Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation

06/12/2026

Crescent Hill at Hitchcock 5K | Tow Rope Trot & Nature Hike 🎄🏃‍♀️🌿

Join us for a midsummer trail run (or hike!) through the Loess Hills.

Choose your adventure:
🏃‍♂️ 5K trail race through wooded hills, prairie views, and scenic ridge climbs
🚶 2-mile nature hike along Crescent Ridge Trail

Theme is Christmas in July, so bring your festive spirit and compete for best costume! 🎅

Proceeds support a future terrain park tow rope and expanded four-season recreation at Crescent Hill.

https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/HoneyCreek/CrescentHill5K

06/11/2026

Father's Day is on June 21st.

Gift an experience this Father's Day with a membership to Pottawattamie County Conservation Foundation.

Perfect for dads who love the outdoors, trails, or just a good excuse to get outside more.

Make it a gift that keeps exploring all year long. 🌿💚

Call the office at 712-328-5638 to purchase a gift membership today. Call by June 12th to have your membership by Father's Day.

06/05/2026

Looking for a simple way to get outside and give back?

We’ve made it easy. Grab a small group (4–8 people), pick a location, and clean up on your own schedule. We’ll handle the rest.

✔️ Trash bags can be provided or bring your own
✔️ Perfect for families, friends, or small teams

Locations:
• Crescent Wildlife Area
• Honey Creek Conservation Area
• Blackbird Marsh
• Narrows River Park

When: Anytime, flexible scheduling

To sign up, email Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator Dana Kruse. 📧 [email protected].

05/18/2026

Don't forget to save the date for Go Wild for Conservation coming up on 📅 September 10, 2026!

Enjoy an evening of live music, local eats, and bidding on unique auction items while supporting public land access, your county parks, and environmental education programming for all ages—including park field trips for every student in Pottawattamie County.

Sponsorship and ticket details coming soon at pottconservation.com

05/01/2026

Hitchcock Nature Center isn’t just a park — it’s a front-row seat to the Loess Hills.

🥾 14 miles of rugged, unpaved trails
🦅 One of the best raptor-watching spots in the Midwest 🌿 Year-round programs for curious kids & lifelong learners
🏕️ Camping under the stars (tent + RV)

When you need fresh air and perspective, Hitchcock delivers. 🔗 pottconservation.com/parks/hitchcock_nature_center/

04/29/2026

The deadline for catering proposals for our annual Go Wild for Conservation fundraiser is this Friday, May 1st!

Vendors are encouraged to submit creative menu options featuring bison as the main entrée.

Event Date: September 10, 2026
Event Location: The Landing | 6865 Gifford Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa

View RFP and submission details here:
www.pottconservation.com/blog/request_for_proposal_food_beverage_catering_services_pcf/

04/27/2026

It's easy to find all the programs Dustin is leading. 🌿

From prairie walks to storytelling gatherings, Dustin
Clayton’s Awakening to the Living Land and Story Weaver programs are all in one place—ready for you to explore.

Find a date, show up, and reconnect with the natural world.

www.pottconservation.com/blog/deepen_your_connection_to_the_natural_world_through_myth_folklore_and_storytelling/

04/25/2026

We had a wonderful time hosting last year’s Go Wild for Conservation auction winners, Cliff and Kristin Miles, for our annual Roadkill Grill dinner at Hitchcock Nature Center.

The dinner experience featured good food with good friends, including wild game entrees and appetizers, all while supporting conservation efforts in Pottawattamie County. Thank you to the Miles’ for supporting our mission to preserve habitat and support environmental education!

P.S. We are currently collecting catering proposals for this year’s Go Wild fundraiser coming up in September. If interested, please submit your proposal by May 1st. Details available here: https://www.pottconservation.com/blog/request_for_proposal_food_beverage_catering_services_pcf/

04/24/2026

Celebrate spring with Pottawattamie Conservation during Free Day at the Parks!

Did you know that in honor of Earth Day, this Saturday is Free Day at the Park? This means park entry is waived at all county parks (other fees, like camping, still apply).

Take advantage of fresh springtime air, take in the amazing views, and see what you can find blooming in the parks! 🍄🌼

Here are some fun things you can do while you visit:

🎣 Arrowhead Park

Throw a line in and make some fishing memories with family and friends.

🦬 Botna Bend

Little Tike Hike | 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Designed for learners aged 3 to 5

⛷️ Crescent Hill at Hitchcock

Litter Busters Park Cleanup Event | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | All Ages | Meet at ski lodge

🌼 Hitchcock Nature Center

Litter Busters Park Cleanup Event | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | All Ages | Meet at Loess Hills Lodge

Meander & Gander | A Mindfulness in Nature Program | Ages 16+ | $15 per person | Pre-Registration is required for this event. Save your spot by 11:59 p.m. tonight: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/meander_gander_a_mindfulness_in_nature_program_with_lindsay_knieper/2026-04-25/

✈️ Narrows River Park

Bring the kids out for some fresh air and catch some up-close views of planes flying over.

🧺 Olde Town Park

Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the West Nishnabotna.