 16
Join our Ladies Adventure Group on Tuesday, December 16 from 6:00–7:30 PM for a peaceful evening of relaxation and renewal. Surrounded by nature, we’ll unwind to the soothing sounds of crystal bowls, chimes, and gentle percussion during a restorative sound bath experience. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and an open heart as we reflect on the past year and welcome the calm of winter together. For participants unable to sit on the ground, six anti-gravity chairs will be available. Cost is $15 per person. Space is limited to 25 participants, and registration is required.
Ugly Sweater 5K • December 20
Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit—ugly sweater style! Join us at Starr’s Cave Nature Center for our annual Ugly Sweater 5K Run. The race begins at 9:00 AM, and we encourage all participants to show off their most festive and outrageous holiday sweaters while running or walking the course. Registration is $20 for preregistration or $25 for day-of registration.
Ages 10–13 • December 23
Kids ages 10–13 are invited to join the fun at Winter Camp on Tuesday, December 23 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. Campers will enjoy hands-on outdoor activities including shelter building, fire building, making pie-iron pizzas, s’mores, and exploring animal tracks. Dress for the weather, as most activities will be outdoors. Cost is $25 per camper. Space is limited to 12 campers. Register here!
Ages 7–9 • December 30
Kids ages 7–9 are invited to join Winter Camp on Tuesday, December 30 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. Campers will explore through scavenger hunts, snow building, discovering animal tracks, and creating a winter craft. We’ll also enjoy classic campfire treats like s’mores. Dress for the weather, as most activities will be outdoors. Cost is $25 per camper. Space is limited to 12 campers. Register here!
Starr’s Cave Wishlist
The Environmental Education Department has created an Amazon wish list filled with items that will directly enhance our programs and supplies. We also accept scholarship donations to help support kids who want to attend camp but are unable to afford it. If you prefer to give in other ways, we gladly accept Amazon gift cards and gift cards to The Coral Reef here in Burlington. Your generosity helps us care for our parks, spark curiosity, and create meaningful outdoor experiences for our community.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available through the Partners for Conservation Foundation, supporting Des Moines County parks and programs. You can choose to donate toward the annual I Heart County Parks Banquet, the Big Hollow Shooting Range, or Environmental Education. Your contribution helps inspire conservation in the next generation. More information can be found here.
I Heart County Parks Banquet
Save the date for the I Heart County Parks Banquet on April 4, 2026! This will be the 3rd annual banquet supporting Des Moines County Conservation parks and programs. More details and ticket information can be found here.
November Highlights
• The Invasive Species Removal Day was a success, removing bush honeysuckle and oriental bittersweet and burning brush piles from previous removal days.
• The field crew completed several prescribed burns this fall, helping control invasive species and promoting native growth.
• The PiECES Afterschool Program enjoyed a Meet an Animal field trip at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. Students had hands-on experiences with ambassador animals and watched the box turtles enjoy live mealworms during feeding time. Many students touched or held a snake for the first time!
• The Ladies Adventure Group had a great turnout for their outdoor cooking event, where participants made pie-iron pizzas and s’mores.
published Wednesday, November 26, 2025
