February - April 2016
Prairie Horizons In this issue... Public Programs and Events Pages 2-4 Conservation Updates Pages 5-8 Map of SCC Areas Page 9 Calendar of Events Page 10 Partners Membership Page 11 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 12
Nature Playscape Coming to McFarland Park with Support from SCCF Grant Jerry Keys (right) accepting the community grant from Jim Black (left).
Story County Conservation Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys accepted a community grant for $25,000 from Jim Black, Story County Community Foundation advisory board member, during a ceremony in Ames last November.
Keys said the grant will be used to purchase elements for a natural playscape at McFarland Park. “Rather than installing a fabricated playground, a natural playscape will challenge children’s creativity with adventurous natural activities and objects,” Keys explained. “The Story County Conservation Discovery Nature Playscape at McFarland Park is intended to engage children in free play as they explore the natural world. Different play and 56461 180th Street learning areas will be created allowing users to climb, build, dig, gather, Ames, Iowa 50010 and explore nature.” Park visitors can expect to see construction on the Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. nature playscape in the coming months. 515-232-2516 conservation@storycountyiowa.gov The Story County Community Foundation received a total of 36 www.storycountyconservation.org applications for 2015 community grants. Story County Conservation was one of 19 applicants selected for the awards. Funding for the community grants is provided by the State of Iowa’s County Endowment Fund Program and local donors. Additional funding for the nature playscape is being provided by Story County Conservation Partners and the Frank Vance memorial.
Programs & Events
Register and pay for programs and events online! Go to www.storycountyconservation.org to register. Registration for all programs and events is online unless other registration information is provided in the program description. Call (515) 232-2516 if you have questions. Insect Hotels
Dakins Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Think spring with a creative insect hotel! Discover why you should welcome pollinators and other bugs to your backyard with this decorative insect house. We will provide materials for a wooden frame (approximately 8”x12”) and a variety of natural items to fill it. The creativity is up to you! Wear clothes that can get dirty. Children under 16 must be accompanied and assisted by an adult. Fee of $6 per hotel with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4.
Zearing Fire and EMS is holding an ice fishing derby with prizes! Event is dependent on weather and ice conditions. For more information or to register, visit www.zearingiowa.net. All proceeds will go towards ice rescue gear and training for the Zearing Fire Department.
Thursday, February 11, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. McFarland Park
Track Trek
Saturday, February 13, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. McFarland Park Snow is great for tracking animals, and a lot of snow is great for snowshoes! Join us as we put the two together. Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport, and tracking is a skill that you can build on for a lifetime. Hike and find that not all animals hide away for the winter, and there is no reason that you have to, either! If there is not enough snow, the program will be canceled. This program is suitable for ages 8 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:oo p.m. on Wednesday, February 10.
2
Saturday, February 13, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dakins Lake (70613 130th St., Zearing)
Edible Landscaping
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ames Public Library Auditorium (515 Douglas Ave.) Edible landscaping allows you to create a multifunctional landscape that provides returns year after year with minimal work. Start planning your garden in a whole new way! There will be multiple handouts as well as time to begin designing your yard. This program will be geared towards adults. This program is free - registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12.
Geology of Story County
Saturday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. McFarland Park Did you know that Ames sits over an earthquake zone? Or that it had mountains as high as the Himalayas? That you could have owned beachfront property 300 million years ago? Story County Conservation and the Central Iowa Mineral Society (CIMS) will expand on these facts in a lecture on central Iowa geology. Bring any treasures you’ve got at home; CIMS members will be on hand to identify rocks, fossils, artifacts, and minerals until 12:00 p.m. This program is free - registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18.
Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Programs & Events Reptiles
Wednesday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. McFarland Park
Snowshoe Owl Prowl
Saturday, February 20, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Christiansen Forest Preserve (55973 310th St., Huxley)
Come and learn about Iowa’s reptiles. We’ll discuss the fears and myths that surround the scaly creatures people love to hate. Live animals will be used during this program! Program is family friendly. This program is free and no registration is required.
Join Naturalist Jess Lancial for a snowshoe owl prowl!
Explore beautiful Christiansen Forest Preserve, a hidden gem in Huxley with an abundance of owls. Bring your binoculars and a flashlight as we try our luck at calling and spotting owls while exploring the trails on snowshoes. If there is not enough snow, the program will be canceled. This program is suitable for ages 12 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17.
Annual Partners Membership Meeting Saturday, February 27, 6:00 p.m. McFarland Park
Save the date, Partners members! The annual membership meeting will include games, food, and conservation updates. Not a Partners member? Join today to get in on the fun! R.S.V.P. by calling or emailing by Friday, February 19.
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop Saturday, March 5, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. McFarland Park
Grow your own mushrooms after this handson program about the wonders of fungus. Each participant will inoculate a log with shiitake mushroom spawn to take home. Learn to care for your log and enjoy your harvest! Adam Wilke, an ISU PhD candidate in sociology and sustainable agriculture, will lead the workshop. Minimum age 12; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee of $25 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12.
Partners Photo Contest Submissions March 7 - 25 McFarland Park
Do you enjoy taking pictures in Story County parks? Story County Conservation Partners sponsors an annual photo contest to encourage the public to visit and photograph the beauty and recreational activities in SCC parks and natural areas. Categories include landscape, flora and fungi, fauna, and connecting people and recreation. A complete list of rules and the entry form is available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. Contest photos may be submitted March 7 - 25 at the conservation center; each photographer may submit up to three entries. Youth entries (18 years or younger) will be judged separately. Prizes will be awarded at the Partners Spring Festival at McFarland Park on May 1! Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page.
www.storycountyconservation.org
3
Programs & Events Geocache Egg Hunt
Breakfast with the Birds
Your family will love this new-age way of hunting eggs. Join Naturalist Jess Lancial to learn how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to find the Conservation Bunny’s nests of hidden treasures, collecting prizes and candy along the way! Be sure to keep an eye out for the “golden egg” containing special giveaways. Space is limited, so register early! Fee of $5 per collector (any child 3-14 years old) with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21.
Enjoy a quiet morning of food and fun at McFarland Park. Join Naturalist Heather Hucka for birding basics and a hike to look for some of Iowa’s fine feathered friends. End the morning with eggs, bagels, and fruit watching birds at the feeders at the conservation center. Whether you are a novice bird watcher or a seasoned “bird nerd,” spring birding is not to be missed! Binoculars are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Fee of $6 (ages 5 and under are free) with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.
Saturday, March 26, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. McFarland Park
TEAM Day
Saturday, April 16, 1:00 p.m. McFarland Park Be a part of our TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) to help make improvements to Story County’s trail system. All volunteers are asked to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves and bring a water bottle. Sturdy, close-toed shoes are strongly recommended. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.
All Species, One Earth Event Saturday, April 23, 1:00 p.m. Downtown Ames Area
Spring Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Robison Wildlife Acres (29490 632nd Ave., Nevada) Come and hike through Robison Wildlife Acres. The beautiful woodland wildflowers are some of the best of all of Story County Conservation’s areas. Look for the many signs of spring and learn about the habitat restoration taking place in the park. This is a moderate hike suitable for families with small children. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. You may also want to bring binoculars and water. In case of bad weather, this event will be canceled. This program is free -- but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28.
Partners Spring Festival
More details are yet to come on the second annual celebration of all species on this one earth. Festivities will include a parade, displays, and other activities. Watch for upcoming workshops for a chance to make a mask to wear to the parade.
4
Saturday, April 30, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. McFarland Park
Sunday, May 1, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. McFarland Park The annual Partners Spring Festival isn’t far away! Mark your calendars now and celebrate May Day with music, crafts, canoeing, solar viewing, and more. Look in the next newsletter or watch our Facebook page for more details.
Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Conservation Updates
Spring Treasures
By: Rebekah Beall, Naturalist If you’re like me, you don’t need much encouragement to seek out signs of spring’s arrival. Visit Story County Conservation parks to hunt the first green leaves unfurling, bursts of wildflowers, and returning warm-weather critters. Keep your eyes open for these three harbingers of spring.
While the thought of eating rotten animals might disgust us, the scientific name, translated “purifying breeze,” reflects what many cultures think of vultures. Welcome nature’s spring cleaners!
Late Winter Butterfly Hunt Chistiansen Forest Preserve First warm days in March Pay attention to sunny forest openings on warm days in late winter. Among the last remnants of slush, you may spot a butterfly enjoying the sunshine too! Both mourning cloak and eastern comma butterflies hibernate as adults under bark and in hollow trees in Iowa woodlands. In late fall, their bodies undergo chemical changes - including producing an antifreeze - that allow them to withstand temperatures as cold as -40 F without damage. Those days when winter gives way to a spring preview, the butterflies emerge and stretch their wings. Mourning cloaks are a deep brownish-purple (nearly black) with a creamy yellow edge on their wings. Eastern commas show rusty orange wings spotted with brown. Love butterfly hunting? Volunteer in our parks through the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network! Check for trainings at Reiman Gardens. Turkey Vulture Return Skunk River Greenbelt Mid-March (or later) For one of the surest signs spring is on the way, watch for a bald redhead who loves to dismember roadkill. Around mid-March, turkey vultures return from as far away as South America. Their dark forms cruising overhead mean warm weather is on the way. They hold their wings in a wide V shape and look tippy as they soar. Compared to other birds, turkey vultures possess a much better sense of smell - all the better to locate their favorite food, dead animals.
Turkey Vulture Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Wildflowers and Queen Bumblebees Robison Wildlife Acres Mid-April Enjoy the profusion of spring ephemeral wildflowers. They bloom fast, catching sunlight before the trees leaf out, then rapidly disappear. Queen bumblebees feast at these early flowers. These new queens hibernated alone over the winter. Their nestmates died the previous fall, and it’s up to them to build new nests buzzing with workers. First they fuel up on nectar, and one flower in particular meets their needs: Dutchman’s breeches. The flower looks like white pants hanging upside down on a washing line and blooms about the time bumblebees begin flying. The queens’ strength and long tongue make them perfectly paired to reach the nectar deep within the petals. Want to learn more? Take a naturalist-led wildflower hike at Robison Wildlife Acres, April 30 at 10 a.m. Enjoy spring and happy hunting for its nature treasures!
www.storycountyconservation.org
5
Conservation Updates
With Gratitude
Story County Conservation would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our 2015 Partners members. We would not be able to carry out our mission without your valuable support! Roy & Kathryn Strasburg Joe Toot Michelle Ward & Kimball Olson Donald & Kay Wall Joan Welch Kathy Wiederin
Red Fox
($125-$274)
Red-Tailed Hawk ($1,000 or more)
Al & Sue Ravenscroft
Great Blue Heron ($275-$999)
A Friend of SCC Vi Baker Janet & Philip Dixon David Hade & Delora Jespersen Hade
Art Ketelsen Sue Kohler George & Marlys Ladd Marilyn Lekwa Patricia Murphy Mary Wauson Karen & Gary Youngberg
6
A Friend of SCC Lori Biederman & David Peterson Scott, Lisa, & Isabel Dahl Renate & Dieter Dellmann Rick Dietz & Carol Hansell Frevert Family Farms LLC John Greve Sally Greve Phil Hahn Phyllis Heffron Joyce & Scott Hornstein Tom & Cathy Kaspar Janet & John Kazwell Janet & Erv Klaas Randy & Beth Larabee Michael & Debbie Lee Eleanor Mathews Helen McRoberts Michael & Linda Meetz
Goldfinch ($70-$124)
Barb & Jack Adams Kris August & Radford Davis Roger & Kay Berger Ken & Diane Birt Joyce & Rod Brink Clifford & Claudia Dalbey Bob & Carol Deppe Delphine Douglass Bart & Jane Dupuis Bruce & Marlene Ehresman Wade & Pamela Helfer Keith & Brenda Hobson Patty & Dan Huisenga Phyllis Jones & John Landgraf Allen & Joy Lang
Wolfgang, Lesia, & Annamarie Oesterreich
Steve & Shirlee Orr Rosemarry & David Osheim Eleanor & Wayne Ostendorf George & Trish Patrick Kevin & Lynn Peterson John Pohlman Pat & Tom Sauer & Family Susan & David Siev Karsten & Sharon Smedal C. Stassis
Julie Larson & Ed, Emily & Hannah Engle
Brooks & Alesha Lofstedt Jan Mabe Donald & Joan Mathews Robin McNeely & Joli Vollers Gregory & Diane Nelson Reuben & Joslin Peters Ralph & Teresa Rosenberg Lorna & Mike Sellberg & Family
Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Conservation Updates Trish & Ray Strah Willie Struss Ruth & Clayton Swenson Gregory Vitale & Flo Hamrick Ruth Walker Denise Warriner Mark Widrlechner Web Wilke & Marjorie Smith
Otter
(Family: $35-$69) James Andrews & Margaret LaWare
Nancy & Jon Applequist Karen Bates & David Brown Mike Beall Harold & Lynn Boeset George Burnet & Martha Anderson Jean Carman Paul Clark & Donna Starck Suzanne Clark Stan & Sue Crull James Cue Diane & Mike Dawson Gary & Laura Deal Galen & Linda Drennan Amy Edmonds David & Jeanne Edwards Scott & Tracy Ellingson Don & Eugenia Farrar Leonard & Patricia Foley Melody Franje Nancy Franz & Bill Gahnz Ray & Karen Gerke Wayne & Cindy Hauber Laurie Henry Rick & Andrea Hill Lee & Gayle Huey Maridel & Walter Jackson Bruce, Diane, Bryleigh, Bram & Ilona Janvrin
Rich & Judy Jones John & Rose Marie Kluge Bill & Laura La Grange Steve & Sue Lekwa Doug & Melinda Luzbetak Frank & Judy Maly Londell & Karen Mannes John Mathews Laura Merrick & Matt Liebman Ray & Eleanor Moeckly Jill Mortensen Lonna Nachtigal & Joe Lynch Jim & Frankee Oleson Bryon & Jennifer Olson Marc & Amber Olson Jim & Cindy Pease Jay & Diana Peterson Jean Peterson Allan Potter James Pritchard Tim, Robyn, Kenton, & Landra Reece
Craig & Nancy Sargent Leo & Betty Schneider Curt & Liam Struck & Megan Fairall
Bob & Deanne Summerfelt Craig & Julie Sutherland Mike Swanson Meg & John Tait Ted & Joanie Tedesco Jeff & Cheri Thieleke Jimmie & Nancy Thompson Derral & Anna Tressler Karleen Uitermark Gwen Ward Janet Warg Marlene & Bill Weisshaar Julia & David Wilson
Great Horned Owl (Individual: $30)
Jamie Beyer Tom Gust Janet Heintz Patricia Hopkins Nathan Kemperman Lisa Ladd Evan Miller Jami Mirka Kermit Molde Sarah Nostwich Louise O’Donnell Lou Richert Michelle Robinson William Runyan Thomas Scott Jaye Stefani Teresa Testroet Lynne Van Valin Linda Zaletel
Get involved in the Partners Advisory Group Want to have a hands-on role in Story County Conservation? Join the SCC Partners Advisory Group! Advisory members help designate Partners funds toward projects and plan activities like the fall and spring festivals. Meetings are held every other month, and all Partners members are welcome. If you’re interested, contact Special Projects Ranger Carol Williams at cwilliams@storycountyiowa.gov.
Susan Jasper www.storycountyconservation.org
7
Conservation Updates
White Oak Tree Honors Wilbur E. (“Bill”) Horine By: Ruth Book and Janis Pyle
Family and friends of Nevada native Bill Horine planted a tree in his honor at McFarland Park just in time to mark the first anniversary of this death (which, coincidentally, was Thanksgiving Day!). The well-known nature writer and outdoorsman passed away Nov. 26, 2014, at 99 years of age. The inspiration for this particular tree came from a remembrance article in the Ames Tribune. Local writer Janis Pyle recalled asking him how she could thank him for being her mentor. “That’s easy,” he said. “Plant a tree and think of me.” The family felt that the park was the right location for a memorial tree, not only because of the lovely, wooded setting, but also because it is the location of the Story County Conservation Center (which he championed from its beginning). Bill received numerous awards and recognitions for his many contributions to conservation. He also passionately advocated for walking trails and saving floodplains and farmland. A tree is a fitting tribute to Bill because he planted at least one tree each year and distributed thousands of tree seedlings to school and scout groups. The white oak chosen will grow well in local soil and provide shade 100 years from now (Bill always took the long view!) to families picnicking at the handicap accessible site. Look for the tree just south of the shelter overlooking the lake! It serves as a living legacy to a friend of the land. An engraved memorial rock will be placed in the spring.
EAB Management Plan for Breezy Bay By: Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger
The increasingly vast and harmful reach of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is becoming a reality to more Iowans each year. According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, there were 30 counties throughout Iowa with positive identification of EAB at the end of 2015 - Story County was added to this list in late 2014 when EAB larvae were found in a residential tree in Story City. While adult beetles feed on ash leaves, the larvae feed on living plant tissue underneath the ash tree’s bark. It is the tunneling activity of the larvae under the tree’s bark which disrupts the vascular flow and ultimately kills the ash tree. This pest is easily transported to new areas when people inadvertently move EAB larvae inside of infested firewood. Story County Conservation (SCC) has taken proactive measures to help prevent the further spread of EAB and other diseases by prohibiting importation of firewood from outside the county to SCC parks and areas. With over 3,000 acres under SCC management, there is a wide number of diseases and invasive species that our staff is actively identifying and working to prevent further infestation by implementing management efforts. A management plan is in the works for Hickory Grove Park’s Breezy Bay campground with the goal of reducing the potential effects of EAB. There are currently 82 Green Ash trees in the Breezy Bay campground alone! Staff is compiling a comprehensive plan detailing species diversity, conditions of existing trees, and treatment methods to help mitigate the effects of EAB. The management plan is set to be in place this winter with various treatment methods beginning in the spring. 8
Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Story County Conservation Map
Having trouble locating one of our parks or areas? Remember that you can view individual maps and 911 addresses online. www.storycountyconservation.org www.storycountyconservation.org
9
Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location FEBRUARY Tuesday, February 2 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Weather Radar and Bird Migration McFarland Park Tuesday, February 9 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Thursday, February 11 6:30 p.m. Insect Hotels McFarland Park Saturday, February 13 9:00 a.m. Dakins Lake Ice Fishing Derby Dakins Lake Saturday, February 13 9:30 a.m. Track Trek McFarland Park Monday, February 15 Holiday Story County Conservation Offices Closed Tuesday, February 16 6:30 p.m. Edible Landscaping Ames Public Library Saturday, February 20 10:00 a.m. Geology of Story County McFarland Park Saturday, February 20 5:00 p.m. Snowshoe Owl Prowl Christiansen Forest Preserve Saturday, February 20 7:30 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting McFarland Park Thursday, February 25 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Saturday, February 27 6:00 p.m. Annual Partners Membership Meeting McFarland Park MARCH Tuesday, March 1 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Wasp Watchers McFarland Park Thursday, March 3 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Ames Public Library Saturday, March 5 2:00 p.m. Mushroom Cultivation Workshop McFarland Park March 7 - 25 Partners Photo Contest Submissions McFarland Park Monday, March 14 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Wednesday, March 16 10:30 a.m. Reptiles McFarland Park Saturday, March 26 10:00 a.m. Geocache Egg Hunt McFarland Park Thursday, March 31 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting (Tool Time) McFarland Shop APRIL Tuesday, April 5 Monday, April 11 Saturday, April 16 Thursday, April 21 Saturday, April 23 Thursday, April 28 Saturday, April 30 Saturday, April 30
11:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
O.W.L.S.: South Georgia Island McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) Day McFarland Park Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland Park All Species, One Earth Event Downtown Ames Area Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Breakfast with the Birds McFarland Park Spring Wildflower Hike Robison Wildlife Acres
MAY *Sneak Peak* Sunday, May 1
2:00 p.m.
Partners Spring Festival McFarland Park
Sign up for the electronic version of Prairie Horizons! Help SCC save resources by requesting our e-version of the newsletter. To change delivery method, email conservationoutreach@storycountyiowa.gov with a current email address.
Stay connected with SCC 10
Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Give A Gift That Will Last All Year! With the gift of a Story County Conservation Partners membership, a family or individual can enjoy a year of involvement! Recipients will receive a nature-themed magnet, a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and merchandise, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized for their support in the conservation center at McFarland Park.
Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or more Great Blue Heron - $275 to $999 Red Fox - $125 to $274
Goldfinch - $70 to $124 Otter (Family) - $35 to $69 Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30
Name__________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________City _________________State____ Zip________ Phone _____________________ E-mail______________________________________________________ Enclosed is my check for $ ______________ My membership level is ____________________________ Make checks payable to: Story County Conservation Partners 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010-9451; Phone (515) 232-2516
Thank You!
Thank you to all those who support Story County Conservation with donations of time, funding, and materials.
Thank you to the following for their generosity: Fish mount, rock and shell collections Paul Mumm Animal mounts and photos Elaine Brown Cash donation in memory of Carol Norton Ray and Molly Lee Family White oak tree at McFarland Park in memory of Bill Horine Janis Pyle and Ruth Book
Story County Conservation Board
Ted Tedesco, Ames - Chair Craig Meyers, Nevada - Vice Chair Allen Weber, Ames - Secretary Dr. James Pease, Ames Dr. Nancy Franz, Ames Wayne Clinton, Ames - Ex Officio Member
Story County Conservation Director
Cash donation Cathy Martin
Michael Cox
Cash donations in memory of Spencer Veysey Numerous friends and family Cash donation for conservation land acquisition ITC Midwest LLC.
The Story County Conservation Board meets monthly at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames.
This booklet is brought to you with support from Story County Conservation Partners. Partners was originally formed in 1996 to help produce the newsletter. Since then, Partners has expanded its support of Story County Conservation to include funding and support of various conservation projects, spring and fall festivals, and the Partners Photo Contest. Partners members are people who continue to make a difference with financial, volunteer, and program support. Volume 20 Number 1 www.storycountyconservation.org
11
Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Ames, Iowa Permit 301
STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 56461 180th STREET AMES, IA 50010-9451
O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) O.W.L.S. programs are held each month at 11 a.m. at the Story County Conservation Center. These are designed for “boomers” or older – but anyone can attend. An optional luncheon follows the program for just $7.50.
Weather Radar and Bird Migration Karl Jungbluth, Retired meteorologist with NWS Tuesday, February 2
Wasp Watchers Amy Yoakum, Story County Conservation Tuesday, March 1
Did you know that weather radars can detect bird migration? By learning to interpret bird signatures on weather radar display, everyone can increase their enjoyment of migration and increase birdwatching success during the spring and fall migration seasons. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, January 29. Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, cookies.
Learn about a harmless native wasp that hunts metallic wood boring beetles like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and brings them back to ground nests. Observers can easily watch wasp nests and capture or collect abandoned beetles to be sent in for identification. Learn how early detection through this program could help us to better control EAB in Story County. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, February 26. Menu: Beef & noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, apple crisp.
South Georgia Island - A Wildlife Extravaganza Ty Smedes, Photographer Tuesday, April 5 This island, just 100 miles long, is the most wildlife-rich island on the planet! This presentation will take you ashore to visit the huge fur seal colonies and to witness the titanic struggle between bull elephant seals, each battling to become beach-master. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, April 1. Menu: Ham balls, red potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, dinner roll, apple waldorf salad. 12