Find upcoming nature programs and outings.
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Upcoming Events
Lime Creek Littles - Wacky Worms
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
June 5, 2025
5:00 pm · 6:00pm
Children ages 4-6, with their adults, will discover more about the slimy creatures living under our feet! Explore what makes worms so wacky with a story and hands-on experiences. The cost is free for members and $2 for each nonmember youth. This program may go outside for part of the experience, so please dress for the weather. Pleaseregister for this event by Monday, June 2 at 4 PM by calling 641-423-5309.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Fishing Fun!
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
June 7, 2025
1:00 pm · 4:00pm
Join the naturalist on free fishing weekend to try your hand at baiting a hook, casting a line, and catching fish! Whether you bring your own pole or borrow one from us, bait will be provided. No license is required to fish during this event. Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 3 by 4 PM. Call 641-423-5309 to get registered.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
My Marsh Mondays
2500 325th Street
Fertile, IA
Map to Event
June 9, 2025
6:00 pm · 7:30pm
Come enjoy an evening at Mallard Marsh! Kayaking is a fun way to explore a marsh. Paddle deep into a park less traveled. Join one of your naturalists as we discover this area by boat! Register for this event by the Friday before. This program is free to attend. Kayaks and PFDs are provided. To register call (641)423-5309.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Conservation Coffee Club-Creating Buzz: The Joy, Ease, and Challenge of Supporting Pollinators
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
June 25, 2025
9:30 am · 11:00am
Enjoy some social time with coffee, tea and treats followed by a conservation focused program. Jamie Beyer, a lifetime Master Gardener and President of the Central Iowa Beekeepers Association, will deliver a lively presentation that dives into the fun of planting flowers, the ease of reducing negative impact, and the rewarding challenge of shifting attitudes about weeds and wild spaces. After all, in nature, “diversity is the key to stability,” and “the more you know, the less you mow!” Cost is $3 for nature center members or $7 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is Friday, June 20 by 4 PM. Call 641-423-5309 to get registered.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
My Marsh Mondays
8447 200th Street
Swaledale, IA
Map to Event
June 30, 2025
6:00 pm · 7:30pm
Come enjoy an evening at Zirbel Slough! Kayaking is a fun way to explore a marsh. Paddle deep into a park less traveled. Join one of your naturalists as we discover this area by boat! Register for this event by the Friday before. This program is free to attend. Kayaks and PFDs are provided. To register call (641)423-5309.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Water Wanderers
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
July 1, 2025 to July 2, 2025
9:00 am · 2:00pm
Enjoy outdoor recreation on the water. Learn and grow skills in fishing and canoeing/kayaking. The lake and river await. This camp is for youth completing 7th or 8th grades. Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is June 23rd by 4:00 pm.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Caving Adventure
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
July 8, 2025 to July 10, 2025
9:00 am · 3:00pm
Go caving, hiking, and climbing on a two-night spelunking adventure. Discover nature, build confidence and have fun! This camp is for youth completing 9th through 12th grades. Cost is $65. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is June 30th by 4:00 pm.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Evening Explorers
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
July 16, 2025 to July 17, 2025
3:45 pm · 10:00am
Overnight at Lime Creek! It's not summer until you camp outside. Discover the park after dark. Tents and meals provided. Pack list will be sent upon registration. This camp is for youth completing 6th or 7th grades. Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is July 7th by 4:00 pm.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Recreation Renegades
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
July 21, 2025 to July 25, 2025
9:00 am · 1:00pm
Explore the outdoors, grow your skills, and discover more ways to play outside. This camp is for youth completing 5th or 6th grades. Cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is July 14th by 4:00 pm
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Animal Adventurers
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
July 28, 2025 to August 1, 2025
9:00 am · 11:30am
Dig into the different animal groups and find out what makes them so unique! This camp is for youth completing 3rd or 4th grades. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is July 21st by 4:00 pm.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Nature Neighbors
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
August 5, 2025 to August 7, 2025
9:00 am · 11:30am
Learn more about all the creatures, big & small, that call Iowa home! This camp is for youth completing 1st or 2nd grades. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Call 641-423-5309 to register for this event. Registration deadline is July 28th by 4:00 pm.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Teacher Time-Out
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
August 8, 2025
10:00 am · 2:00pm
To teach is to give and we want to give our area teachers a fun filled time-out(side).This is “nature camp” for educators! Cook lunch over a fire, explore nature, and have fun at Lime Creek with your naturalist student free! This program is open to all adults, but geared towards education professionals. Pre-register by August 4 before 4 PM by calling 641-423-5309. Additional information will be provided after registration
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
GPS Challenge
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
August 10, 2025
1:00 pm
How are your navigation skills? Test them out by using a GPS unit to find clues and solve a puzzle! This event is designed for middle-schoolers, but can be fun for all ages. GPS units are limited so pre register to secure your spot! Pre-register by August 6 before 4 PM by calling 641-423-5309.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Lime Creek Littles - Exciting Insects
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
August 18, 2025
5:00 pm · 6:00pm
Children ages 4-6, with their adults, will learn all about different insects. Summer is the perfect time to discover the diversity of these tiny creatures. Cost is free for members and $2 for each nonmember youth. Pre-register by Friday, August 15 by 4 PM by calling 641-423-5309. This program may go outside for part of the experience, so please dress for the weather.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
My Marsh Mondays
16638 230th Street
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
August 18, 2025
6:00 pm · 7:30pm
Come enjoy an evening at Mike Zack Wildlife Area! Kayaking is a fun way to explore a marsh. Paddle deep into a park less traveled. Join one of your naturalists as we discover this area by boat! Register for this event by the Friday before. This program is free to attend. Kayaks and PFDs are provided. To register call (641)423-5309.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
