7^th ~ Woodcock Watch ~ 7:30 PM ~ Sherman Park ~ Come watch the dynamic display of the American woodcock at Sherman Park’s north entrance. This is our 23^rd year watching the woodcocks’ courtship “Skydance”, and they give a good show.

10^th ~ KinderNature: Tails! ~ 10AM ~ DeWitt Community Center ~ This program, for three- to five-year-olds, is all about animal tails! An animal’s tail is one of the first things a child notices; it maybe because they tell a lot about them and how they are feeling. So join us to play some games, sing songs, and have a snack to create a fun learning experience. DeWitt Community Center is located at 512 10th St., right across from the library. Register at 563-847-7202. Deadline is April 7.

14^th ~ Nighttime Prairie Burn ~ 8PM ~ Lost Nation Public Hunting Area ~ (April 16 is rain/wind date) ~ Clinton County’s Roadside Biologist, will torch the dry grasses during this educational program. Along with a spectacular show, Andy will explain the how, and why of prairie burns. Follow the signs east off the Eden Valley Road. 563-847-7202 for information.

17^th ~ Nighttime Prairie Burn ~ 8PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ (April 21 is rain/wind date) ~ Pyro-botanist Andy Friederichsen will light up the night sky following the Friends of the Wapsi Center meeting at 7 PM. Come early and attend both. Along with a spectacular show, Andy will explain the how and why of prairie burns. Please call 563-847-7202 for more information.

19^th ~ Earth Day Expo ~ 10AM-4PM ~ QCCA Expo Center ~ The Quad Cities Earth Week Coalition is hosting its 5^th annual Earth Week Fair at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, IL. This event is free to the public and will feature over 60 booths offering hands-on activities, demonstrations, make and take crafts, literature, videos, quizzes and other interactive projects. For more information, contact Erin Robinson, at 563-386-9575.

19^th ~ Float the New Lost Lakes Water Trail ~ 1 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Be some of the first to float the new 10.5 mile Lost Lakes Water Trail sponsored by the CCCB, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Iowa DNR and Midwest River Expeditions. We’ll paddle up Rock Creek, return and then into the Lost Lakes area. Be prepared to haul overland as some portages may be necessary. Participants will stay with the leader and wear PFDs at all times! Call 563-847-7202 to register and/or reserve a canoe.

19^th ~ Eden Valley Nature Center Opener ~ 1- 4PM ~ Eden Valley ~ The Nature Center will be open from 1-4 PM on Saturdays, now through October. Take a wildflower hike at 1:30 PM to explore the spring colors. As always, we are looking for volunteers to open the Nature Center on Saturdays. No experience is necessary. Call 563-847-7202 for information.

22^nd & 26^th ~ Hunter Education Course ~ 6:30-9PM (Tue.) & 8AM-4PM (Sat.) ~ Arrowhead Hunting Club, Goose Lake ~ Call Loren Zaruba at 563-659-5383 for required sign-up.

26^th ~ Volunteer Stewardship Workday ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Wapsi Center ~ The Wapsi Center will host a spring workday in support of Keep Scott County Beautiful. The workday will focus on habitat clean-up and erosion control improvements. All skill levels are welcome, so bring the whole family!

26^th ~ Kite Flying 101 ~ 1-3PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ “Up, up and away!” Nothing can make your spirits soar like building and flying your very own kite. Using sticks, string, paper and glue, create a traditional diamond bow kite. After construction, participants will launch their creations. Interested participants are asked to register by April 24, 563-328-3286. Supply cost is $2 per kite.

26^th ~ Night Sky Viewing ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical society at Sherman Park’s north end to explore the night sky. If cloudy or raining, there will be slide show and talks in the observatory.

27^th ~ Water Quality? Talk to the Bug! Family Workshop ~ 1-4 PM ~ Putnam Museum/Nahant Marsh (563) 324-1054 #242.

1^st ~ May Day Spelunking ~ 6:30 PM ~ Eden Refuge ~ Enjoy a May Day basket treat on the way over to Werden’s Cave for a wild cave tour with a naturalist. Meet at Eden Valley Nature Center; pre-registration is required, 563-847-7202.

3^rd ~ Wildflower Pressing and Hike ~ 10AM-Noon ~ Wapsi Center ~ Decorating with pressed leaves and flowers is a fun and inexpensive way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. Join us for a hike to collect some spring woodland wildflowers to put into your very own plant press. Then come inside to learn some simple and attractive craft ideas. Register by calling 563-847-7202. Materials fee is $4.

3^rd ~ Nahant Marsh Spring Clean-up ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Nahant Marsh ~ Contact Brian Ritter 563-323-5196

3^rd ~ Monsignor Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~ Wapsi Center ~ Mars and Saturn will be prominent in the sky, and there is a rare chance to see Mercury low in the western sky just after sunset. No moon tonight means excellent conditions for viewing deep-sky objects; star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Please call 563-333-6141 on the day of the event.

10^th ~ Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats & People ~ 10AM-Noon ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Director us in celebrating annual migrants & the natural phenomenon of migration. A live birds of prey program, family-oriented activities, and great birding opportunities as you hike the trails will be part of the program. The Wapsi Center is recognized as a premium wildlife viewing area by Falcon Publishing’s Watchable Wildlife series.

10^th ~ The Night Shift ~ 7:30 PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ The Wapsi Center is home to Iowa’s three most-common owls – the great horned, screech and barred owls. Learn more about Mother Nature’s night shift as we call raptors. Bring a small flashlight.

15^th ~ Moonlight Frog Chorus ~ 7:30 PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Experience the sounds of the season, in search of the frogs and toads which inhabit the Wapsi Center. Please bring a flashlight and waterproof footwear.

13^th ~ Scott County Snapshot Sampling ~ 8AM-Noon ~ Contact: Amy Johannsen at 563-391-1403 #3.

14^th ~ Spring in the Marsh Family Event ~ 6:30-8PM ~Nahant Marsh ~ Contact Brian Ritter (563) 323-5196.

16^th ~ Nighttime Canoe Float ~ 9PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Join us for a paddle in the dark on our canoe season opener. We'll explore the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi and Wapsipinicon under a waxing 90%-illuminated moon. Our senses will be on edge while we hear the night calls of birds and encounter other animal life at this very active hour of the day. All participating must have a white light that shines 360 degrees in their craft, wear life jackets and carry a whistle (for emergency use only). Call to register and/or reserve a canoe at 563-847-7202.

17^th ~ Iowa NatureMapping Level I Workshop ~ 9AM-4PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Wapsi Center staff and ISU Extension for a workshop to provide hands-on environmental education specifically related to Iowa’s wildlife populations. Information is used by professionals in support of management and educators may use this valuable training to engage students in related lessons. For registration information, contact Dave Murcia at 563-328-3286, at jmurcia@scottcountyiowa.com. Workshop cost is $30 per participant, which includes materials and lunch.

17^th ~ Float the Maquoketa ~ 1 PM ~ Royertown Access to Joinerville Park ~ Meet at the Royertown Access north of Baldwin, Iowa, for a float down this 7.3 mile section of the scenic Maquoketa River. We’ll pass Maquoketa Caves State Park and take water samples at the mouths of Raccoon, Bear and Pumpkin Creeks while making regular stops at beaches along the way. Our canoes are available on a first-come basis. Call 563-847-7202.

17^th ~ Night Hike ~ 8:30 PM ~ Eden Refuge ~ The Park Ranger will lead an after-dark hike to the Refuge's murkiest corners. Meet at the Nature Center and bring a small flashlight.

23^rd ~ Birds of Prey ~ 7PM ~ West Lake ~ Interested participants meet at Summit Hills campground office. You need not be a registered camper for this free program, including live raptors.

23^rd ~ Frog and Toad Surveys ~ 7PM- After Dark ~ Nahant Marsh ~ Contact Brian Ritter 563-323-5196 .

25^th & 26^th ~ Heritage Days ~ 11AM-5PM ~ Walnut Grove Pioneer Village

29^th ~ Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Every Thursday evening through October, Clinton County Conservation will be offering naturalist-guided eco cruises aboard the New Bigger, Better, Faster Blue Heron pontoon boat on the Mississippi River. Call 563-259-1876 to reserve a spot. Cost is $6/adult, $4/children under 16 and free for children under 5.

31^st ~ Night Sky Viewing ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical society at Sherman Park’s north end to explore the night sky. Indoor presentation if cloudy.

5^th ~ Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~Call 563-259-1876.

7^th ~ Fishing Clinic ~ 8AM-Noon ~ West Lake Park, Gate #1 - Rolling Hills Shelter ~ Kids, kindergarten through 6^th grade, and an adult chaperone are invited to attend this event. Kids will spend the morning traveling to five different stations learning about fish identification, casting, fish cleaning and tasting, laws and ethics and equipment. There is no charge for this event!

7^th ~ Blue Heron Rides ~ 9AM ~ Rock Creek ~ We will be offering special 1-hour, naturalist-guided rides aboard the Blue Heron pontoon boat on the Mississippi River. First come, first served. $4/adult, $2/children under 16 and under 5 are free.

7^th ~ Nahant Marsh Workday ~ 9 AM ~ Nahant Marsh ~

7^th ~ Monsignor Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~ Wapsi Center ~ A crescent moon will be visible for the first couple of hours after sunset, after which Mars and Saturn will again be the most prominent objects in the sky, and the darkness will be perfect for deep sky objects.

7^th ~ Saturday Night At the Movies ~ Dusk ~ Eden Valley ~ The campground at Eden Valley is showing family movies on the big screen for campers and park visitors. Free popcorn!

9^th-13^th ~ Young Pioneers Day Camp ~ 9AM-3 PM ~ Walnut Grove Pioneer Village ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder Week ~ Contact Jo Noon at 563-328-3283.

10^th & 11^th ~ Summer Day Camp ~ “Re-wilding” Kindergartners to 2^nd Graders ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Rock Creek Marina & Campground ~ Through this free day camp, we hope to bring our children back to the wild spaces and away from activities that separate them from outdoors. Day camps are just that we will entertain and enlighten your young children for a matter of a few hours. They will be familiarized with the living world through hikes, a Blue Heron Eco cruise, collecting and more. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling 563-847-7202 by June 3.

12^th ~ Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~Call 563-259-1876.

14^th ~ Free Canoeing ~ All Day ~ Rock Creek ~ Rock Creek’s 10 canoes will be available to use free of charge all day in the Mississippi Backwaters surrounding the park.

14^th ~ Clinton County Enviro Kids ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Clinton Co. Area Solid Waste Agency ~ Explore the world with us this summer! Enviro Kids is a summer-long day camp program sponsored by many local agencies and industries. To register for any and all Enviro Kids events call Judy at Lyondell, 563-244-2531. Participation is free and kids get a souvenir T-shirt!

14^th ~ Float the Maquoketa ~ 1 PM ~ Preston, IA – Mississippi River ~ Meet at the access just north of Preston, Iowa, on County Road Z34. We’ll float to the access near U.S. Hwy. 52 and from there determine whether the current is slight enough to paddle back upstream from the Mississippi to the takeout. The mouth of the Maquoketa River offers a scenic view of the Mississippi and its adjacent landforms, which include some of the most impressive naturally-deposited sand dunes along the river.

14^th ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Good times aboard this ½-hour, ranger-guided hayrack ride to McAndrews Wildlife Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

16^th-20^th ~ Young Pioneers Day Camp ~ 9AM-3PM ~ Walnut Grove Pioneer Village ~ Nature Week. Contact 563-328-3283.

16^th-20^th ~ Junior Conservationist Day Camp ~ 9:30 AM-3PM ~ Nahant Marsh ~ Call 563-323-5196.

19^th ~ Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~Call 563-259-1876.

20^th ~ Frog and Toad Surveys ~ 7PM-After Dark ~ Nahant Marsh ~ Contact 563-323-5196 or www.nahantmarsh.org.

21^st ~ Kids’ Fishing Tournament ~ 9AM - Noon ~ Malone Park ~ Kids, ages twelve and under, are invited to test their angling skills. Sunfish are thick in the 10-acre lake, with bass, bullheads and catfish in good numbers. Plaques will be awarded for the greatest weight of fish in two age groups, ages 10-12 and ages 9 and under. There will also be door prizes for all. Registration starts at 9AM, with fishing from 9:30-11 AM; weigh-in and casting contest will follow. 

21^st ~ And They’re Off! Frog & Turtle Races ~ 10AM ~ Eden Valley Refuge ~ Bring your own or borrow turtles and frogs to sign up at the nature center for an exciting morning of racing! Refreshments & prizes. Call 563-847-7202.

21^st ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Good times aboard this ½-hour, ranger-guided hayride around the park. Continuous rides offered till dusk.

23^rd - 26^th ~ EDIWILD 2008 ~ Educators in the Wild Workshop ~ See Page 9, Wapsi Center Happenings for details.

23^rd - 27^th ~ Young Pioneers Day Camp ~ 9AM-3PM ~ Walnut Grove Pioneer Village ~ Wild West Week ~ Contact Jo Noon at 563-328-3283 for registration information.

26^th ~ Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~Call 563-259-1876.

27^th ~ Birds of Prey ~ 7PM ~ Scott County Park ~ Meet at Bald Eagle Campground Office. You need not be a registered camper to attend this free program including live raptors.

28^th  ~ Blue Heron Rides ~ 9AM ~ Rock Creek ~ We will be offering special 1-hour, naturalist-guided rides aboard the Blue Heron pontoon boat on the Mississippi . First come, first served. Cost is $4/adult, $2/children under 16 and under 5 are free.

28^th ~ Clinton County Enviro Kids ~ 9 AM-Noon ~ Soaring Eagle This will be a great morning! Kids will use GPS units to find their way around the forest and do some backwoods stomping into the hidden corners of the area. Call Judy at Lyondell, 563-244-2531, to register. The fun is free & kids get a T-shirt!

28^th ~ And They’re Off! Frog & Turtle Races ~ 11 AM ~ Rock Creek ~ Bring your own or borrow turtles and frogs to sign up at the park store for an exciting morning of racing! Refreshments will be available, along with prizes. Call 563-847-7202.

28^th ~ Clinton County Enviro Kids ~ 6PM ~ Alliant Energy Field, Clinton ~ Don’t miss this one! Free tickets to the Clinton LumberKings vs. the QC River Bandits, the Enviro Kids will be introduced on the field, recycling relay race and post-game fireworks! Wear your T-shirt! Call Judy at 563-244-2531, to register

28^th ~ Night Sky Viewing ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical society at Sherman Park’s north end to explore the night sky. If cloudy or raining, there will be slide show and talks in the observatory.

28^th ~ Saturday Night At the Movies ~ Dusk ~ Eden Valley ~ The Nature Center at Eden Valley is showing family movies on the big screen for campers and park visitors. Free popcorn!

July 3^rd ~ Blue Heron Sunset Cruise ~ 7PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 to reserve a spot.

July 5^th ~ Nahant Marsh Workday ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Nahant Marsh ~ Contact Brian Ritter 563-323-5196 .

July 7^th-11^th ~ Young Pioneers Day Camp ~ 9AM-3PM ~ Walnut Grove Pioneer Village ~ Ecology Week 563-328-3283.

July 9^th & 10^th ~ “Rewilding” 3-5^th Graders ~ 9AM-3PM ~ Rock Creek ~ This free camp will delight your youngster! We are still working on the details, but here are a few planned activities: team-building, setting up camp, building a survival shelter, using a compass, canoeing, Blue Heron Eco Cruise and music. Call 563-847-7202 and register by July 1.

Lyondell ~ Call 563-244-2531.

July 26^th ~ Clinton Co. EnviroKids ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Master Gardeners & ISU Extension ~ Call 563-244-2531.

August 9^th ~ Clinton Co. EnviroKids ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Clinton Izaak Walton League ~ Call 563-244-2531.

August 15^th–17^th ~ Hunter Safety Education Camp ~ 6PM (Fri)-4PM (Sun) ~ Wapsi Center ~ In this event, we will go far beyond the basics. In addition to all of the hunter education standards, we will be teaching advanced shooting techniques, bowhunter safety, trapping, waterfowl, turkey & raccoon hunting, dog training, caring for game in the field, first aid, wildlife ID, calling and a whole lot more! The course is open to kids, age 11-16, whether or not they have received the Hunter Education Certificates already. Cost per student is $25 for meals. Clinton County students are free thanks to a donation from Clinton County Pheasants Forever. Clinton Area Whitetails Unlimited will be providing monetary support to cover the cost of lodging ammunition and targets for the participants. Overnight chaperones will be provided by participants' parents. Space is limited to 50 kids, so sign up early by calling 563-847-7202.

August 23^rd ~ Clinton Co. EnviroKids ~ 9AM-Noon ~Bickelhaupt Arboretum ~ Call 563-244-2531.

September 6^th ~ Clinton Co.

EnviroKids ~ 9AM-Noon ~ Rock Creek ~ Join a Clinton Co. naturalist on-board the Blue Heron for an Eco Cruise on the Mississippi. We will also cone the backwaters and do a mini-beach litter patrol. Call 563-244-2531.