Public Programs

Have you ever wished you could ask an expert about bees or beekeeping? Now is your chance! Sioux County Conservation is hosting bee expert and master beekeeper Dr. Bajema at the Prairie Woods Nature Center in Oak Grove.

Dr. Bajema has been beekeeping for 44+ years, and will give a hands-on presentation on all things Bees! The presentation is geared for kids and adults who know nothing about bees and for those of you who have some experience! After the main presentation, there will be a time of sharing and learning about bees with ample time for everyone to ask questions!

Minimum participation is required to host program. Therefore, register is required on mycountyparks.com.

Event cancellations will be posted online, Facebook and aired on 93.9 FM.

Join us in welcoming local historian, Duane Jundt, for a presentation on our nation’s greatest president, Theodore Roosevelt. We will learn about this forerunner of a hunter-naturalist and how he acted to save the American landscape, forests and birds at the start of the 20th century. We will explore how this legendary figure from our past remains very relevant today.

Let’s gather to recognize this important part of history as we celebrate Earth Day 2020.

Pre-registration not required but appreciated at mycountyparks.org.

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!

April’s Topic: Spring Wildflowers

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!

April’s Topic: Spring Wildflowers

Through this writing workshop attendees will improve their writing ability to perceive the natural world and to reflect on the meanings found in nature. Participants will learn through a series of short presentations, outdoor and indoor writing exercises, and group discussions.

Sioux County Conservation will be hosting Ann Lundberg is a Professor of English at Northwestern College. She specializes in environmental and nature writing as taught for the Creation Care Studies Program in Kaikoura, New Zealand. 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 required, only 15 spots open. $10 fee to be paid at door.

After registration, a selection of readings will be emailed to participants to complete in advance.

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!

May Topic: Ecological Relationships

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!

May Topic: Ecological Relationships

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

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.

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 Oak Grove Park. 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 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!

June: Insects of the Prairie

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!

June: Insects of the Prairie

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

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, on Saturday June 20th at 2:30 pm. 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.

Pre-registration will be available approximately two months before event here.

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. Fishing poles and bait will be available, or bring your own lucky fishing pole along. 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 lunch, bait and prizes that are sometime provided by local supporters.

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!

July: Prairie Flowers

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!

July: Prairie Flowers

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.