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Wild River Ramblings - Summer 2010 Issue
Please Click Here for our Summer 2010 Issue

 Summer Calendar  of Activities

“First and third Friday nights of each month the Witte Observatory is open free to the public for viewing by the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club members.  The Witte Observatory Complex is located at Big Hollow Recreation Area, check the Des Moines County Conservation website for travel directions and further information.”  Witte Observatory  Viewing commences at dusk.

Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.  Parent-Tot Program, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Wednesday, August 4, 5:30 p.m.  Des Moines County Conservation Board meeting, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Monday, August 23, 5 p.m.  Hunter Safety begins, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Wednesday, September 1, 5:30 p.m.  Des Moines County Conservation Board meeting, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Monday, September, 6  Labor Day, Conservation office and Nature Center closed

Friday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.  Julie Loyd concert, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Saturday, September 11, 11 a.m.  Parent-Tot Program, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Saturday, September 18, 2 p.m.  Shooting Range Certification Course, Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Saturday, September 18, 9 a.m.  Gahn Wildlife Refuge Open House, Gahn Wildlife Refuge


Board Meeting Information
Meeting Date Agenda Minutes
August 2009 August 06, 2009 August 06, 2009
September 2008 September 02, 2009 September 02, 2009
October 2009 October 07, 2009 October 07, 2009
November 2009 November 04, 2009 November 04, 2009
December 2009 December 02, 2009 December 02, 2009
January 06, 2010 January 06, 2010 January 06, 2010
February 03, 2010 February 03, 2010 February 03, 2010
March 03, 2010 March 03, 2010 March 03, 2010
April 07, 2010 April 07, 2010 April 07, 2010
May 05, 2010 May 05, 2010 May 05, 2010
June 02, 2010 June 02, 2010 Meeting Cancelled
July 07, 2010 July 07, 2010  

   Hunter Education  

Residents and non-resident hunters born after January 01, 1972 must satisfactorily complete a hunter safety education course in order to obtain a hunting license.

Registration for upcoming Hunter Education classes will need to be completed online. Des Moines County Conservation will no longer be taking registration information at the office unless a student cannot get online to register.

To search for upcoming classes and to register, students will need to go to: www.iowadnr.gov/training

Students will be able to create a log in, enter all of personal info, and be registered for any upcoming class.

Questions?  Please contact Chris Lee, Natural Resource Manager at 319-752-5259 (office) or 319-572-1564 (cell).  Chris may be contacted by email at leec@co.des-monies.ia.us

Next Hunter Education Class Scheduled:  August 23, 25, 26 & 28th.  Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 5 - 9:00 p.m. at Starr's Cave Nature Center.  Saturday field class: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 Noon at Big Hollow Creek Recreation Area Shooting Range.  Cost for the Conservation Hunter Education Course is $5.00 per person. 

Shooting Range Certification Course

To use the Big Hollow ranges, you must attend our Range Certification Course.

Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November  09, 2010 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Classes are held at Starr's Cave Nature Center; no-preregistration required.  $25.00 individual or $30.00 family memberships.

                                        Summer Public Programs 

Pre-registration is not required except as noted. Fees are charged per person, to help offset the cost of program supplies.  All programs can be made fully accessible for the disabled; please call (319)753-5808 so that we can accommodate your special needs or to register for a program.

Mississippi River Clean-up
Saturday, August 7, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Port of Burlington
For all ages. Cost: free. Pre-registration required.
Join Chad Pregracke of the Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) crew to clean up trash along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Meet at the Port, then head out on LL&W work boats. Be sure to wear old clothes, close-toed shoes, and pants. A cookout will follow the cleanup. To register call (319) 753-5808.

Parent-Tot Programs

Celebrate nature with your child! This program is for 2-6 year olds with adult accompaniment. There will be games, stories, a craft, and outdoor fun. Each PTP runs from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Saturdays listed below. Program begins with a picnic so be sure to bring your own sack lunch! Meet at Starr’s Cave Nature Center. Registration required and accepted as early as 2 weeks in advance. Space is limited! Cost: $3. Call (319) 753- 5808.

July 31st - Birds
August 28th - Dinosaurs

Summer Concerts
All concerts are held at Starr’s Cave Nature Center with doors opening at 7 p.m. and concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $2 for youth 18 and under. Refreshments will be served at intermission.

Nothing Listed at this time.

All programs can be made fully accessible for the disabled. Please call (319) 753-5808 so we can accommodate your special needs or to register for a program.


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