Events and Activities : Benton County Conservation Calendar of Events Summer 2024

Registration for all events is required by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Benton.aspx unless otherwise stated.

Conservation Library Programs: Cicadas!
June 25th, 9:45AM at Van Horne Public Library (114 Main St, Van Horne, IA 52346)
July 23rd, 2PM at Atkins Public Library (480 3rd Ave, Atkins, IA 52206)
July 23rd 4PM at Newhall Public Library (109 Railroad St, Newhall, IA 52315)
August 13th,10AM at Vinton Public Library (510 2nd Ave, Vinton, IA 52349)

Water Wonders
June 25th, 1PM at Hannen Lake Park; Free
Learn about some of the critters that live in lakes, ponds, and streams of Iowa! Participants will have a chance to touch and learn about various water critters that are found right here in Iowa. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Campfire Talk: Nature at Night
June 28, 8:30-9:00PM at Rodgers Park - Enclosed Shelter; Free
Join the Naturalist Intern for a presentation about animals that you might have seen or heard at night. Learn about which animals are nocturnal and how they see at night, listen to animal calls, and test your own night vision. There is seating available but you are welcome to bring your own camp chair and/or blanket. If you have a headlamp/flashlight with a red light mode, feel free to bring it. No registration required.

Feeding Frenzy
July 9th, 1PM at Benton County Nature Center; Free
Have you ever been curious about how a snake eats? Or wanted to watch turtles munch down their food? Join us for the Nature Center Feeding Frenzy to view what our animal ambassadors eat and how they do it! No registration required.

Williamsburg Basket Class
July 11th, 9:30AM-3:30PM at Benton County Nature Center; $38/basket
Make your own 12" rim Williamsburg Basket! It is encouraged to bring snacks or a bagged lunch for this program. Registration is REQUIRED by emailing info@bentoncountyparks.com or call 319-472-4942.

Creek Stomp
July 12th, 10AM-11AM at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area (3139 57th Street Trail, Center Point, Iowa 52213); Free
Come explore the creek at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area! This program is suitable for all ages so bring the whole family! Participants must wear shoes and be prepared to get wet and dirty. Meet at the pavilion. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Campfire Talk: Iowa Adaptations
July 12, 8:00-9:00PM @ Hannen Lake - East shelter; Free
Join the Naturalist Intern for a presentation about animals and plants that are native to Iowa and meet an animal ambassador. Learn about the special adaptations they have to help them survive in their environment. There is seating available but you are welcome to bring your own camp chair and/or blanket. No Registration required.

Firefly Festival 2024
July 20th, 4:30PM-9:00PM at Benton County Nature Center; Free
Bring your family & friends out for a magical evening filled with fireflies, laughs, delicious food and beverages, games, art, firefly education, & live music from local artists! Local organizations attending this event include Tanager Place, Benton County Historical Society, 42 North Winery, Craivin' Shavin's Shaved Ice, Beast & Bird, Antonio's Mexican Grill and the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts. Follow our Facebook page for updates! Bring your own lawn chair and jar with a lid. No registration is required.

Wildlife of Irvine Prairie
August 7th, 10AM at Irvine Prairie (1174 55th Street, Dysart, IA); Free
Join a Naturalist and explore Irvine Prairie! We will be looking for animals, signs of animals and learning about plants! Dress to walk through tall grasses. No registration required. The driveway on the north is a private drive; please do not use it. Park on the south side of the road in the grass, near the stone marker. No registration required.

Toddler Time: Colors in Nature
August 9th, 10AM at Benton County Nature Center; Free
Our smallest nature explorers will observe their environment to search for as many colors as they can find. Participants will search outside the Nature Center to match colors to items in nature and then use crayons to make drawings or rubbings. This program is best suited for children ages 2-6. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Natural Inks & Dyes
August 10th, 10:00AM-11:30AM at Benton County Nature Center; $5/person
Come learn about and use natural inks and dyes. Participants will take a brief walk around the nature center to collect plants that can be used to make inks and dyes, learn about the process of making inks and dyes, and then have a chance to dye a canvas tote bag and paint with the inks. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Taste of the Wild Camp
August 15th, 9AM-2PM at Benton County Nature Center; $30/camper
Ever eaten cricket cookies or sipped sumac-ade? This camp is a day for "wild" snacks and a foraged lunch. This creative foods camp is for kids going into 3rd-5th grade. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Campfire Talk: Remarkable Reptiles
Aug 16, 7:30-8:00PM at Rodgers Park - Enclosed Shelter; Free
Join the Naturalist Intern for a presentation about reptiles native to Iowa and have the opportunity to meet a few of the animal ambassadors. There is seating available but you are welcome to bring your own camp chair and/or blanket. No registration required.