Fall Colors and Archeology Paddle is set for Oct. 21

   Join the Jones County Conservation Department Staff on Saturday, Oct. 21 on our “Annual Jones County Fall Colors and Archaeology Paddle.” This year we will paddle 10 miles of the Maquoketa River from Dunlap Access in Hopkinton to Mon Maq Access in Monticello.

     Be spellbound by Iowa’s beautiful fall colors as we travel past heavily wooded bluffs, boulders, limestone outcroppings, soaring cliffs and picturesque croplands and pastures. Learn about the archaeology of the area through interpretation from Michael and Nurit Finn, Archaeologists with Wapsi Valley Archaeology Inc., as we partake in lunch or a snack on a sandbar.

     Participants should bring their own kayak or canoes, paddles, PFDs, dry bags, extra dry clothing, warm aquatic footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and lunch. A limited number of canoes and equipment are available for use by those who do not have their own. This outing is river level and weather dependent. Participants should meet at 9 a.m. at Dunlap Access to drop off watercraft and at 9:30 at Mon Maq Access to shuttle vehicles. Put-in will be 10 a.m. at Dunlap Access.

     Those planning on attending should pre-register by emailing or calling Michele at 319-481-7987 or naturalist@co.jones.ia.us prior to noon, Oct. 19.