2015 Winter Prairie Horizons

November 2015 - January 2016

Prairie Horizons In this issue...

Public Programs and Events Pages 2-3 Conservation Updates Pages 4-8 Map of SCC Areas Page 9 Calendar of Events Page 10 Partners Membership Page 11 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 12

Story County Conservation

Merchandise Available at Conservation Center Have a nature lover in your life that’s hard to shop for? We have the perfect gifts! The 16oz., stainless steel, double-wall mug is great for traveling or camping. The carabiner handle easily clips onto backpacks or bags, and the screw-on lid seals liquids in to keep your drinks the temperature you want them.

56461 180th Street Ames, Iowa 50010

And be sure to “get a clear view of nature” with a microfiber cleaning cloth key chain -- great for cleaning eyeglasses, phones, cameras, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. binoculars, and more. Just like the mug, it clips to a key ring or backpack.

The microfiber cloth shows off a beautiful Story County prairie landscape 515-232-2516 and is sewn to the pouch so it easily stuffs back inside when not in use. conservation@storycountyiowa.gov

www.storycountyconservation.org Both of these items are available for purchase at the conservation center

during our regular business hours. The cleaning cloth is $7.00, and the mug is just $10.00. Not only will you leave with some great new outdoor gear, you’ll be supporting conservation efforts in Story County.

Programs & Events

Register and pay for programs and events online!

Go to www.storycountyconservation.org ro 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.

Soap from Scratch

Saturday, November 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Explore the art and science of making handcrafted soap with Ann Staudt, Siberian Soap Company owner! Using the centuries-old, cold-process soapmaking technique, students will combine plantbased oils and lye to create soaps that are mild, moisturizing, and eco-friendly. Each participant will make and take home a 1.3 pound custom batch of soap just in time for holiday gift giving. Long sleeves, long pants, and close-toed shoes are required for all participants. We ask that participants be at least 16 years old.

Fee of $25 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13.

Geocache Elf Hunt

Saturday, December 12, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Santa’s helpers have been playing in the park! Join Naturalist Jess Lancial to learn how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to find some elves and the presents they have hidden in the park. This program is limited to 20 groups, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot! We recommend that groups not exceed eight people as groups will share one GPS unit.

Fee of $4 per collector (any child 3-14 years old) with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 7.

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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events WildTots: Winter Wonders

Geology of Story County

Join Naturalist Jess Lancial and get wild about winter’s wonders through a series of activities, crafts, and a snack. This program is for children ages 2-4 plus their adult. Be prepared to play indoors and out!

Fee of $5 per child with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12.

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; after the presentation, CIMS members will be on hand to identify rocks, fossils, artifacts, and minerals until 12:00 p.m.

This program is free -- but registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18.

Saturday, January 16, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

McFarland Park

Animal Architects

Saturday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McFarland Park You might snuggle up with a blanket and hot cocoa in the winter, but what do the animals do? Some dig, some build, others weave homes. Learn about the builders of nature and then head outside to try making a snug, winter shelter.

All participants are welcome, but activities are targeted to schoolaged children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress warmly to be outside for part of the program (warm coat, snow pants, gloves, hat, boots).

This program is free -- but registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22.

Saturday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

McFarland Park

We enlist volunteers for many of our programs and events. If you’d like to help us prep before or assist during a program, contact the outreach coordinator at 515.232.2516.

POP UP PROGRAMS Like us on Facebook as some programs may just “pop up” as a post on our page! www.facebook.com/storycountyconservation www.storycountyconservation.org

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Programs & Events

Summer’s Summer

By: Summer Thorsten, Summer Naturalist Before trying something new, most people have an idea of what it will be like. Once in a while, if you’re lucky, an experience will exceed those expectations.

For me, working as a summer naturalist for Story County Conservation was one of those over-the-top, better than anything I could have imagined kind of experiences!

six spiders since that talk. By the end of the summer, I realized while I was working hard helping others to grow, I grew too!

This position entails so much more than can be presented in a job description. Planning summer camps, leading canoe trips, and teaching people of all ages about the environment sounded like fun. But the real fun is all of the little things you can’t put into words -- like seeing a child’s eyes light up when they make a connection and have an “aha” moment.

Summer Naturalist Summer Thorsten with campers.

If the job doesn’t win you over, the people certainly will! From naturalists to field staff, if you’re eager to learn, they are eager to teach. They taught me this: jump in feet first, overcome your fears, learn all you can, and have fun! I never thought I’d find my niche so early in the game; but, after my time with Story County Conservation, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Summer naturalists get experience leading excursions!

I had my fair share of “aha” moments over the summer, too. Even as an adult I’ve always disliked spiders (disliked might be too kind!). About a week into my job, I was on a hike with Naturalist Bekah Beall, and she saw a spider. I chose to take the far side of the trail and avoid it; Bekah waltzed right over, picked it up, and said something along the lines of “Cool, look!” The important part of the story is that she took the time to teach me about him. She taught me that Daddy Long-legs are not actually spiders, but Harvestmen, a fact that I happily reiterated to dozens of frightened campers over the summer. I can now proudly say that I have held many Harvestmen and 4

My advice to you: experience the magic of Story County Conservation for yourself. Attend a program, apply for a job, or volunteer. You won’t be disappointed!

Does this sound like your ideal way to spend a summer? We hire nearly 20 seasonal employees each year -- summer naturalists, roadside management interns, park ranger aides, and more! Watch our website in January for a chance to join us for the 2016 season.

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

2015: A Year in Review By: Mike Cox, Director

Dakins Lake is finally open! For many years, SCC has been working toward an expanded park.

With much help from many individuals, agencies, and organizations, we were able to open a new and improved Dakins Lake this spring. The park expansion takes into account a strong commitment to water quality, economic development, and recreational opportunities in a small, rural town. The lessons learned and partnerships formed will shape important community improvements for many years.

Neighboring Polk County’s population increased 15 percent in that same period and is expected to increase another 24 percent (130,000 people) by 2040. These people will expect the same quality of life that we currently appreciate. This means increased use of our parks, trails, hunting and fishing areas, and rivers. We need to be able to respond to this pressure as well as to current, unmet needs.

Newly expanded Dakins Lake in Zearing.

Photo by Garry Brandenburg.

2015 was also a year of increased attention on water quality. Story County Conservation was awarded grants from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to improve the water quality of Hickory Grove Lake (see the article by Amy Yoakum in this newsletter). SCC also worked with Prairie Rivers of Iowa to apply for IDALS funds to employ a watershed coordinator, begin a watershed education effort, and provide cost share for landowners wishing to implement conservation practices on their land.

Funding was approved, and we are working with landowners to improve soil health and water quality.

It has long been known (but seldom given enough attention) that public parks and natural areas serve all people and provide economic, social, health, and environmental benefits. In quantifying the economic impact of parks, a study by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University shows that the nation’s local and regional parks are significant contributors in the United States, generating $140 billion annually in economic activity and supporting nearly 1 million jobs. Parks managed by the Story County Conservation Board contribute an estimated $18 million annually in economic activity!

Current funding levels are not enough to maintain the increased demand on our parks and natural areas. Story County’s population increased 11 percent between 2000 and 2010 and is projected to increase another 23 percent (21,000 people) by 2040.

Sustainable funding sources are critical to a solution.

You may remember that in 2010, Iowa voters passed the constitutional amendment that created the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Polling in 2014 continued to show a high level of support (>66%) for the trust fund, showing that Iowans want to pay more for recreation and natural resources. During the 2016 legislative session, bills will be considered to create a permanent source of funding that ensures that Iowa’s natural resources are conserved for economic, social, and recreational benefits for all Iowans. Please contact your legislators and let them know how you feel about our land and water legacy!

Story County Conservation looks forward to making improvements to our natural resources and our ability to enjoy and protect them in the coming years.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

Winter Wonders

By: Rebekah Beall, Naturalist Check out small trees and bushes in old field habitats for American goldfinch nests. The three-inch (or less!) diameter nest usually has a telltale thistle down lining. You may encounter great horned owls preparing to nest with a nighttime visit to the forest in January. You won’t mistake their deep courtship hoots. They nest earlier than any other bird in the state and will likely be sitting on eggs in a tree cavity nest by mid-February.

Be sure to leave all nests undisturbed.

Winter can reveal secrets hidden during the leafy green growing seasons. Visit your county parks to try your luck spotting these signs of winter.

Watch for crows ribboning through the skies on fall and winter evenings on the way to large, communal roosts. The sheer numbers -- hundreds to thousands of birds -- can be spectacular. Crows display many characteristics humans often reserve for themselves -- intelligence, adaptability, and sociability. Scientists offer several explanations for why crows roost in such large groups. One explanation notes that crows seem to increasingly favor night roosts in busy neighborhoods and theorize that crows use human habitats to avoid a major winter predator: great horned owls. Owls are unlikely to hunt in busy, brightly-lit areas, and crows are better able to spot dangers.

We might think spring when we think of bird’s nests, but leafless trees make winter a great season for spotting nests. Nest shapes and materials are often unique to each bird species, so nests can identify birds even after they are long gone. The female Baltimore oriole weaves a distinctive bag-shaped nest from plant fibers, grass, bark, or even string. The unusual nest becomes much easier to spot dangling from the tips of high tree branches after leaves fall.

Look for the silvery pouch -- especially in maple and cottonwood trees.

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The downy woodpecker calls Iowa home even in the depths of winter.

This little black and white bird knows how to hunt insects in the midst of snow and ice. On your next winter prairie hike, pay attention to balloonshaped growths called Galls on goldenrod stems.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons. galls on goldenrod stems. Each one makes a snug winter home for a goldenrod gall fly larva.

Woodpeckers will drill neat holes in the galls to pluck out a juicy meal. Chickadees sometimes use this food source too, but the holes they peck are messier.

In late winter look for woodpecker signs on galls in prairie areas at a forest’s edge.

Bundle up and embrace the snow to explore your parks this winter. Who knows what discoveries you’ll make? If you do find these or any other special signs of winter, let us know. Happy hunting!

Watch for more articles about phenology (the study of the timing of natural events) from Naturalist Rebekah Beall in future Prairie Horizons!

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Hickory Grove Watershed Improvement Project By: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist

After many years of planning and fundraising, the first phase of the Hickory Grove Watershed Improvement Project began last summer! In July, large earth-moving equipment arrived on site and began working. The project is funded through a Watershed Improvement Review Board (WIRB) grant which is administered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Funding is also being provided through the Iowa Lakes Program (DNR), Story Soil and Water Conservation District, Story County Environmental Health, Story County Conservation, and the Story County Board of Supervisors. Fox Engineering is providing the technical support for the project, and the contractor is Smith Seeding Company from Eldridge, Iowa.

The primary goals of this phase of the project are: exclude cattle from the stream, restore and stabilize the stream, create a grade stabilization structure, and install a saturated buffer. All of these practices will reduce the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), sediment, and bacteria entering Hickory Grove Lake. Septic systems in the watershed are also being upgraded through the grant program.

The work site is on private property adjacent to the park boundary. Nearly 75 percent of the water that enters Hickory Grove Lake comes from land on the southeast side of the park. That is why the Watershed Advisory Committee is working with private landowners to make necessary improvements to waterways outside of the park.

Ultimately, the sediment retention portion of the lake will be dredged, but we need to stop as much sediment from coming into the lake as possible before that can be accomplished.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

New Faces Join the SCC Team Ben Marcus joined the Story County Conservation staff in June as a conservation technician. Ben was born and raised in the small town of Leon, Iowa, where he grew to love hunting and fishing with his father. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Animal Ecology with an emphasis on Wildlife Management. Prior to joining our team, he was very active in the conservation field. Ben worked as a summer park aide for several years for Decatur County Conservation and Story County Conservation. He spent a summer as a seasonal water patrol officer at Rathbun Lake with the Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau, and was an AmeriCorps member for the Iowa DNR State Parks Bureau as a parks coordinator. Ben is happy to begin his new role at McFarland Park alongside other Story County Conservation staff.

Naturalist Beth Waage recently joined our staff after working for Polk County Conservation, Dallas County Conservation, and Warren County Conservation. She broke into the field while working at the Des Moines YMCA Camp in Boone and hasn’t looked back. She grew up in Iowa and went to college at Simpson College in Indianola. After graduating, she spent time in Montana and Oregon and ultimately made Iowa her home. She enjoys sharing all things outdoors with her family, particularly hiking and photography. She is very excited to meet and teach the citizens of Story County, as well as learn from them!

Raptor Release at McFarland Park Story County Conservation was pleased to partner with Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR) and the Wildlife Care Clinic (WCC) in September for a raptor release at McFarland Park. SOAR and WCC frequently work together to provide care for injured and orphaned wildlife. It was a gorgeous day to celebrate the rehabilitation efforts of the two clinics, and quite a crowd came out to witness the raptors’ return to the wild. Several hawks and owls were released with the help of members from the crowd, and everyone got up-close looks at two of WCC’s education birds.

Our hope is that this will become an annual event! Watch our Facebook page for details on future releases. We hope you join us next time; there’s nothing quite like seeing a rehabbed bird fly off into the distance.

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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

A Red-tailed Hawk about to be released. Photo by Justin Wells.

Story County Conservation Map

Having trouble locating one of our parks or areas?

Remember that you can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.

All information is listed under the “Parks & Trails� subpage. www.storycountyconservation.org www.storycountyconservation.org

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Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location NOVEMBER Wednesday, November 4 Thursday, November 5 Monday, November 9 Wednesday, November 11 Thursday, November 19 Saturday, November 21 Saturday, November 21 Thursday, November 26 Friday, November 27

11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Holiday 7:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

Holiday Holiday

O.W.L.S.: All About Bats McFarland Park Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Ames Public Library Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Soap from Scratch McFarland Park Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Offices Closed

DECEMBER Tuesday, December 1 Saturday, December 12 Monday, December 14 Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 Thursday, December 31

11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Holiday Holiday Holiday

O.W.L.S.: Peregrine Falcons McFarland Park Geocache Elf Hunt McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Offices Closing Early (at 2:30 p.m.)

JANUARY Friday, January 1 Holiday Story County Conservation Offices Closed Tuesday, January 5 11:00 a.m.

O.W.L.S.: Prairies McFarland Park Thursday, January 7 7:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Ames Public Library Monday, January 11 5:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Saturday, January 16 10:00 a.m.

WildTots: Winter Wonders McFarland Park Thursday, January 28 7:30 p.m.

Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Saturday, January 30 2:00 p.m. Animal Architects McFarland Park FEBRUARY Saturday, February 20

10:00 a.m.

Geology of Story County

McFarland Park

Don’t forget to register for programs early as they fill quickly!

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

Conservation Updates 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: Meat products for 2015 nature camps Burke Corporation Cash donation in memory of Bill Horine Larry and Margaret Stone Cash donation in memory of Keith Rhodes Bruce Rhodes Cash donation Reuben and Joslin Peters Cash donation towards pergola swing on Touch-A-Life Trail Ames Town and Country Kiwanis

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 Michael Cox

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 19 Number 4 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.

All About Bats Marlene Ehresman, Iowa Wildlife Center Wednesday, November 4

Peregrine Falcons Pat Schlarbaum, Iowa DNR Tuesday, December 1

Peregrine Falcons are birds of prey that were wiped Bats, like other nighttime wild ones, have been given a bad rap in myth and movie. Learn about IWC’s out by the DDT biocide of the 20th century. They work in bat rehabilitation, natural history of Iowa’s are the literal standard bearer of the Endangered Species Act. Learn how their demise occurred and numerous bat species, and myth-busting facts that the recovery efforts that have returned these birds to will provide insight into these remarkable mammals that provide humans with several free environmental Iowa skies.

Register for lunch by 4pm, Wednesday, November 25. services. The program will include a live bat!

Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, October 30.

Menu: Honey-baked ham, au gratin potatoes, green Menu: Carved turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner beans, dinner roll, and apple pie. roll, and pumpkin pie.

Prairies Carl Kurtz Tuesday, January 5 Photographing plants and animals associated with the tall grass prairie has been a yearly pursuit for Carl Kurtz for the past 35 years. In 1988 he planted a section of his farm to a diverse prairie plant community for seed production, which now closely resembles Iowa’s original prairie landscape. Draw on Carl’s personal experience and learn how to reconstruct your own prairie community for all kinds of wildlife.

Register for lunch by 4pm, Thursday, December 31. Menu: Lasagna bar, garden salad, breadsticks, and brownies.

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