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Buena Vista County Conservation is excited to offer a new Biome Exploration Series this summer, inviting youth to discover the incredible variety of ecosystems found around the world. Each week will highlight a different biome through hands‑on activities, outdoor exploration, science experiments and creative projects.
Participants will learn how plants and animals survive in unique environments — from oceans and rainforests to deserts, grasslands and even the icy extremes of Antarctica. The series is designed to spark curiosity, build ecological understanding, and connect students with the natural world in memorable, meaningful ways.
Join us to continue this series on Wednesday, July 8, from 10 a.m.-noon at Storm Lake Marina and walk the path less traveled through the temperate forest to learn about the big and small creatures who call it home. This program is geared towards elementary aged students, but younger children are welcome to attend with a parent. Storm Lake Marina is located at 207 West Marina Road, Storm Lake.
Registration for this program is due Tuesday, July 7. Weekly themes, age groups and registration information is available online at Events for MyCountyParks.com.
Take a naturalist guided hike with your pup and see what’s blooming on the trails at Buena Vista County Conservation Park.
Barks and Blooms will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 1 p.m. Meet at the Buena Vista County Conservation office at 377 440th St., Peterson.
Dogs must be on a six-foot leash, friendly with other dogs, kept under control by their handler and have proof of rabies vaccination to participate.
Registration is required for the event. Call the Conservation Office at 712-295-7985 by Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. This program can be cancelled due to inclement weather or lack of participants.
Naturalist Lunch Box is held at noon on select Fridays in the summer at Storm Lake Marina. Pack a lunch and join the fun! Naturalist Lunch Box is designed for all ages. The naturalist will present a short program on a selected topic and have hands on activities for younger audience members.
Friday, July 10 at 12 p.m. will be the next Naturalist Lunchbox program. The topic for this week is fossils. Join us to learn all about fossils and have the opportunity to break open your very own fossil to take home.
If you plan on attending, please let the Conservation Office know by Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m. by calling 712-295-7985. This program can be cancelled due to inclement weather or lack of participants.
Be ready to take flight with woodpeckers and fireflies after making some Dutch Oven pizzas. The second Nature Night will be Friday, July 10, at the South Area of Buena Vista County Conservation Park.
The evening starts will making Dutch Oven pizzas at 6 p.m. Come hungry and ready to create your own pizza, bake it over a campfire and then enjoy the delicious results.
The woodpeckers that live in Iowa will be the focus during the second portion of the program, starting at 7:30 p.m. Participants will join in a woodland hike to look and listen for woodpeckers and other birds.
After the hike, participants will gather back at the South Shelter House for a firefly frolic to hunt for these glowing beetles at 8:30 p.m.
Reserve your spot by calling the Conservation Office at 712-295-7985 by Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m. This program can be cancelled due to inclement weather or lack of participants.
Come out to Gabrielson Park between 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, for an afternoon of fun activities. The naturalist will be on sight with all the supplies you need to go fishing as well as different activities and games to play.
We will have supplies for a make and take-home craft as well as snacks. Stop by for a bit or stay for the whole two hours. These activities are free of charge and designed for children ages two to 12. We ask that a parent or guardian stays with the child(ren).
We do require reservations by Monday, July 13. To RSVP, contact the Conservation Office at 712-295-7985. We will meet at the Gabrielson shelter house near Sioux Rapids.
This event can be cancelled due to inclement weather or lack of participants.
The Buena Vista County Conservation Board is celebrating World Snake Day on Thursday, July 16. The event will be held at Storm Lake Marina from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and is come and go.
Stop out to meet the education ambassador snakes, make a craft and participate in snake-themed activities. Both events are free of charge. No registration is required.
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