Join Meet Ottumwa and Wapello County Conservation for a day of adventure, education, and family fun at the 3rd Annual Wildlife Weekend! Celebrate Iowa’s winter wildlife and connect with nature through a variety of exciting activities for all ages.
Enjoy guided birdwatching along the scenic Des Moines River, where bald eagles are expected to be out in force. Inside, warm up with engaging presentations from wildlife experts, interactive displays, and kid-friendly crafts and games.
Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just looking for a fun winter outing, Wildlife Weekend is your chance to explore, learn, and celebrate the incredible animals that call Wapello County home.
Schedule:
9-11 AM - Guided eagle watching along the Des Moines River.
9 AM-1 PM - Vendor tables open
10 AM - MOTUS Wildlife Tracking: Learn about how Wapello County Conservation uses specialized receivers to track migration routes and stop over areas of animals traveling through the area.
10 AM - Art Class: Join art teacher Kristen Payne for a guided painting class, where she’ll lead you step-by-step in creating a beautiful winter scene.
11 AM - Wildlife Rehabbing: Hear from Melinda Austin of Ahimsa Wildlife Medicine and Rehabilitation as she shares her story and 15 years of wildlife rehabilitation experience.
11 AM - Story Time & Crafts: Join Librarian Sam from the Ottumwa Public Library for story time and a fun craft activity.
12 PM - Identifying Raptors: Hear from experienced conservationist Cari Nicely to learn how to identify raptors from below.
1 PM - Habitat Heroes: Join our friends from Blank Park Zoo, alongside a few special guests, to learn about different habitats and the animals that call them home.
