Public Programs/Events

Whether you love ice fishing or interested in learning more about it, join us on the ice at the Big Sioux Rec Area, just west of Hawarden. Bring a sack lunch or snacks and a bucket to sit on and we will provide the rest! We will pre-drill the holes, provide bait, poles and discuss the types of fish you may catch and equipment being used. There is no cost for this event, entry fee to the park is waved during the time of the program.

Those age 16 and over actively fishing must have a valid Iowa fishing license.

Registration will open approximately two months before event and ends 11:00pm the day before event. Please call our office for last minute sign ups 712-552-3057. Click Here to Register.

Want to learn more about owls, maybe even get the chance to see one up close? February is a great time for hearing owls during their courtship and egg-laying season. We start out in the Prairie Woods Nature Center in Oak Grove Park and present information about our Sioux County Owls and our visiting owls. After our presentation we hit the trails to try an call some Owls. It is important you dress warmly and bring a red flashlight- a normal flashlight covered with red cloth or cellophane works too.

** Woodbury County Conservation Board’s Harland the Barred Owl will make an appearance!**

Registration is appreciated. Registration opens approximately two months before event and closed at 11:59pm day before event. Please call our office 712-552-3057 for day of event registration.   Click here to register online.

Weather related cancellations will be aired on 93.9 FM.

Aldo Leopold is the author of this phenomenal short, 240 page read! We will gather to discuss his words in an open discussion while enjoying cookies and coffee. Instructor Ann Lundberg will facilitate this book discussion.

Ann Lundberg currently teaches at Dordt University and with the Creation Care Studies Program in Kaikoura, New Zealand; she specializes in environmental literature and nature writing. A native of Colorado, she has a Bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Wyoming and has spent several summers working as a Ranger with the National Park Service.

Pre-registration appreciated, click here to register. All ages welcome

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 Owls!

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 2:00pm. Pre-registration is appreciated. 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.

Morning session: 10:00am-11:00am
Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Attention animal and nature lovers ages 2 through 5! Our Wild Child Nature Series is a new 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.

Wild Child Nature Series will run the third Wednesday of the month during February, March and April.  Pre-registration required.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

Join the Sioux County Birding Club for this bird watching event. We will watch the nature center bird feeders, provide informational sessions, optional hiking opportunities (with snowshoes), and do it together! All bird nerds welcome, experienced and new! 7:30 start time

From Great Backyard Bird County Website, “Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.”

More information to come!

Goat milk is excellent for your skin. Handcrafted, pure and local is even better. Now you can experience the process of making your own goat milk soap at the Prairie Woods Nature Center, with instruction from the folks at the Big Red Barn near Sheldon! Choose from no scent or Apricot Freesia. Take some mini bars home that day! After goat milk soap making, we will be making vapor shower bombs and end the morning with Wild Game Soups.

$35, limited to 14 people. Register by clicking here. Pay at the door.

Do you have a fossil, artifact, or bone that you would like identified? Bring it to the Prairie Woods Nature Center and we will attempt to help you. Evan DeGroot, a local hobbyist from Sioux Center will be available with his collection and resources to share with you.

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 Beavers!

SELF is held every third Tuesday of the month at 9:30am and 2:00pm. Pre-registration is appreciated. 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.

Morning session: 10:00am-11:00am
Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Attention animal and nature lovers ages 2 through 5! Our Wild Child Nature Series is a new 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.

Wild Child Nature Series will run the third Wednesday of the month during February, March and April.  Pre-registration required.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

Morning session: 10:00am-11:00am
Afternoon session: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Attention animal and nature lovers ages 2 through 5! Our Wild Child Nature Series is a new 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.

Wild Child Nature Series will run the third Wednesday of the month during February, March and April.  Pre-registration required.  Click here to Register online,  **If it is the day of event, please call 712-552-3057 to check for availability and register.

Enjoy free basic instruction from local hobbyist, Donald Mulder of Sioux Center. This three-session course will cover everything from equipment, casting techniques, fly tying, knots, matching flies to fish, and presentation. Attend one, two or all sessions.

This is a hands-on course that will have you fly fishing on Oak Grove’s pond by the end of class! All sessions are geared towards teens and adults, although anyone is welcome. A current valid Iowa fishing license is needed for ages 16 and older for the fishing session.

Series Date: Thursday, April 28th 6-8pm; Saturday April 30 9:30am-2:30pm; Saturday May 7 from 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring a sack lunch and equipment if you have it. Limited to 20 attendees per session. Sign up online by clicking here.

Enjoy free basic instruction from local hobbyist, Donald Mulder of Sioux Center. This three-session course will cover everything from equipment, casting techniques, fly tying, knots, matching flies to fish, and presentation. Attend one, two or all sessions.

This is a hands-on course that will have you fly fishing on Oak Grove’s pond by the end of class! All sessions are geared towards teens and adults, although anyone is welcome. A current valid Iowa fishing license is needed for ages 16 and older for the fishing session.

Series Date: Thursday, April 28th 6-8pm; Saturday April 30 9:30am-2:30pm; Saturday May 7 from 9:30am-2:30pm. Bring a sack lunch and equipment if you have it. Limited to 20 attendees per session. Sign up online by clicking here.