Hamilton County Conservation Board 2022 Public Naturalist Programs
Create Your Own Walking Stick Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Location: Conservation Office, Brigg’s Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
If you feel a personalized walking stick makes a walk through the woods a more enjoyable event, then come and create your own walking stick. Participants need to bring a preselected stick that we will transform into their own personalized walking stick. We will use a draw knife to remove the bark and some hand tools to personalize your own work of art. Some walking stick decorations will be provided but feel free to bring some items to share. We will decorate the sticks together and then you can walk with them on the Boone River Trail on your own. Register at www.mycountyparks.com so we can have enough supplies on hand. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423.
Maple Syrup Making at Camp WaNoKi
Date: Saturday, April, 2, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 10 am 12 pm
Come and join Webster and Hamilton County Conservation Boards at Camp WaNoKi located near Coalville for a celebration of making maple syrup. Maple syrup making is uniquely a North American craft that has been done for generations. We will have various stations outdoors that will allow you to experience how real maple syrup is made. Small samples of the real maple syrup will be available for people to taste. Register at www.mycountparks.com on the Hamilton County page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 Karen Hansen at Webster County 515-576-4258.
Fossil Expedition Adventure to Floyd County
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Meeting Location: Conservation Office, 2490 Brigg’s Woods Trail, Webster City, IA
Destination Location: Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve 1227 215th Street, Rockford, IA
Time: 10:00 am Meet at Briggs Woods & Depart for Floyd County by car caravan.
11:30 am Sack Lunch at Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve Picnic Shelter
(Bring your own sack lunch)
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Fossil Expedition (1 Gallon Bucket per person per day limit)
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fossil & Prairie Center Open for visitors
3:00 pm Departure for Hamilton County
4:30 pm Arrive back at Brigg’s Woods Park
Depart on your own schedule. Leave sooner or later as you choose.
We will be on a quest for Devonian Period marine fossils at the quarry site located at Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve in Floyd County. Participants of this program should bring a 1gallon bucket for your collected fossils, sun screen, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, and a bottle of water. Rock hammers, garden trowels, and old silverware are allowed but not necessary for gathering fossils. There is a strict minimum of 6 people to preregister for this program to take place so make sure to preregister on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Cops & Bobbers Fishing Derby
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Rain Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Location: Saturday Beach Shelter Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Location: Sunday Beach Shelter Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 8:30 am to 9:00 am Registration
9:00 am to 11:00 am Fishing Derby
Come and meet Hamilton County Law Enforcement Officers and refine your fishing skills during the Cops & Bobbers fishing derby at Brigg’s Woods Park beach area. This family event is free to the public. Iowa residents do not need a fishing license since it is held on the Iowa DNR free fishing weekend. (June 3,4,5, 2022) This program is for kid’s ages 3-14 years of age but adults can fish with their kids. Prizes will be given only to kids ages 3-14 that participate and each participant of that age will go home with a prize.
The goal of this program is to get kids hooked on fishing instead of drugs, crime, and to show law enforcement in a positive and friendly manner. This program is intended to break down barriers and teach law enforcement and citizens to trust each other.
We will discuss fishing pole maintenance, fish ID, fishing regulations, water safety, and other basic fishing instruction. Feel free to bring your own fishing pole and bait. We do have a limited supply of fishing poles. If you have questions contact Deputy Ryan Rupiper at 515-832-9500 or John Laird at 515-297-0423.
Introduction to the Atlatl
Date: Saturday July 9, 2022
Location: Conservation Office at Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Catch Atlatl fever by coming to learn how to throw a long dart at a deer target with an atlatl. The atlatl predated the bow and arrow and is still popular for recreation and hunting. This program is for all ages of people who are curious about the trying an ancient primitive hunting weapon. Register at www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Fireside Chat at Camp WaNoKi / Primitive Weapons
Date: Thursday, July, 28, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
A little history lesson at the fireside on weapons from the past will start this active evening. Join the fun as we offer participants the chance to use a variety of weapons from the past into the present, starting with early atlatls used to throw long darts at targets. Tomahawks and knife throwing along with slingshots, bows and arrows will be demonstrated and supervised by the Webster and Hamilton County Naturalists. This is a joint program between Hamilton and Webster County Conservation. Register at www.mycountyparks.com on the Hamilton County Page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Karen Hansen at 515-576-4258.
Boone River Clean Up
Date: Saturday, August 6, 2022
Rain Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Location: Briggs Woods Park at Shelter 1
Time: 7:30 am to 8:00 Registration at Shelter 1
8:00 am to 1:00 pm Boone River Clean Up
Come and help clean garbage out of our river as we canoe the Boone River. Meet at Shelter # 1 at Brigg’s Woods Park to register and we will start from there.
What to bring: Sunscreen, water, bug spray, shovel, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and canoes. Park your vehicle in the canoe access parking lot located next to the campgrounds. We will be cleaning up the 4.6 Miles of river from Riverside Park to Brigg’s Woods Park. We will be providing a shuttle bus from Brigg’s Woods Park to Riverside Park. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. A limited number of canoes are available on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to bring your own canoe. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must sign a waiver and medical information form for all youth under 18. All volunteers must abide by IA DNR boating laws. No alcohol consumption is allowed. We hope to be on the river by 8:00 am. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Fireside Chat at Camp WaNoKi / Autumn Luminary Night Hike
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Have you ever hiked in the woods after dark? Come and check it off your bucket list as we take a guided night hike and follow the luminary pumpkins on the woodland trails. We will learn about nocturnal woodland animals and their special adaptions for night time survival. Bring your own headland or flashlight with a red-light option if you wish. We will supply some lights and red-light coverings but numbers are limited. This is a joint program between Webster and Hamilton County Conservation Boards. Register on www.mycountyparks.com on the Hamilton County page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlair@hamiltoncounty.org or Karen Hansen at 515-576-4258.
Dutch Oven & Campfire Cooking / Meat Smoking
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Location: Shelter 1 Area Campsites 39-40, Brigg’s Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire or with a Dutch oven? Come and enjoy these hands-on activities as you learn the basics of campfire cooking with foil wraps, pie cookers, Dutch ovens, cast iron pans, or grilling over a campfire. Our Hamilton County Naturalist will share the basics of outdoor cooking and meat smoking with you. We will share recipes and enjoy food samples at the program. Feel free to bring your own Dutch oven and food to share. Register on www.mycountyparks.com so we can plan for the amount of food prepared. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Brigg’s Woods Park Halloween Fundraising Event
Trick or Treating / Hayrides / Kids Games / Meal / Night Hike
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Location: Brigg’s Woods Park, Campgrounds & Shelters Brigg’s Woods Park
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Brigg’s Woods Campgrounds Trick or Treating
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Hayrides start at Beach parking lot and go to campgrounds.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Kids Games at Shelter 1 in Campgrounds.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Meal at Beach Shelter by Webster City Church of Christ.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Luminary Night Hike starts at Shelter 2 (Ends at 9PM)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Hayrides start at the beach and go to Shelter 2 for night hike.
Bring your camper out ahead of time and decorate your campsite as there will be awards for the best two decorated campsites. Hay rides, Trick or Treating in campgrounds, and kids’ games at Shelter1 will be free.
Park at the beach parking lot to start and walk or join a hayride to the events. The Luminary Night Hike is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. You will discover some interesting facts on Iowa’s wildlife on the hike. There will be various presenters telling you about Iowa wildlife at trail stations. This is a fundraiser event so a $5.00 fee per person is collected at Shelter 2 for the Naturalist Program. Wrist bands will be issued for access on the luminary trail. There is no charge for a wrist band ages 4 and under. No alcohol consumption is allowed at the event. Questions call John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Briggs Woods Ranger Bailey Walters at 515-297-0357
Little Wall Lake Halloween Event / Trick or Treating / Hayrides
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Location: Little Wall Lake Park Picnic Shelter and Campground
Time: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate the fall by participating in this family-oriented event. Bring your camper and decorate your campsite as there will be awards for the best two decorated campsites. Trick or treating and hayrides in the campgrounds will be from 4 pm to 7 pm and meet at the picnic shelter. No alcohol consumption is allowed at the hayrides. Non camping visitors should park in the big parking lot on the north end of the lake. Wear your favorite costume to the event. Questions call John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Zane Schaffer at Little Wall Lake Ranger 515-297-0359
Owl Prowl Night Hike
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Location: Brigg’s Woods Park, Beach Amphitheater
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
What owls fly around Brigg’s Woods Park at night? Come join us for a talk at the amphitheater on owls of Iowa. We will hike the park trails together in search of these winged birds of the night. We will try to call owls as we hike on the trails. We have a limited number of flashlights so feel free to bring a flashlight. Red covers will be available to cover all the flashlights so we have better night vision. Register on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Candy Cane Hike
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Location: Shelter 2 Briggs Woods Park
Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Come and hike the park trails at Brigg’s Woods Park together with the County Naturalist in search of hidden candy canes on the trees, bushes, and logs. We will discuss the history of the candy cane and what is going on with the animals in the woods during the winter. Dress appropriately for the cold weather conditions. Register on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
If you have questions, please feel free to contact:
John Laird
hccblaird@wmtel.net or (515) 832-9570
Create Your Own Walking Stick Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Location: Conservation Office, Brigg’s Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
If you feel a personalized walking stick makes a walk through the woods a more enjoyable event, then come and create your own walking stick. Participants need to bring a preselected stick that we will transform into their own personalized walking stick. We will use a draw knife to remove the bark and some hand tools to personalize your own work of art. Some walking stick decorations will be provided but feel free to bring some items to share. We will decorate the sticks together and then you can walk with them on the Boone River Trail on your own. Register at www.mycountyparks.com so we can have enough supplies on hand. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423.
Maple Syrup Making at Camp WaNoKi
Date: Saturday, April, 2, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 10 am 12 pm
Come and join Webster and Hamilton County Conservation Boards at Camp WaNoKi located near Coalville for a celebration of making maple syrup. Maple syrup making is uniquely a North American craft that has been done for generations. We will have various stations outdoors that will allow you to experience how real maple syrup is made. Small samples of the real maple syrup will be available for people to taste. Register at www.mycountparks.com on the Hamilton County page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 Karen Hansen at Webster County 515-576-4258.
Fossil Expedition Adventure to Floyd County
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Meeting Location: Conservation Office, 2490 Brigg’s Woods Trail, Webster City, IA
Destination Location: Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve 1227 215th Street, Rockford, IA
Time: 10:00 am Meet at Briggs Woods & Depart for Floyd County by car caravan.
11:30 am Sack Lunch at Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve Picnic Shelter
(Bring your own sack lunch)
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Fossil Expedition (1 Gallon Bucket per person per day limit)
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fossil & Prairie Center Open for visitors
3:00 pm Departure for Hamilton County
4:30 pm Arrive back at Brigg’s Woods Park
Depart on your own schedule. Leave sooner or later as you choose.
We will be on a quest for Devonian Period marine fossils at the quarry site located at Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve in Floyd County. Participants of this program should bring a 1gallon bucket for your collected fossils, sun screen, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, and a bottle of water. Rock hammers, garden trowels, and old silverware are allowed but not necessary for gathering fossils. There is a strict minimum of 6 people to preregister for this program to take place so make sure to preregister on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Cops & Bobbers Fishing Derby
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Rain Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Location: Saturday Beach Shelter Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Location: Sunday Beach Shelter Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 8:30 am to 9:00 am Registration
9:00 am to 11:00 am Fishing Derby
Come and meet Hamilton County Law Enforcement Officers and refine your fishing skills during the Cops & Bobbers fishing derby at Brigg’s Woods Park beach area. This family event is free to the public. Iowa residents do not need a fishing license since it is held on the Iowa DNR free fishing weekend. (June 3,4,5, 2022) This program is for kid’s ages 3-14 years of age but adults can fish with their kids. Prizes will be given only to kids ages 3-14 that participate and each participant of that age will go home with a prize.
The goal of this program is to get kids hooked on fishing instead of drugs, crime, and to show law enforcement in a positive and friendly manner. This program is intended to break down barriers and teach law enforcement and citizens to trust each other.
We will discuss fishing pole maintenance, fish ID, fishing regulations, water safety, and other basic fishing instruction. Feel free to bring your own fishing pole and bait. We do have a limited supply of fishing poles. If you have questions contact Deputy Ryan Rupiper at 515-832-9500 or John Laird at 515-297-0423.
Introduction to the Atlatl
Date: Saturday July 9, 2022
Location: Conservation Office at Briggs Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Catch Atlatl fever by coming to learn how to throw a long dart at a deer target with an atlatl. The atlatl predated the bow and arrow and is still popular for recreation and hunting. This program is for all ages of people who are curious about the trying an ancient primitive hunting weapon. Register at www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Fireside Chat at Camp WaNoKi / Primitive Weapons
Date: Thursday, July, 28, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
A little history lesson at the fireside on weapons from the past will start this active evening. Join the fun as we offer participants the chance to use a variety of weapons from the past into the present, starting with early atlatls used to throw long darts at targets. Tomahawks and knife throwing along with slingshots, bows and arrows will be demonstrated and supervised by the Webster and Hamilton County Naturalists. This is a joint program between Hamilton and Webster County Conservation. Register at www.mycountyparks.com on the Hamilton County Page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Karen Hansen at 515-576-4258.
Boone River Clean Up
Date: Saturday, August 6, 2022
Rain Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Location: Briggs Woods Park at Shelter 1
Time: 7:30 am to 8:00 Registration at Shelter 1
8:00 am to 1:00 pm Boone River Clean Up
Come and help clean garbage out of our river as we canoe the Boone River. Meet at Shelter # 1 at Brigg’s Woods Park to register and we will start from there.
What to bring: Sunscreen, water, bug spray, shovel, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and canoes. Park your vehicle in the canoe access parking lot located next to the campgrounds. We will be cleaning up the 4.6 Miles of river from Riverside Park to Brigg’s Woods Park. We will be providing a shuttle bus from Brigg’s Woods Park to Riverside Park. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. A limited number of canoes are available on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to bring your own canoe. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must sign a waiver and medical information form for all youth under 18. All volunteers must abide by IA DNR boating laws. No alcohol consumption is allowed. We hope to be on the river by 8:00 am. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Fireside Chat at Camp WaNoKi / Autumn Luminary Night Hike
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Location: Camp WaNoKi Lodge, 2401 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge, IA
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Have you ever hiked in the woods after dark? Come and check it off your bucket list as we take a guided night hike and follow the luminary pumpkins on the woodland trails. We will learn about nocturnal woodland animals and their special adaptions for night time survival. Bring your own headland or flashlight with a red-light option if you wish. We will supply some lights and red-light coverings but numbers are limited. This is a joint program between Webster and Hamilton County Conservation Boards. Register on www.mycountyparks.com on the Hamilton County page. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlair@hamiltoncounty.org or Karen Hansen at 515-576-4258.
Dutch Oven & Campfire Cooking / Meat Smoking
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Location: Shelter 1 Area Campsites 39-40, Brigg’s Woods Park, Webster City, IA
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Have you ever wanted to cook over a campfire or with a Dutch oven? Come and enjoy these hands-on activities as you learn the basics of campfire cooking with foil wraps, pie cookers, Dutch ovens, cast iron pans, or grilling over a campfire. Our Hamilton County Naturalist will share the basics of outdoor cooking and meat smoking with you. We will share recipes and enjoy food samples at the program. Feel free to bring your own Dutch oven and food to share. Register on www.mycountyparks.com so we can plan for the amount of food prepared. Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Brigg’s Woods Park Halloween Fundraising Event
Trick or Treating / Hayrides / Kids Games / Meal / Night Hike
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Location: Brigg’s Woods Park, Campgrounds & Shelters Brigg’s Woods Park
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Brigg’s Woods Campgrounds Trick or Treating
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Hayrides start at Beach parking lot and go to campgrounds.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Kids Games at Shelter 1 in Campgrounds.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Meal at Beach Shelter by Webster City Church of Christ.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Luminary Night Hike starts at Shelter 2 (Ends at 9PM)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Hayrides start at the beach and go to Shelter 2 for night hike.
Bring your camper out ahead of time and decorate your campsite as there will be awards for the best two decorated campsites. Hay rides, Trick or Treating in campgrounds, and kids’ games at Shelter1 will be free.
Park at the beach parking lot to start and walk or join a hayride to the events. The Luminary Night Hike is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. You will discover some interesting facts on Iowa’s wildlife on the hike. There will be various presenters telling you about Iowa wildlife at trail stations. This is a fundraiser event so a $5.00 fee per person is collected at Shelter 2 for the Naturalist Program. Wrist bands will be issued for access on the luminary trail. There is no charge for a wrist band ages 4 and under. No alcohol consumption is allowed at the event. Questions call John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Briggs Woods Ranger Bailey Walters at 515-297-0357
Little Wall Lake Halloween Event / Trick or Treating / Hayrides
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Location: Little Wall Lake Park Picnic Shelter and Campground
Time: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Celebrate the fall by participating in this family-oriented event. Bring your camper and decorate your campsite as there will be awards for the best two decorated campsites. Trick or treating and hayrides in the campgrounds will be from 4 pm to 7 pm and meet at the picnic shelter. No alcohol consumption is allowed at the hayrides. Non camping visitors should park in the big parking lot on the north end of the lake. Wear your favorite costume to the event. Questions call John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org or Zane Schaffer at Little Wall Lake Ranger 515-297-0359
Owl Prowl Night Hike
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Location: Brigg’s Woods Park, Beach Amphitheater
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
What owls fly around Brigg’s Woods Park at night? Come join us for a talk at the amphitheater on owls of Iowa. We will hike the park trails together in search of these winged birds of the night. We will try to call owls as we hike on the trails. We have a limited number of flashlights so feel free to bring a flashlight. Red covers will be available to cover all the flashlights so we have better night vision. Register on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
Candy Cane Hike
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Location: Shelter 2 Briggs Woods Park
Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Come and hike the park trails at Brigg’s Woods Park together with the County Naturalist in search of hidden candy canes on the trees, bushes, and logs. We will discuss the history of the candy cane and what is going on with the animals in the woods during the winter. Dress appropriately for the cold weather conditions. Register on www.mycountyparks.com Questions contact John Laird at 515-297-0423 or jlaird@hamiltoncounty.org
If you have questions, please feel free to contact:
John Laird
hccblaird@wmtel.net or (515) 832-9570