The O’Brien County Conservation Board office and the Prairie Heritage Center will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.  Happy New Year from our staff and volunteers!

Winter officially arrives soon.  What kind of weather will it bring?  Celebrate the season with a hike around the lake.  The O’Brien County Conservation Board is holding a “Welcome Winter” hike on Friday, December 20, at 4:30 p.m. at Mill Creek Park. This activity will take place regardless of ground cover.  Meet near the lodge.  If there is snow on the ground, we will be trekking on snowshoes.  Snowshoes will be available to borrow free of charge.  If there is

Are you looking for the first robin or bluebird of the year?  The Waterman Creek and Little Sioux River valleys are the perfect place to spot these typical summer visitors along with a variety of winter guests.  Join bird experts, Lee Schoenewe, Joe Jungers and others in a birding event hosted by the O’Brien County Conservation Board. Meet at the Prairie Heritage Center at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4 for a day of winter birding.  Participants will carpool to

According to a famous children’s story – Owl Moon – a person needs to bring quiet, heat, bravery and even a little hope when going on an owl calling adventure! December is a great time to listen for these nocturnal birds as they start to stake their territory.  This “Owl Prowl” program presented by the O’Brien County Conservation Board is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about these amazing birds. Gather at the south parking

Get into the holiday spirit with crafts made using natural items.  This year the “Nature Crafts” event is part of the Nature’s Art series.  It provides an enjoyable afternoon for people of all ages.  The recipe for fun includes a few nature items, a little creativity, some glue and sparkles to make clever holiday decorations.  This come-and-go event sponsored by the O’Brien County Conservation Board will be held at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave., on Saturday, November 16.

The O’Brien County Conservation Board will host O.J. Fargo on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave., for a special program entitled “Just Before the Battle Mother – A Visit from a Civil War Soldier.”  After an overview of Iowa’s involvement in the Civil War, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War soldier (played by Mr. Fargo).  The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the

Saturday, November 2, we will host National Bison Day at the Prairie Heritage Center.  Celebrate our favorite prairie animal with a come-and-go-event.  A presentation about bison will be held at 2:00 p.m.  Enjoy crafts and games about bison too!

Join us at the Prairie Heritage Center on Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.  Learn about the practice of throwing spears with atlatls.  Then, head out to the nature center’s grounds to take part in a PUMPKIN HUNT using SPEARS!