Dubuque County Conservation

10/20/2026

Have questions about the Land & Water Legacy Bond on the November 3 ballot?

Dubuque County voters will have the opportunity to consider the proposed Dubuque County Conservation Land & Water Legacy Bond on November 3.

If approved, the proposed $18 million bond would support projects focused on water quality, land conservation, parks, and trails throughout Dubuque County.

Dubuque County Conservation is hosting two additional public open houses where community members can learn more about the proposal, review information, and ask questions.

📍 **Cascade Public Library**
October 22 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

📍 **Dyersville Public Library**
October 27 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

These open houses are an opportunity to learn more about the proposal ahead of Election Day.

For additional information, visit the Dubuque County Conservation Land & Water Legacy Bond webpage: https://dubuquecountyiowa.gov/574/Land-and-Water-Legacy

10/17/2026

What programs would you like to see next ?!

10/08/2026

This is the part of Mowing to Monarchs that we love most.

These Kennedy Elementary students are exploring a pocket prairie right outside their school looking closely at the plants, insects and all the little details that make this space come alive.

And that prairie is part of something bigger.

It was installed and is maintained by volunteers, with plants supported through private donations and Sustainable Dubuque funding. It’s a great reminder that nature starts in your yard. From there, it can grow into our neighborhoods, city parks, schools, county conservation areas, state parks and national parks.

This is where it starts: giving people a little more nature right where they live, learn and spend their time.

And the good news? It’s not too late to be part of Mowing to Monarchs! It’s Free!

+Join us at EB Lyons this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to learn more
+Apply to create a pocket prairie in your own yard
+Or consider bringing the program to your school

You don’t need acres of land to make a difference. Sometimes it starts with a little patch of prairie.

10/06/2026

What could you grow where you're currently mowing?

Our last Mowing to Monarchs workshop of the year is coming up, and this is a great opportunity to learn what the program is all about!

Saturday, October 10 at 10:30 AM
📍 EB Lyons Nature Center

If you live in Dubuque County and have a spot in your yard that you're tired of mowing, bring a couple photos of the area you'd like to transform. We'll help you start thinking about what could grow there.

We're looking for spaces that are:
+ Currently mowed and maintained
+ Roughly 100 square feet
+ Full sun or partial shade
+ A place where you'd like to create a little pollinator oasis or a pocket of prairie

And don't worry if you don't know what plants will work. We've got you covered.

Mowing to Monarchs provides native plants, personalized coaching, and ongoing support as you make the transition from yard to prairie. Whether your space needs tall plants, short plants, sun-loving plants or plants that can handle some shade, we'll help you find the right fit.

The pocket prairies in these photos are all growing in Dubuque County yards. They're proof that you don't need acres of land to create meaningful habitat. You just need a little space and a willingness to let something new grow.

Interested in joining Mowing to Monarchs? Apply now: https://www.dubuquecountyiowa.gov/FormCenter/Conservation-4/Mowing-to-Monarchs-202627-91

Not sure if it's for you? Come to the workshop and see what the program is all about. Bring your yard photos and your questions!

📅 October 10 | 10:30 AM
📍 EB Lyons Nature Center

This is our last workshop of the year, so don't miss your chance to learn more!

10/05/2026

Experience the Heritage Trail in a whole new way this fall!

The weather is looking great for Thursday, and we’d love to get more people out to experience the Heritage Trail by wagon!

Join Dubuque County Conservation staff for a 90–120 minute guided wagon ride through the Heritage Trail corridor. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the railroad, mining and mill towns, communities, and natural features that helped shape this unique landscape.

The ride is geared toward, but not limited to, outdoor enthusiasts with limited mobility. The wagon has three steps with a railing for boarding as well as a gradual incline ramp.

📅Thursday, October 8
🕘 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM
📍 Heritage Trail Twin Springs Access
Asbury Road, Durango

Come enjoy the fall colors, learn a little Heritage Trail history, and experience this beautiful landscape from a different perspective. Know someone who might enjoy this but has difficulty walking or biking the trail? Please share this post with them! Registration is required. https://www.facebook.com/share/1C1KBzexnH/

09/29/2026

Looking for a Halloween activity that’s actually fun for the whole family? Wicked or Wild? Halloween Hike is coming up—and we still have spots available!

Join us Friday, October 9 at EB Lyons Interpretive Center for an evening of Halloween fun that’s family-friendly, educational, and just the right amount of spooky.

+Costumes are welcome!
+S’mores & hot chocolate after your hike
+ Entertaining characters along the trail
+ A NEW stroller-friendly session at 5:30 PM
+ $5 per person | Kids under 3 are FREE

Choose from one of several 15-minute departure times between 5:30–7:30 PM.

The 5:30 PM session will follow the paved Alice and Butler Trail and is accessible for strollers.

Sessions 2–6 will take place on a natural trail behind the EB Lyons Interpretive Center and are not stroller-friendly, so plan accordingly for little ones.

This is a great way to get outside, enjoy the fall evening, meet some entertaining characters, and celebrate Halloween without the haunted-house scare factor.

Registration and prepayment are required, and spots are limited.

Register now before your preferred session fills!

📅 October 9 | 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 EB Lyons Interpretive Center, Mines of Spain

Proceeds help cover costumes and supplies for our volunteer actors.

Which session will you choose—Wicked or Wild?

09/29/2026

Come learn more about the Land and Water Legacy Bond by joining in on the Open House at the Swiss Valley Nature Center 10/6 from 6-7:30 PM! For more information visit our website: https://dubuquecountyiowa.gov/574/Land-and-Water-Legacy

Dubuque County supervisors, conservation leaders talk $18 million bond (LINK IN COMMENTS)

09/27/2026

Fall is calling at Swiss Valley!

There’s something pretty great about a crisp fall day in the preserveand today is looking like a beautiful one. The first signs of fall are starting to show, making it the perfect time to gather with friends, enjoy a warm meal, and spend some time outside.

Join us for the annual Fall Festival at Swiss Valley Preserve! Come hungry for a lunch of chili, hot dogs, desserts, and drinks, then stick around for an afternoon of fall fun:

+Paint a pumpkin
+ Try your hand at fall crafts
+ Play yard games
+ Take a wagon ride through Swiss Valley Preserve
+ Enjoy the changing trails and good company

Lunch is a free-will donation, and 100% of the proceeds support conservation.

The Friends of Dubuque County Conservation is a nonprofit organization that supports the work and programs of the Dubuque County Conservation Board. Their support helps bring outdoor experiences and programs to our community, including free snowshoe rentals, maple syruping, kayaks, stargazing programs, candlelight night hikes, track chairs, trail races, the famous Black Friday Gnome Hunt, and more.

So when you enjoy lunch at the Fall Festival, you're helping support opportunities for people to get outside, experience nature, and connect with their local conservation areas. And we're keeping the event a little more sustainable bring your own dinnerware if you can!

Come enjoy one of the best things about living in the Midwest: a new season to get outside and enjoy.

📍 Swiss Valley Preserve
Today!

Bring the family, bring your appetite, and come enjoy a fall day with us.

09/24/2026

Teens Take C.A.A.R.E. — Make a Difference. Take Action.

Are you a high school student who loves the outdoors, wildlife, water, or just wants to make a difference in your community? Teens Take C.A.A.R.E. is a new opportunity for Dubuque-area high school students to get hands-on with conservation and learn what it takes to protect the Mississippi River and the places that depend on it.
C.A.A.R.E. stands for Conservation Action Through Advocacy, Research & Engagement.

Through the program, students will have opportunities to:
+Get involved in hands-on conservation projects
+Explore river and habitat field work
+ Learn about wildlife conservation
+Build leadership and advocacy skills
+Meet and learn from conservation professionals

The group will meet every other Wednesday from 5–7 PM, beginning September 30, at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium or other nearby locations.

All area high school students are welcome! Ready to take action?
📧 Email [email protected] to get started.

A great way to spend a few hours every other week learning about the places around us, meeting other students who care about the outdoors, and doing something about it.