Public Programs/Events

Do you want to be an insect? What would your gigantic world be like? Where would you live, hide, eat, lay eggs? Lets explore the trails at Oak Grove Park with entomologist and Dordt professor, Jeremy Hummel. Meet at the Nature Center to start. We will be armed with nets and Ziploc bags for a catch and release hike. The trail is not stroller friendly, you will need bug spray, sunscreen and water bottle. Indoor program if raining.

Pre-registration is appreciated. Click here to register. 

This fun filled day is made possible by our partnership with 4-H Extension Office and Sioux County Sportsman’s Club (SCSC). The day runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Sandy Hollow Recreation Area. Participates register for one of seven different tracks with different session and are paired with their leaders for the day. Sessions in the past have included: hiking, canoeing and kayaking, archery, outdoor cooking, air rifles, shotgun shooting, duck hunting, fly fishing and much more! Ages 8 and younger must have an adult present. Registration is required and will open approximately two months prior to event; first 270 kids will be accepted. This event is absolutely free! Lunch and prizes are provided by the SCSC.

Weather related cancellations will be aired on 93.9 FM.

Approximately two months prior to event,  you can register with the 4-H Extension Office on their website.

We partner with Sioux County Sportsman’s Club (SCSC) for this fishing clinic at SCCB Sandy Hollow Area just East of Sioux Center off B40. The morning is filled with fishing instruction, fishing, contest in casting as well as most fish caught and biggest fish caught. Prizes, giveaways and lunch is provided by the SCSC.  All ages are welcome, those of 8 years and younger must have an adult present. Those of 16 years and older must have a valid Iowa fishing license if they wish to fish. Fishing poles are provided by SCCB and bait and lunch is provided by SCSC.  Registration is required and will open approximately two months prior to event.

Weather related cancellations will be aired on 93.9 FM.

Approximately two months prior to event you can register HERE.

Morning session: 9:30-10:30am
Afternoon session: 2:00-3:00pm

Join us for Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship (SELF) each month, we promise you will enjoy your-SELF! Enjoy coffee, treats, fellowship and a short presentation. Our 2022 theme is “Creature Feature”.

This month we will focus on Bison!

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 2:00pm. Call or register online through mycountyparks.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

This class will teach you how to create works of art with gourds while enjoying the view from the Prairie Woods Nature Center in Oak Grove Park! Instructor Dave Oppegard will provide all instruction and supplies to make a beautiful southwest style gourd bowl. Gourds are supplied.

This class is limited to 10 people ages teen through adult and cost is $20 per person to be paid at the door.

Please bring your own sack lunch and snacks. No red liquid allowed.

Sign up by clicking here. For questions call 712-552-3057.

We partner with City of Rock Valley for this fishing clinic at Rivers Bend Campground, just North West of Rock Valley. All ages are welcome, ages 8 and under must have an adult present. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN FISHING POLE IF YOU HAVE ONE. Limited supplies will be available. Bait will be available. Those 16 years of age and older must have valid Iowa Fishing license to actively fish.  Phone in pre-registration is required please call 712/476-6065 after June 1 to register. No cost, entrance fee waived to participants during program.

Pre-registration is required so please call Rivers Bend Campground at 712-476-6065 after June 1. Registration numbers helps determine amounts for bait and prizes that are sometime provided by local supporters.

Morning session: 9:30-10:30am
Afternoon session: 2:00-3:00pm

Join us for Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship (SELF) each month, we promise you will enjoy your-SELF! Enjoy coffee, treats, fellowship and a short presentation. Our 2022 theme is “Creature Feature”.

This month we will focus on Woodpeckers!

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 2:00pm. Call or register online through mycountyparks.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

Looking for a fun family night before you head back to school? Ringneck Rendezvous is your event! This event is held at the Rock Valley Gun club just West out of Rock Valley. Those of 5-8 years must have an adult present. All adults welcome. Doors open at 4:00 pm and participants are invited to play games and participate in activities for booth prizes until 6:30 pm. We try to add new booths each year but past booths have featured: Outdoor Minute to Win It games, BB guns, trap shooting(ages 12 and over), archery, wrist rockets, ring toss, seed balls, dog training, scavenger hunt and several more! Following the closing of the booths, booth prizes will be drawn for. Our evening program will feature one of the Gould Brothers! After our evening program we draw for door prizes that have been sponsored by local businesses.

Please preregister for this event, registration will open approximately two months prior to event. The cost of this event is $10 to cover supper meal. This event would not be possible without our partnership with Sioux Prairie Pheasant Forever Chapter, Rock Valley Gun Club, Iowa DNR, and many local business and individual sponsors.

Weather related cancellations will be aired on 93.9 FM.

Registration is available by clicking here. 

All ages 11 and over are invited to join us for our annual Hunter Safety Education Course, August 10, at the Prairie Woods Nature Center from 9am-7pm. Must register at www.gooutdoorsiowa.com. During registration you will receive a link with the review questions to complete and bring to class. Class will cover firearm safety, hunting ethics, first aid, hunting laws, and more. We will also shoot archery, shotgun and rifle. Students need a sack lunch and snacks, supper provided.

Register will open approximately two months prior to event. Register by clicking here.

Morning session: 9:30-10:30am
Afternoon session: 2:00-3:00pm

Join us for Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship (SELF) each month, we promise you will enjoy your-SELF! Enjoy coffee, treats, fellowship and a short presentation. Our 2022 theme is “Creature Feature”.

This month we will focus on Turtles!

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 2:00pm. Call or register online through mycountyparks.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.