9^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron Eco Cruises ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Take an hour and a half Eco Cruise on the Mississippi River. Cruisers will learn about wildlife, commercial use, navigation and recreational use of the big river. Call 563-259-1876 for reservations; costs are $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

11^th ~ Free Kayaking Day ~ 8 AM-4 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Rock Creek has four sit-on-top style tandem kayaks and two sit-in style solo kayaks as part of its rental and education fleet. Kayaks offer a unique mode of transportation to view wildlife in the area plus they are just plain fun. Rent the kayaks, free of charge (regularly $5/hour), for use in the Rock Creek area.

11^th ~ Great Lakes Style Fish Boil ~ 5-8 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ A Door County-Style meal to celebrate summer on the river. All-you-care-to-eat fish, potatoes & veggies with melted butter.

11^th ~ Snakes of Eastern Iowa ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Katie van der Linden will have a collection of 13 species of non-venomous snakes at the Camp Store. She will explain their habits and habitats as well as how to tell them apart.

11^th ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Good times aboard this 1½-hour, ranger-guided hayrack ride to McAndrews Wildlife Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

13^th ~ Lock & Dam #13 Eco Cruise ~ 6 PM ~ 9th Avenue Boat Ramp, Clinton ~ Join us for this once in a Blue Moon opportunity to cruise out of Clinton, north to the Lock & Dam. Time and weather permitting we will lock through into Lake Clinton. Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

15^th ~ Conservation Kids ~ White-tailed Deer ~ 2PM ~ Children’s Discovery Center ~ This program is for elementary school age children. Activities will include a hands-on presentation, game and snack. Conservation Kids is collaboration with Children’s Discovery Center and is located at 332 8^th Avenue South in Clinton near Hy-Vee. This event is free of charge.

16^th thru 18^th ~ Clinton County 4-H Fair ~ 1-7 PM Daily ~ Clinton County Fairgrounds, DeWitt ~ Visit the CCCB booth.

16^th ~ Annual River Music Cruise ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ We’ll bring together some area musicians for a musical trip on the Mighty Mississippi. Costs are $6/adult, $4/child 5 and older, 4 and younger go free. Sign up by calling 563-259-1876.

18^th ~ Volunteer Workday ~ 9 AM ~ Soaring Eagle Nature Center ~ Call 563-357-0759 for details.

18^th ~ Enviro Kids ~ 9 AM ~ Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency ~ Find out what happens to all the trash that you throw away as we tour the landfill. Learn about the life cycle of a landfill and how recycling does not end at the curb. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

18^th ~ Discover the Fun of Geocaching ~ 9 AM-Noon ~ Bickelhaupt Arboretum ~ Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. It's a great way to discover natural beauty, get some

LumberKings ~ 6 PM ~ Alliant Energy Field, Clinton ~ Enjoy a baseball game with the Clinton LumberKings on “Going Green Night” at the ballpark. Check-in is at 6 PM. Enviro Kids Recognition Night and post-game fireworks. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

18^th ~ The Benevolent Bat ~ 8 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Come take a peak into the world of bats. We’ll play a short informational video, look at specimens, play bat and moth and take a walk into the daily migration trek of thousands of small brown bats. This is a great program for the entire family.

18^th ~ Saturday Night at the Movies ~ Dusk ~ Eden Valley ~ Movies are free at the nature center’s outdoor screen.

18^th ~ Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Dr. Mitchell, Director of the Monsignor Menke Observatory, for a tour of the summer sky. Please call 563-333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions permit viewing.

18^th ~ Giant Planets ~ 9:30 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ View the night sky through a telescope, binoculars and computer simulation. If the stars are with us we’ll catch Saturn just as it sets and Jupiter as it rises. We’ll point out the visible constellations including Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius, Bootes, and many more. We’ll attempt to view stars, clusters and nebula. Should the sky be veiled we’ll tour the galaxy via the Stellarium computer simulation and a projected image. Bring a lawn chair and make an evening of it.

23^rd ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

24^th ~ Birds of Prey ~ 7 PM ~ Thomson Causeway ~ Mounts, various bird parts and two or three live birds of prey will accompany naturalist Jessica Steines for you to learn about these types of birds for a unique campground experience.

25^th ~ Canoeing the Mississippi Backwaters ~ 8 AM ~ Thomson Causeway ~ Join Jessica Steines for basic instruction, followed by canoeing. All canoeing gear will be supplied.

25^th ~ And They’re Off! Frog and Turtle Races ~ 7 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Bring your own or borrow turtles & frogs to sign up at the nature center for an exciting evening of racing! There will be prizes given to winners & a raffle for participating.

25^th ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Good times aboard this ½-hour, hayrack ride around the park.

25^th ~ Star Party ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical Society at Sherman Park's north end to explore the night sky. Star parties are dependent on the weather. To confirm a party will be held, check www.qcas.org, after 4 PM on the day of the party.

30^th ~ Fantastic Frogs ~ 7 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Katie van der Linden will present the different species of Iowa frogs at the nature center. She will explain their habitat, diet, and how to recognize the different species. Live species of frog will be shown.

30^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

1^st ~ Crossroads Triathlon ~ 7:30 AM ~ Killdeer Recreation Area ~ Clinton County's only triathlon will be a great event! Participants will start with a 500-yard swim in Lake Killdeer, then bike 15 miles, and then run 3.1 miles. Contact race organizers at 563-349-1136 or visit www.topshelfraceproductions.com.

1^st ~ Free Canoeing ~ 8 AM-4 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Rent the canoes, free of charge, for use in the Rock Creek area.

1^st ~ Enviro Kids ~ Fun On the Pond ~ 9 AM-Noon ~ Clinton Izaak Walton League ~ Fishing, canoeing, hayride, and prairie study. Lunch will be furnished. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

1^st ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Good times aboard this 1½-hour, ranger-guided hayrack ride to McAndrews Wildlife Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

5^th ~ Conservation Kids ~ Birds of Prey ~ 2PM ~ Children’s Discovery Center ~ This program is for elementary school age children. Activities will include a presentation with two live birds, craft and snack. Conservation Kids is a collaboration with the Children’s Discovery Center, located at 332 8^th Avenue South, Clinton near Hy-Vee. This event is free of charge.

6^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

6^th ~ Nature Center Open House ~ 7 PM ~ Soaring Eagle Nature Center ~ The Center will be open for casual viewing by the public. We’ll have a project for the youth to be involved in and a naturalist on hand to answer any questions about the Center.

6^th ~ Night Float ~ 9-10:30 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Join us for a paddle in the dark under the full moon. We'll explore the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi and bayous of the Wapsipinicon. Our senses will be on edge while we hear the night calls of birds and encounter other animal life at this very active time of the day. Call to register / reserve a fully equipped canoe at 563-847-7202.

7^th ~ Kindernature: Silly Slimy Salamanders ~ 10 AM ~ DeWitt Community Center ~ This nature program, which builds on awareness of the environment, focuses on our youngest county residents, three to five year-olds, but all ages can come! There will be a real salamander with book, craft and snack. Kindernature will take place at the DeWitt Community Center located at 512 10^th St. in DeWitt, IA right across from the library.

8^th ~ Everything Cattail ~ 10 AM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Come learn about the amazing cattail with this hands-on workshop. Learn how they grow and make an awesome cattail craft to take home. Call to reserve a spot at 563-328-3286.

8^th ~ The Madagascar Experience ~ 1 PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Katie van der Linden will share her three week experience in Madagascar through photos. Amazing lemurs, chameleons and boa constrictors were a few of the natural highlights. This isn’t like any Dreamworks movie you’ve ever seen!

8^th ~ Blue Heron Rides ~ 4-8 PM ~ 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, $3/children under 16 and under 5 are free.

8^th ~ Saturday Night at the Movies ~ Dusk ~ Eden Valley ~ Movies are free at the nature center’s outdoor screen.

10^th ~ Mussel Cruise ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ The Blue Heron will take participants out to learn about and wade for freshwater mussels. Freshwater mussels are the most endangered group of animals on earth; find out why. Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

13^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

14^th – 16^th ~ Hunter Safety Education Camp ~ 6 PM (Fri)-4 PM (Sun) ~ Wapsi Center ~ Standard hunter safety courses are 10 hours long. 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! All these activities will allow students to actually participate, not just listen to speakers or watch films. The course is open to kids, age 11-16, whether or not they have received the Hunter Education Certificates already. Cost per student is $35 for meals. Clinton County students are $10 thanks to a donation from Clinton County Pheasants Forever. Clinton Area Whitetails Unlimited will be providing monetary support to help 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.

15^th ~ Enviro Kids ~ Mississippi River Adventure ~ 9 AM-Noon ~ Rock Creek ~ Explore the Mississippi River on the Blue Heron Eco Cruise Pontoon Boat at Rock Creek Marina. Also search for fresh water mussels with the Clinton County Conservation Naturalist, and learn about the Global Positioning System (GPS) with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

15^th ~ Volunteer Workday ~ 9 AM ~ Soaring Eagle Nature Center ~ Call 563-357-0759 for details.

15^th ~ Wapsipinicon River Float ~ 9 AM-3 PM ~ Wapsi Center Access to Allen’s Grove Park ~ Join Scott County Naturalists for a 10-mile canoe trip down one of the last wildly scenic and free-flowing rivers left in Iowa. A minimal $20 registration fee per canoe is required by August 12. Register by calling 563-328-3286. Participants are required to have canoe experience. Each canoe holds a maximum of: 2 adults/1 youth. Participants will meet at Allen’s Grove Landing 4.5 miles north of Donahue, Iowa. Bring a sack lunch and your own soft drinks. This canoe float is weather and river dependent and we will provide equipment. For more info on this Iowa DNR Water Trail visit www.iowadnr.gov/watertrails/index.html.

15^th ~ Tube the Bear ~ 1 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ We are rounding up used truck inner tubes for a cool float down Bear Creek within the boundaries of the Refuge. Tubes will be provided on first come first served basis. Participants will sign in (parent or guardian for youth) and begin near the southwest picnic shelter. They will be provided a tube and PFD, scramble down the bank and float, splash and trod their way downstream to the take-out at the east end of the main campground. Water shoes or an old pair of sneakers and a PFD must be worn at all times (rocks can be sharp and hard), sunscreen is a good idea as well.

15^th ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Good times aboard this ½-hour, ranger-guided hayrack ride around the park.

15^th ~ Campfire Music ~ 9 PM-10:30 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Join naturalist Chuck Jacobsen at the Nature Center for a casual commune around a bright fire. Featured will be traditional folk as well as the music of John Denver, John Prine, Peter Meyer, Paul Simon, James Taylor and others. Bring your fixins for smores and we’ll provide you with nice long forks for roasting.

15^th ~ Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Dr. Mitchell, Director of the Monsignor Menke Observatory, for a tour of the summer sky. Please call 563-333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions permit viewing.

20^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

21^st – 23^rd ~ Fourth Annual LWRCP ~ Lower Wapsipinicon River Clean-up Project ~ 8 AM-4 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Please join us again to clean up the Wapsi. We will begin Saturday morning at Walter's Landing near McCausland, IA. and finish at Rock Creek. Base camp for Friday and Saturday nights will be at Rock Creek Marina. Tent camping is free; cabins and electrical sites are available at your own expense. Showers, flush toilets and running water are available at the campground. Friday night’s community campfire is fun. Saturday evening’s programs will add to your knowledge of rivers. Participants may feed themselves or order catered meals in advance. T-shirts can also be ordered. A limited number of canoes, paddles, and orange "keyhole" PFDs will be provided free though you may want to use your own. PFD’s will be worn at all times while participants are on the river. For more information please contact Melisa Jacobsen at coordinator@lowerwapsicleanup.org.

22^nd ~ Free Canoeing ~ 8 AM-4 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Rent the canoes, free of charge, for use in the Rock Creek area.

22^nd ~ Butterfly Fest ~ 9 AM-Noon ~ Bickelhaupt Arboretum ~ Many activities are planned including: a Garden Contest (bring your favorite arrangement of butterfly-attracting flowers); tour the Butterfly Garden; hear presentations on the travels of Clinton butterflies; learn about the life cycle and habits of Iowa butterflies; find out what a Monarch Way Station is; join in a Native American Butterfly dance; and have fun making crafts! Bring a picnic lunch and be part of the tagging and release of the Monarchs. For information call the Arb. at 563-242-4771.

22^nd ~ Hayrack Rides ~ 7 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ Good times aboard this 1½-hour, ranger-guided hayrack ride to McAndrews Wildlife Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

27^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~7 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

28^th & 29^th ~ Quad City Enviro-Kids: Wapsi Center Family Campout ~ 7 PM (Fri) - 10 AM (Sat) ~ Join us as we conclude the summer’s Environ-Kids program with a good old-fashioned campout, complete with hiking, exploring and cooking over a campfire. Please bring your own tent – some tents are available upon request. Dormitory-style sleeping is also available for a nominal fee. Call 563-468-4218 or visit www.ilivehereqc.org.

29^th ~ Clinton County EnviroKids ~ 9 AM-12 PM ~ Bickelhaupt Arboretum ~ Discover the world of butterflies and tag your own butterfly at the Arboretum. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

29^th ~ Rock Creek Float ~ 10 AM ~ Rock Creek ~ We will meet at the park store and shuttle you to float the Rock Creek Water Trail from the HWY 67 bridge to the park. This is a 5.5-mile float on the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi along the channel cut by Rock Creek. The trip will take about 3 hours depending on conditions that day so bring your lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water or other non-alcohol drink. Bring your own paddle craft or call 563-847-7202 to reserve a canoe.

29^th ~ Saturday Night at the Movies ~ Dusk ~ Eden Valley ~ Movies are free at the nature center’s outdoor screen.

29^th ~ Star Party ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical Society at Sherman Park's north end to explore the night sky. Star parties are dependent on the weather. To confirm a party will be held, check www.qcas.org, after 4 PM on the day of the party.

30^th ~ First Annual Mississippi Eco Tourism Catfish Tournament ~ Rock Creek ~ The Clinton County Conservation Foundation is putting on this tournament to raise fund to build the Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center at Rock Creek. Watch the local media for details or call 563-847-7202.

3^rd ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 6 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

10^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 6 PM ~Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

12^th ~ Youth Outdoor Skills Day ~ 8 AM–5 PM ~ Clinton Izaak Walton League ~ Looking for a way to open your child’s eyes to a life of adventure in the great outdoors? Looking for a chance for your child to gain experience with a variety of outdoor skills? We have just the thing! Clinton County kids 11-18 will learn about safety and skills at various stations staffed by various Conservation Organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Harvester Bass Club, Whitetails Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Clinton County Conservation. All stations will involve hands-on activities designed to give kids practical experience while keeping safety at the forefront. Parents and younger siblings are encouraged to attend with students. They will be invited to eat lunch free of charge along with participants. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant will be charged a non-refundable $5 registration fee and receive a commemorative T-shirt. Call 563-847-7202 for sign-up.

12^th ~ Clinton County EnviroKids ~ 9 AM-12 PM ~ Soaring Eagle Nature Center ~ Explore the Soaring Eagles Nature Center (the Nature Barn) at Eagle Point with a Clinton County Naturalist, and learn how to make homemade root beer and ice cream. Direct registration questions to Judie Petersen, 563-244-2531.

12^th ~ Volunteer Stewardship Day, “Garden Party” ~ 9 AM - Noon ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Wapsi staff in projects related to native plants including invasive species/brush removal, landscape transplanting and Native American and early pioneer gardening. An emphasis will be on planning and constructing a native garden site for future program needs. Register to volunteer at 563-328-3286. In appreciation for volunteer efforts, lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Wapsi Center after the workday.

12^th ~ Beautiful Butterflies ~ 1 PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Come learn about those amazing butterflies. We will be catching and identifying butterflies on the prairie and make a butterfly craft. Call 563-328-3286 to register.

12^th ~ Menke Open House ~ Dusk ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Dr. Mitchell, Director of the Monsignor Menke Observatory, for a tour of the autumn sky. Please call 563-333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions permit viewing.

15^th ~ Lock & Dam #13 Eco Cruise ~ 6 PM ~ 9th Avenue Boat Ramp, Clinton ~ Join us for this once in a Blue Moon opportunity to cruise out of Clinton, north to the Lock & Dam. Time and weather permitting we will lock through into Lake Clinton. Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

16^th ~ Kindernature: Majestic Monarchs! ~ 10 AM ~ DeWitt Community Center ~ Come and bring your three- to five-year-olds to learn why monarch butterflies are so majestic. Not only will your kids learn a thing or two, they will be helping Naturalist Jessica Steines tag live monarchs for the North America monitoring program (www.monarchwatch.org). The kids will learn a boy from a girl, name the monarch, tag it, and then release it for someone else to find along its migration route to Mexico. To help, come to the DeWitt Community Center located at 512 10th St. right across from the library.

17^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 6 PM ~Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

19^th ~ Overnight Float ~ 9 AM ~ Rock Creek ~ We’ll meet near the Camp Store and car pool to our put-in at McCauseland Landing. We should return to the Park around mid-day on Sunday after paddling the Wapsipinicon and camping Saturday night on Kingfisher Island. You will be responsible for all your food, water, and whatever gear you feel you need. This gear must be packed into floatable airtight containers (doubled up extra heavy 30 gallon bags work). We will have time for wading, swimming, fishing, etc. at rest stops along the way and camp. Call 563-847-7202 to register and/or reserve equipment.

19^th ~ Volunteer Workday ~ 9 AM ~ Soaring Eagle Nature Center ~ Call 563-357-0759 for details.

19^th ~ Birds of Prey; Great Horned Owl ~ 7 PM ~ Wapsi Center ~ Join Director Dave Murcia to learn about birds of prey that are native to our area. We will also introduce our newest inhabitant – a great horned owl! A night hike after the indoor portion will finish out the program. Register for this program by calling 563-328-3286.

24^th ~ Sunset Cruise, Blue Heron ~ 6 PM ~Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 reservations; $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

26^th ~ Star Party ~ Dusk ~ Sherman Park ~ Join the Quad Cities Astronomical Society at Sherman Park's north end to explore the night sky. Star parties are dependent on the weather. To confirm a party will be held, check www.qcas.org, after 4 PM on the day of the party.

1^st ~ Fall Color Eco Cruise ~ 5 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 to reserve a spot. Cost is $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

3^rd ~ Clinton County Chapter of Pheasants Forever Banquet ~ 5 PM ~ Millennium Ballroom ~ Pheasants Forever's Clinton County Chapter is holding its annual fund-raiser at the Millennium Ballroom in Goose Lake, IA. The group provides funds to local landowners and agencies for the establishment of wildlife habitat. Call Mark Roberts at 563-659-2422 for tickets.

8^th ~ Fall Color Eco Cruise ~ 5 PM ~ Rock Creek ~ Call 563-259-1876 to reserve a spot. Cost is $6/adult & $4/child under 16.

10^th ~ Eden Valley Bluegrass Jam ~ 1-9 PM ~ Eden Valley ~ It will be a toe-tapping time as musicians from the surrounding areas gather to bring the bluegrass sound to listeners of all ages. The 27^th Annual Bluegrass Jam will be held at the Eden Valley Refuge campground. This event is free and open to all. For more information, call Mary McAndrew at 563-343-7002.