Events

Sunrise Hike

Marietta Sand Prairie
1744 Knapp Ave.
Marshalltown
Map to Event

September 9, 2026
6:30 am · 7:30am

Join Marshall County Conservation for a program that will encourage you to begin your morning off with a hike through a county area. Research has shown that people who exercise in the morning are more active througout the day. Come for a brisk hike, bring your bincoluars to look for birds, or just to get some fresh air while strolling leisurely. MCCB staff will be present to answer any questions you might have. Participants will want to dress appropriately and wear sturdy footwear.

Fee: Free

To register for this event please give us a call, send us an email or text 641-758-9777 by the deadline of the event.

For More Information
(641) 752-5490
mccb@marshallcountyia.gov

Posted by: Conservation

Monarch Tagging

Grimes Farm Shelter
2359 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 9, 2026
5:30 pm · 6:30pm

Join us on September 9 at the Grimes Farm Shelter House to learn about the Monarchs' remarkable migration during the fall months. The program will start at 5:30 p.m. with a short presentation about Monarchs and the tagging program. Following the program, nets will be available for families to catch Monarchs to tag. There will be milkweed available for anyone who wants to plant them to help Monarchs thrive while supplies last. No pre-registration required and the event is FREE!

Posted by: Conservation

Live and Local - Jordan Beem

Leonard Grimes Memorial Amphitheater at Grimes Farm
2349 233rd St.
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 10, 2026
6:00 pm · 8:00pm

Jordan Beem is a rising country artist out of Des Moines, IA, earning major recognition across the Midwest. Rooted in the Des Moines live music scene, Jordan delivers a high-energy, crowd-driven show alongside powerhouse drummer John Griffiths. He has opened for LANCO, Austin Williams, David Nail, Jason Brown, and Brad Morgan. Blending country, classic rock, and modern pop, Jordan’s sound continues to connect with diverse audiences. His debut single “Iowa Skies” sparked early momentum, followed by “That’s Just Livin’ in the USA” and “Drinking with the Devil,” both seeing continued success on Midwest country radio.

 

Those attending may bring beer and wine to drink with them, but must abide by the following rules: All laws of the State of Iowa regarding consumption of alcohol will be strictly observed. Violation of state code with regard to alcohol consumption will result in expulsion from the area. No kegs, hard liquor, or glass beer bottles are allowed.

There is limited fixed seating at the amphitheater, so please bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show!

 

Food Trucks

• Clare’s Tenderloins
• Holy Grounds
• Treat Wagon

Posted by: Conservation

Nature Adventures for Homeschoolers

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center Classroom
2349 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 11, 2026
10:00 am · 11:00am

Discover the incredible journey of monarch butterflies as we explore their life cycle, migration, and the challenges they face along the way. Participants will learn how scientists study monarch populations through tagging and will have the opportunity to help tag monarch butterflies for migration research if weather and butterfly conditions allow.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

 

Posted by: Conservation

Star Gazing - Not All Stars Were Created Equal

Iverson Observatory - Green Castle Recreation Area
2891 Green Castle Rd
Gilman, IA
Map to Event

September 11, 2026
8:00 pm

If you look closely at the stars twinkling high above, you will notice some vary, not only in brightness but also in color. Join the Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa for some amazing facts about the stars overhead.

For more information, please call Jim Bonser at (641)751-8744.

For More Information
Contact: Jim Bonser
(641) 751-8744

Posted by: Conservation

Young Artist Studio

Grimes Ram and Conservation Center Classroom
2349 233rd St.
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 16, 2026
4:00 pm · 5:30pm

Grades 3rd through 12th are invited to join local artists to learn and sharpen their art skills. Each session will focus on an element of art or type of media, a project to work on, and studio time to be creative and work on other projects. Participants can sign up for all or one session. Preregistration is required one week before studio time. To register call 641-752-5490, email mccb@marshallcountyia.gov, or text only 641-758-9777.

Posted by: Conservation

Iverson Observatory Grand Opening

Iverson Observatory - Green Castle Recreation Area
2891 Green Castle Rd
Gilman, IA
Map to Event

September 18, 2026
7:30 pm

Join us for a night to celebrate the grand opening of Marshall County Conservation's new Iverson Observatory. The Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa will help you explore the night sky at our new observatory! This beginner-friendly "Intro to Astronomy" program offers a relaxed and engaging opportunity to learn the basics of stargazing. Please bring a lawn chair.

No reservations needed for this event.

Posted by: Conservation

Brown Bag Bunch - Hidden Life of the Prairie

Marietta Sand Prairie
1744 Knapp Ave
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 22, 2026
11:30 am · 12:30pm

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: September 17 by 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a relaxing prairie walk as we uncover the hidden life all around us! From blooming wildflowers and busy pollinators to singing birds and fascinating insects, discover the plants and wildlife that make Iowa prairies such vibrant and important ecosystems. Limited binoculars will be available to borrow during the program.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

Posted by: Conservation

Kayaking

Green Castle Recreation Area - Boat Dock
2891 Green Castle Recreation Area
Gilman, IA
Map to Event

September 23, 2026
5:30 pm · 7:00pm

Join us as we explore Marshall County waters with kayaks. This family-friendly event is designed to help participants learn the basics of kayaking and stay safe on Iowa's waters. There is no fee for this program; however, you must pre-register to reserve one of the limited spots.

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: September 18 by 4:00 p.m.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

Posted by: Conservation

Rain Barrel Workshop

Grimes Farm Shelter House
2359 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

September 30, 2026
6:00 pm

Join us for a hands-on Rain Barrel Workshop in partnership with the Marshall County Landfill! Learn how to conserve water, reduce runoff, and support a healthier environment by creating your own rain barrel.Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on assembling a rain barrel, along with tips for installation and use at home. This workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone interested in sustainable practices.

Registration Fee: $20

Registration Deadline: September 23 by 4:00 p.m.

 

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

Posted by: Conservation

Nature Adventures for Homeschoolers - Decomposers

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center Classroom
2349 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

October 5, 2026
10:00 am · 11:00am

Discover the hidden world of decomposers and the important role they play in nature! Participants will explore how fungi, insects, worms, and other decomposers break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil and helping ecosystems thrive. Through hands-on activities and exploration, we’ll uncover the tiny organisms that keep nature clean and healthy.

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: October 1 by 4:00 p.m.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

 

Posted by: Conservation

Brown Bag Bunch - Ice Age Iowa

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center - Classroom
2349 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

October 6, 2026
11:30 am · 12:30pm

Join Chérie Haury-Artz from the State Archaeologist's Office as we journey back more than 13,000 years to the end of the last Ice Age. Discover what Iowa looked like when giant mammals roamed the landscape, glaciers shaped the land, and temperatures were far colder than today. Learn how the first people to call Iowa home adapted to these challenging conditions and explore the evidence they left behind. The program will also feature a display of real and replica artifacts from this fascinating period, offering a hands-on look into Iowa's earliest human history.

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: October 1 by 4:00 p.m.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

Posted by: Conservation

Star Gazing -

Green Castle Recreation Area
2891 Green Castle Rd
Gilman, IA
Map to Event

October 9, 2026

Our Nearest Neighbor in Space:

The Moon

October 9 at 10:00 p.m.

Iverson Observatory

2891 Green Castle Road, Gilman

AACI will review some of the lore about the moon and explore its surface via telescope!

For More Information
(515) 298-1367

Posted by: Conservation

Zombie Run

Grimes Farm
2359 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

October 10, 2026
6:00 pm

The Park Apocalypse has begun, and Grimes Farm will be infested with Zombies on October 10, 2026. Put on your running shoes for this spine-tingling 5K, with registration beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a staggered race start beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Runners will brave the oncoming night and undead creatures lurking on the trails, which will try to steal their brains (also known as flags, from flag football belts). If runners cross the finish line with flags, they have avoided lively decomposition and are declared a survivor. Those with no flags - their future is not guaranteed, and they are deemed infected.

Runners can register online at Eventbrite (https://tinyurl.com/28wtmyds). Online registration fee is $35 and includes a swag item, a finisher medal, a walking “dead” taco meal, a zombie antidote (Gatorade), and a zombie cookie. Registration Deadline is October 7. Registration for the race day is welcome; however, medals, swag items, and meals are guaranteed to the first 100 registered runners. The day of race registration is $45.

Zombie Run Tickets

For More Information
Contact: Emma Bruck
ebruck@marshallcountyia.gov
Website

Posted by: Conservation

Young Artist Studio

Grimes Ram and Conservation Center Classroom
2349 233rd St.
Marshalltown
Map to Event

October 21, 2026
4:00 pm · 5:30pm

Grades 3rd through 12th are invited to join local artists to learn and sharpen their art skills. Each session will focus on an element of art or type of media, a project to work on, and studio time to be creative and work on other projects. Participants can sign up for all or one session. Preregistration is required one week before studio time. To register call 641-752-5490, email mccb@marshallcountyia.gov, or text only 641-758-9777.

Posted by: Conservation

Nature Adventures for Homeschoolers - Nature's Oddities

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center - Classroom
2349 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

November 12, 2026
10:00 am · 11:00am

Nature can be weird, wild, and sometimes a little gross! Join us as we explore some of the strangest and most surprising facts from the natural world. From slimy creatures and stinky survival tactics to bizarre animal behaviors and yucky adaptations, participants will discover how these unusual traits help plants and animals survive in the wild. Get ready for a fun, hands-on program full of nature’s weirdest wonders!

Registration Fee: Free

Registration Deadline: November 10 by 4:00 p.m.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

Posted by: Conservation

Young Artist Studio

Grimes Ram and Conservation Center Classroom
2349 233rd St.
Marshalltown
Map to Event

November 18, 2026
4:00 pm · 5:30pm

Grades 3rd through 12th are invited to join local artists to learn and sharpen their art skills. Each session will focus on an element of art or type of media, a project to work on, and studio time to be creative and work on other projects. Participants can sign up for all or one session. Preregistration is required one week before studio time. To register call 641-752-5490, email mccb@marshallcountyia.gov, or text only 641-758-9777.

Posted by: Conservation

Brown Bag Bunch: Retracing The Dragoon Trail in Iowa & Environmental Transformation along the Des Moines River

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center - Classroom
2349 233rd St
Marshalltown, IA
Map to Event

November 19, 2026
11:30 am · 12:30pm

Join historian and author Kevin Mason for an immersive journey along the route of the 1835 First U.S. Dragoon Expedition in Iowa. Drawing from his new book, Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa, Mason explores how the state’s prairies and wetlands evolved into the farms, towns, and highways we know today. Blending environmental history, Indigenous perspectives, and the spirit of firsthand travel, this engaging presentation reveals how Iowa’s landscape still echoes with the stories of the past.

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS: CALL 641-752-5490, EMAIL MCCB@MARSHALLCOUNTYIA.GOV,

OR TEXT ONLY 641-758-9777 BY THE DEADLINE OF THE EVENT

 

Posted by: Conservation

Christmas Bird Count

All Over County

December 17, 2026

For over 125 years, the Audubon Society has held Christmas Bird Counts across the United States. Data gathered from these counts is used to understand bird populations. During the Christmas Bird Count, groups are assigned an area within a 15-mile radius and record as many different bird species as possible. The species and numbers are then compiled, sent to the Audubon Society, and documented. The count must take place around Christmas, and groups must pick a specific 24-hour period to record birds. The date we have selected is December 17. We have multiple bird experts and have divided the quadrant into sections. There are several ways to participate in a birding day. 1. If you are an expert, you can help lead a group. 2. Even if you don’t know birds, you can join an expert and learn about birds along the way. 3. If you have bird feeders at your home, you can watch and record the birds that come to your feeders. You do not have to dedicate 24 hours. You can give as much time as you want. If you are interested in joining us for the bird count on December 17, please get in touch with Emma Bruck at 641-752-5490 or ebruck@marshallcountyia.gov by December 11 at 4:00 p.m. The map below shows the regions we will cover. This includes the towns of Marshalltown, Albion, Green Mountain, and Laurel.

For More Information
Contact: Emma Bruck
ebruck@marshallcountyia.gov

Posted by: Conservation