Dallas County Conservation Board

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Dallas County Conservation Board Protect, preserve, and enhance natural resources through education, recreation, and management.

In 1962, the people of Dallas County voted to authorize a Conservation Board with the purpose to acquire and develop museums, county parks, preserves, forests, wildlife, and other conservation resources; and to provide environmental programming, to cultivate citizenship and a conservation ethic. The Conservation Board sets policy and oversees the activities of the Conservation Department.

ONE WEEK OUT! Thursday, October 29  ~  from 5 PM to 6:30 PMTeens in Dallas County, Iowa ~ bring your friends and make a ...
10/22/2026

ONE WEEK OUT! Thursday, October 29 ~ from 5 PM to 6:30 PM
Teens in Dallas County, Iowa ~ bring your friends and make a difference! Volunteer to help Dallas County Conservation collect prairie seed at one of our Conservation Parks. Seeds collected will be used to restore or enhance refuge prairie lands throughout Dallas County, Iowa. Celebrate the harvest together afterwards with yummy S'mores!

Register here for event location updates:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-volunteer-nights-on-the-prairie-tickets-1999497992320?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

10/21/2026

Heads up! T Avenue (north of 310th Street) in Waukee will be closed to through traffic on Monday, October 26, for a water main installation. The road is slated to reopen at 5 p.m. the same day, weather permitting, following work completion.

Please travel with caution and follow posted signage for the safety of crews and fellow road users.

Learn more about this project notice: https://www.iceasb.org/roads/county/dallas/73828

RESCHEDULED FOR ONE WEEK OUT! Thursday, October 29  ~  from 5 PM to 6:30 PMTeens in Dallas County, Iowa ~ bring your fri...
10/21/2026

RESCHEDULED FOR ONE WEEK OUT!
Thursday, October 29 ~ from 5 PM to 6:30 PM
Teens in Dallas County, Iowa ~ bring your friends and make a difference! Volunteer to help Dallas County Conservation collect prairie seed at one of our Conservation Parks. Seeds collected will be used to restore or enhance refuge prairie lands throughout Dallas County, Iowa. Celebrate the harvest together afterwards with yummy S'mores! **This was originally scheduled for October 22, but has been rescheduled for October 29**

Register here for event location updates:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teen-volunteer-nights-on-the-prairie-tickets-1999497992320?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Forest Park Museum & ArboretumAdjusted WEEKDAY hours through Thursday, October 22Closing at 3:30 Monday-Thursday.
10/19/2026

Forest Park Museum & Arboretum
Adjusted WEEKDAY hours through Thursday, October 22
Closing at 3:30 Monday-Thursday.

Forest Park Museum & Arboretum ~ Perry, IowaTODAY ~ SUNDAY HOURS - 1pm to 4pm FREE ADMISSION🎭Interactive Exhibits & Disp...
10/18/2026

Forest Park Museum & Arboretum ~ Perry, Iowa
TODAY ~ SUNDAY HOURS - 1pm to 4pm
FREE ADMISSION
🎭Interactive Exhibits & Displays in 3 buildings
🏚 Historic Buildings to Walk Through
🌳Arboretum & Prairie Trails
Come enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon exploring at the Dallas County Iowa Forest Park Museum!

One Week Away ~ Saturday, October 24  ~  10 AM - 11 AMCOSTUME STORY TIME - Let’s get cozy! ✔Wear your favorite costume a...
10/17/2026

One Week Away ~ Saturday, October 24 ~ 10 AM - 11 AM
COSTUME STORY TIME - Let’s get cozy!
✔Wear your favorite costume and gather up for our popular Nature Story Time.
✔Bring your favorite blanket and pillow to get comfy for a children’s animal story.
✔Learn a little about the friendly featured critter character.
All ages are welcome - Admission is free!
The floor will be open for sitting, and chairs will also be available.
Visit our animal ambassadors, explore the museum, and walk the outdoor trails after the story!
LOCATION:
Forest Park Museum & Arboretum
14581 K Avenue Perry, Iowa
SIGN UP to let us know you're coming:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/costume-story-time-tickets-1999028148003?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Many often wonder exactly how and why leaves change color in the fall. A quick explanation is this: Seasonal shifts in d...
10/16/2026

Many often wonder exactly how and why leaves change color in the fall. A quick explanation is this: Seasonal shifts in daylight and temperature cause leaves to change color as trees prepare for the winter months. When nights grow long and days get short, cooler temperatures and the angle of the sun send a signal to trees to start conserving energy. That process starts slowing down production of green chlorophyll in the tree leaves, which allows other pigments present in the leaf – called carotenoids – to express themselves in yellow and orange. Then, anthocyanins that form in leaves only during autumn, show off their red and purple hues. Warm, sunny autumn days paired with cool, crisp but non-freezing nights create the most brilliant colors. Autumn colors peak in Iowa typically from about now through the end of October. Get out and enjoy some fresh air this weekend - the fall colors should be getting started! Visit mycountyparks.com to plan your outing around Dallas County Iowa and share your pictures with us in the comments below!

UPDATE: Friday Oct 16We are getting reports that the migration has slowed down this Friday afternoon. Our naturalists sa...
10/15/2026

UPDATE: Friday Oct 16
We are getting reports that the migration has slowed down this Friday afternoon. Our naturalists say it might happen again if we get more rain and cold. We will keep you updated.

Salamanders are starting their annual migration!
Thursday, October 15, 2026 a few have been spotted moving towards the wetland.

If you choose to handle the salamanders:
1) Make sure your hands are clean! Amphibians can absorb substances through their skin, so things like hand sanitizer, bug spray, or lotion can be damaging to their health.
2) Wet your hands with water before handling. Dry hands can pull or tear their fragile skin and disrupt their natural moisture.
3) If you pick up a salamander, gently return it to the side of the road it was crawling towards when you found it.
4) Do NOT remove salamanders from their habitat to take them anywhere else. These are native, wild animals that are special to this area.

Tips for vehicle drivers:
1) If you stop to view the salamanders, keep your car on the correct side of the road. If it's dark, put on your hazard lights so other vehicles see you. Also keep in mind there may be salamanders hidden along the grassy shoulder of the road.
2) Drive slowly! The salamanders will be moving across the road, and they can be tricky to spot if you are going too fast. There will also likely be increased traffic in the area during the migration. Stay aware and keep your eyes on the road.

We would love to see your pictures if your group spots a salamander! Share any pictures in the comments below!

Address

14581 K Avenue
Perry, IA
50220

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15154653577

Alerts

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