Regional Industry & News

Regional ‘OWLS’ Program Keeps Tri-State Seniors Connected and Active Outdoors

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - If you’re looking to get outdoors, learn something new, and connect with your community, a regional tri-county program is making it easy for area adults to stay active.

The OWLS program—which stands for Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls—is a joint partnership between the Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones County Conservation Departments. The adult-focused environmental education and outdoor activity program is designed to help retirees and anyone “young at heart” socialize while exploring local natural landmarks.

Participants gathered Monday at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque for a guided tour of regional river history and conservation efforts.

The program offers scheduled outings throughout the year, meaning residents don’t have to look far for their next excursion. Typical activities range from guided hikes and winter snowshoeing to river paddles and kayaking trips on the Wapsipinicon River.

Naturalist guides also host indoor and outdoor educational classes covering wildlife, plant foraging, and seasonal observations, alongside special travel excursions to unique regional landscapes like Wildlife Prairie Park in Illinois.

There is no formal membership required to participate in OWLS events, allowing interested residents to simply pick and choose which specific activities they would like to attend. While there is no ongoing membership fee, some specialized events require pre-registration and may carry a small fee or equipment rental cost.

Organizers encourage tri-state residents to check out upcoming late-summer and fall events, which include a birding paddle at Green Island on September 10, a fall river paddle on the Wapsipinicon River on October 8, grapevine wreath making at E.B. Lyons on November 19, and soap making at Central Park on December 10. For registration details or to learn more about upcoming excursions, residents are encouraged to contact their local county conservation board or visit their department’s website.