Public Programs

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 11 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 11. Registration numbers helps determine amounts for bait and prizes that are sometime provided by local supporters.

SELF will look a little different this month, given the circumstances. But we can not wait to see you again! We have come up with both a contact and no contact version program for you to enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle! You will drive a loop making several stops. The loop will take around 30  minutes for each vehicle to complete. Volunteers will be stationed starting at 9:00, so feel free to come whenever-like an open house. If there is no line we will get you going, otherwise we ask you wait patiently and converse with those in your vehicle.

The following are your two options for the July Flower Drive By Tour. 

Option #1 No Contact– Leave your windows up at each stop and either read the description provided to follow along or use the izi.travel app for a full Audio Tour. Volunteers will simply walk around your vehicle at each stop with the featured flower for your viewing pleasure.

The App: The izi.Travel app is a free app you can download to your smart phone. It will need access to your location while you are using the app, as well as your camera. You are welcome to download the app prior to attending but we will have wifi available and a Tech. Helper ready to assist you if you want this option. THE APP IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE PROGRAM, IT IS JUST ONE OF THE OPTIONS YOU CAN USE.

Option #2 Minimal Contact– Roll your windows down at each stop to listen to the volunteer’s short presentation. Volunteers will walk around showing you the featured plant and field any questions the best they can! You can still use the provided pamphlet to follow along.

*If raining, program will be postponed to Wednesday, July 22 from 9:00-11:00am. Changes will be made here and Facebook, and aired on KDCR 88.5 and KSOU 93.9.

Pre-registration is not required but appreciated. Register by clicking here.

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.We are welcoming trick shooter, Aaron Gould, back to the event. If you haven’t seen his show, you MUST COME! A one handed push up while shooting a clay? That’s small stuff! 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, and giveaways. This event would not be possible without our partnership with Sioux Prairie Pheasant Forever Chapter, Rock Valley Gun Club and the Iowa DNR. Walk-ins welcome until event is full.

Weather related cancellations will be aired on 93.9 FM.

Registration is available by clicking here. (open approximately two months prior to event)

The Iowa hunter education class is offered annually in August to those ages 11 and over that wish to obtain and Iowa hunting license. Those interested in attend the course must register online, registration will open approximately two months prior to event.  After you are registered for class, you will receive an email with review questions that must be completed and returned during class. The day starts off with a review of the lessons found in the hunter education guide and law talk by local DNR. The afternoon is where the shooting skills are taught and reinforced including: trap shooting, archery, rifle shooting, proper hunting technique, fence crossing, and zones of fire.  Day concludes with the final test. Participants must bring own snacks and lunch, supper meal is provided. No personal firearms allowed.  Must attend full class.

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

Seniors! Looking for a great place to gather with friends? The Prairie Woods Nature Center will host Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship, SELF, ever third Tuesday of the month. Coffee, treats and fellowship will follow a short presentation. Each month we will explore a different area of the natural world. Join us every third Tuesday of the month, 9:30-10:30 and we promise you will enjoy your-SELF!

Each month of 2020 we will focus on a different exhibit in the Prairie Woods Nature Center!

August: Water Quality

Pre-registration is not required but appreciated. Register by clicking here.

Seniors! Looking for a great place to gather with friends? The Prairie Woods Nature Center will host Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship, SELF, ever third Tuesday of the month. Coffee, treats and fellowship will follow a short presentation. Each month we will explore a different area of the natural world. Join us every third Tuesday of the month, 2:00-3:00pm and we promise you will enjoy your-SELF!

Each month of 2020 we will focus on a different exhibit in the Prairie Woods Nature Center!

August: Water Quality

Pre-registration is not required but appreciated. Register by clicking here.

Join us Saturday morning with the family to learn about monarch migration to Mexico. We will have an overview of Monarchs and their anatomy, their migration pattern, how and why we tag them.

There is no cost for event, we have a limited number of nets for use. If you have your own net bring it along.

Indoor program planned if raining.

Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated. Please register by clicking here.