Advanced Training Opportunities
Note: Conditions sometimes change, so for activities that do not require registration or a sign-up, be sure to check with the event contact person before heading to the event!
Note: Some of the larger advanced training events are often in need of volunteers. If you are long on AT hours, but short on volunteer hours, consider offering to help out!
Sat, Apr 14, 7:30 PM-8:30 PM Join Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones county naturalists to learn about and observe the American Woodcock at Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area (29912 9th Avenue Bernard, IA 52032). To register or for more info go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodcock-watch-tickets-541666106907?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Sat, April 29, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Learn how to turn your yard into a pollinator corridor by attending this program led byBoone County Naturalist Kyle Neuendorf. Meet at the Madrid Library at 1:30 PM, then, at 2:30, convene at the Swede Point Park shelter house parking area for a field demonstration. Questions? contact Kyle at kneuendorf@boonecounty.iowa.gov
Tue May 2, 8:30 AM-10:00AM Join Avian biologist Wendy VanDeWalle for a Birding Hike at Wikiup Hill Learning Center in Linn county. Help with the identification of migrants and local species will be provided and use of the iNaturalist app will be covered. To register or for more info go to: https://www.mycountyparks.com/county/linn/Park/Wickiup-Hill-Learning-Center/Events/22166/Bird-Walk-with-Wendy-Part-2.aspx
Fri May 12, 4:30 PM Spring Ephemeral Hike led by Johnson County naturalists at Cangleska Wakan (4045 245th St NE Solon, IA 52333). registration required. To register or for more info go to: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Johnson/Park/JOHNSON-COUNTY-EDUCATION-PROGRAMS/Events/22595/Spring-Ephemeral-Hike.aspx
Sat May 20, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Public Bird Banding at FW Kent Park
Conservation Education Center (2048 Hwy 6 NW Oxford, IA 52322) learn about bird banding and see song birds up close and personal! for more info go to: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Johnson/Park/JOHNSON-COUNTY-EDUCATION-PROGRAMS/Events/22607/Spring-Migration-Public-Bird-Banding.aspx
Sat, Jun 10 7:00AM-5:00PM Big Sand Mound Field Day. The 510 acre Big Sand Mound Preserve is open to the public on only one day every three years. Learn from a host of specialists about the unique flora and fauna of this special place. To register, or for more information, go to: https://louisacountyconservation.org/event/big-sand-mound-field-day/
June 26-29 North American Prairie Conference. Listen to presentations by top notch prairie researchers, educators, writers, and thinkers, take field trips to prairies in central Iowa, and enjoy the company of fellow prairie enthusiasts in this four-day event. Cost is $400. To register, or for more information, go to http://www.northamericanprairie.org Registration deadline is May 15.
Iowa Master Naturalists 