June 2025 Department Updates
School's out (or just about!), and summer fun is kicking off! We’ve got two exciting events coming up this June that are perfect for the whole family. Keep reading to see what’s coming up and take a look back at the highlights from May.Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Upcoming Events
Outdoor Youth Jamboree
June 7 | Big Hollow Recreation Area
Join us Saturday, June 7, for the annual Outdoor Youth Jamboree at Big Hollow Recreation Area—a free, family-friendly event of outdoor recreation and conservation education. The event kicks off with a 5K run/walk at 8:00 AM (fee required), with all other FREE hands-on activities running from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to try new activities that could ignite a lifelong passion or hobby.
This action-packed day brings together a wide range of local and statewide organizations committed to outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. Featured participants include Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Kiwanis, The Burlington Public Library, Louisa and Lee County Conservation, the Iowa DNR, NWTF, the Flint River Bow Club, and many others.
Kids and their families can experience a variety of outdoor skills and nature-based activities, including:
- Instructor-led rifle, shotgun, BB gun ranges
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Pond study
- Story walk
To keep energy high, free snacks, drinks, and hot dogs will be available while supplies last.
Whether you're running in the 5K or exploring the wide range of activities, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendar and come explore, learn, and enjoy a day outdoors at Big Hollow Recreation Area. Find more details and register here!
Burlington River Days
June 12–14 | Burlington Riverfront
Save the date for June 12–14 and head down to the Burlington riverfront for Burlington River Days—a three-day celebration that captures the spirit of our river town with music, games, boats, and community fun. Equal parts music festival, family carnival, outdoor Olympics, and prize-packed celebration, River Days is a “Party with Purpose” you won’t want to miss.
Each day features live music on the riverfront, with headlining performances—including Saliva on Saturday night—bringing big energy to the stage. Families can enjoy a classic carnival experience, complete with rides and games, and marvel at the boat parade and boat show!
River Days also includes the "Boatload of Prizes" giveaway, where one lucky ticket holder will take home a brand new boat. Plus, ticket holders get VIP concert access, free drinks at the shows, and perks from local businesses. Activities like archery, casting contests, and BB gun challenges make up the River Days Olympics.
More than just a celebration, Burlington River Days raises funds for the Partners for Conservation Foundation, supporting local outdoor recreation projects, riverfront improvements, and conservation efforts across the area.
The All Acess Golden Ticket is $40 and can be purchased online, Starr’s Cave Nature Center, and various other businesses in Burlington. Visit BurlingtonRiverDays.com for details!
Come for the fun, stay for the cause, and help us make waves in the community!
May Highlights
Hook and Hunt Fishing Clinic
The Hook and Hunt Fishing Clinic was a huge success, drawing nearly 100 enthusiastic participants! Every child left with a brand-new fishing pole—ready to cast their lines all summer long. The event was held at the ADA-accessible fishing jetty at Big Hollow Recreation Area, making it a welcoming and inclusive experience for anglers of all abilities.
Mayday! Marathon!
We hosted our first-ever half marathon course during the Mayday! Marathon!, with 30 participants hitting the trails.
A standout moment came from 13-year-old Zoey Kantzavelos of Burlington, who completed the 5K in just 25:17!
Half marathon winners included:
- Ryan May – 1:43:25
- Orie Thomford – 1:44:26
- Stacia Shirey – 2:11:49
Dutch Oven 101
Our final May program, Dutch Oven 101, was led by naturalist Shania, who guided participants through preparing and cooking delicious meals over a campfire. It was a cozy, flavorful evening! Be sure to keep an eye out for more of these programs!
Team News
We’re thrilled to welcome our summer interns: Grant and Kendall are joining our field staff, and Trevor is jumping into environmental education. We're excited to see what they accomplish this season!
Shania hit the ground running by leading four field trips—giving her a chance to connect with students, test out our programming tools, and bring her own creative energy to outdoor education. Summer camps are just around the corner starting June 9th, and Shania has been busy crafting fun, hands-on adventures that campers won’t forget.
Behind the scenes, we’re hard at work organizing this year’s Outdoor Youth Jamboree and Burlington River Days.
The field crew has been busy this season! In addition to maintaining all parks and areas for public use, they’ve also been putting out boat docks, setting out canoes and kayaks at Big Hollow, mowing, and working on the shooting range. Their hard work helps ensure that everything is ready and safe for visitors to enjoy.
Monarch Tagging
We’ve ordered Monarch Butterfly tags through Monarch Watch, with a goal of tagging 150 monarchs this year. Monarchs are vital pollinators facing serious population declines. Keep an eye out for our public tagging events later this season and help us support their migration journey!
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
The Nature Center is now open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 PM through September. Please note: Due to a broken water line, the indoor restrooms are currently closed. However, the outdoor pit toilets are still open for use.
We’re currently seeking volunteers to help staff the center on these weekends. It’s a simple and rewarding way to get involved—just one Saturday or Sunday can make a big difference! Call 319-753-5808 to get more details or sign up.
Thanks for being part of our spring season—we can’t wait to share summer adventures with you!
published Monday, June 2, 2025
