September 2025 Department Updates
As summer fades and fall begins, we’re keeping the momentum going with a lineup of programs to get you outside, learning new skills, and connecting with nature. Take a look back at the highlights from August and then mark your calendars for what’s coming up next!Jacklyn Wolken, Conservation Technician
Upcoming Programs
Twisted Cat Tournament Port of Burlington | September 6 at 7:00 AM
Cast your line and compete in this fun fishing tournament while enjoying a great day on the water. From noon to 3 PM, Des Moines County Conservation will host a booth with free activities for families and friends to enjoy while waiting at weigh-in.
Hook & Hunt University Dove Hunt Wapello | September 7 at 5:30 PM
Dove season is here! This guided hunt provides mentors for beginners, gear if needed, and a supportive environment to learn and grow. Hunters of all skill levels are welcome, whether you’re brand new or have years of experience. RSVP required: 319-753-5808.
All About Monarchs Big Hollow Hickory Shelter | September 14 at 11:00 AM
Discover the incredible journey of the Monarch Butterfly and learn how you can help support healthy pollinator habitats. You’ll also get the chance to participate in citizen science by tagging Monarchs before they continue south. A free, family-friendly program, no RSVP required.
Ladies Adventure Group: Monarch Tagging Huron Flats | September 16 at 9:30 AM
Join fellow women for a hands-on Monarch tagging session! Women 18 and older. Free event, pre-registration required.
Hook & Hunt University Clay Shoot Yarmouth Gun Club | September 18 at 6:00 PM
Ready, aim, fire! Join this event for an evening of clay shooting fun! Firearms and safety gear provided if needed. Open to adults and youth, beginners welcome. RSVP by September 16: 319-753-5808.
Great River Bridge Race Port of Burlington | September 20
Run across the Great River Bridge (it really is uphill both ways!) in support of Burlington Parks! Take part in a timed 5K or 10K or just sign up for the bridge walk. All proceeds support the Burlington Parks Department.
River Days LITE Burlington Riverfront | September 20 at 4:30 PM
Featuring your favorite rock covers brought to you by the local band Old Skool Overdrive, this FREE event will be your chance to party on the riverfront one more time! Purchase $20 raffle tickets for your chance to win your choice of a kayak, hunting shotgun, hunting bow, mountain bike, or $200 cash! All proceeds support the Partners for Conservation Foundation and will be used toward next year's Burlington River Days event. Even if you don't attend, you can get raffle tickets in Burlington at Starr's Cave Nature Center, Bickel's Cycling and Fitness, and Mitchell Arms and Outdoors, or at F6 Outdoors in Montrose.
Ladies Adventure Group: Wildflower Hike Big Hollow | September 24 at 5:00 PM
Take a guided stroll through Iowa’s late-summer wildflowers while connecting with other outdoor-loving women. Women 18 and older. Free, pre-registration required.
Hook & Hunt University Squirrel Hunt Scramble Gahn Recreation Area | September 28 at 8:00 AM
Learn the basics of squirrel hunting in a supportive, hands-on environment! Experienced hunters will mentor beginners, and gear is available if needed. RSVP required: 319-753-5808.
Ladies Adventure Group: Archery and Hatchets Starr’s Cave | October 9 at 5:00 PM
Ladies 18 and older, test your aim with archery, hatchets, tomahawks, and throwing knives. Perfect for beginners or experienced throwers. Women 18 and older. Cost is $5 and pre-registration required. All equipment provided.
August Highlights
Volunteer Appreciation
We celebrated our amazing volunteers with Des Moines County Conservation!
Volunteer of the Year: Jim Mahaffey for his work mowing Chautauqua Park and providing EMS services at several events, including the Youth Jamboree. He also spearheaded the creation of the EMS district in northern Des Moines County.
Volunteer Group of the Year: Flint River Archery Club for their work establishing the new archery range behind the Nature Center, which will be used for future camps and programs.
Environmental Educator of the Year: Cora Wickham for her programs telling the history of Starr’s Cave at both the Nature Center and the Historical Society.
Volunteer Group of the Year: Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness for contributions to biking programs, disc golf programs, and our annual fundraising banquet.
Volunteers make many projects and programs possible. Thank you to all of our volunteers!
New Handrails at Big Hollow Beach
Thanks to Afinitas in Mediapolis and the Mediapolis High School welding class for fabricating and installing new handrails at the Big Hollow Beach! This is a continuation of our efforts to make our parks more accessible for visitors.
Field Crew Work
All boat docks besides Hawkeye Dolbee are now out after a challenging season of fluctuating water levels. Hawkeye Dolbee’s dock will be out by the end of the week. Dock placement depends on current and projected river conditions, and this year’s fast-rising and prolonged high water prevented us from installing docks at a few ramps. Check out the stage requirements for each ramp here.
Erosion control is underway on the Flint River Trail using waterbars to stabilize switchbacks in between the Zion Schoolhouse and Hickory Bend section of trail.
At the Nature Center, the crew spread mulch, painted the entrance, and prepared a landscape wall for a new flagpole.
Starr’s Cave Nature Center Updates
Participants set up trail cameras at Gahn Recreation Area, the future site of many Hook & Hunt University events at the Gahn Trail Camera Day program.
Nearly 300 people explored Flint Creek during the Night Creek Stomp program!
22 women joined Naturalist Shania for an evening paddle to kick off the new Ladies Adventure Group. This group is open to women 18 and older. Check out the next events in this group here!
Landscaping improvements continue, focusing on restoring the pollinator patch at the front and sides of the building.
Monarch tagging season is in full swing, with 150 tags ready to track the migration south. So far we have tagged over 100 monarchs!
The bat monitor in Starr’s Cave was taken out after three months of data collection.
Fall field trips are open for booking, here’s the link to put in a request!
DMCC is preparing to host the Iowa Association of Naturalists (IAN) conference in Burlington next fall.
Don’t miss your chance to join in on these exciting upcoming programs! Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and discover something new with Des Moines County Conservation!
published Tuesday, August 26, 2025
