Buena Vista Co. Conservation events

Fall Fun Day

Join the Buena Vista County Conservation Staff for the annual Fall Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1-3 p.m. All the fun will take place in the Timber Ridge Campground at Buena Vista County Conservation Park.

There will be many different activities for families. Come trick-or-treating in the campground, take a hike on the nature trail and play games including: turtle racing, pumpkin bowling, ring toss and more. Witter Gallery is coming to face paint. There will be live animals and special guest Cassie Wendl. Cassie is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator. She will be here with her education crows and raven.

The hike will begin at 1 p.m., trail conditions permitting.

Games and trick-or-treating will be throughout the afternoon.

You may come in costume if you wish but please be prepared with appropriate shoes if you are planning to go on the hike.

This event is free of charge.

Buena Vista County Conservation Park is located two miles east of blacktop M27 on 440th Street/C13. The address is 355 440th St., Peterson.

Homeschool families invited to ‘Creepy Crawly Critters’

Buena Vista County Conservation is excited to welcome homeschool families of all ages for a hands-on adventure with Iowa’s slimy, slinky and sometimes stinky residents!

This program will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. at Buena Vista Conservation Park. Please pick and register for the session that works best for you.

Participants will discover how these “creepy crawlies” help keep our soil healthy, control pests and balance nature’s food web. Through live animal encounters, activities and (weather permitting) outdoor exploration, kids will learn that even the slimiest critters deserve our respect and curiosity.

Registration is required. To reserve your family’s spot,  visit www.mycountyparks.org and search for Buena Vista County - Events - Creepy Crawly Critters.

Note there will be two sessions offered, so look for “morning” or “afternoon” to make sure you’re signed up for your top choice.

Space is limited to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

All invited to collect native Iowa seeds

Buena Vista County Conservation invites nature enthusiasts to join a hands-on prairie adventure! Participants will step into the prairie, learn how to identify native seed heads, collect seeds responsibly and prepare them for planting in the spring.

This program will be offered on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 2-3 p.m. in the Prairie Restoration area in Buena Vista Conservation Park.

Together, we’ll explore the beauty of Iowa’s fall prairie, discuss how plants prepare for winter and discover how collected seeds can be used to restore and expand native habitats in the spring. Participants will gain practical skills in seed identification and collection while learning how prairie plants support pollinators, wildlife and soil health.

Registration is required. To reserve your family’s spot,  visit www.mycountyparks.org and search for Buena Vista County - Events - Seed Collecting.

Dress for the outdoors and bring a small container/paper bag for seed collection. Gardening or work gloves are recommended.

Please call 712-295-7985 with any questions about these conservation events.