The fourth annual statewide meet-up of Master Conservationist Program graduates will be Friday October 9th and Saturday October 10th on the shores of the Mississippi River in Muscatine and Scott Counties. The annual weekend event will convene graduates from across the state to explore conservation along the river and meet fellow passionate conservationists. 

All graduates of the Master Conservationist Program in Iowa are invited and welcome to attend.

Friday October 9th

We will convene at Riverview Center in Muscatine for our evening orientation and learning activities. We'll share a meal, get to know other attendees, and learn about freshwater mussel conservation in the Mississippi River. 

Optional pre-meeting work day: Want to make more of your weekend trip to the river? Lend a hand harvesting prairie seed! On Friday from 1-3 pm, up to 20 attendees will help staff at Nahant Marsh harvest prairie seed on the property. 

Optional pre-meeting tour: Come learn about the bustling industry once tied closely to the river. Meet at the Pearl Button Museum in Muscatine, IA for a guided tour. We will have two groups (up to 15 people each) with tours starting at either 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm. Tour cost is $5 and can be paid day-of at the museum.

Saturday October 10th

Registrants will have the opportunity throughout the day to learn about bird migration at Nahant Marsh in Davenport, enjoy lunch at Wildcat Den State Park, and explore the arboretum at Discovery Park in Muscatine. Along the way, we'll learn and talk about the history and conservation of these unique ecological areas along Iowa's eastern-most shore. 

Optional Sunday October 11th 

Join us for an optional Sunday morning hike at Big Sand Mound Preserve with herpetologist, Don Becker.

Detailed agenda

Friday doors open at 5:30, dinner served at 6:30 and the program will conclude by 9:00 pm

Saturday sessions will convene at 9:00 am and dismiss by 3:00 pm.

Check back soon for more information on the final, detailed agenda.

Registration details

Register for the event today

The $45 registration fee includes dinner on Friday, snacks and lunch on Saturday, and a commemorative t-shirt!

Registration deadline is Thursday October 1st

A final schedule with travel details will be sent to registrants later this month. In the meantime, be sure to book lodging and reach out to us with any questions you have at masterconservationist@mail.iastate.edu 

Learn more about the Quad Cities region including lodging options at this link

Learn more about Muscatine including lodging options at this link