Boone County Conservation

10/14/2026

We had a wonderful time hosting the 4th graders at Swede Point Park! It was great working with other organizations to give the students a fun day of outdoor learning and exploration. Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a success!

10/14/2026

The Boone County Conservation Board is hosting a Fall Wreath Workshop! Join us to make a fun fall craft using second-hand materials. Register on the My County Parks website or send an email to Naturalist Alaina to secure your spot. Link and email in the comments below.

10/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Hawk Watch this Saturday!

We had beautiful weather at both the Madrid Library and the High Trestle Trail, and thanks to our 162 participants, we were able to spot 10 different raptor species!

A big thank-you to all the organizations and partners who helped make this another successful Hawk Watch. We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to learn, observe, and celebrate these amazing birds with us.

We hope to see you all again next year!

10/10/2026

Look up—Hawk Watch is happening TODAY!
The skies above the Des Moines River are the place to be as migrating raptors head south for the season. Join experienced birders at the High Trestle Bridge and learn how to spot and identify the birds soaring overhead. Whether you’re an avid birder or have never picked up binoculars before, everyone is welcome!

Not able to make the trip to the bridge? No problem!
The Madrid Public Library will also be hosting Hawk Watch activities from 9 AM–12 PM, with fun and educational programming for bird lovers of all ages.

10/03/2026

Halloween fun is happening TODAY at Don Williams Campground! Join us from 4–7 PM for our 1st Annual Halloween Camper Decorating & Trick-or-Treat, with prizes for the top three decorated campsites! Then, from 7–7:45 PM, grab your flashlight and meet our naturalist at the Campground B playground for a family-friendly Spooky Halloween Hike. 🔦🌙 Due to the rain, hikers should be prepared for slick conditions and muddy trails and wear appropriate footwear. Come in costume and enjoy a spooktacular evening at the park!

10/02/2026

Boone County Conservation had a great time this week hosting Ogden Cross Country for the Ogden Invitational at Don Williams Recreation Area! Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and to everyone who came out to support the athletes.
We’re proud to have Don Williams Recreation Area serve as a gathering place for our local schools, families, and community.
Congratulations to all of the runners on a great meet, and thank you for helping make it such a fun event!

09/28/2026

High Trestle Hawk Watch — October 10th!

Start your morning at the Madrid Library from 9 AM–12 PM for three special educational programs focused on birds and nature.

Then head to the High Trestle Trail Overlook at 10 AM to watch migrating raptors as they make their way south.

Two great opportunities to learn, explore, and enjoy the fall migration!

Bring your family and join us on October 10th!

09/25/2026

EVENT CANCELED – NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

Due to the potential for thunderstorms tomorrow, along with the recent rain events and current wet ground conditions, the National Public Lands Day event at Swede Point Park scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, has been canceled. The safety of our volunteers, staff, and participants is our top priority.

Thank you to everyone who planned to join us, and we appreciate your understanding. We hope to see you out on the public lands for a future event!

09/12/2026

What if one afternoon could help shape the landscape for generations to come?
Join Boone County Conservation at Swede Point Park to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 26th at 10am with an Oak Tree Planting!

Oak trees are more than just beautiful, long-lived trees—they are a cornerstone of healthy woodland ecosystems. Oaks provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife, from birds and squirrels to insects.

By planting oak saplings today, we’re investing in the future of our public lands and helping create stronger, healthier habitats for generations to come!

09/11/2026

Boone County Conservation is incredibly grateful for the tremendous effort put forth by the Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, Iowa Prairie Network, and the many volunteers who came together for the field day at Violet’s Ridge Remnant Prairie.
The focus was on removing unwanted woody growth and invasive species that threaten the health and diversity of the prairie. The difference made in just one day was remarkable!
We are especially thankful to the Iowa Prairie Network for choosing Violet’s Ridge as the recipient of funds raised through their winter seminar silent auction. That support helped make it possible to bring additional people, tools, and resources to the site and accomplish restoration work that would have been difficult to tackle on our own.
There is something pretty special about watching people from different organizations and backgrounds come together with a common goal: taking care of the places that make Iowa unique. Yesterday was a wonderful example of that spirit.
To everyone who gave their time, expertise, equipment, funding, or simply came ready to work—we appreciate you more than we can say. Thank you for helping give Violet’s Ridge Prairie a brighter future!

🌾 What a day at Violets Ridge Prairie!

Today, four of our Iowa AmeriCorps crews joined an incredible group of partners for a restoration workday at Violets Ridge Prairie Remnant in Boone County — a rare prairie remnant preserved through dedication from Boone County Conservation, the Iowa Prairie Network, and the Iowa Native Plant Society.

CCMI was the recipient of this year's Iowa Prairie Network (IPN) silent auction proceeds, and IPN members had the opportunity to direct those funds toward hands-on habitat work — voting to select Violets Ridge from among five ecologically significant sites identified with help from Dr. Thomas Rosburg.

Our crews and partners spent the day clearing invasive woody material — tackling work that wouldn't have gotten done without this partnership.

We were also glad to welcome staff from Volunteer Iowa and John Hollinrake and Dustin VandeHoef from Senator Joni Ernst's office, who stopped by to see the work firsthand.

Huge thanks to everyone who made today possible. This is what conservation looks like when a community shows up for it. 💚

📍 Violets Ridge Prairie Remnant, Boone County, IA



Image Description: Group photo of CCMI Corpsmembers, staff, board, and partners wearing safety helmets and vests, standing and kneeling on a grassy field with trees in the background.