Dallas County Conservation to Host Eagle Watch Program

The free event will offer opportunities to spot bald eagles in their natural habitat.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Dallas County Conservation Board, Iowa Audubon, and the Corps of Engineers are hosting an Eagle Watch program tomorrow afternoon at the Cottonwood Recreation Area in Ankeny, Iowa. The event will run from 12-4 p.m. and is open to all ages, with a focus on providing a chance to see bald eagles in the wild.

Why it matters

Bald eagle populations have made a remarkable comeback in recent decades after once being endangered, and events like this Eagle Watch help connect the public with these majestic birds and raise awareness of conservation efforts.

The details

The Eagle Watch program will take place at the Cottonwood Recreation Area, located at 7400 Northwest 37th Street in Ankeny. Outreach Coordinator Jeni Baker says this time of year is ideal for viewing eagles as they hunt for fish in the open waters below the Saylorville Reservoir. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, as only a limited number will be available to borrow.

  • The Eagle Watch program will be held tomorrow, February 22, 2026, from 12-4 p.m.

The players

Dallas County Conservation Board

The local government agency responsible for managing parks, trails, and natural areas in Dallas County, Iowa.

Iowa Audubon

A non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Iowa's birds and their habitats.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that manages the Saylorville Reservoir, where the eagle-watching event will take place.

Jeni Baker

The Outreach Coordinator for the Dallas County Conservation Board.

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What they’re saying

“All ages are welcome. Kids enjoy seeing birds and watching them swoop down and get the fish out of the water. Definitely come prepared to see a lot of different birds out there and hopefully a lot of eagles.”

— Jeni Baker, Outreach Coordinator (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

The takeaway

This free Eagle Watch event provides a unique opportunity for the public, especially families with children, to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat and learn more about these magnificent birds and the conservation efforts that have helped their populations rebound.