Building better birders and citizens scientists continued in Workshop #2. Here you will be introduced to diurnal raptors of Iowa and how human activity impacts bald eagle reproduction success. Other topics will be about getting lead out of hunting and fishing and an introduction to nocturnal raptors of Iowa. Evening observation at Bjokboda Marsh and hike the Prairie Trail for spotting owls will round out...

Get hooked on fishing and meet the Hamilton County Law Enforcement officers at their annual fishing derby. This family event is free to the public and Iowa residents do not need a fishing license. Not only will kids interact with law enforcement in a positive manner, but there are prizes and free snacks. We will discuss fishing pole maintenance, fish ID, fishing regulations, water safety,...

Join us to become a better birder and citizen scientist during our Workshop #1. We will have an early morning bird walk, get introduced to Iowan birds and even get introduced to butterfly gardening. For more information contact John Laird at 515-297-0423. Visit mycountyparks.com for the full schedule and topics. Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Location: Conservation Office, Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA Time:...

Join us on a nature hike and observe 2 of our 3 waterfalls. Meet by the trailhead at Shelter 2 and hike the woodland trail to the waterfalls with our County Naturalist. We will discuss the formation of the waterfalls and observe the St. Lous limestone bedrock the water flows over. We will discuss the origins of the bedrock formation during the Mississippian period. We...

Have you wondered about Lyme Disease and what it is like for people that have been diagnosed with it? If so come and listen to two local people that have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and have followed various treatment options. We will also talk about Lyme Disease prevention and then take a hike on the trails if you choose. If you would rather linger...

Enjoy a short talk about deer antler sheds and then hike on the park trails with our County Naturalist. We will be looking for deer antler sheds, tree rubbings, and scrapes, droppings, and deer beds. Register on line at www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023 Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Location: Conservation Office Briggs Woods Park, Webster City,...

What are the things to consider for building a successful bluebird box? Come and listen to Jaclyn Hill give a presentation on the issues to consider for increasing the success of your blue bird box. Jaclyn designed a bluebird box that is approved by the North American Bluebird Society. She has also received the Iowa Governors Volunteer Award for leading Iowa in the Bluebird Program....

If you love trekking through snow join us on a snowshoe night hike under a full moon. We will go over some snowshoe instruction in the Conservation Office and then snowshoe together outside under a full moon. If there is little or no snow we will still have a full moon night hike in the park. Feel free to bring your own snowshoes. RSVP required...

Come hike and search for candy canes on the park trails at Brigg’s Woods Park in Hamilton County, Iowa. Join  the County Naturalist in search of hidden candy canes on the trees, bushes, and logs. We will discuss the history of the candy cane. See what is going on with the animals in the woods during the winter. Dress appropriately for the cold weather conditions....

What owls fly around Brigg's Woods Park in Hamilton County, Iowa at night? Come join us for a brief discussion at the Brigg's Woods Beach Amphitheater on owls of Iowa. We will hike the park trails together in search of these winged animals of the night. We will try to call some owls as we hike the trails. We will discuss what things threaten these...

Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire or with a Dutch oven? Come and enjoy these hands-on activities. You will learn the basics of campfire cooking using foil wraps, pie cookers, Dutch ovens, cast iron pans, and grilling over a campfire. Our Hamilton County Naturalist will share the basics of outdoor cooking and meat smoking with you. We will share recipes and enjoy...

Come and help clean up the garbage out of our Boone River. We will clean up 4.6 miles of the river from Riverside Park to the Briggs Woods Park. Bring your sunscreen, water, bug spray,  shovel, gloves, hat, sunglasses and canoes. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt!  Questions contact John Laird 515 297 0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org. More information can be found: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Hamilton/Park/Briggs-Woods-Park-and-Golf-Course/Events/5567/Boone-River-Clean-Up.aspx