Poweshiek County Conservation

05/22/2026

By tomorrow morning the clouds will be clearing and it's supposed to be about 65 degrees, with a very light breeze. Perfect conditions to be out on the water, and we still have 10 spots open in our 10 am kayaking session at Diamond Lake!
Beginners, families, or experienced kayakers are all welcome to join us. Call Naturalist Amy Durbin at 319-213-5607 as soon as possible to reserve your spot!

05/07/2026

A few items have been left at Diamond Lake Park in the last few days! If these are yours call our office at 641-623-3191!

04/30/2026

Master Conservationist Program is a great way to explore nearby outdoor areas and learn more about conservation and the environment locally! We can't recommend this program enough!

🌿🌳 Ready to Plant the Seeds of Conservation? 🌳🌿

Join the 2026 Master Conservationist Program and explore Iowa’s natural resources through hands-on learning, field experiences, and expert-led discussions across Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, and Poweshiek Counties! This educational program blends online lessons with in-person field sessions led by local conservation leaders and passionate citizens who care about protecting our land, water, and wildlife.

📅Thursdays: May 14 – June 25, 2026
⏰6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍Locations across Jasper, Mahaska, Marion & Poweshiek Counties

Featured locations include:
🌱 Lake Red Rock
🌿 Rock Creek State Park
🌳 Quercus Wildlife Area
🦅 Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
💧 Diamond Lake
🍂 CERA – Kellogg
💲 Cost: $60 per person
🗓 Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026

Whether you're passionate about conservation, land stewardship, wildlife, or simply want to learn more about Iowa’s natural spaces—this program is for you!

Questions? Contact Lydia McCombs at [email protected] or call 641-842-2014.

04/24/2026

Big thanks to Matt Mauschmann for volunteering his time to help Conservation staff with our prescribed fire management. These grasslands are also undergoing restoration, as the timber, in conjunction with the Diamond Lake restoration.

Prescribed fire is prepared with mowed boundaries that allow staff to light fire into a planned wind direction. Burning into the wind is slow but very controlled. Fire is a natural form of regeneration to native habitats and helps to manage against invasive species.

This spring we will plant the first 42acres of native prairie restoration featuring over 100 species of plants varying from tallgrass prairie to wetland. Diversity is the key to life sustaining habitats and water quality management.

04/16/2026

🔥 Learn and Burn Workshop: Prescribed Fire for Woodland Management 🔥

Join the DNR on April 23, 2026 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) at Stephens State Forest (Middle Area Campground near Lucas, Iowa) for a hands-on learning experience!

State and local professionals will guide landowners through the basics of prescribed fire, including:

Planning a burn
Tools and equipment
Preparing firebreaks
Safely implementing fire for woodland management

🌱 All experience levels are welcome!
This workshop will be entirely outdoors.

🧤 Most equipment will be provided. Please bring appropriate clothing, including gloves.

📅 Register by April 15 (limit of 20 participants)

📞 To register or ask questions, contact: Lisa Louck
📧 [email protected] 📱 319-759-1108

⚠️ Note: This is not a certification course. It is designed to build knowledge and confidence in using prescribed fire as a woodland management tool.

04/16/2026

Diamond Lake campground and facilities are fully open for the 2026 camping season! Come enjoy the lake before we begin draining it this fall. Happy camping!

04/13/2026

We have a hunter education class coming up on May 3 from noon to 5 pm.

This class is the in-person component required for youth under 18. Prior to class students MUST complete the online component. Allow youth plenty of time to complete the online portion as some modules take several hours to complete.

Online signup is open now!

Visit the Iowa DNR Hunter Education Page (link in comments). The requirements for 11-17-year-olds are listed under Option 2. Once you've read through the information sign up for the Diamond Lake class at the "events" link.

If you have questions about how to sign up call the County Conservation Office at 641-623-3191
Students are encouraged to bring a snack and drink with them.

03/06/2026

PCSA 2026 archery shoots. Come one and all.

11/10/2025

Diamond Lake Restoration Open House!

Wednsday November 12, 6PM-8PM at the Foster Center on the south end of Diamond Lake.
4896 Stagecoach Road, Montezuma

The DNR Lake Restoration Team, Shive Hattery Engineer Team, and Poweshiek County Conservation Board welcome all members of the public to a 35% engineering presentation for the Diamond Lake Restoration beginning next year!

No RSVP required

11/05/2025

Thank you to all of the visitors to Diamond Lake Park this season! We will remain open to the public for winter adventures, but we closed our water facilities and hydrants for freezing temperatures today. The Main Campground dump station will remain functional, with hydrant, and electric pedestals are still on for the brave. Enjoy the fall and if you have any questions, feel free to call the office!