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Be the reason your community stays informed—give to local journalism now! HARPERS FERRY, Iowa — Effigy Mounds National Monument has scheduled several free, public events the week of April 20, 2025, in honor of National Park Week. April 22 – Earth Day Hike A family-friendly, 1.5-hour Earth Day hike will begin at the visitor center at 5:30 p.m. and proceed to the boardwalk and along the bluffs. This two-mile, round-trip hike will follow a mostly level path into a less-visited area of the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks and water, and dress for the weather. April 26 – Volunteer Day on the South Prairie Volunteers are invited to assist with restoring the South Prairie. Participants should join park rangers at the South Unit parking area at 8:30 a.m. for a hike up to the South Prairie. The park will provide gloves, loppers and other tools necessary to clear invasive plants. Volunteers are encouraged to bring snacks or a sack lunch, and refillable water bottles for personal use. Volunteer forms and attendance at the 9:30 a.m. safety briefing are required. Bathrooms will not be available. April 26 – National Junior Ranger Day In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Junior Ranger program, Junior Ranger badges or Senior Ranger lapel pins can be earned from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Effigy Mounds NM Hiking Challenge The park currently offers six hiking patches for completing one of six trails: Yellow River Boardwalk, Fire Point, Hanging Rock, Heritage Addition, Marching Bears and Sny Magill. Hikes are self-guided, and patches can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Experience Your America The National Park Service cares for more than 425 special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including some in the shape of animals. The monument is located three miles north of Marquette, Iowa, and 22 miles south of Waukon, Iowa, on Highway 76. It is one of more than 430 national park sites. For more information, call (563) 873-3491 ext. 123, or visit visit www.facebook/EffigyMounds or www.nps.gov/effigymounds. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.

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Effigy Mounds National Monument to Host Free Events for National Park Week