2023 Annual Halloween Hike
Annett Nature Center 15565 118th Avenue, Indianola, IA, United StatesHead on out to the Annett Nature Center for our Iowa Invaders Halloween Hike. This non-scary hike is educational and fun for the whole family.
Head on out to the Annett Nature Center for our Iowa Invaders Halloween Hike. This non-scary hike is educational and fun for the whole family.
What is the Geocaching Mineral Adventure? There are 25 Geocaching Adventure Caches hidden in county, state and city parks around Warren County. Your challenge is to explore parks and find them all using a GPS. Each cache includes an instruction card, a logbook, and a stack of themed trading cards. Sign the logbook to show […]
It’s time to put your crafting skills to the test and build your own bird house! A naturalist will walk you through how to build the house, and you get to take it home and decorate however you like. Come Spring time you will be able to enjoy watching these beautiful animals make their home […]
Friends of Warren County Conservation will be hosting a bi-monthly book club. Simply read the suggested book and join us at the Middleswart Lodge for discussion followed by an extended activity related to the book. There is no charge for this program, but participants will need to provide their own copy of the book. Please […]
The days are growing shorter and the nights are lasting longer. Which means it is the perfect time for a night time hike! Join one of our naturalists to get the chance to see the Geminid meteor shower and to explore the constellations in the night sky. Be sure to dress accordingly to the weather […]
Elevate your celebrations this year by incorporating a touch of nature with a delightful wood cookie ornament. Take inspiration from our diverse range of designs and feel free to infuse your own artistic touch. People of all ages can revel in this program. Sign up on our website to participate! This is a come and […]
Spend an evening with a Warren County Conservation Naturalist and create your very own holiday themed terrariums! We will provide the materials and instruction for kids to make and take home a terrarium with a plant and decor. Children 7 and younger will need an adult to help them create their terrariums and follow the […]
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. Each […]
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.
Brrr! What do Iowa mammals do when it gets so cold outside? Lets learn about some of Iowa's special mammals, the adaptations they have that help them survive the coldest Iowa nights, and which mammals don't particularly love the chilly evenings! Get a chance to feel some of the furs and bring your mammal questions! […]
This Month: January's Homeschool Wednesday (HW) theme is: Winter Survival. This session will be for grades 4th and up. Participants will work together to learn shelter building, fire starting, and what to do in a winter emergency! There is a maximum capacity of 20 participants for this class. Please register below! This class will hike out […]
The Annett Nature Center will be open until 6:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month! We will also have a new activity available for your enjoyment on these days. January's activity will be solving animal track and sign crime scenes. Can you use your detective skills to find out who was there […]
Come along with a naturalist on a hike and explore the fascinating realm of tracks and signs. Unravel the secrets of who passed by, their destination, and whether they were sprinting or strolling. This program will equip you with the knowledge to answer all these curious questions.
Slither out of the house and shed off those winter blues for a chance to learn about the Snakes of Iowa! Have you met Boo, our fox snake Animal Ambassador? Join us for a brief informational program right at 10:30am, followed by some serpentine demonstrations and fun. Get up close and personal with a slithery […]
This Month: January's Homeschool Wednesday (HW) theme is: Winter Survival. This session will be for grades 4th and up. Participants will work together to learn shelter building, fire starting, and what to do in a winter emergency! There is a maximum capacity of 20 participants for this class. Please register below! This class will hike out […]
Friends of Warren County Conservation will be hosting a bi-monthly book club. Simply read the suggested book and join us at the Middleswart Lodge for a book discussion followed by an extended activity related each months book choice. There is no charge for this program, but participants will need to provide their own copy of […]
Embark on a guided hike under the enchanting glow of the full 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 […]
This Month: February's HW theme is: Snow. There will be 3 classes for this lesson. Registrations will open 1 month prior to the date at 10am. ***Due to an all staff training, we had to adjust some of the times of these classes.** 9-10am: Snow Lesson - Registration closed. FULL 1st Grade and under, with […]
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 […]
Come learn all about what it means to be a marsupial! Marsupial Madness is an interactive and educational program designed to introduce participants to the fascinating world of marsupials, with a special focus on opossums, North America's only marsupial! The program will begin with a brief lesson that covers essential marsupial facts, including how marsupials […]
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 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 living in the park. February offers an excellent opportunity to engage with owls! Remember to dress warmly for the […]
Join us for a virtual program with the International Wolf Center for a program all about wolves! Bring your questions and your curiosity for this 45 to 60 minute program. The nature center will be open from 9:30am to 11:30am for you to explore the wolf display. The program will begin at 10am. "Using the […]
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 […]
You will be provided with all the tools and instructions to make your own rain barrel for your yard.
Weather patterns, forecasts, severe weather, how can you understand all of it to make good plans for your day or week? Some of the terms used with meteorology can be confusing! Let's decipher them together with Brad Green! You may have already been utilizing Brad's expertise if you've ever referenced "The Off the Cuff Weather […]
This Month: March's HW theme is: Amphibians. There will be 2 classes for this lesson. 1-2:30pm: Amphibian Lesson 1st Grade and under, with a maximum of 20 participants. This session we will learn about what makes an amphibian so special, different types of amphibians, and explore looking for and listening for different amphibians! 1-2:30pm: Amphibian […]
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!
Friends of Warren County Conservation will be hosting a bi-monthly book club. Simply read the suggested book and join us at the Middleswart Lodge for a book discussion followed by an extended activity related each months book choice. There is no charge for this program, but participants will need to provide their own copy of […]
Can you believe it? Armadillos can now be spotted in Iowa! Don't miss out on our presentation about these fascinating creatures. There are many different characteristics that make armadillos a fun study! We invite you to join us for an enlightening presentation where we will delve into the world of armadillos and explore what makes […]
What is the Geocaching Adventure? There are 25 Geocaching Adventure Caches hidden in county, state and city parks around Warren County. Your challenge is to explore parks and find them all using a GPS. Each cache includes an instruction card, a logbook, and a stack of themed trading cards. Sign the logbook to show that […]
*Update 4/15/24: The 2024 evening prairie burn has been canceled due to rain and wind speeds forecasted. * Join the WCCB as we light up the night sky! Learn about the valuable role fire plays in the prairie ecosystem, and why prescribed burns are used. Enjoy the beauty of watching the prairie burn against the […]
Come learn all about what it means to be a marsupial! Marsupial Madness is an interactive and educational program designed to introduce participants to the fascinating world of marsupials, with a special focus on opossums, North America's only marsupial! The program will begin with a brief lesson that covers essential marsupial facts, including how marsupials […]
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!
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 […]
Come learn all about the world of wild canines! We will offer 2 classes for 4th grade and under and 1 class for 5th grade and up. Wild Canines: Preschool-4th grade | 10-11am Explore the different types of wild canines and what it means to be a canine! We will have examples of furs, tracks, […]
Join a WCCB naturalist for an educational presentation that will leave you with an appreciation for these powerful predators. From our smallest raptor to our largest and everyone in between, prepare to be captivated by Iowa’s raptors. Whether you are a birdwatcher or curious about raptors there is something to learn for everyone.
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 […]
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!
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!
*PROGRAM UPDATE* The weather is still deciding what it wants to do. We may have the evening burn tomorrow night (Wednesday 4/23 at 7:30pm at the Annett Nature Center) but we aren't sure about conditions just yet. We will post a final update tomorrow at noon! *POP UP PROGRAM ALERT!* 🔥 We are going […]