Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, programs will have limited numbers. We will try to keep this page and social media updated, but please e-mail naturecenter@dickinsoncountyiowa.govcreate new email to check the status of any program you are unsure about.

Our

programs

Click here for online registration

2021 program schedule

Special events Summer camps Nature Tots Nature Explorers Nature Playdate Family Nature Night Adult Kayaking Birding on the Green No School Day Camps Stories, Songs & Games at Westport Schoolhouse Storytime with a Naturalist

Special events

Spirit Lake Massacre caravan tour
9 a.m. June 3
10 a.m. June 5

Visit sites from the Spirit Lake Massacre. Maximum of five cars per tour, so call 712-336-6352 to pre-register.

Dee's Bee & Butterfly Festival
Sept. 3

Dickinson County Conservation's largest event of the year celebrates pollinators with butterfly tagging, crafts, activities, entertainment and more!

Howlin' Halloween
Oct. 29

Bring the kids to the nature center for holiday fun and trick or treating inside!

Summer camps

Dr. Seuss-themed camps

My Oh My --- a Butterfly! camp (Preschool)
9-11:30 a.m. June 14-15

Explore the world of pollinators at the Dickinson County Nature Center. $25 per camper.

*Maximum 15 campers

Fine Feathered Friends camp (TK-Kindergarten)
9-11:30 a.m. June 17-18

Learn all about birds during this youth camp. $25 per camper.

*Maximum 15 campers

Oh Say, Can You Say Di-no-saur? camp (First-second grade)
9-11:30 a.m. June 21-22

Explore a prehistoric world of giants. $25 per camper.

*Maximum 15 campers

The Lorax camp (Third-fourth grade)
9-11:30 a.m. June 28-29

Learn how you can make a difference by advocating for nature. $25 per camper.

*Maximum 15 campers

Camp registration begins online April 1. Child should be entering grade specified in fall 2021.

Partner camps

With ISU Extension: Constellation Camp
June 11, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
For students entering 4th through 6th grade in fall of 2021.

With Kindermusik & the Art Center
July 19-22
More information coming soon.

Nature Tots

Second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. of each month for ages 2-5. Call 712-336-6352 to pre-register for this free program.

Additional 9 a.m. programs added June-August

January 12 and 13: Happy Birthday Isaac Newton- Science theme
February 9 and 10:Captain Green and the Plastic Scene
March 9 and 10: Snakes
April 13 and 14: Earth Day Birthday
May 11 and 12: Everybody does it
June 8 and 9: Bunnies
July 13 and 14: Colors in Nature
August 10 and 11:Mud Fun
September 7 and 8: Leaves
October 12 and 13:Hedgehogs
November 9 and 10:What do you with a tail like that
December 7 and 8: Alphabet Animals

Nature Explorers

Nature Playdate

New in 2021: Nature Playdate

The playdate will be hosted in the Playscape from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For parents of children 5 plus- they can drop off and pick up in Playscape. For children under 5 parents must stay.

Playdate will only be held in Playscape area. We will not be going inside. No cost or RSVP required

Playdates will be hosted:
June 2nd
June 9th
June 16th
June 23rd
June 30th
July 7th
July 14th
July 21st
July 28th
August 4th
August 11th
August 18th

Family Nature Night

5 p.m. and 7 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month for all ages. Call 712-336-6352 to pre-register your family for this free program.

January 22: Enchanting Animals
February 26: Polar Bear Pajama Party
March 26: Bi-Lingual Story- I Know the River Loves me
April 23: Fire on the Prairie
May 28: Mystery Animal
June 25: Gone Froggin'
July 23: Gone Camping
August 27: Prehistoric Animals
September 24: Wild West
October 22: Night Time Walk
November 19: Rock Kitchen
December 17: Christmas Spiders

Adult Kayaking

Birding on the Green

No School Day Camps

Stories, Songs & Games at Westport Schoolhouse

Storytime with a Naturalist

2 Comments

Cyndee Dather on May 22, 2017 at 7:29 pm

Please register my grandson Kellen Proctor, who is 2 1/2 for 10:30 AM. The following dates for Nature Tots:
– June 14
– July 12
– Aug 9
– Sept 13
– Oct 11
– Nov 8
– Dec 13
Thanks Cyndee Dather
- kiley on May 23, 2017 at 7:54 am
  
  Please call 712-336-6352 to register. We will put you on the June and July list. The August date is full, so we will need your phone number to put you on the waiting list. As of right now we are only taking reservations through August. Thank you!