EVENTS
Our events are free and open to the public; any exceptions would be clearly noted. Any changes or cancellations will be posted here as well as on Facebook.
When we share an event sponsored by another organization, please check with the sponsor for details and up-to-date information.
Dubuque Audubon September Program
Iowa’s Prairies: Remnants, Relics, and Restoration
Thursday, 9/11/25
6:45 PM Social/Sharing Time
7 – 8 PM Program
Note location change!
Swiss Valley Nature Center
13606 Swiss Valley Road
Peosta, IA 52068
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Eastern Iowa once had lush tallgrass prairies, sunny oak savannas, and vibrant oak woodlands. Throughout the last 200 years of land use and practices, the Midwest has lost the majority of these natural areas which defined our region. Join Natural Resources Ecologist Tony Vorwald as we discuss the natural history and restoration of remnant prairies, oak savannas, and oak woodlands in Jackson and Dubuque Counties.
Bio from Tony: I am the Natural Resources Ecologist for Jackson County Conservation and a prairie/savanna obsessive. I have lived all over the world, meaning Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Rooted in Iowa, I strive to better manage the natural areas that I work for and educate folks on Iowa’s natural history and conservation needs. My educational background is that I have a Master’s in integrated Natural Resources from the University of Idaho, a B.S. of Environmental Science from the University of Dubuque, and an associate of applied science in Natural Resources Management from Hawkeye Community College.
Dubuque Audubon Member Meeting
Special Member Meeting to Vote on Amended Bylaws
Before our October program, we will hold a special member meeting, where we hope to approve the amended bylaws. All are welcome to the program and to attend the meeting, but only those with an active membership may vote on the bylaws. Please arrive by 6:30 PM to participate. (Contact us if you’re not sure of your membership status. If you receive a mailed newsletter, your national and/or local membership expiration date should be shown on the mailing label.)
As stated in the President’s Corner of our Fall 2025 newsletter, we encourage those interested to review the amended bylaws in advance. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Going forward, you can expect us to hold an annual member meeting for board elections, according to the bylaws.
Dubuque Audubon October Program
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Unique Birding Opportunity in Northwest Nebraska
Thursday, 10/9/25
6:30 PM Special Member Meeting
7 – 8 PM Program
EB Lyons Interpretive Center
8991 Bellevue Heights Road
Dubuque, IA 52003
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Wildlife photographer Paul Winer will present a program on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Nebraska, featuring photos from his visit in April, 2025.
Paul is an active member of the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge, a “friends group” for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Savanna District. His photos are frequently posted on the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge Facebook page.
4/21/25 © Paul Winer
4/23/25 © Paul Winer
4/24/25 © Paul Winer
Dubuque Audubon November Program
TBD
Thursday, 11/13/25
6:45 PM Social/Sharing Time
7 – 8 PM Program
EB Lyons Interpretive Center
8991 Bellevue Heights Road
Dubuque, IA 52003
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Our speaker will be Eric Schmechel, Watershed Program Director for Dubuque County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Check back closer to the program date for the program title and description.
Our monthly programs are typically held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, so you could mark your calendars for December – May.
Dubuque Audubon Annual Christmas Bird Count
TBD (between Dec. 14 and Jan 5)
Join Dubuque Audubon field trip leaders as we split into groups to identify and count birds within a 15-mile-diameter circle centered at Center Grove Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Sectors include Swiss Valley, Mines of Spain, City of Dubuque, Western Dubuque, Deere Dike/north of Dubuque, Dubuque Airport, and western Grant County.
Details will follow.
© Marty Corfman
Dubuque Audubon Annual Duck Waddle
Saturday, 3/14/26
(Tentative Date)
(Traditionally the 2nd Saturday in March)
Green Island Wildlife Management Area
located in Jackson County, IA
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Join us on our annual trip to Green Island Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County to observe migrating waterfowl! Green Island is one of Iowa’s largest wetland complexes and attracts thousands of ducks, geese, cranes, and other aquatic-based birds each March. Audubon guides will be on hand to help identify the numerous species. Binoculars are recommended.
Details will follow.
Dubuque Audubon Annual Spring Species Count
Saturday, 5/9/26
(Tentative Date)
(Traditionally the Saturday before Mother’s Day)
Join us for our annual fun day of spring birding! You’re welcome to spend as much or as little time as you like. We’ll meet up for a potluck picnic at the end of the day. This event is free, and no birding experience is required. Audubon guides will be on hand to help you identify species.
Details will follow.