Central Park open house, fun day set

     Mark your calendars for the Central Park Nature Center Open House and Winter Fun Day on Monday, Jan. 17. Visit the Central Park Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to explore the Center’s latest exhibit additions. Watch the Nature Center live animals being fed at 10:30 a.m. Make a pinecone birdfeeder to take home. Enter the winter coloring contest and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider.

     Bring your winter gear to head outside! Snow pants, coats, winter boots, hats, and mittens recommended. If we have snow, try out a pair of our snowshoes while exploring the trails of Central Park. No snow? Go shed hunting to see what you might find!

     Have you always wondered what ice fishing was like? Check-out some of the parks ice fishing equipment at the Nature Center and give it a try. Park staff will be on hand to help drill holes and guide fishing activity on the lake from 1:30 to 4 p.m. near the new fishing pier. Try your luck or skill at catching a fish through the ice! (Anyone 16 and older fishing will need a valid Iowa Fishing License.) Register for the indoor “Introduction to Ice Fishing” program scheduled for 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (space is limited). Register at https://www.mycountyparks.com/Event/County/Jones/.    

     Snowshoes and ice fishing equipment available for check-out timeslots on a first come, first served basis.

     If you don’t like the cold, take a drive around the park to check out our renovated boat ramp area, handicap accessible fishing pier and walkway, and beach area as you dream of summer fun in 2022.

     Stay in the know – follow Jones County Conservation on Facebook or keep up to date on our website at https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/.