Upper Iowa Public Events

Upcoming Events

06 May 2023
Bird and Flora Walk
Join UIA Board Members Dean Peterson and Ric Zarwell to enjoy the spring migrants and spring flora. All ages are welcome. Meet at the Big Paint Trail. All UIA programs are free and open to the public. Directions: From Waukon: travel 13 miles south on Hwy 76 to State Forest Rd/B25, turn left, go about 2 ¾ miles to the Big Paint wayside. From Lansing, take Lansing Harpers Rd. about 12 miles, turn Rt. on State Forest Rd/B25, and travel about 3 ½ miles to Big Paint wayside.
07 May 2023
Warbler Walk
Join Upper Iowa Audubon members for a Warbler walk at Cardinal Marsh Sunday, May 7 at 10 am. Meet at the Madison Road parking area, near Ridgeway, Winneshiek County, Iowa.
13 May 2023
World Migratory Bird Day Hikes
Every day is bird day and this year's theme is water. Come celebrate birds by going on a bird walk conducted by Audubon member Dennis Kirschbaum. La Rivière Park in Prairie du Chien, WI, at 8 a.m. Effigy Mounds National Monument, at 10 a.m.
13 May 2023
Bobolink Hike and Art Installation
Join Phil Specht for a bird hike at the Sanctuary, meet at Gate on B45. Following the walk, there will be a "Save the Bloody Run" art installation by Christine Curry with entertainment provided by Sophia Landis at 4 PM at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, Marquette, IA. From Monona: Go east out of Monona on Pleasant Ridge Road (County Road B45) for 7.5miles. Phil's farm is on the right. From Marquette : Drive west on US Hwy 18 for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn right (north) on Pleasant Ridge Road (County Road B45) and drive 5 miles.
15 Apr 2023
Barn Owls
Join Upper Iowa Audubon for a view into the world of the Barn Owl. Brian Preston, Executive Director of Dubuque County Conservation, will present a program on the life history, habitat, and presence of this endangered species in Iowa. The program will be held at the Driftless Education and Visitor Center in Lansing, Iowa. The Center is located south of Lansing at 1944 Columbus Rd./ The Great River Road. For those interested, there will be a birding hike earlier in the morning at 9:00 am.

Past Events

27 Mar 2022
Waterfowl Viewing
Join Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis in looking for the wide variety of migrating waterfowl stopping over at Cardinal Marsh, as well as any land or water birds around. Please meet at the marsh’s south parking lot, located approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway 9 on Madison Road. This event is free and no registration is required. Bring binoculars if you have them. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com for more information.
26 Apr 2022
The Iowa Rough-legged Project
The Upper Iowa Audubon Society (UIAS) is hosting a public meeting and presentation on Tuesday, April 26 at Whalen Cabin in Phelps Park in Decorah. Doors open at 6:00 pm for a “Meet and Mingle” with UIAS board members. All are welcome to come learn more about UIAS and its programs, field trips, and projects. At 7:00 pm, Erik Murry will be presenting on “The Iowa Rough-legged Project” and his work catching and banding rough-legged Hawks along Iowa’s secondary roads in order to learn more about their migration and wintering area preferences. Erik is a banding technician for the Raptor Resource Project as well as the Sandhill Crane Technician for the Iowa DNR. A 2018 graduate of Upper Iowa University’s Conservation Management program, Erik is an avid birder and conservationist.
17 Jul 2021
Tips for Bird and Nature Photos
Larry Reis, Winneshiek County Naturalist and accomplished nature photographer, will share tips for bird and nature photos. Includes time for participants to practice their own photography outside.
17 Feb 2023
Great Backyard Bird Count
Count birds in your backyard, local park, or wherever you spot a bird and submit your observations online. Runs from February 17-20, 2023. Visit www.birdcount.org for more information.
15 May 2022
Shorebird Viewing
Join Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis in looking for the wide variety of shorebirds to be found at Cardinal Marsh, as well as any land or water birds around. pm. Please meet at the marsh’s south parking lot, located approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway 9 on Madison Road. This event is free and no registration is required. Bring binoculars if you have them. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com for more information.
14 May 2022
Grassland Bird Sanctuary Designation
Join Phil Specht as he celebrates the creation of a permanent grassland bird sanctuary on his farm. Specht's farm and the adjacent farm of his late brother, Dan Specht, now owned by Mary Damm, stands out as large island of grass in a sea of corn and soybeans for Bobolinks migrating north from Argentina each spring. The farm will be open starting at 10:00 AM for birding. There will be a pasture and bird walk program at 1:00 PM. In the evening everyone is invited to a potluck and concert from 5 -8 PM at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette, IA.Music will be provided by Sophia Landis. Directions to the Specht Farm at 28304 Pleasant Road, McGregor. From Monona: Go east out of Monona on Pleasant Ridge Road (County Road B45) for 7.5 miles. Phil's farm is on the right. From Marquette: Drive west on US Hwy 18 for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn right (north) on Pleasant Ridge Road (County Road B45) and drive 5 miles.
12 Nov 2022
Big Blue Sky Concert
A benefit concert for Driftless Area Bird Conservation. Featuring special guest pianist Michael Diaz, Kristina Castaneda and Lisa Luna Stravers. Tickets at the door.
12 Nov 2022
Driftless Birding Festival
The Driftless Birding Fest will include speakers, exhibits, and self-guided field trips to area birding hotspots with a focus on viewing the fall migration, especially the thousands of tundra swans, canvasback ducks, and other waterfowl. Further information on field trips, speakers, and activities is available by contacting the Allamakee County Conservation Board at 563-538-0403 or https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/.
11 Mar 2023
Birds and Brews: Making Our Communities Welcoming
Annie Fangman with Bird Friendly Iowa and Red-Tail Planning and Design will present about the Bird Friendly Iowa Program and how to create landscapes that benefit birds. Learn how to get your community Bird Friendly certified which can amplify conservation advocacy, boost birding tourism, and help secure grant funding. You will also discover ways to help birds in your own backyard by planting a “natural bird feeder” and providing vital wildlife habitat. Examples of county and city programs that promote native landscaping will also be presented. Head over to Decorah to enjoy the lovely scenery, stop and see the famous nesting eagles, and treat yourself to some local beverages while learning and sharing about birds with fellow enthusiasts!
08 Oct 2022
Hawk Watch
A free event featuring events and activities for all ages, especially kids! Live raptor programs at 11am and 1pm provided by River Valley Raptors. Experts will be available all day to support migration viewing and bird ID. For more information, visit www.driftlessareawetlandcentre.com or call 563-837-3537.