Dallas County Conservation Board

06/22/2026

Do you have an artifact that needs identification?

Whether you've found a single artifact or have a collection you'd like to learn more about, join us for the Native American Artifact Roadshow at Forest Park Museum!

Connect with others who share an interest in Iowa archaeology, view artifacts from local collections, and explore resources that can help with artifact identification. Several artifacts will be on display, and knowledgeable individuals will be available to discuss archaeological finds and answer questions.

📅 Sunday, June 28, 2026
🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Forest Park Museum, Perry, Iowa

This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

ADA Image Description

Promotional graphic for a Native American Artifact Roadshow. A cream-colored rectangle centered on a dark green background contains the event information. Surrounding the border are illustrations of various stone projectile points and arrowheads. Text reads: "Sunday, June 28, 2026. Native American Artifact Roadshow. 1:30–3:30 p.m. Forest Park Museum, Perry Iowa." The Dallas County Conservation logo appears at the bottom.

06/19/2026

Here is the latest update from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition about this weekend's BACooN Ride. We want to clarify that the trail remains open to the public and to be kind to fellow trail riders. The route this year starts in Waukee and goes clockwise around the loop, with the first stop being in Adel. The final stop, before returning to Waukee, will be in Dallas Center. Please be safe and have fun!

🚗 Parking Like a Pro, You Will.
The Force is strong with those who park in the right galaxy!

➡️Free rider parking is available in the Waukee School District lots highlighted in purple. Please help us be good guests by parking only in approved locations.

❌ No parking at:
• RRVT Trailhead
• School construction zones
• Brickyard Burgers & Brews (Adel)

Arrive early, grab your packet, fuel up, and prepare for your bacon-filled mission.

06/19/2026

📢 Glissman Lodge Rental Rate Update

The Dallas County Conservation Board has approved updated rental rates for Glissman Lodge, effective July 1, 2026.
This rate adjustment will help offset rising operational costs and support recent improvements, including Wi-Fi service, which is expected to be available very soon.

✅ Reserve by June 30, 2026, to lock in current rates!
All reservations made on or before June 30 will be honored at the existing rates, regardless of the rental date.

Whether you're planning a family gathering, reunion, retreat, or special event, now is a great time to secure your reservation.

📅 Book your stay today:
https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Dallas/Park/Glissman-Conservation-Area/Facility/Glissman-Lodge

We appreciate your continued support of Dallas County Conservation facilities and look forward to welcoming you to Glissman Lodge!

Glissman Lodge is located at Glissman Conservation Area, 5 miles southwest of Adel. The whole family can enjoy peace...

06/17/2026

💎 Discover the Hidden Beauty of Earth’s Treasures! 💎

Did you know that the Voas Museum is home to a fascinating collection of minerals and rocks from Iowa and beyond? From sparkling crystals to colorful mineral specimens, these natural wonders showcase the incredible diversity found beneath our feet.

Whether you're a rockhound, a budding geologist, or just looking for something unique to explore, the mineral collection offers a closer look at the science and beauty of the natural world.

Stop by this summer and see these amazing specimens for yourself—you might be surprised by what you discover!

📍 Voas Nature Area & Museum
🕘 Museum Hours: Thursdays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. during June and July
🎟️ Free admission



ADA Image Description:
A display of colorful mineral and rock specimens inside the Voas Museum. Various crystals, stones, and geological samples are arranged in exhibit cases, showcasing different shapes, textures, and colors found in nature.

06/17/2026

⚠️ Program Cancellation Notice ⚠️

Due to low registration, the Iowa Critters Public Program scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at Kuehn Conservation Area has been canceled.

We appreciate the community's support of our educational programs and encourage you to check out our upcoming events throughout the summer. There's always something new to discover outdoors!

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you at a future program.

Watch our page for upcoming programs and events!










ADA Image Description:
A red fox with thick orange-red fur and a fluffy tail is resting on a fallen log. The fox is looking over its shoulder toward the left side of the image, with alert ears and bright amber eyes. The background is softly blurred in warm shades of tan and brown, highlighting the fox's detailed fur and creating a peaceful natural setting.

06/17/2026

Our native wildflowers are putting on a spectacular show at the prairie in Forest Park! From vibrant blooms to buzzing pollinators, there's something new to discover with every visit.

Take a stroll through the prairie, enjoy the beauty of Iowa's native plants, and experience the colors of summer in full bloom. It's the perfect time to get outside and connect with nature!

📍 Forest Park Museum & Arboretum
📸 Stop by, take in the scenery, and share your favorite prairie photos with us!



Image: Butterfly Milkweed, Black-Eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower.

06/15/2026

Looking for plans this Father's Day weekend? ☀

Dallas County Conservation's go you covered! Make your weekend extra meaningful by attending two unique educational programs.

Join a naturalist on Sunday, June 21st, to hike and visit the burial mounds at Kuehn Conservation Area to hear the story of their healing after being desecrated. As part of the Prairie Awakening Prairie Awoke Celebration, DCCB has public satellite programs. The intent is to share the history of events that have added so much dimension to the Celebration. One such occurrence is the Healing of Mounds Ceremony that took place in 2019.

After attending "Healing of the Mounds; Story and Visit" at 5:30 PM, you're just a quick 10 minute drive from Hanging Rock Park in Redfield where you can join a naturalist to celebrate Summer Solstice at watch the sunset at 8:30 PM.

06/13/2026

🦴✨ Emery here—let’s go WAY back in time! ✨🦴

Did you know Dallas County was once home to massive Ice Age animals like the American Mastodon, Woolly Mammoth, and Giant Bison?

These incredible creatures once roamed right here in Iowa—but today, all that’s left are their huge bones, teeth, and tusks.

Come visit today and step back into the Ice Age—you might be surprised what once lived in your own backyard. 🐘🦬❄️

*Image description: A fossilized prehistoric bison skull with long curved horns displayed in a museum case on a sandy exhibit bed, surrounded by bone fragments and informational signs.

06/12/2026

The arbor at Kuehn Conservation Area may look empty now, but we are just three short months away from experiencing the songs, dances, games, food, and stories of our Indigenous friends at the 2026 Prairie Awakening Prairie Awoke Celebration.

This year Dallas Chief Eagle, master hoop dancer, will return and bring his oldest daughter Jasmine and her family, who are also champion hoop dancers and storytellers. Their interactive and entertaining presentation shares teachings related to healthy life choices, mental resilience, and our connection to nature. New to Prairie Awakening - Prairie Awoke Celebration 2026, The Many Moccasins Dance Troupe will be performing both contemporary and traditional Native American dances.

We are still working towards our fundraising goal for this event of $2500. As of today, we are half-way towards reaching this goal! If you or your business are interested in donating to this unique celebration, donations can be make directly to the event via the link in the comments, or you can contact Mike Havlik, DCCB Environmental Education Coordinator, for more information.