Public Programs

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. Program registration (if required) begins two weeks before the date the program is scheduled on unless otherwise noted. Our programs require that children under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Parent-Tot

Celebrate nature with your child (or niece, nephew, grandchild, etc.)! This program is for 2-4 year olds with adult accompaniment. There will be games, stories, a craft, and outdoor fun. Each PTP has a different topic and some past examples include butterflies, dinosaurs, autumn animals, insects, eggs, and nature in nursery rhymes.

Each PTP runs from 11 am – 1 pm on the designated Saturdays. The program begins with a picnic so be sure to bring a sack lunch and drink for you and your tot.

The PTP is held at Starr's Cave Nature Center. Pre-registration is required and accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Space is limited and slots fill quickly so we recommend you register as soon as possible!

Kids Ice Fishing Clinic

Learn about ice safety and how to ice fish. Each participant will receive an ice fishing pole to use at the ice fishing clinic and to take home with them afterward. Bait is provided.

This event is for kids under 18 with parent accompaniment. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of an ice fishing pole and supplies. The Clinic takes place on a Saturday in either January or February from 10 am – 12 pm. Registration is required for this event with a limit of 30 participants.

Eagle Watch

Learn about bald eagles and then join Des Moines County Conservation in counting them along the Mississippi River. This event begins at 10 am the Port of Burlington Welcome Center for a short bald eagle program and then participants caravan a short distance over to Illinois to Lock and Dam 18 to count bald eagles.

Des Moines County Conservation holds this event annually in conjunction with the Eagle Nature Foundation's Annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Count that has been going on for over 50 years. From Minnesota to Tennessee, volunteers will be counting eagles along the Mississippi and submitting their results to the Eagle Nature Foundation.

The event will last approximately 2 hours but participants may leave the group at anytime. Participants should plan on driving their own vehicles or carpooling with others. Birdwatchers will be given instruction in eagle identification and counting methods used for the survey. No bird counting experience is necessary to attend. Binoculars will be available for loan.

There is no fee or registration required. This program is for all ages. The Eagle Count always takes place the last Saturday in January from 10 am-12 pm. Dress warm as we'll be outside most of the time.

Owl Prowl

Enjoy the nighttime while listening for barred owls calling to each other during the mating season. The Prowl is held outside so be sure to dress for the weather.

This program takes place at Big Hollow Recreation Area on a weeknight in February. It is geared for older children and adults. There is no fee but registration is required.

Earth Day Cleanup

The Cleanup is organized by a group called "Keep Burlington Beautiful." Every year, hundreds of local volunteers meet at the Port of Burlington to be assigned an area of town to clean up. Volunteers are provided with a map of their area, gloves, and garbage sacks. After a morning of hard work, participants are invited back to the Port for a 'thank you' lunch for all their hard work. There are also giveaways and music entertainment.

The Earth Day cleanup takes place in April around Earth Day on a Saturday from 8 am – 12 pm. There is no preregistration and all ages are invited to attend.

Critter Catch

Come catch critters in Flint Creek at Starr's Cave Park & Preserve. If you have your own net, please bring it, otherwise we have some to lend. We'll help I.D. the critters you catch.

This event is for all ages, is free, does not require registration and is always on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend from 10 – 11 am. In the event that Flint Creek is too high, the Critter Catch will be cancelled.

Free Camping Weekend

Camp free in any Des Moines County Conservation park where camping is permitted. All camping fees are waived, even for electric campsites. This weekend coincides with the DNR's annual Free Fishing Weekend. FCW is always the first full weekend in June (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday).

Annual Fishing Derby

We'll provide the worms and prizes will be given for Biggest Fish and Most Fish in two children's ages categories. Don't have a fishing pole? That's okay, we have extras to lend. This event always coincides with the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend (applicable to Iowa residents only, all fishing regulations still apply) and DMCC's Free Camping Weekend.

The derby is geared for those under 18, there is no preregistration. In the past, the Derby has been held at Gahn Wildlife Refuge in West Burlington but was moved to Big Hollow Recreation Area in 2011 and will remain there in upcoming years. No preregistration required and there is no fee to participate.

Nature at Night

There's plenty to explore out in nature at sunset. Come to Starr's Cave Park and experience nature's nightlife with a Des Moines County Naturalist.

This free event is held on a weeknight in August from 7:30 – 8:30 pm and is open to all ages. No registration required.

Rock Climbing Wall

During the summer there are several afternoons where we open the rock climbing wall to the public (those ages 8 and up) under DMCC staff direction. Participants will learn how to climb a rock wall. Gear is provided.

Those under 18 must have an adult guardian sign a permission waiver. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. No experience is necessary as we'll show you the ropes! Cost is $3 to climb. No preregistration is required.

In addition to the days the climbing wall is open to the public, we are happy to schedule a climbing wall program for private groups of 7 or more. A climbing wall program must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Fees of $3 per person apply.

Other Public Programs & Events

In addition to the events listed above, we regularly offer other special one-time events or programs. The best way to find out about our upcoming events is through our Wild River Ramblings newsletter. You may sign up to receive the newsletter electronically by e-mailing the main office at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you do not readily have internet access, you may request to receive the newsletter through the US Postal Service by contacting our main office at (319) 753-8260.

REQUESTING AN EE PROGRAM FOR YOUR GROUP

Interested in having the EE staff present an environmental education program to your scout group, church group, day care center, nursing home, home school group, etc? We are happy to do so as long as you have at least five people in your group. Programs are free for in-county groups. For out of county groups we charge $1 per person plus mileage to the out of county location (if applicable). Additional fees may apply for programs such as the climbing wall and cross country skiing. If you cannot come to us, oftentimes we are able to present a program at your location.

Some examples of possible programs include guided hikes in our parks, the climbing wall, creek stomping, and other topics such as mammals, owls, insects, plants, the history of Starr's Cave Park, etc. Just be sure to call us at least two weeks before the date you wish to schedule your program. Please remember that we do fill up quickly so the sooner you schedule your program with us, the better your chances are on getting your preferred date. Please note that we require at least 5 participants to schedule a program.