October 2025 Department Updates
The Des Moines County Conservation department has been staying busy as we jump into the fall season. Catch up on all of September’s accomplishments and see the many ways you can get involved with us in October!Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
September in Review
The Environmental Education team has been busy planning events and field trips. During September, the team led three in-school programs, visited an adult care center, led three field trips, and offered six public programs. Field trips and in-school programming for your group can be requested here.
A highlight was the Twisted Cat Fishing Tournament, where Marcus and Shania hosted a booth. Joined by volunteers, the team showcased various techniques and gear, helping more people learn about the sport of catfishing.
The Hook & Hunt University series continued with a dove hunt. Several individuals attended and were successful, taking home six doves! This outdoor education continued with the Hook & Hunt University Clay Shoot, which was a success. Many people, including several first-timers, tried clay shooting, making for a day of fun.
The seasonal monarch tagging efforts have been wrapped up, with a total of 150 monarchs tagged. Data is now being submitted to Monarch Watch, and the team awaits to see if any of the tagged butterflies are recovered during their migration.
The Friends of Conservation held a meeting at Starr’s Cave to discuss plans for the future of this group and what projects are up next on the list.
Coming in October
October is shaping up to be busy, starting with the Ladies Adventure Group: Archery & Hatchet Night at Starr’s Cave on October 9th from 5-6:30 PM. During this event women 18 and older will have the chance to try archery, throwing hatchets, tomahawks, and knives, all experience levels are welcome! This event is $5 to join; register here or by calling 319-753-5808.
Next up is Big Holloween on October 11th from 4:30–7:00 PM. This event includes hayrack rides through the campground, trick-or-treating among participating campers, and a costume contest kicking off at 6 PM. This is a free event open to the public. Before heading to Big Hollow, remember to swing by 34 Raceway for their free Track or Treat event from 2–4 PM!
The next Friends of DMCC Meeting will be on October 14th at 6:00 PM at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. This group supports conservation efforts in Des Moines County through specific projects and action. Anyone who is interested is invited to join in!
The Hook & Hunt University series continues with two hunting opportunities this month, in partnership with the Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter. The first is a Youth Pheasant Hunt on October 18th. This is an opportunity for young hunters to experience hunting in a safe and supportive environment. The day starts promptly with a mandatory safety meeting at 7:00 AM. This event is open to youth hunters who are Iowa residents, 15 years of age or younger. They must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is 18 years of age or older. While the youth hunter does not need a hunting license or stamps, the accompanying adult must have a valid hunting license and habitat stamp.
A week later, an All Ages Pheasant Hunt is offered on October 25th. For this event, participants will need to have completed their Hunter's Education course and possess all proper state licenses including a small game hunting license and a habitat fee stamp. Also, remember to wear blaze orange to ensure safety in the field. RSVP for either of these hunts here or by calling 319-753-5808.
Bids are currently being sought from mowing contractors to mow the parks; call 319-753-8260 for more details.
Field & Campground News
Landscaping is now complete around Starr’s Cave Nature Center, including the installation of a new flagpole, made possible through memorial funds donated in honor of Jim Garnjobst, a dedicated board member from 2012-2024.
A dock, dedicated as the Ron Wooldridge Memorial Dock, was placed at a pond at Big Hollow. Ron was a long-time supporter of county conservation and memorial funds donated in his honor built this dock at the park's most popular fishing pond.
A grant application has been submitted to purchase new boat docks for the Sullivan Slough and Tama Boat ramps. If successful, these new docks will feature three sections instead of two, allowing them to float with fluctuating water levels and reducing the labor needed to move them up and down the shoreline.
Additionally, a Forest Resiliency Grant and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant are being submitted to perform forestry work at Hunt Woods, Hickory Bend, Starr's Cave, and Big Hollow, per the established forest management plans already in place at these parks. If successful, the work will be contracted out and will include invasive species removal, tree plantings, and canopy thinning to improve forest health, species diversity, and resiliency. The required matching funds for these grants will be provided by proceeds received from past harvests.
Finally, for the camping community: the Welter Recreation Area campground will close on October 31st. However, Big Hollow and 4th Pumping Station campgrounds will remain open until temperatures drop below freezing, at which point the water will be shut off. Campers are welcome to continue staying at those campgrounds until (and if) they are forced to close due to snow. Reservations can be made online!
October is full of ways to connect with Des Moines County Conservation. Whether you plan to attend a Hook & Hunt University event, support the Friends of Conservation group, or simply enjoy fall at one of the parks, the team looks forward to seeing you out there!
published Sunday, October 5, 2025
