February - April 2017
Prairie Horizons In this issue...
Iowa Invasive Species Conference
By: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist
An exciting educational opportunity is coming Public Programs and Events to Iowa in March, 2017. The Iowa Invasive Species Conference is being organized by Iowa Pages 2-5 natural resource professionals with assistance from the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. Conservation Updates The conference will be held at Honey Creek Pages 6-10 Resort and is open for all to attend! The goal is to strengthen the management of invasive Map of SCC Areas species, especially prevention, control, and Page 11 containment. A statewide conference will bring information and resources to invasive species professionals in a social, educational, and professional Calendar of Events format that exists nowhere else in the state of Iowa. At least 200 people are expected to attend including state and federal agency staff, nonprofit Page 12 organizations, university researchers, students, and members of the general public interested in managing the spread of invasive species in Partners Membership Iowa and surrounding states. The preliminary program and registration Page 13 information can be found on the conference website at www.iowainvasives.org. Hope to see you there!
Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 14
Story County Conservation 56461 180th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
515-232-2516 conservation@storycountyiowa.gov
www.storycountyconservation.org
Since 1982, when the Iowa legislature created the Fish and Wildlife Fund Tax Check-off, Iowans have been able to bring a little wildness into the tax season. Affectionately called the Chickadee Check-off, it was created to allow people to make a charitable donation to wildlife conservation in Iowa out of their tax refunds or by tacking a few dollars on to any taxes owed. When filling out the state income tax form, just look for the contribution line (usually somewhere between lines 55-60) and write in any dollar amount next to Fish/Wildlife. All the money contributed helps support the Wildlife Diversity Program at the Iowa DNR. This program has statewide responsibility for all the wildlife that can’t be hunted, fished, or trapped from Peregrine Falcons to Poweshiek Skipperling butterflies. You can learn more about the program on their website: www.iowadnr.gov/wildlifediversity. Please consider donating to the Chickadee Check-off this tax season and supporting wildlife conservation in Iowa!
Programs & Events Registration for all programs and events is online at www.storycountyconservation.org unless other registration information is provided in the program description. Call (515) 232-2516 if you have questions. Cocoa Picasso
Saturday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Conservation Center, McFarland Park Join us to have a unique learning experience! We will learn about birds in winter and then paint a snowy winter scene while sipping hot chocolate. Molly Nagel from Upper Story Studio will provide the stepby-step painting instruction. We will be using acrylic paints. This family-friendly program is for ages 8 and up; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee of $15 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2.
Introduction to Snowshoeing
Saturday, February 4, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. McFarland Park Learn some basic snowshoeing skills and then test them out on a fun hike! The hike will involve activities to help participants practice. Participants should dress for the weather. This program is designed for ages 8 and up. Snowshoes are provided. Program will be canceled if snow conditions are insufficient. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2.
Luminary Snowshoe Hike
Tuesday, February 14, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (sign up for specific start times) McFarland Park Let luminaries light your way around McFarland Lake on a special snowshoe hike. End the experience with a sweet treat and hot cocoa. Snowshoes are provided. Hike is self-guided; the complete luminary loop is about one mile. Staggered start times begin at 6:00 p.m. with the event ending at 9:00 p.m. Fee of $10 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7.
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop
Saturday, March 4, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Conservation Center, McFarland Park Grow your own mushrooms after this handson program about the wonders of fungus. Each participant will inoculate a log with oyster mushroom spawn to take home. Learn to care for your log and enjoy your harvest! Adam Wilke 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 10.
Neta Snook Dakins Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Conservation Center, McFarland Park
Zearing’s Fire and EMS Departments are holding their second annual ice fishing derby. The event is dependent on weather and ice conditions. Prizes will be awarded for tagged fish and largest fish categories. For more information or to pre-register, visit www.zearingiowa.net.
Come hear the first-person portrayal of Neta Snook given by Rosemary Harris who tells the story of a fearless and forgotten aviator. Neta got her education in Ames and became the first female aviator ever accepted into flying school and to run a commercial airfield. Among her long list of accomplishments was teaching Amelia Earhart to fly! This program is free, and no registration is required. Same program held earlier that day at O.W.L.S.
Saturday, February 11, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dakins Lake (70613 130th St., Zearing)
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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Programs & Events Birdapalooza
Saturday, April 1, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. McFarland Park
“The Wait” by Teresa Testroet, 2016
Partners Photo Contest Submissions March 6 - 24 McFarland Park
Come enjoy an afternoon all about birds! Go on a guided birding hike, meet a live raptor, create a bird feeding treat and crafts, play some games, and then participate in the Iowa Bird of Mouth project to write and publish a poem! This afternoon of indoor and outdoor activities is fun for all ages but themed for preschoolers through middle school. This day is free, and no registration is required.
Geocache Egg Hunt
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 are available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. Contest photos may be submitted March 6 - 24 at the conservation center. Youth entries (18 years of younger) will be judged separately. Prizes will be awarded at the Partners Spring Festival at McFarland Park on May 7! Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page.
Saturday, April 15, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. McFarland Park 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! Collect prizes and candy and discover some of nature’s treasures along the way. Be sure to keep a watchful eye for the golden egg for a special prize. Space limited to 20 groups or 50 total collectors; register early to reserve your spot. Fee of $5 per collector (any child 3 - 14 years old) with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12.
Born to Be Wild
Thursday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Conservation Center, McFarland Park Is that raccoon wandering around in the daylight truly sick? Are bats going to bite you in your sleep? Does that fawn, bunny, or fledgling need rescued? If so, how do you help? Join us for this presentation as Iowa Wildlife Center Executive Director Marlene Ehresman addresses common wildlife misconceptions and gives a fresh perspective on how to interact with wildlife that may or may not need help. This program is free, but registration is required by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. www.storycountyconservation.org
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Programs & Events Breakfast with the Birds
TEAM Day
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 while 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! This is not a stroller-friendly event. Fee of $6 (ages 5 and under are free) with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.
Be a part of our TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) and help make improvements to county trail systems. All volunteers are asked to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves and bring a water bottle. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 to ensure enough refreshments and tools for everyone.
Saturday, April 22, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. McFarland Park
Saturday, April 29, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Robison Wildlife Acres (29490 632nd Ave., Nevada)
Partners Spring Festival
Sunday, May 7, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. McFarland Park
Spring Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Robison Wildlife Acres (29490 632nd St., Nevada) Come hike through Robison Wildlife Acres. The beautiful woodland wildflowers are some of the best in all of Story County Conservation’s areas. Look for the many signs of spring and learn about the restoration projects 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. This program is free, but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.
The annual Partners Spring Festival isn’t far away! Mark your calendars now and celebrate the great outdoors and additions to McFarland Park. Look in the next newsletter or watch our Facebook page for more details.
Story County Conservation & Outdoor Alliance of Story County
Winter Hikes Get out of the house with other outdoor enthusiasts and explore local public areas this winter. Just two hikes are left in the season! Hikes begin at 1:30 p.m. and are expected to last no more than two hours. The hikes may vary from good exercise to a social stroll and will end with snacks and beverages (bring your own). These hikes are co-sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County.
Thursday, February 2, 1:30 p.m. – McFarland Park Thursday, February 9, 1:30 p.m. – West Peterson Park (55310 180th St., Ames) Hikes will be held rain, snow, or shine as long as the roads are safe for travel. Participants should dress in warm layers and wear sturdy, comfortable walking boots that will keep feet dry. Contact the Outdoor Alliance of Story County (OASCO) with questions at outdooralliancesc@gmail.com or visit www.oasco.org for other wintry hike suggestions. No registration is necessary.
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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Programs & Events
Courses Looking for more than just an hour-long program? These courses are great opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and work closely with natural resource professionals to further your knowledge and skills. NEW
!
Landscape for Life Join the Master River Stewards Program! Iowa Rivers Revival’s Master River Stewards Program is an eight-week comprehensive course that focuses on riverine systems, including skills to paddle and navigate rivers, restoring aquatic habitat, improving water quality, and understanding policies related to floodplains, river protection, and restoration. The Master River Stewards Program will build on a network of river experts in various partner agencies and organizations. It will help adult learners collaborate to protect and improve Iowa’s rivers, so current and future generations can enjoy these resources. Feedback from past participants: • “Great class, thoroughly enjoyed each and every session.” • “Great leadership. Great resources/readings. Great speakers. Great group.” • “This was a fantastic program. I came in with no expectations, but left every night excited to share what I learned with others… Thanks so much for putting this together. I will become active in the stewardship of rivers at a far greater level due to this program.”
This five-part course is well-suited for the beginning gardener or those looking for ways to be more sustainable on their land. Landscape for Life shows you sustainable methods for working with nature, your soil, and the local climate to create a garden that’s healthier for humans and the environment. The sessions cover soils, water and its application, harvesting, plant selection, gardening to attract wildlife, and landscape construction materials. Leave each week with homework that will result in your personal landscape plan for depicting your home structures, soil types, areas of sun and shade, water and wind flow, and current plantings. This plan will help guide your decisions as you make your landscape more sustainable! The group will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations: February 21 Conservation Center February 28 Conservation Center March 7 Reiman Gardens - Speer Room March 21 Reiman Gardens - Speer Room March 28 Conservation Center Registration fee is $35 per person or $50 per household (if two people would like to share materials). Fee with registration is required by Monday, February 6.
The course will take place during the months of May and June. Look for details in early March.
www.storycountyconservation.org
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Conservation Updates
Partners: What Your Membership Dollars Will Do By: Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator For the past four years, Partners memberships have hovered around $17,000 (around 165 memberships) annually. Approximately $14,000 of membership dues were used to print and mail the Prairie Horizons newsletter, host spring and fall festivals, and cover office expenses associated with the Partners programs. Around $3,000 a year was left for small projects or saved to support large projects. Often, these large projects are not part of SCC’s annual budget and require conservation staff to seek outside funds.
Please help us protect this valuable piece of river corridor habitat by renewing your membership or becoming a new Partners member. Membership information can be found on page 13. Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area Photo by Nathan Houck
As stated in the last newsletter, Partners membership funds will now be used to fund specific projects. The Partners advisory committee, with input from the conservation director, selected the Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area acquisition as the project needing Partners support in 2017 and set a goal of raising $20,000. All renewals and new memberships received in 2017 will help Story County Conservation acquire this 175-acre wildlife area for all to enjoy. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is currently holding the property and conducting habitat restoration projects such as restoring several old river oxbows.
On left, SCC board member Al Weber releases fish at the Dakins Lake opening celebration.
Wayne Clinton, SCC board member and Story County Supervisor, stands on far right.
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We’d like to thank Al Weber and Wayne Clinton for sharing their time and expertise as Story County Conservation board members. Al served from 2012 - 2016, and Wayne served from 2007 - 2016.
Thank you for all you’ve done for conservation in Story County! Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
With Gratitude
Conservation Updates
Story County Conservation would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our 2016 Partners members. We would not be able to carry out our mission without your valuable support!
Red Fox
($125 - $274)
Red-Tailed Hawk ($1000 or more)
Al & Sue Ravenscroft David Hade & Delora Jespersen Hade
Great Blue Heron ($275 - $999)
A Friend of SCC Vi Baker Philip & Janet Dixon Carl Hermanson Tim & Cathy Kaspar Art Ketelsen Sue Kohler George & Marlys Ladd Marilyn Lekwa Patricia Murphy Gary & Karen Youngberg
Goldfinch
($70 - $124) Bob & Elizabeth Angelici Ken & Diane Birt Kris August & Radford Davis Scott, Lisa, & Isabel Dahl Roger & Kay Berger Dieter & Renate Dellmann Ruth Book Rick Dietz & Carol Hansell Rod & Joyce Brink Frevert Family Farms LLC Suzanne Clark Jim & Barbara Gohman Clifford & Claudia Dalbey John Greve Bob & Carol Deppe Sally Greve Bart & Jane Dupuis Scott & Joyce Hornstein Bruce & Marlene Ehresman Al & Ida Johnson Wade & Pamela Helfer Erv & Janet Klaas Keith & Brenda Hobson Randy & Beth Larabee Dan & Patty Huisenga Arlo & Joann Ledet Phyllis Jones & John Landgraf Michael & Debbie Lee Allen & Joy Lang Eleanor Mathews Julie Larson & Ed, Emily & Hannah Engle Helen McRoberts Brooks & Alesha Lofstedt Michael & Linda Meetz Jan Mabe Jarad & Camille Niemi Donald & Joan Mathews Wolfgang, Lesia, & Annamarie Oesterreich Robin McNeely & Joli Vollers Steve & Shirlee Orr Gregory & Diane Nelson Wayne & Eleanor Ostendorf Reuben & Joslin Peters George & Trish Patrick Kevin & Lynn Peterson David Peterson & Lori Biederman Dr. James Pritchard John Pohlman Ralph & Teresa Rosenberg Pat & Tom Sauer & Family Mike & Lorna Sellberg & Family David & Susan Siev Ray & Trish Strah C. Stassis Willie Struss Roy & Kathryn Strasburg Gregory Vitale & Flo Hamrick Clayton & Ruth Swenson Ruth Walker Teresa Testroet Eric & Rob Wallace Joe Toot Denise Warriner Michelle Ward & Kimball Olson Dick & Sally Wilson Donald & Kay Wall Joan Welch Web Wilke & Marjorie Smith Mark Widrlechner & Mary Basil Madsen Kathy Wiederin www.storycountyconservation.org
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Conservation Updates Rick & Andrea Hill Lee & Gayle Huey Walter & Maridel Jackson Bruce, Diane, Bryleigh, Bram & Ilona Janvrin
Otter
(Family: $35 - $69) James Andrews & Margaret LaWare Jon & Nancy Applequist Karen Bates & David Brown Mike Beall Harold & Lynn Boeset George Burnet & Martha Anderson Jean Carman Paul Clark & Donna Starck Stan & Sue Crull James Cue Mike & Diane Dawson Gary & Laura Deal Galen & Linda Drennan David & Jeanne Edwards Scott & Tracy Ellingson Bill & Phyllis Enquist Don & Eugenia Farrar Leonard & Patricia Foley Melody Franje Nancy Franz & Bill Gahnz Ray & Karen Gerke Clark & Betty Grinde Wayne & Cindy Hauber Laurie Henry
Susan Jasper Rich & Judy Jones John & Rose Marie Kluge Bill & Laura La Grange Steve & Sue Lekwa Frank & Judy Maly Londell & Karen Mannes John Mathews Laura Merrick & Matt Liebman Ray & Eleanor Moeckly Jill Mortensen Jim & Frankee Oleson David & Rosemary Osheim Jim & Cindy Pease Jean Peterson Tim, Robyn, Kenton, & Landra Reece Eugene & Marlene Robinson Craig & Nancy Sargent Leo & Betty Schneider Kevin Stokes & Laura Duck Curt & Liam Struck & Megan Fairall Bob & Deanne Summerfelt Craig & Julie Sutherland Mike Swanson John & Meg Tait Ted & Joanie Tedesco Jeff & Cheri Thieleke Jimmie & Nancy Thompson Derral & Anna Tressler Karleen Uitermark Bill, Gwen, & Deanna Ward Janet Warg Bill & Marlene Weisshaar David & Julia Wilson
Great Horned Owl (Individual: $30)
George Belitsos Jamie Beyer Tom Gust Patricia Hopkins Nathan Kemperman Lisa Ladd Joyce Matters Evan Miller Jami Mirka Kermit Molde Sarah Nostwich Louise O’Donnell Joyce Powell Michelle Robinson William Runyan Thomas Scott Jaye Stefani Lynne Van Valin Linda Zaletel
Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy has identified at least $673.3 million in shovel-ready conservation projects. It’s time we
#FundTheTrust.
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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516
Conservation Updates “Planting the Seeds” Grant Funds Pollinator Habitats at Schools By: Rebekah Beall, Naturalist Story County Conservation environmental education staff will help two schools transform mowed grass into a flower-filled pollinator habitat. Students at Collins-Maxwell and Roland-Story elementary schools will grow native plants in classroom minigreenhouses and plant them in their schoolyard in May. Throughout the school year, SCC naturalists and project partners will teach students about the vital relationship between plants and their insect visitors. SCC received a Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP) grant to fund the projects. This year’s habitats expand on a pilot project completed with Central Elementary School’s Multi-Age Classrooms in 20152016 through a REAP CEP mini-grant.
Schoolyard pollinator habitats engage children with Story County’s local plant and pollinator community through hands-on nature and science education. Pollinators are disappearing as they struggle with impacts of habitat loss, disease, and pesticides in farm fields, yards, and gardens. While monarchs are the familiar face of pollinator decline, studies on bees and other insects show widespread problems. The pollinator habitats involve students from beginning to end in a locally-focused effort to solve a national conservation challenge.
naturalists presented educational programs to 14 classes at the two schools. The pollinator program, newly developed for the schoolyard projects, introduces students to pollination and highlights their schoolyard’s place in the “Monarch Highway,” a federal effort to increase pollinator habitat along the I-35 corridor. Later in the year, Prairie Rivers of Iowa staff will help students design the habitat. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge will provide students with seeds to grow in mini-greenhouses in their classrooms, and SCC will coordinate planting the habitats. SCC will share lesson plans through www.teachersgoinggreen.com. Beyond the schoolyard, the habitats also model how individuals, community organizations, and businesses can provide shelter and food to pollinators within towns. Collins-Maxwell Elementary has involved a variety of community members by expanding the project on their own. They created an outdoor classroom and vegetable garden alongside the pollinator habitat. Through donations of materials and labor, they built a seating area, outdoor whiteboard, and examples of shelter boxes for birds and bats. They debuted the area during their fall open house, and SCC naturalists talked to parents and students about their community’s commitment to saving pollinators. SCC hopes these schools’ efforts will grow into a wider awareness across Story County of the small, hard-working creatures we can make homes for in our own yards and gardens.
Children will have opportunities to investigate native plants from seed to flower along with the diversity of insects drawn to their habitat. This school year, SCC www.storycountyconservation.org
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Conservation Updates
Volunteer Update: Service Enterprise By: Erica Place, Outreach Coordinator
Story County Conservation is pursing certification as a Service Enterprise. This endeavor began last January, and we’re hopeful that SCC will be officially certified before you get your next newsletter. What is a Service Enterprise, you ask? According to Points of Light, an organization dedicated to volunteer service and the entity behind the Service Enterprise Intitiative, it’s “an organization that leverages volunteers and their skills to successfully deliver on its social mission. These high-performing organizations have deeply integrated volunteers into their strategic plan and organizational infrastructure, thereby allowing them to reduce costs and increase efficiency and effectiveness in providing services to fulfill their mission.” So, when the Volunteer Center of Story County said they were going to train organizations in Story County to become some of the first Service Enterprises in Iowa, we jumped on board. Our journey started when select staff and volunteers completed a brief diagnostic about how well SCC involves volunteers throughout all levels of the organization. The short questionnaire included topics like resource allocation, outreach, tracking and evaluation, and planning and development. This baseline data would inform any potential changes to the volunteer program. Our overall score was 71 - indicating that while we were doing a lot of things right, we still had room to improve.
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The next step was to assemble a team that would attend four half-day trainings with others who also wanted their organizations to become Service Enterprises. By way of lots of visioning and brainstorming exercises, we had a good start on our action plan when we left our last training in May. This two-or-so page document lists specific action items that our team feels will help make SCC’s volunteer program the very best it can be. Specific action items include targeting recruitment of skillsbased volunteers, increasing volunteer retention, hosting more groups in community volunteer events, increasing access to training opportunities for volunteers, seeking opportunities to volunteer in the community as a staff, and continuing to train staff in best practices for engaging volunteers. Some of these items are quick and easy fixes; others will take more planning and coordinating. However, no part of this process is a one-and-done deal. The action plan will continue to evolve through the years and will grow and change with the organization’s and volunteers’ needs. Rather than a linear path with a destination, the Service Enterprise journey is a circle. We’ve long understood that volunteers help us get more done. We also know that getting things done is only a small part of the reason we involve the community in what we do. Every time SCC engages a volunteer, that experience should embody Learn.Know.Go., a fancy new catchphrase we came up with to help make sure you Learn something about natural resources, Know about SCC and how your project relates to our mission, and feel empowered to Go and share what you’ve discovered with others. Frankly, it doesn’t really matter what we’re working on if we don’t involve YOU. You extend SCC’s reach through talking with your neighbors, coworkers, family, or friends about your experience with us. You spread the conservation word much farther than we could do on our own. Please join us on this Service Enterprise journey. We’re excited about where it will take us.
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
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Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location FEBRUARY Thursday, February 2 Thursday, February 2 Thursday, February 2 Friday, February 3 Saturday, February 4 Saturday, February 4 Tuesday, February 7 Thursday, February 9 Saturday, February 11 Monday, February 13 Tuesday, February 14 Monday, February 20 Tuesday, February 21 Thursday, February 23 Tuesday, February 28
10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Holiday 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Nature Stories and Songs Series: Earth BBPL - Gilbert SCC & OASCO Winter Hike McFarland Park Nature Stories and Songs Series: Earth Nevada Public Library Nature Stories and Songs Series: Earth BBPL - Story City Cocoa Picasso McFarland Park Introduction to Snowshoeing McFarland Park O.W.L.S.: Plant. Grow. Fly. McFarland Park SCC & OASCO Winter Hike West Peterson Park Dakins Lake Ice Fishing Derby Dakins Lake Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Luminary Snowshoe Hike McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed Landscape for Life - Part 1 McFarland Park Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Landscape for Life - Part 2 McFarland Park
MARCH Thursday, March 2 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4 2:00 p.m. March 6 - 24 Tuesday, March 7 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 7 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 23 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30 7:30 p.m.
Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Mushroom Cultivation Workshop Partners Photo Contest Submissions O.W.L.S.: Neta Snook Landscape for Life - Part 3 Neta Snook (encore performance) Story County Conservation Board Meeting Landscape for Life - Part 4 Born to Be Wild Landscape for Life - Part 5 Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting
APRIL Saturday, April 1 Tuesday, April 4 Monday, April 10 Saturday, April 15 Saturday, April 15 Saturday, April 22 Saturday, April 22 Thursday, April 27 Saturday, April 29
1:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
Birdapalooza McFarland Park O.W.L.S.: African Wildlife Adventure McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Nature Camp Registration Opens (online) Geocache Egg Hunt McFarland Park Breakfast with the Birds McFarland Park Spring Wildflower Hike Robison Wildlife Acres Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park TEAM Day Robison Wildlife Acres
MAY *sneak peek* Sunday, May 7
2:00 p.m.
Partners Spring Festival
McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park Reiman Gardens McFarland Park McFarland Park Reiman Gardens McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park
McFarland Park
BBPL = Bertha Bartlett Public Library (Gilbert or Story City branch)
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 12
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: Bluebird house kits (4) for event prizes Wild Birds Unlimited Rhythm sticks for programs Dawn Remsburg Cash donation for Hickory Grove shower house Linda Giffith and family Pheasant and squirrel mounts Janice Bortz
Story County Conservation Board
Craig Meyers, Nevada - Chair Dr. Nancy Franz, Ames - Vice Chair Open - Secretary Dr. James Pease, Ames Ted Tedesco, Ames Rick Sanders, Ames - Ex Officio Member
Story County Conservation Director Michael Cox
Waterfowl mounts Jim F. Hibner Cash donation and 38 lbs. of bird seed Big Bluestem Audubon Society
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 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 21 Number 1 www.storycountyconservation.org
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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. Register for lunch at www.storycountyconservation.org or call 515-232-2516
Plant. Grow. Fly. Beth Waage, Naturalist Tuesday, February 7 Pollinators are in decline due to a variety of reasons including global climate change, loss of habitat and feeding resources, and some modern agricultural practices. Learn how you can help! Register for lunch by 4 p.m., Friday, February 3. Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, and cookies.
Neta Snook Rosemary Harris Tuesday, March 7 Come hear the first-person portrayal of a fearless and forgotten aviator who was the first female ever accepted into flying school and to run a commercial airfield. Neta achieved a long list of firsts in the aviation field. Perhaps her most memorable, yet often overlooked achievement, was teaching Amelia Earhart to fly! Register for lunch by 4 p.m., Friday, March 3. Menu: Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, and apple crisp. African Wildlife Adventure Dr. Jim Pease Tuesday, April 4 This presentation will feature the wildlife of Africa as seen through the lens of Jim Pease. Register for lunch by 4 p.m., Friday, March 31. Menu: Ham balls, red potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, dinner roll, and apple Waldorf salad.
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