A Pottawattamie County Almanac:
The Secret Language of Snow
Join us December 21st from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Hitchcock Nature Center & explore many facets of winter. 

Learn more about winter adaptations of native animals, discover the science of snow & learn tips & tricks for successful winter bird feeding in this informative program

Modeled after the classic work, "A Sand County Almanac" by naturalist & Iowa native Aldo Leopold this program series aims to follow the natural rhythms and timings of Pottawattamie County's Midwestern setting. Activities will provide students with a deeper understanding & appreciation of the natural world around them & include guided hikes, aquatic studies, guest lectures, sketching, journaling and more.

This program is intended for participants 15 years & over of all experience levels & all walks of life, no experience or prior knowledge is needed to participate.

Cost is $10.00 per person & includes program instruction, park admission, & light snacks. Pre-registration is required. Please use the link below to register online.

The Hitchcock Experience Returns to Hitchcock Nature Center 
December 14th & 15th
On December 14th & 15th Hitchcock Nature Center will play host to intrepid runners from across the globe during the 2019 Hitchcock Experience. 

Pottawatttamie Conservation & Hitchcock Nature Center are proud to partner with the Greater Omaha Area Trail-Runnerz (GOATz) as they bring you this amazing race.

Runners will take to the trails on a 100 mile, 50 mile, or half-marathon trek through the hills to test their trail running skills. 

Visitors to the park may notice the increased traffic so be prepared for some extra vehicles. Trails will remain open throughout the race & hikers are asked to step to the side & allow racers the right of way. Visitors are also welcome to cheer on these amazing runners.  

For more information please click here. 


Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Memberships Make Great Gifts!
Give the gift of the great outdoors with a membership to the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation. Each membership gives the recipient a full year of access to Pottawattamie County Parks & with 3 membership levels there is something for everyone!

Annual Membership - $20.00 each
  • One annual permit to all PCCB county parks
  • A certificate for a free 1/2 day boat or canoe rental at Arrowhead Park in Neola
  • A subscription to our monthly e-newsletter
  • Email notification of exclusive members only events
  • A 10% discount on gift shop merchandise at the Loess Hills Lodge (excluding concessions) 
Family Membership - $50.00 each
  • Includes all Annual Membership benefits
  • An additional annual permit to all PCCB county parks
  • A certificate for two nights of RV camping at a PCCB county park or a 1 night camping cabin rental at Hitchcock Nature Center or Arrowhead Park (advance reservation required)
Supporter Membership - $100.00 each
  • Includes all Annual & Family membership benefits
  • Two tickets to the annual PCF auction & beer tasting
  • Recognition in our e-newsletter & at the PCF auction & beer tasting
You can purchase memberships in person from staff at any of our parks or at the Loess Hills Lodge welcome desk at Hitchcock Nature Center during regular business hours. Or you can shop any time online at www.pottawattamieconservationfoundation.com. 

Purchase gift memberships by December 11th for delivery before December 25th.


Hunting Season Comes to Pottawattamie County Parks

As shotgun season approaches we want to remind all of our park users that many natural areas you may make use of throughout the year will now begin to welcome hunters. We ask you to remain as safe as possible as you get outdoors this season. Here are some tips to help you navigate hunting season.

  • Know when hunting season begins & ends - Check out https://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-season-dates for Iowa dates & details
  • Observe all posted signage, trail closures, shortened hours, & other restrictions are there for your safety
  • Wear brightly colored clothing, blaze orange is always a good choice
  • Bright colors extend to your pets as well, an orange bandanna & a leash can protect your four legged friend 
  • Stay on the marked trails, hunting season is no time to go exploring
  • Make some noise, this is one time of the year that silence is not golden
  • Avoid dawn & dusk hiking, these are peak times for hunters 
With a little forethought & patience we can all enjoy the great outdoors together!



Upcoming Programs

Winter Wonderland Night Hike
6:00 p.m.
Friday, December 6
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Hit the trails with our naturalist & see what winter holds during this interpretive hike then join us for cookies & cocoa to warm up after your adventure. Read More...

Chronicles From the Trail
4:00 p.m. 
Saturday, December 7
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Join local experts Glenn Pollock & Larry Grill as they recount the 1820 expedition of Steven Watts Kearny & Andrew Talcott through Iowa.  Read More ...

Nature on Tap
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12
Barley's Bar, Council Bluffs
Register your team & compete in our annual nature trivia competition, prizes will be up for grabs so bring your thinking caps! Read More ...

Winter Open House
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Friday, Dec. 20 & Saturday, Dec. 21
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Sunday, December 22
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Join us for some winter fun at the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center with  make & take crafts, indoor games, a gift shop discount, & more. Read More ...

Pottawattamie County Almanac: The Secret Language of Snow
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 21
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
This session will cover many aspects of winter including animal adaptations, the science of snow, & winter bird feeding. Read More ...

Guided Snowshoe Hike
2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 25
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Strap on some snowshoes & discover your own winter wonderland at Hitchcock Nature Center. Read More ...


Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Pottawattamie County Conservation
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