July 2026 Department Updates
Make the most of summer with everything happening in Des Moines County Parks this month! Here's what's coming up.Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Meetings & Closures
The Des Moines County Conservation Board will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 PM at Starr's Cave Nature Center. The public is welcome to attend.
The Conservation office and Starr's Cave Nature Center will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Our parks will remain open, so get outside and enjoy your county parks!
Fireworks Reminder
As you celebrate the holiday, please remember that fireworks are not permitted in Des Moines County Parks. Help us keep our parks safe for visitors, wildlife and natural resources.
Here is a list of local firework shows:
July 2nd Burlington Bees (after game)
July 4th Downtown West Burlington at 10 PM
Upcoming Events
Leadership on the Landscape
July 15 | 7:00 to 8:30 AM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Leadership on the Landscape is a new leadership development experience that swaps the conference room for the trail. Join local leaders for a device-free early morning walk at Starr's Cave Nature Center as we explore leadership through the lens of forest ecology and tackle the question: Can you really manage an organization?
Night Creek Stomp
July 17 | 8:30 to 10:00 PM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Grab your headlamp and water shoes and join us for an evening exploring Flint Creek! This free family friendly adventure is a fun way to discover the fascinating creatures that come alive after dark.
REAP Assembly Meeting
July 22 | 10:00 AM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Have ideas for the future of Iowa's parks, trails, conservation, or historic preservation? Attend the REAP Assembly and share your vision for Des Moines County and communities across Iowa. Learn more here.
Dutch Oven Cooking
July 22 | 6:00 to 7:30 PM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Discover the art of Dutch oven cooking as we prepare a complete outdoor meal together, including an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Participants will enjoy the meal they help create while learning techniques to use on future camping trips, backyard cookouts, and outdoor adventures. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance.
Cottonwood Running Club
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 3:00 PM | Starr's Cave Nature Center
Every Wednesday at 3:00 PM, meet at Starr's Cave for a fun, community 3 mile run. Cottonwood Run Club welcomes runners of all skill levels, and no one gets left behind. Whether you're looking to start running, meet new people, or spend more time outdoors, come run with us!
Environmental Education Update
The Environmental Education team kicked off another exciting summer camp season in June and has five more camps planned throughout July. Due to high water conditions, the Skunk River Paddle was moved to the Mississippi River, allowing participants to still enjoy a day on the water. The team launched the new Cottonwood Running Club, attended the District 5 meeting to discuss regional park initiatives, and had a blast helping with the Burlington River Days Olympics. Summer has been busy, and they're looking forward to wrapping up another great camp season.
Field Staff Update
Our field staff has been hard at work throughout the parks. Firebreak mowing and invasive species management continue across the parks, while changing Mississippi River water levels have kept the crew busy moving docks as needed.
The crew also continues the day to day work that keeps our parks looking their best, including clearing trails after storms, maintaining restrooms, trimming high use areas, and preparing the cabins for visitors. Several staff members also helped teach BB gun and .22 rifle safety during one day of summer camp.
Be sure to follow Des Moines County Conservation and Starr's Cave Nature Center on Facebook to stay up to date on programs, events, and park news. We hope you find time to get outside and enjoy YOUR county parks this summer!
published Tuesday, June 30, 2026
