Find upcoming nature programs and outings.
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Upcoming Events
Outdoor Cooking 101
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
September 17, 2025 to September 18, 2025
5:00 pm · 8:00pm
Cooking outside can be fun and easy. Whether it is on a stick or in foil, fire is a great way to make any meal better. Discover new ways of cooking some old favorites. Working in small groups, we will make and taste a variety of foods. This program is intended for ages 16 and up. Please indicate any food preferences/allergies upon registration. Cost is $10/member and $15/non-member. Call 641-423-5309 to register by 4PM on Friday, September 12, 2025.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Fall Equinox Hike
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
September 22, 2025 to September 23, 2025
5:30 pm · 7:00pm
The fall equinox marks the changing of the season. It is a time of balance and reflection. Albert Camus said, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Come enjoy the fall beauty at Lime Creek and celebrate the first day of the new season. Please call 641-423-5309 to register by noon on Monday, September 22, 2025.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Lime Creek Timber Trot
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
October 4, 2025
9:00 am
Enjoy a 5 mile or a 5K run among the beautiful fall colors of the Lime Creek Nature Center trails. The scenic trails will guide you through both restored open prairie and wooded areas bordered by the Winnebago River. This event is for everyone from those who enjoy competing against others to those who just want to take a leisurely stroll or jog for some great scenery and exercise!
Entry fee (includes long-sleeve tech shirt)
• Early entry by Aug. 23rd: $35
• T-Shirt deadline noon on Sept. 18th: $40
• Register after noon on Sept. 18th: $40 and no guaranteed shirt
Check back for map of both courses as they will be added soon.
Packet pick-up at Lime Creek Nature Center:
Friday, October 3rd from 2:30-4:00pm
Saturday, October 4th from 8:00-8:30am
Scan this QR code or Click Here for online registration.
Timber Trot Brochure
Map for Timber Trot 5K
Map for Timber Trot 5 Mile
For More Information
Contact: Carrie Berg
(641) 210-7005
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Posted by: Conservation
Conservation Coffee Club - Iowa's Fascinating Fungus
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
October 8, 2025 to October 9, 2025
9:30 am · 11:00am
Enjoy some social time with coffee, tea and treats followed by a conservation focused program. Learn more about the kingdom of fungi with Amanda Flaata, board member and chair of the arts committee for the Prairie States Mushroom Club. This will be a discovery of all things fungi - why fungi are important to a healthy ecosystem, key aspects of identification, and myths and safety while foraging. Cost is $3 for nature center members and $7 for non-members. Call 641-423-5309 to register by 4PM on Friday, October 3, 2025.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Mushroom Foray
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
October 8, 2025 to October 9, 2025
4:30 pm · 6:30pm
Come and explore the forest with Amanda Flaata of the Prairie States Mushroom Club in search of fungi! Learn about the key aspects of identification and discover a hidden kingdom of life. Please register for this event by calling 641-423-5309 by 4PM on Friday, October 3, 2025. This program is free to all attendees.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Wildlife Wonders - Creepy Critters
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
October 16, 2025 to October 17, 2025
5:00 pm · 6:00pm
Learn all about some of the underappreciated animals in Iowa and why they spook so many people. This program is open to all ages, but is geared towards upper elementary children. Come to Lime Creek and face your fears this Halloween season! Please register by calling 641-423-5309 by 4PM on Friday, October 10th. This program is free to all attendees.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Make & Take - Leaf Mosaics
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
November 13, 2025 to November 14, 2025
5:00 pm
Nature can inspire amazing art! Create a picture using colorful leaf fragments. Whether you use provided leaves or hike to find your own, what you make is up to you! Please register for this free program by calling 641-423-5309 by 4PM on Monday, November 10, 2025.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
Lime Creek Littles - Take a Hike
3501 Lime Creek Road
Mason City, IA
Map to Event
November 17, 2025 to November 18, 2025
5:00 pm · 6:00pm
Children ages 4-6, with their adults, will celebrate National Take a Hike Day! Come and discover what nature has to show us. Cost is free for members and $2 for each non-member youth. Please call 641-423-5309 to pre-register.
For More Information
Contact: Mary Ermer
(641) 423-5309
mermer@cerrogordo.gov
Website
Posted by: Conservation
