Let your artistic skills shine as you transform ordinary terracotta pots into beautiful works of art. Whether you prefer intricate patterns, vibrant colors, or whimsical designs, the possibilities are endless. Elevate your home décor or create unique gifts for friends and family - the choice is yours. So grab brushes, and paints, and get ready […]
StoryWalk® is a fun way to get communities outside and reading. Each month, we will put a new nature themed children’s story along the trails in different parks. Stories will all be nature themed and fun to read! This months story is Sassafras by Audrey Penn, and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper.
This class is for ages 10-18. Join us out on the water for a canoe program on Lester Pond. Our naturalist will provide instruction on how to handle a canoe to avoid damaging it, how to get in and out of a canoe safely, how to paddle effectively, and how to navigate in the canoe […]
Have some fishing fun with us! Bring the family out to participate in the art of fishing. The fishing competition will take place at Lester Pond. There will be awards, door prizes, and a free fish-cleaning demonstration. Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours. Bait will be provided. You will also be able […]
This program has been canceled due to lack of participants. Fire? Yes! Let's talk Fire! Join a WCCB naturalist to learn about the history of fire starting, and some of the different techniques and practices. Learn how to set yourself up for success to get a fire going whether that is with lighter, a match, […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
What is a Wild Outdoor Women Workshop? Would you like to meet other women with similar interests, attend classes to learn new skills, or be inspired to explore and connect with the natural world? If so, this is the event for you. This workshop provides a comfortable environment to try new outdoor activities, engage in […]
Did you know there is a National Mud Day? It takes place annually in June! Come out and help us celebrate National Mud Day with an invitation to get muddy and enjoy exploring mud with your kids! Discover, or rediscover, the messy joy that comes with a good mud pile. We will be watering down […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Get out on the water and give stand up paddleboarding a try! A WCCB naturalist will go over the basic equipment, paddle strokes, and get you paddling around our pond. No experience necessary! An adult must accompany children and children must be at least 10 years old. Lifejackets are required and provided. Space is limited […]
Come on out to enjoy the summer camp fun of team building and camp games!! Team Building 9-10:30am 11-19 year olds Participants engage in interactive challenges that require them to work together to achieve common goals. Through these activities, they learn to appreciate others' strengths, improve problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of unity and […]
Are you in need of an easy, filling, and delicious recipe for your next camping trip or outdoor adventure? Learn to prepare scrumptious recipes that will feed a crowd. Participants will prepare recipes, cook them in the Dutch oven, and learn how to care for Dutch oven cookware. The cost is $5 per person. Payment […]
Join Warren County Conservation for a delicious evening celebrating local agriculture at our 3rd Annual Farm to Table Dinner. This year’s fundraiser will be held on Friday, August 2nd from 6pm to 9pm at the Middleswart Lodge located just south of Indianola. Indulge in a specially curated 4-course menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by […]
Our beginner archery program is designed for individuals who are new to the sport and want to learn the fundamentals of archery. Participants will be taught proper shooting techniques, safety protocols, and equipment handling. Our experienced certified instructors will provide guidance and support as beginners develop their skills and confidence. This program is a great […]
Are you prepared to explore the world of natural dyes and unleash your creativity? Discover the fascinating process of creating natural dyes and create your own unique dyed masterpiece. Join us as we explore the art of dyeing with natural ingredients, and bring your creativity for this hands-on workshop. The cost is $10 per person. […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Spend some time out in the park with a naturalist looking and listening for different birds that you might find in Iowa! We will have 3 options for classes this day. 9-10am: Bird Lesson with Hike 8 Year Olds and under (Best suited for 5-8 year olds) Learn the basics of what makes a bird […]
Join us out on the water for a canoe program on Lester Pond. Our naturalist will provide instruction on how to handle a canoe to avoid damaging it, how to get in and out of a canoe safely, how to paddle effectively, and how to navigate in the canoe with other people. This class will […]
Join us for a thrilling hands-on experience where kids can explore ancient skills through our Tomahawk and Atlatl Adventure! Participants will learn a brief history of each tool, the art of tomahawk throwing and the science of using an atlatl, a prehistoric spear-throwing tool. Participants will discover the history and techniques behind these traditional skills […]
Come to Otter Creek and discover all about monarch butterflies, their unusual lifestyle and life cycle and their migration to Mexico! A Warren County Conservation Naturalist will teach you how to catch and handle a monarch, determine its gender, and properly tag them as part of a national research project. All monarchs will be released […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Discover all about monarch butterflies, their unusual lifestyle and life cycle and their migration to Mexico! A Warren County Conservation Naturalist will teach you how to catch and handle a monarch, determine its gender, and properly tag them as part of a national research project. All monarchs will be released after they are tagged. Bring […]
Friends of Warren County Conservation is a nonprofit, volunteer group. They provide fundraising and volunteerism to support the educational programs as well as outreach of the Warren County Conservation Board. This enables thousands of Warren County residents and visitors to enjoy conservation education in addition to quality outdoor experiences year round. They hold monthly public […]
We're back for another round at Warren County Parks' Annett Nature Center for a beautiful fall run on Sunday morning. Race, relax, and enjoy the beautiful October colors through the gravel paths, dirt trails, and prairie grass. $3 from every registration goes to the Friends of Warren County Parks who help keep ANC, and the […]
Join us for a slithery, scaly, and oh-so-fun Iowa reptiles program! Get ready to meet some fascinating cold-blooded creatures up close and personal. From hissing snakes to basking turtles, you'll learn all about these amazing reptiles and even have the chance to touch some of them. So grab your friends and family and come hang […]
Fire? Yes! Let's talk Fire! Join a WCCB Naturalist to learn about the history of fire starting, and some of the different techniques and practices. Learn how to set yourself up for success to get a fire going whether that is with a lighter, a match, or a different method! Get a chance to try […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Join Warren County Conservation for a Twister of a Halloween Hike! This is years theme is all about severe weather! Trek down the jack o’ lantern lit trail and meet some interesting weather phenomenon, including a tornado, thunder storm, blizzard, hail, and floods. Afterwards, you can enjoy a craft and a snack in the nature […]
Discover the fascinating world of camouflage and mimicry in the animal kingdom, crucial skills that help wild animals evade predators and catch their prey. From looking like a blade of grass blowing in the wind to blending in with trees, join us as we dive into the world of camouflage and mimicry. For this program, […]
On behalf of the Warren County Conservation Board, we are happy to invite you to join the WCCB and staff to celebrate our 50th anniversary! This milestone marks half a century of dedicated service to preserving Warren County’s natural resources, enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities, and fostering environmental education in our local community. To honor this […]
Embark on a guided hike under the enchanting glow of the moon, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. This program is designed to provide a memorable and educational outdoor experience, blending tranquility, adventure, and history! As the sun sinks further behind the horizon, a naturalist will lead you through carefully chosen trails, ensuring your […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Tis the season to bust out your favorite ugly sweater and candy cane stripes! Come hike the trails at the Middleswart Lodge to find the candy canes hidden along the trail. Do you have the eyes to find them all? If so, enter your guess in the candy cane box for your chance to win […]
Warren County Conservation Board is hosting our annual local nature and craft related vendor fair. We want to support local merchants in our beautiful park setting. Vendors will have all sorts of items to get you ready for the upcoming holiday season. *Vendor Fees will support a nature playscape at the Annett Nature Center. Free […]
Are you looking to fly into the world of trees? Look no further! This month's program will delve deep into the fascinating realm of these towering giants. Discover the secrets of identifying different tree species, uncover how they adapt and thrive during the winter months, and explore the critical role they play in sustaining our […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours! Registration is not required.
Step into a bone-chilling adventure with us as we delve into the fascinating world of skulls! Uncover the secrets hidden within these bony structures and unlock the mysteries of animals' teeth. Explore the significance of their design and how it helps them specialize in their diets. Join us on this thrilling journey of discovery! The […]
Learn the art of knot tying by creating plant hangers to enhance your home. In this session, you’ll master macramé and survival knots, gaining both artistic and practical skills, along with tips for displaying and hanging your creations. A naturalist from Warren County Conservation Board will lead the class. The target age for this program […]
Come to Buxton Park and discover all about monarch butterflies, their unusual lifestyle and life cycle and their migration to Mexico! A Warren County Conservation Naturalist will teach you how to catch and handle a monarch, determine its gender, and properly tag them as part of a national research project. All monarchs will be released […]
Come meet a WCCB naturalist and enhance your knowledge about the Owls of Iowa. Gain the skill to recognize different owl vocalizations and take a stroll along the trail to catch a glimpse of the owls residing in the park. February offers an excellent opportunity to engage with owls, so remember to dress warmly for […]
Bring your thinking caps for this hidden heart-hunt adventure, we're going to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with a scavenger hunt. Your job will be to find 10 hearts both inside and outside the nature center. You will be given clues to find each of the hearts. Each clue will be about a […]
Have you ever wanted to unlock the mysterious world of animal communication through their tracks and signs? Join us for a wild adventure as we decode the secrets of the forest with one of our naturalists. From stealthy predators to elusive prey, we'll learn how to recognize and interpret the subtle clues left behind by […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours! Registration is not required.
*This program has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 25th* Come meet a WCCB naturalist and enhance your knowledge about the Owls of Iowa. Gain the skill to recognize different owl vocalizations and take a stroll along the trail to catch a glimpse of the owls residing in the park. February offers an excellent opportunity to […]
Get ready to dive into the world of these mighty munchers! Throughout the program we will uncover the secrets of these busy builders. From their impressive engineering skills to their family structures, there is so much to discover! During this program you will get the chance to make your very own beaver lodge. So bring […]
Parents may register children for camp beginning Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Registration is limited and on a first -come, first-served basis. To register, come to the Annett Nature Center (15565 118th Ave Indianola, IA) or call us at (515) 961-6169 (no e-mail or voicemail registrations will be accepted.) Our camp sessions fill […]
Join us for a slithery, scaly, and oh-so-fascinating adventure into the world of herps! From slimy salamanders to majestic turtles, our program will introduce you to these incredible creatures and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Get up close and personal with some of our resident herps, learn amazing facts about their behavior […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours!
Come on a wild journey through the animal kingdom as we explore the furry, feathery, and slimy offspring of our animals here in Iowa! Can you guess which baby belongs to which animal as we put your knowledge to the test? This wild program will be sure to surprise you in the most interesting ways.
Come out to learn the benefits of rain barrels, how to collect water, and make a rain barrel of your own to take home. You will be provided with all the tools and instructions to make your own rain barrel for your yard. Bonus that you get to work with power tools! Please make sure […]
Come out to learn the benefits of rain barrels, how to collect water, and make a rain barrel of your own to take home. You will be provided with all the tools and instructions to make your own rain barrel for your yard. Bonus that you get to work with power tools! Please make sure […]
Looking for a fun new outdoor hobby? Want to participate in a county-wide Geocaching Adventure? Come discover the fun and excitement of geocaching, the high tech outdoor scavenger hunt that uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit! Join a Warren County Conservation Board Naturalist for a beginner course to learn about geocaching and how to […]
For Aprils Homeschool Wednesday we will be diving into the world of insects! This program will introduce you to the diversity of insects, exploring their unique body parts, feeding habits, and the crucial role they play in our ecosystems. Learn how these tiny creatures interact with their environment, contribute to pollination, decomposition, and even help […]
Take advantage of our extended hours on the 3rd Thursday of each month to visit the Annett Nature Center! There may be new things to check out, an activity, or a chance to visit after school and work that might be harder during our regular office hours! No Registration required!
Happy Earth Day! Join us at the Annett Nature Center for an Earth Day celebration. Discover how you can positively impact our beautiful planet, make and take sustainable crafts, and enjoy our exhibits and trails!
