Calendar

Firefly Magic

Come join Naturalist Faith for a night of exploration into the magical world of fireflies. Learn about some of Iowa’s most unique bioluminescent insects that can be found right in your very own backyard! Participants will then make their own insect observation container then go on a firefly catching adventure to see what fireflies live here! Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight, bug spray and an upcycled glass jar with a lid. This program is suitable for all ages and is weather dependent. Registration is required by calling 319-472-4942 or by emailing [email protected].

Independence Day - County Offices Closed

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Benton County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Agendas can be found online or on the bulletin board of the Courthouse, on the first floor outside of the Treasurer's Office.

Items to be placed on the Board's agenda should be submitted to the Auditor's office by 8:30 a.m on Monday.

Nature Kids: Frogs

Ribbit! Ribbit! Who was that?! Come learn about Iowa frogs and who makes what sounds! Kids going into preschool through 3rd grade can enjoy this program with an adult. Program will include learning about frog calls, a book and a frog-catching adventure! Registration is required by calling 319-472-4942 or by emailing [email protected].

Conservation Board Meeting

Monthly meetings are held at the Benton County Nature Center. Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted or posted. Other meetings are called as needed.

Summer months, meetings will be held at 5:30pm, winter months meetings will be held at 5:00pm. Unless otherwise posted. 

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Benton County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Agendas can be found online or on the bulletin board of the Courthouse, on the first floor outside of the Treasurer's Office.

Items to be placed on the Board's agenda should be submitted to the Auditor's office by 8:30 a.m on Monday.

Habitat For the Bees

Help the bees by creating habitat! This program will include a brief overview of bees, why they are important, and how anyone can help. Participants are encouraged to bring their own empty food can to make a bee hotel. We will provide cans for those who need one. This program is free and family-friendly. Registration is required by calling 319-472-4942 or by emailing [email protected]

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Benton County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Agendas can be found online or on the bulletin board of the Courthouse, on the first floor outside of the Treasurer's Office.

Items to be placed on the Board's agenda should be submitted to the Auditor's office by 8:30 a.m on Monday.

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Benton County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Agendas can be found online or on the bulletin board of the Courthouse, on the first floor outside of the Treasurer's Office.

Items to be placed on the Board's agenda should be submitted to the Auditor's office by 8:30 a.m on Monday.

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Prairie & Poise

Prairie & Pose - July 28th at 5:30pm - $15 per person

Location: Benton County Conservation Nature Center

Join Benton County Conservation Naturalist for a prairie hike then enjoy a yoga session led by Emily at Find Your Center Yoga. Bring water and a yoga mat or a towel. A portion of the proceeds will go to Benton County Conservation Foundation. Registration is encouraged by calling 319-472-4942 or by emailing [email protected]

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek

Youth Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Trek - NE Minnesota

Fontana Training Day: July 14 at 4pm (mandatory)

Boundary Waters Trek: July 23rd – 30th

Ages 14-18;  Cost $500; Registration limited to 5 youth. Pre-register required.

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states! Participants will be guided through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by Naturalists from Buchanan and Benton County Conservation Boards.

Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs over rugged land trails, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. By weeks end, youth will better understand the value of the wilderness to people, and to loons, moose, wolves, black bear, and other wildlife that inhabit this special place. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center and Benton County Nature Center are provided. If you have some canoeing experience, are able to carry 40+ pounds, and possess the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Limited stipends and scholarships opportunities are available, and are listed on the website registration - www.buchanancountyparks.com. Registration includes only a $100 deposit – final payments of those selected to participate will be due in May.

Youth interested in this trip are asked to submit a 2 paragraph (no more than 4 paragraph) explanation of why they are interested, what they think they might gain, and what they think wilderness means to Sondra Cabell at [email protected]. Participant selection will be made based on this submission by May 1, and deposits for those not selected among the limit of 5 participants will be reimbursed in full. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

Stipends and scholarships are available to help offset costs.

• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists – www.iowanaturalists.org under Programs tab ($50-
• $500 amounts while available)      
• Friends of Fontana Park – 2 @ $250 - Available to who those who participated in River
• Raiders.
• Benton County Conservation Foundation 2 @ $250 available
• Private Scholarship - 1 @ $250