Buena Vista County Conservation

09/04/2026

Every fall, monarchs begin an unbelievable 2,000‑mile journey to Mexico — and tagging helps scientists track their route, survival, and the health of the population. Each tiny sticker tells a piece of their story 🦋

Join us for a hands‑on monarch lesson, help tag and release monarchs we’ve caught ahead of time, and then (if you're up for a challenge) stick around to try catching your own out in the prairie!

It’s a beautiful way to support conservation and experience migration up close

Please register online at mycountyparks.com to let us know you're coming by Friday the 11th at noon!

09/02/2026

School’s back —and so are the wild discoveries!

We’re thrilled to expand our nature programming beyond the classroom with monthly homeschool sessions designed for curious minds and outdoor explorers

Each month brings a new theme, hands‑on activities, and plenty of fresh air. Choose the time that works best for your crew and join the adventure! 🦋

If you're a homeschooling family - we'd love to hear from you! Please consider taking a few minutes to let us know how we can serve you best this year

https://forms.gle/zAC5NPVbBuwA8GbF7

Additional information and upcoming program registration can be found online at mycountyparks.com

Please call 712-295-7985 or email [email protected] with questions!

09/01/2026

The long awaited 'ber months have arrived!

Here's where you can find us this month 🦋🌻

Registration has moved online, please visit mycountyparks.com for event details and to let us know you're coming

Please call 712-295-7985 or email [email protected] with questions!

08/26/2026

🦇🐍🕷️ Something Wild Is Coming After Dark! 🕷️🐍🦇

Think bats, snakes, and spiders are creepy? 🌙 Maybe it’s time to take a closer look! Join us for Nature Night: Creepy Crawly Animals and discover the fascinating world of some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

From bats that help control insect populations, to snakes that quietly keep ecosystems in balance, to spiders that are incredible predators and web-builders, these animals play an important role in the world around us. 🌎💚

We’ll uncover cool facts, bust a few myths, and take a closer look at what makes these creatures so unique. You may even leave with a whole new appreciation for the animals that come out after dark! ✨

🌟 Come curious. Leave amazed. And prepare to see bats, snakes, and spiders in a whole new way!

📅 Friday, August 28th
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 South Shelter Area — Buena Vista County Conservation Park

Bring your curiosity and your sense of adventure—we’ll see you after dark! 🦇🌙🕷️🐍

This event requires registration. To register, scan the QR code or follow the link below to our mycountyparks.com registration page.

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Buena-Vista/Park/Buena-Vista-County-Conservation-Park/Events/29107/Nature-Nights-Bats-Snakes-Spiders

08/26/2026

Buena Vista County Conservation Board Seeking Applicants for Board Member

The Buena Vista County Conservation Board (BVCCB) is seeking applicants interested in serving on the Conservation Board for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027.

The five-member volunteer board helps guide the direction of conservation, parks, outdoor recreation, natural resource management, and environmental education in Buena Vista County.

Board members establish policies, set short- and long-term goals, oversee expenditures, adopt rules and regulations, enter into contracts, and employ a Director to carry out the Board's policies and programs.

Conservation Board meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the Conservation Board Office, 377 440th Street, Peterson, Iowa. Meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change.

Board members are appointed by the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors for five-year terms. Applicants must be residents of Buena Vista County and have a demonstrated interest in conservation matters.

A Board Member Duty Description and application are available at the Buena Vista County Conservation Board Office, the Buena Vista County Auditor's Office, or online at:
https://buenavistacounty.iowa.gov/job-openings/

Completed applications may be returned to:
Buena Vista County Conservation Board
377 440th Street
Peterson, IA 51047

Applications may also be submitted by email to [email protected]

Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026.

For additional information or questions about serving on the Conservation Board, contact the Buena Vista County Conservation Board at 712-295-7985 or [email protected].

Updated August 26th, 2026 Buena Vista County Conservation Board Member Job ApplicationClick here for Careers at the BV County Sheriff's Office

08/24/2026

🦇🐍🕷️ Get Ready for a Creepy Crawly Nature Night! 🕷️🐍🦇

Think bats are scary? Snakes are creepy? Spiders give you the chills? Come discover the amazing side of these misunderstood animals! 🌙✨

Join us for Nature Night: Creepy Crawly Animals, where we’ll get up close with bats, snakes, and spiders and uncover fascinating facts about what makes these creatures so important to our world. From silent flyers to slithering hunters and eight-legged web builders, you might be surprised by what you learn!

🌟 Come curious. Leave amazed. And maybe see these creepy crawlers in a whole new way! 🕷️💚

Nature Night is coming up this Friday, August 28th at 7:00 PM at the South Shelter area of Buena Vista County Conservation Park.

This event requires registration. To register, scan the QR code or follow the link below to our mycountyparks.com registration page.

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Buena-Vista/Park/Buena-Vista-County-Conservation-Park/Events/29107/Nature-Nights-Bats-Snakes-Spiders

08/21/2026

🌵 A Little Green, A Lot of Fun! 🌿

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Succulent Garden Make & Take program! 💚 We loved seeing all the creativity, laughter, and beautiful little gardens come to life. 🌱✨

We hope you had as much fun creating your succulent garden as we did! We can’t wait to see you at our next event! 🌿💚

08/20/2026

The Nature on Paper event with Witter Gallery on Saturday, August 22nd has been cancelled due to low registrations.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

Check out the trails in BV County along the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway and others.

You can check out the drive trail along Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, or spend a day on The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail, explore the designated bike trails in BV County, or take a stroll along the hiking trails at BV Park.

BV Park has over 2 miles of trails. BV Park trail map can be found athttps://buenavistacounty.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/BV-FILES/Conservation/Trail-mapFINAL.pdf

Bike trail information can be found at https://buenavistacounty.iowa.gov/boards-commissions/buena-vista-county-trails/

08/17/2026

Get ready to let your creativity bloom! 🎨🍃 Join us and Witter Gallery for Nature on Paper, where the beauty of the outdoors meets the fun of creating something with your own hands.

Come explore, create, and turn inspiration from nature into a one-of-a-kind paper masterpiece! 🌸🦋🌿

📅 Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22nd at 11:00 AM at Storm Lake Marina. You won’t want to miss this creative adventure!

Nature is calling… and this time, it’s on paper! 📖🌱✨

Registration is required for this event by Thursday, August 20th. To register, use the QR Code or follow the link below to mycountyparks.com.

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Buena-Vista/Park/Casino-Bay-Marina/Events/29565/Nature-on-Paper-Design-and-Paint-Your-Own-Insect

If you need assistance in registering, call the Conservation Office at 712 - 295 - 7985.