Programs upcoming!

It’s A Grant!

People often ask us when we will have more educational programs and opportunities at Big Rock Park.  The answer is: we’ll know when we get a grant. Friends of Big Rock Park is a non-profit run by volunteers.  Our goal is to restore and preserve the park for quiet enjoyment, environmental education and research.

To advance our goals, we offer programs focusing on nature and the environment. To be able to offer quality programs that are well-attended, we seek grants from generous donors. We’re thrilled to be able to announce that we will be able to offer several programs for all ages in 2026, thanks to the Pella Community Foundation.

Here's what we have planned:

1.     Friends of Big Rock Park will partner with 4^th grade teachers at Jefferson Intermediate and Central College to provide a nature outing at Big Rock Park. The target date for this is April 27, 2026.

2.     Monthly nature walks in April, May, June, and September. These walks will unite ambulatory people of all ages to de-stress and experience the restorative power of nature. Each hour-long walk will be led by guides familiar with the park and an aspect of its natural wonders. In early September, the program will be about monarchs and involve a monarch release.

3.     Not everyone is able to come to the park, but they can still experience its beauty and wonder. Programs on the flora, fauna, and native heritage of Big Rock Park will be given to our citizens in assisted living facilities by local scientists and education outreach professionals.

We hope to see you at one of these events!

Two of our Board members accept grant funds from the Pella Community Foundation (above).

Below are scenes from previous programs: