Des Moines County Conservation

10/02/2026

We are seeking volunteers to help with parking and shuttles at our Big Holloween event on October 10. Interested? Contact us or sign up online here: https://unitedwayseia.givepulse.com/event/942380-big-holloween

09/23/2026

Two free events back to back for the kids! Join 34 Raceway and us on October 10!

09/09/2026

Hunt Woods Recreation Area Regulation Change

09/04/2026

06/03/2026

Road Closure Notice

Pleasant Grove Road is closed for road construction immediately east of Iowa City Road to Highway 61.

Visitors traveling to Big Hollow Recreation Area can use the following alternate routes:

Gravel Route: Turn west on 190th St, located south of Pleasant Grove Road next to Sinclair Tractor (John Deere), then turn south at 152nd Ave.

Paved Route: Exit to Mediapolis, turn west onto Mediapolis Road, then south onto Iowa City Road, then west onto Pleasant Grove Road, and finally south onto 152nd Ave.

Send a message to learn more

05/21/2026

A huge thank you to Afinitas and the Mediapolis High School Welding Program for assembling and installing the handrails along the Big Hollow beach walkway!

Projects like this leave a lasting impact on our parks and help make outdoor recreation more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Be sure to check out the new handrails during your next visit to Big Hollow!

03/19/2026

We have a camp host opening for the 4th Pumping Station.
Apply here:

Apply for the Volunteer Camp Host position with Des Moines County. Learn how to apply and view a job description along with the role's requirements.

03/04/2026

The monthly board meeting is today at 5:30 PM at Starr's Cave Nature Center.

03/03/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from F&M Bank & Trust! Community partnerships like this help us continue providing quality outdoor spaces and meaningful learning experiences.

We love making special deliveries in the community we call home!

F&M Bank & Trust was honored to present another donation to Des Moines County Conservation. The check was delivered by Brenda Wischmeier, Community Relationship Officer, and received by Chris Lee, Executive Director and Marcus Nack, Environmental Education Manager.

Des Moines County Conservation manages 20 parks, recreation areas, river accesses, and wildlife areas spanning more than 2,000 acres, and is home to Starr’s Cave Nature Center and Big Hollow Recreation Area. Their work helps keep our community exploring, learning, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Get out and explore the beauty right here in Des Moines County!

02/25/2026

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