For Emily Herring, who serves as director of the Marshall County Conservation Board (MCCB), summer is the busy season, with fall close behind.

“We don’t slow down in the summer. It’s pretty wild. There’s always something. Flooding, mowing, maintenance, camps, programs, storytime,” she said. “There’s always something going on in the summer, but we really can’t take a deep breath until the first snow flake falls.”

Recently, 49 monarchs were tagged at an event open to the public, but the efforts are ongoing.

“In Marshall County we try to tag 500 monarchs to help with the research the University of Kansas does on monarch populations in the United States,” she added.

The final Live & Local concert of the season is set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the Leonard Grimes Memorial Amphitheater at Grimes Farm. Royce Johns will play traditional country tunes.

“We had over 500 people at our last concert,” Herring said of its success.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, Herring noted county lands will fill with bird watchers, hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts.

On Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Green Castle Recreation Area will host kayaking. The family-friendly time will feature the basics of kayaking and how to be safe on Iowa’s waters. There is no fee for this program, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Sept. 19.

Herring said staff members are busy in the autumn months planting trees. The public can get involved at the Marshall County Stewards of the Beautiful Land event at Green Castle Recreation Area at 9 a.m. on Oct. 9. Free to participate, the deadline to register is by 4 p.m. Oct. 7.

She said volunteers will help plant a variety of native tree species to enhance the landscape, support wildlife and promote a healthier environment.

The popular Zombie Run returns to Grimes Farm Oct. 18. Runners will sign up online at Eventbrite. Online registration fee is $35 and includes a swag item, a finisher medal, a walking “dead” taco meal, a zombie antidote (Gatorade) and a zombie cookie. Registration deadline is Oct. 15 by 4 p.m. You may sign up the day of (for $45), but medals, swag items, and meals are only guaranteed to the first 140 registered runners. Registration starts at 6 p.m. with a staggered race starting at 6:30 p.m.

Herring said close to 70 volunteers assisted at last year’s run with more than 100 runners.

“We’re always recruiting and wanting more people to join in the fun,” she said.

Funds raised go to the upkeep of the Grimes Farm trails.

“The trails are very popular and get a lot of use,” she added.

Guest speakers plus arts and crafting events are offered year-round. Former Marshalltown art teacher Julie Bousum will demonstrate how textured and colorful paste papers are made during two events at Grimes Farm. “My Paste Paper Landscape Collage For Kids” is slated for Oct. 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For ages 8-12, this free event requires registration by Oct. 17. It will be followed by “Paste Paper Workshop: Create a Nature Collage and Take Home Your Own Paste Papers” (for ages 13 plus) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is $10, also due by Oct. 17. Arts + Culture Alliance Artist Innovation Grant sponsors the workshops.

Herring said autumn also brings the season of grant writing and strategic planning. MCCB manages more than 3,000 acres including 37 parks and three trails. The goal is to look at the next three years of Marshall County conservation in terms of land acquisition, sustainability, staff additions, and more. The county board of supervisors sets the MCCB budget.

“For the most part, our special projects have all been fundraised, by either grants or donations, and so we’re a little bit different than other departments in that aspect,” Herring said. “We do work a lot with people that want to support conservation projects and recreational projects, and we do pull in a lot of alternative funding to be able to pay for our projects.”

Herring said this part of the state could usually expect to enjoy peak fall colors the second week in October. To view an interactive map of the United States, showing: no color, little, moderate, high, peak, and past peak, go to: www.explorefall.com

To register for events, call 641-752-5490, email mccb@marshallcountyia.gov, or text only 641-758-9777. You may also contact MCCB to receive a print or digital copy of “Seasons” its quarterly newsletter.