Iowa Public Television to Host Outdoor Adventure at Jones County Park

When I was a kid, Central Park was my family's go-to spot for camping, fishing, and outdoor fun.  I grew up just northeast of Anamosa, so a trip for camping or a day of swimming was quick, enjoyable, and cheap. That's the tri-factor for a family looking to experience the great outdoors and have a bunch of fun while they do it. We always stayed on the backside of the park near the bee tree (locals will know), which is near where the newest fishing pond has been created.

Now, my family and I do the very same things that I did growing up in the area. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, exploring, and camping are always on the cards at Central Park. And now, it seems that Iowa PBS will be in my old stomping grounds on May 3rd, and it should be fun for the whole family.

Here’s what’s going down:

On Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to noon, Iowa PBS is teaming up with the Jones County Conservation Board for a free outdoor adventure at Central Park Nature Center in Center Junction. No registration is needed. Just show up with your walking shoes, camera (or phone), and a sense of curiosity.

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The day kicks off with guided nature walks through some of the most scenic areas in the park, and there are quite a few. You’ll explore trails that wind through prairies, wetlands, and shady woodlands. Before each hike, you’ll get a quick crash course in nature photography so you can snap some impressive pics along the way.

And here’s the cool part. Those photos you take might end up in the Iowa Science Phenomena collection. What's that?! Well, it's an Iowa PBS project that gathers real-life science images and connects them with classroom learning across the state. Your kid (or you!) could become a mini science contributor just by showing up and paying attention to nature, and that's pretty neat.

Why Iowa PBS is doing this

If you haven’t checked the channel out lately, Iowa PBS is doing more than airing documentaries and cooking shows. They’ve become a big supporter of place-based science education. That's just a fancy way of saying they’re helping teachers and students connect what they’re learning to real stuff happening in their own backyards. The Iowa Science Phenomena project is all about finding unique, Iowa-specific natural phenomena and tying them into the science classroom with videos, images, and teacher guides.

So when you or your kids capture a photo of a frog, mushroom, funky tree root, or dew-covered spiderweb, that’s real data that could help other Iowa students understand science in a local, hands-on way.

Quick Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Central Park Nature Center, 12515 Central Park Rd., Center Junction, IA
• Cost: Completely free – no registration needed

What’s Happening:

• Guided nature walks
• Nature photography tips & tricks
• Chance to contribute photos to the Iowa Science Phenomena collection

So, pack your sunscreen, wear your comfy shoes, and maybe bring a snack or two. This is going to be a great way to connect with nature, meet some new people, and support a local initiative. Get out and explore. And if you happen by the old bee tree, give it a nod for me.

Iowa has so much to explore. Check out my other adventures!