Public Programs/Events

Sioux County Conservation Board offers several public programs throughout the year, many times partnering with other local organizations. Most public programs are free of charge though some do require a small fee. Our public programs are designed to encourage people to get outside and provide opportunities to try new skills. Pre-registration is sometimes required so please pay close attention to the event you wish to attend. Pre-registration for events is found on mycountyparks.org.

Interested in helping out with a public program? Please see our Volunteer page for information on how you can get involved.

Upcoming Events:

2023 Summer Camp Registration Opens
Monday, April 3, 2023
8:00 am


We love the great summer weather to get kids outside and connected to the great outdoors! Our EE team offers fantastic summer camps for ages 3-15. Each year we pick new topics so your child can come every year without repeating a camp! Camps are held in Oak Grove Park in the Prairie Woods Nature Center.

Click here for this years topics and dates!

General Times for Age Groups

  • 3-4 Day Camp with an adult 9:00-11:00am OR 1:00-4:00pm
  • 5-6 Summer Camp 9:00-noon OR 1:00pm-4:00pm – two consecutive days
  • 7-9 Summer Camp 9:00-2:00pm – two consecutive days
  • 10-12 Summer Camp 9:00-3:00pm – two consecutive days
  • 13-15 Summer Camp noon-9:30pm

Registration will be open starting 8:00 on Monday April 3rd.

Please go online at mycountyparks.com to register your camper(s).

 

SELF: Anthecology-the study of flowers and pollinators
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
All Day
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

Seniors, please 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 2023 theme is “Ology… the study of….”.

This month we will focus on Anthecology-the study of flowers and pollinators!

Morning session:10:00am
Afternoon sessions: 12:30pm & 2:30pm

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month. Please Call to register, 712-552-3057 extension 2!

Wild Child Nature Series- April
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
All Day
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

Attention animal and nature lovers ages 2 through 5! Our Wild Child Nature Series is a nature based experience that will get your child exploring, moving, playing, and using their senses. An adult is required to join the child(ren). No fee. Pre-registration required.

Monthly Topic: Wildlife is Everywhere
Morning session: 10:00am-11:00am
Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Click here to Register online. Registration will open approximately two months before date. **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

Fly Fishing and Tying with Donald Mulder (1 of 3)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

This three session course will cover everything from equipment, casting techniques, fly tying, knots, matching flies to fish and other short presentations. Sessions are geared toward teens and adults and will include time to actively fly fish at the Oak Grove Pond. A valid Iowa fishing license is required for any on e 16 and older to actively fish. Limited space, bring a lunch and equipment if you have it. Attend one or all sessions.

Sign up online by clicking here.
Series Date: Thursday, April 27th 6-8pm; Saturday April 29 9:30am-2:30pm; Saturday May 6 from 9:30am-2:30pm.
Fly Fishing and Tying with Donald Mulder (2 of 3)
Saturday, April 29, 2023
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

This three session course will cover everything from equipment, casting techniques, fly tying, knots, matching flies to fish and other short presentations. Sessions are geared toward teens and adults and will include time to actively fly fish at the Oak Grove Pond. A valid Iowa fishing license is required for any on e 16 and older to actively fish. Limited space, bring a lunch and equipment if you have it. Attend one or all sessions.

Sign up online by clicking here.
Series Date: Thursday, April 27th 6-8pm; Saturday April 29 9:30am-2:30pm; Saturday May 6 from 9:30am-2:30pm.
Fly Fishing and Tying with Donald Mulder (3 of 3)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

This three session course will cover everything from equipment, casting techniques, fly tying, knots, matching flies to fish and other short presentations. Sessions are geared toward teens and adults and will include time to actively fly fish at the Oak Grove Pond. A valid Iowa fishing license is required for any on e 16 and older to actively fish. Limited space, bring a lunch and equipment if you have it. Attend one or all sessions.

Sign up online by clicking here.
Series Date: Thursday, April 27th 6-8pm; Saturday April 29 9:30am-2:30pm; Saturday May 6 from 9:30am-2:30pm.
SELF: Phenology the study of seasonal phenomena
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
All Day
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

Seniors, please 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 2023 theme is “Ology… the study of….”.

This month we will focus on Phenology the study of seasonal phenomena!

Morning session:10:00am
Afternoon sessions: 12:30pm & 2:30pm

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month. Please Call to register, 712-552-3057 extension 2!

SELF: Paleontology the study of fossils
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
All Day
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

Seniors, please 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 2023 theme is “Ology… the study of….”.

This month we will focus on Paleontology the study of fossils!

Morning session:10:00am
Afternoon sessions: 12:30pm & 2:30pm

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month. Please Call to register, 712-552-3057 extension 2!

SELF: Snowflake Morphology the study of snow formation
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
All Day
Prairie Woods Nature Center, Hawarden IA

Seniors, please 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 2023 theme is “Ology… the study of….”.

This month we will focus on Snowflake Morphology the study of snow formation

Morning session:10:00am
Afternoon sessions: 12:30pm & 2:30pm

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month. Please Call to register, 712-552-3057 extension 2!