Camps, Events & Happenings

CAMP IS FULL - HOOKED ON FISHING - youth camp

HOOKED ON FISHING - youth camp

Cast a line and make some memories at HOOKED ON FISHING CAMP! Calling all youth who have completed grades 3-6! Join Tama County Extension and Tama County Conservation for a day of learning the basics of fishing, types of fish, lures & baits through activities and games. And of course you’ll have TIME TO FISH!

HOOKED ON FISHING camp is scheduled from 9:00am to 3:00pm on June 17, 2026.

Registration is required and is through ISU Extension.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - CAMP IS FULL

NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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CAMP IS FULL - OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES - Bushcraft Tools - youth programming

OUTDOORS SKILLS SERIES - youth programming

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

Get OUTDOORS this summer with Tama County Conservation! This NEW Outdoor Skills Series for ages 11–14 introduces participants to essential outdoor skills through hands-on activities, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

All equipment will be provided.

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

• CAMP IS FULL - July 1 -Bushcraft Tools In The Wild
• July 8 -Bushcraft Knots & Shelters
• July 15 -On Target Shooting Sports
• CAMP IS FULL - July 22 -Fire & Feast
• July 29 -Geocaching & Games

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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JULY FREE FISHING EQUIP & PADDLING DAY

2026 FREE FISHING EQUIP & PADDLING DAYS

Tama County Conservation will be offering FREE Community Canoe Days at Otter Creek Lake and Park throughout the summer: June 6, July 4 and August 1, 2026.

COST: free

Registration is strongly recommended, otherwise this is a first-come-first-served event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES - Bushcraft Knots & Shelters - youth programming

OUTDOORS SKILLS SERIES - youth programming

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

Get OUTDOORS this summer with Tama County Conservation! This NEW Outdoor Skills Series for ages 11–14 introduces participants to essential outdoor skills through hands-on activities, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

All equipment will be provided.

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

• July 1 -Bushcraft Tools In The Wild
• July 8 -Bushcraft Knots & Shelters
• July 15 -On Target Shooting Sports
• July 22 -Fire & Feast
• July 29 -Geocaching & Games

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES - On Target Shooting Sports - youth programming

OUTDOORS SKILLS SERIES - youth programming

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

Get OUTDOORS this summer with Tama County Conservation! This NEW Outdoor Skills Series for ages 11–14 introduces participants to essential outdoor skills through hands-on activities, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

All equipment will be provided.

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

• July 1 -Bushcraft Tools In The Wild
• July 8 -Bushcraft Knots & Shelters
• July 15 -On Target Shooting Sports
• July 22 -Fire & Feast
• July 29 -Geocaching & Games

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

[[removed image]]

NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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CAMP IS FULL - OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES - Fire & Feast - youth programming

OUTDOORS SKILLS SERIES - youth programming

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

Get OUTDOORS this summer with Tama County Conservation! This NEW Outdoor Skills Series for ages 11–14 introduces participants to essential outdoor skills through hands-on activities, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

All equipment will be provided.

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

• CAMP IS FULL - July 1 -Bushcraft Tools In The Wild
• July 8 -Bushcraft Knots & Shelters
• July 15 -On Target Shooting Sports
• CAMP IS FULL - July 22 -Fire & Feast
• July 29 -Geocaching & Games

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

[[removed image]]                    

OUTDOOR SKILLS SERIES - Geocaching & Games - youth programming

OUTDOORS SKILLS SERIES - youth programming

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

Get OUTDOORS this summer with Tama County Conservation! This NEW Outdoor Skills Series for ages 11–14 introduces participants to essential outdoor skills through hands-on activities, helping them build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

All equipment will be provided.

Choose your own adventure by coming to one, any or all sessions.

• July 1 -Bushcraft Tools In The Wild
• July 8 -Bushcraft Knots & Shelters
• July 15 -On Target Shooting Sports
• July 22 -Fire & Feast
• July 29 -Geocaching & Games

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

[[removed image]]

NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

[[removed image]]                    

FULL MOON FLOAT - AUGUST FREE FISHING EQUIP & PADDLING DAY

2026 FREE COMMUNITY CANOE DAYS

Tama County Conservation will be offering FREE Community Canoe Days at Otter Creek Lake and Park throughout the summer: June 6, July 4 and August 1, 2026.

COST: free

Registration is strongly recommended, otherwise this is a first-come-first-served event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NATURE CENTER Critter Connections

Stop by the Nature Center on Thursdays this summer and spend some time with our ambassador animals, watch a live snake feeding, and explore natural history displays featuring Iowa's plants, animals, and ecosystems (Thursdays in June, July and August 6, 2026).

ALL ages welcome!     Registration NOT required-FREE               

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CAMP IS FULL - NATURE ART - youth camp

CAMP IS FULL - NATURE ART- youth camp

GET OUTDOORS and get creative! during this two day camp. Campers will use natural materials and a variety of techniques to create multiple one-of-a-kind projects. From earthy masterpieces to wild creations, this hands-on program encourages imagination, exploration, and a deeper connection to nature.

Registration is required and will close one week prior to start date.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER