OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Conservation Board invites the public to join in celebrating a major milestone — the Grand Opening of the new Nature Playscape and the 50th Anniversary of Mahaska County Conservation on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 

The event will take place at the Environmental Learning Center, located at 2342 Highway 92, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Event Highlights 

The celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a puppet parade, music by the Oskaloosa Middle School Band, and a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy refreshments and tram rides around the Environmental Learning Center grounds. The new Nature Playscape offers a creative, hands-on outdoor experience designed to inspire children to explore, play, and connect with nature. Built as part of Mahaska County Conservation’s mission to promote outdoor education, the playscape provides an exciting addition to local recreation opportunities. 

Honoring 50 Years of Conservation 

This event marks 50 years of Mahaska County Conservation, which has served the community through land preservation, wildlife protection, and environmental education. Over the past five decades, the Conservation Board has worked to enhance Mahaska County’s natural areas, providing residents with opportunities to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.