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Reminder: Complete Wellness Program Requirements by October 31.

Pottawattamie Conservation Events

Pottawattamie County Conservation is proud to offer a variety of affordable educational events for all ages year-round.

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Stay in the loop with the newest events and offerings at your county parks by subscribing to our e-newsletter.

Upcoming Events

HawkWatch Appreciation Days

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00am to 4:00pm
$5 Per Vehicle Entry Fee or Park Membership
All Ages

Learn more about Hitchcock HawkWatch and their vital raptor research, gather with fellow bird enthusiasts, and enjoy refreshments at the Loess Hills Lodge.

Event Information

Meander & Gander | A Mindfulness in Nature Program with Lindsay Knieper

Hitchcock Nature Center

Unfortunately, this program has been canceled. Please feel free to come out to the park and enjoy all the trails.

Lindsay will have another Meander and Gander program on January 10th

 

All participants must pre-register online. Walk-ins will not be accepted for this event. Thank you for understanding!

Meander along the trails of the lovely Loess Hills as we observe, reflect, and practice spaciousness. Autumn program themes include: Gratitude and Letting Go

Event Information

Cancelled

Why Leaves Change Color | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information

Bones and Blacklights | Unearthing Nature's Secrets in Skulls

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)

Saturday, October 18, 2025
6:30pm to 8:00pm
$5.00 per person
All Ages

Using only a blacklight to guide you, scavenge for hidden animal skulls as you learn how to identify animals by their cranium.

Event Information

Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
18+

Welcome to Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman. This event is for anyone who is interested in yoga, whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Event Information

Hitchcock Hike for Health Club

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, October 23, 2025
9:00am to 11:00am
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
16+

If you are looking to get in tune with your body, work up a sweat, and engage with the outdoors, then this is the club for you (especially if you have a big hike or camping trip coming up!).

Event Information Register Now

HawkWatch Appreciation Days

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:00am to 4:00pm
$5 Per Vehicle Entry Fee or Park Membership
All Ages

Learn more about Hitchcock HawkWatch and their vital raptor research, gather with fellow bird enthusiasts, and enjoy refreshments at the Loess Hills Lodge.

Event Information

6th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk with Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, October 25, 2025
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$10.00
Ages 16+

Join naturalist and student of folklore Dustin Clayton for a hike through the Halloween forest.

Event Information Register Now

Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman | Final Session

Hitchcock Nature Center

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership
18+

Welcome to Gentle Yoga with Katie Stratman. This event is for anyone who is interested in yoga, whether you are a beginner or experienced.

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | October

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, October 30, 2025 to Thursday, October 30, 2025
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with membership or $5 park entry permit
16+

Reviving the art of natured-focused storytelling.

Event Information Register Now

Bison Fest at Botna Bend

Botna Bend Park

Saturday, November 1, 2025
11:00am to 2:00pm
Free with $3/vehicle park entry or membership
All Ages

In honor of National Bison Day, come visit our bison herd out at Botna Bend Park and learn more about this magnificent species and the conservation efforts that help protect them.

Event Information

Archaeology Roadshow

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 8, 2025
1:00pm to 3:00pm
Free with membership or $5 park entry per vehicle
All Ages

Come explore the past with former Nebraska State Archaeologist, Rob Bozell!

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Chill Bugs-Winter Survival

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
10:00am to 11:30am
$5 per child
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Chill Bugs-Winter Survival

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per child
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Event Information Join Waitlist

Nature's Recyclers | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, November 15, 2025
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

The Hitchcock Experience Endurance Run

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 6, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025
12:00am
Varies per race
All Ages

Test your mental and physical fortitude during this 100-mile winter race in Iowa's Loess Hills.

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills AM | Naturally Musical

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, December 10, 2025
10:00am to 11:30am
$5 per child
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Event Information Register Now

Homeschool in the Hills PM | Naturally Musical

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, December 10, 2025
1:00pm to 2:30pm
$5 per child
Designed for Kindergarten through Early High School

Event Information Join Waitlist

Winter Survival Secrets | A Land Ethic Workshop

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 13, 2025
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 per person
14+

Explore nature and philosophy during this immersive program inspired by the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. Perfect for anyone who is looking to build their appreciation for the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Story Weaver | Festive Folktales

Hitchcock Nature Center

Thursday, December 18, 2025 to Thursday, December 18, 2025
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free with Park Admission
16+

Stories, poems, and songs shared in and about the natural world.

Event Information Register Now

Annual Winter Solstice Night Hike | With Dustin Clayton

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, December 20, 2025
5:00pm to 6:30pm
Free with $5/Vehicle Park Entry or Membership; Pre-registration required
Ages 5+ due to dark, uneven terrain

Join naturalist and student of folklore Dustin Clayton for this free winter solstice night hike along Fox Run Ridge trail.

Event Information Register Now

New Year's Eve Sunset Hike

Hitchcock Nature Center

Wednesday, December 31, 2025
4:30pm to 5:30pm
$5; Free for ages 3 and under
All ages

Celebrate the new year under an open sky with a guided hike in the beautiful Loess Hills.

Event Information Register Now

Meander & Gander | Simplicity & Turning Inward with Lindsay Knieper

Hitchcock Nature Center

Saturday, January 10, 2026
9:00am to 11:00am
$15 per person
16+

Take in the seasonal beauty of the Loess Hills as we observe, reflect, and practice spaciousness. Winter program theme: Simplicity & Turning Inward

Event Information Register Now

227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 328-5600
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