2015 Spring Prairie Horizons

February 2015 - April 2015

Prairie Horizons In this issue...

Public Programs Pages 2-3 Partners Photo Contest Page 4 Partners Membership Recognition Pages 6 & 9 Calendar of Events Page 7 Map of SCC Areas Page 8 Conservation Updates Pages 5, 10-13 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 14 Follow the Dakins Lake Project ONLINE!

http://bit.ly/dakinslake

www.facebook.com/ storycountyconservation

Partners Spring Festival Mark your calendars!

“To Bee Or Not To Bee” McFarland Park Sunday, May 3, 2015 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join SCC Partners to learn everything you need to know about pollinators and how we can help them!

Featuring music by The Runkels.

Plenty to do for the whole family including displays, crafts, canoeing, and solar viewing.

NEW On-line Registrations ! and Payment Available Soon!

Story County Conservation is working towards providing on-line registrations and payments through mycountyparks.com in the next few months.

SCC has had a limited presence on the Iowa Association of County Conservation Board’s website, but plans to utilize

mycountyparks.com to provide a more convenient and efficient method to register for programs and rent shelters by summer. Note: No changes to the self-registration process in our campgrounds are planned at this time.

Watch for more details on our website this spring!

Programs & Events Spring Programs and Events • Fees/registration are not required unless noted.

• To register for a program, call 515-232-2516 or email conservation@storycountyiowa.gov.

• Refunds will not be issued after the registration deadline. If there isn’t a registration deadline, refunds will be issued up to one week prior to the program or event.

• Programs and events may be cancelled if there are extreme weather conditions or if the minimum number of registered participants is not met.

Shoes and Soup

Writing Naturally

Come out to the park for a brief snowshoeing tutorial, followed by a naturalist-lead snowshoe hike with time to explore on your own. Complete the evening with a warm bowl of soup! There is a limited number of showshoes, so register early!

Fee of $15 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13.

Break out paper, pencil, and creativity to write your experiences in nature. Interact in a group with writers from the staff of Flyway, a journal of writing and the environment. Then gain tips and confidence for writing your own stories with SCC Naturalist (and writer) Rebekah Beall. Both beginning and experienced participants are welcomed and encouraged! Fee of $7 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27.

Thursday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Saturday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

WildTots: Caving Kids

Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park Let your wild tot explore “caves” through a series of activities, crafts, and a snack. This program is for children (ages 2-4) plus their adult. Fee of $5 per child with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19.

Volunteer with SCC!

Did you know that many of our programs require help from volunteers?

Contact Outreach Coordinator Erica Eaves by email at eeaves@storycountyiowa.gov or by phone at (515) 598-4761

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To register for a program, call our office at (515) 232-2516 or email us at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov.

Whittling

Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park Join instructors Larry Mitchell and Art Mann for an evening of whittling fun! Learn about whittling lore and techniques with time for hands-on experience in carving green wood. Let your creative juices flow and make letter openers, butter spreaders, utensils, and more. Beverages and snacks are provided. Bring a sharp knife, gloves, and thumb guard if you have one.

Fee of $10 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events Geocache Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Center, 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, 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 required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

Soapmaking 101 Workshop: Soap from Scratch

Saturday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park Explore the art and science of making handcrafted soap from scratch with Ann Staudt, Siberian Soap Company owner! Using the centuries-old coldprocess soapmaking technique, students will combine plant-based oils and lye to create soaps that are mild, moisturizing, and eco-friendly. Each participant will take home a 1.3 pound custom batch of soap! We ask that participants be 16 years or older.

Fee of $25 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3.

Summer 2015 Nature Camps Summer is just around the corner! Each year, SCC offers several outdoor experiences for youth. Week-long, half-day Nature Camps are provided for pre-schoolers and early elementary age groups, while FLOAT (Fun Loving Outdoor Adventure Team) camps teach older children outdoor skills including camping, canoeing, caving, and backpacking. Registration will tentatively begin April 13. Watch our website and Facebook page for updates on when registration will open and for more information and dates.

TEAM Day

Saturday, April 18, 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, closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended. Registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

Spring Wildflower Hike

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.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 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. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled.

Registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Programs & Events

SCC Partners Photo Contest Entries Due in March 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. The contest is open to amateur photographers only.

The categories are different this year! Enter images that fit the following Partners contest categories: A. Landscape - These photos must be taken in Story County Conservation parks and areas. Photos may include structures.

B. Flora and Fungi - Photos of specific plants or fungi. They can be taken from a distance or close-up (either macro or micro). These shots may be taken in areas outside of SCC parks. Photographs of nonnative plants will not be accepted.

C. Fauna - Photos of specific animals. They can be taken from a distance or close-up (either macro or micro). These shots may be taken in areas outside of SCC parks. Photographs of non-native animals will not be accepted. Please do not include portraits of pets, domestic animals, or captive animals in game farms.

D. Connecting People and Recreation - These are photos of people enjoying Story County Conservation areas. These photos must be taken in Story County Conservation parks and areas. This category gets the fewest entries but is very useful for SCC’s digital library. Consider photographing your family and friends while they hike, picnic, cross-country ski, snowshoe, fish, canoe, bike, run, hunt, or camp.

School field trips and public events are also great opportunities for photos.

Remember: Photos entered in categories A and D must be taken on properties owned or managed by SCC. You can find a map of all Story County Parks and Areas on page 8.

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2014 Winning Photo by Bret Johnson

A complete list of rules is available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. The entry form may be reproduced. Photographers retain all rights to their images except for use by Story County Conservation.

Contest photos may be submitted March 9-27.

Prizes will be awarded at the Partners Spring Festival. Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ storycountyconservation.

Partners Photo Contest 2015 Entry Form Name ____________________________________ Address __________________________________ _________________________________________ Phone Number ____________________________ Email ___________________________________ Photo Location ___________________________ Title ____________________________________ Category (check one): __ A. Landscape __ B. Flora and Fungi __ C. Fauna __ D. Connecting People and Recreation Age Bracket (check one): __ Adult (over 18 years of age) __ Youth (under 18 years of age)

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Recreation and Natural Resource Plan

Last fall, SCC began work on a 20-year comprehensive recreation and natural resources plan. The goal is to create a tool that will guide recreational development and natural resource protection in Story County in the coming decades.

While the plan will focus mostly on unincorporated areas, it will also reflect what each community is currently doing and their future plans. We will also survey neighboring counties’ plans to make sure we have a coordinated regional vision.

We are very fortunate to have a donor who provided funding for two interns this fall. Two students in the Landscape Architecture Department at Iowa State University have been busy compiling information that we will use as we work with stakeholders and give presentations at public meetings. Then the fun part begins. Everyone will have a chance to help us create a plan worthy of Story County, our wonderful communities, and our outstanding citizens. You can expect to see invitations to these meetings soon. If you or your organization would like to be included in meetings or updates about the plan, please contact our office.

“Working with Story County Conservation on the trails and recreation plan has been extremely enlightening. I have had the opportunity to see the level of detail and care that goes into planning a project of this size. It has been most interesting to meet a variety of individuals and organizations that Story County Conservation collaborates with, who are in support of this plan. As we continue moving forward with the project, I hope to see it gain similar support from the community.”

-Morgan Harty, Intern “My experience so far as an intern with Story County Conservation has expanded my knowledge of trail and park development and allowed me to explore my interests within my discipline more than I could have imagined as a student. Trail development and design has become a large focus of my education and I feel very fortunate to be able to work with Story County Conservation to further plan trail development in the county. I am excited to continue our efforts to create a comprehensive trail development plan that will connect people to significant places across the county.”

-Dylan Schroeder, Intern

Partnering for Conservation On March 26, 2015 at 7 p.m., Dr. Jim Pease will give a presentation on “Partnering for Conservation” at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park.

Jim will talk about strategic needs of Story County Conservation and the value of partnering with other groups to successfully meet those needs. Jim will be introducing board members of the Outdoor Alliance of Story County. Those board members are John Pohlman, Diane Birt, Linda Zaletel, and Greg Vitale.

Donate to the Chickadee Check-off this tax season and support wildlife conservation in Iowa!

The Outdoor Alliance is a new organization that is working to become a strong partner in helping fund conservation projects. Its mission is to enhance outdoor recreation, education, and conservation opportunities in Story County. There will be discussion and information with opportunities to partner with the Alliance in their efforts. Light appetizers and desserts will be provided.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

With Gratitude

Story County Conservation would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our 2014 Partners members. We would not be able to carry out our mission without your valuable support!

Red-Tailed Hawk ($1000 or more)

Al & Sue Ravenscroft

Great Blue Heron ($275 - $999)

A Friend of SCC Vi Baker David Hade & Delora Jespersen Hade Janet & John Kazwell Art Ketelsen George & Marlys Ladd Marilyn Lekwa Patricia Murphy William Runyan Mary Wauson Karen & Gary Youngberg

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Red Fox

Goldfinch

($125 - $274)

($70 - $124)

A Friend of SCC Lori Biederman & David Peterson In Loving Memory of Betty Bielenberg Renate & Dieter Dellmann Rick Dietz & Carol Hansell Janet & Philip Dixon Delphine Douglass Scott & Sue Draper Frevert Family Farms LLC Barbara & Jim Gohman Phil Hahn Phyllis Heffron Joyce & Scott Hornstein Tom & Cathy Kaspar Janet & Erv Klaas Randy & Beth Larabee Michael & Debbie Lee Helen McRoberts Michael & Linda Meetz Wolfgang, Lesia, & Annamarie Oesterreich Rosemarry & David Osheim Eleanor & Wayne Ostendorf George & Trish Patrick Kevin & Lynn Peterson John Pohlman Keith & June Rhoades Pat & Tom Sauer & Family Susan & David Siev Karsten & Sharon Smedal C. Stassis Roy & Kathryn Strasburg Michelle Ward & Kimball Olson Donald & Kay Wall Joan Welch Kathy Wiederin

Barb & Jack Adams Danelda Allen Kris August & Radford Davis Roger & Kay Berger Joyce & Rod Brink Clifford & Claudia Dalbey Bob & Carol Deppe Bart & Jane Dupuis Bruce & Marlene Ehresman John Greve Sally Greve Wade & Pamela Helfer Cindy Hildebrand Bill Horine Patty & Dan Huisenga Huxley Parks & Rec Department Allen & Joy Lang Brooks & Alesha Lofstedt Jan Mabe Donald & Joan Mathews Eleanor Mathews Robin McNeely Reuben & Joslin Peters Ralph & Teresa Rosenberg Lorna & Mike Sellberg & Family Willie Struss Ruth & Clayton Swenson Joe & Barb Toot Audrey Upah Gregory Vitale & Flo Hamrick Ruth Walker Denise Warriner Mark Widrlechner Web Wilke & Marjorie Smith

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Calendar of Events Date

Time

Event

FEBRUARY 2015 Tuesday, Feb. 3 Monday, Feb. 9 Monday, Feb. 16 Thursday, Feb. 19 Saturday, Feb. 21 Saturday, Feb. 21 Thursday, Feb. 26

11:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

Holiday 5:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

O.W.L.S.: The Bears of Katmai Story County Conservation Board Meeting Story County Conservation Offices Closed Shoes and Soup WildTots: Caving Kids Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Searching for Dark Matter Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting

McF McF

MARCH 2015 Tuesday, March 3 Thursday, March 5 Saturday, March 7 Monday, March 9 Saturday, March 21 Tuesday, March 24 Thursday, March 26 Thursday, March 26

11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

O.W.L.S.: Emerald Ash Borer: It is in Iowa. Now what?

Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Writing Naturally Story County Conservation Board Meeting Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Messier Catalog Whittling Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting Outdoor Alliance Meeting: Partnering for Conservation

McF APL McF McF McF McF McFS McF

APRIL 2015 Saturday, April 4 Tuesday, April 7 Saturday, April 11 Monday, April 13 Saturday, April 18 Saturday, April 18 Thursday, April 30

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Geocache Egg Hunt O.W.L.S.: Winter Birding at Sax-Zim Bog in Northern Minnesota Soapmaking 101 Workshop: Soap From Scratch Story County Conservation Board Meeting TEAM (Trail Enhacement and Management) Day Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Astronomy Day Program Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting

McF McF McF McF McF McF McF

Spring Wildflower Hike Partners Spring Festival

RWA McF

MAY 2015 *Sneak Peek* Saturday, May 2 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 3 2:00 p.m.

McF = McFarland Park

Location

McF McF McF McF

McFS = McFarland Shop RWA = Robison Wildlife Acres APL = Ames Public Library

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 www.storycountyconservation.org

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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 8

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Otter

(Family: $35 - $69) James Andrews & Margaret LaWare Nancy & Jon Applequist Karen Bates & David Brown Lynn & Michael Bond George Burnet & Martha Anderson Marie Carlson Jean Carman Floyd & Ana Christofferson Paul Clark & Donna Starck John & Judy Clem Jim & Nancy Clough Stan & Sue Crull James Cue Diane & Mike Dawson Gary & Laura Deal The Derrick Family Galen & Linda Drennan Amy Edmonds David & Jeanne Edwards Scott & Tracy Ellingson Don & Eugenia Farrar Leonard & Patricia Foley Melody Franje Ray & Karen Gerke Dean Girard Wayne & Cindy Hauber Laurie Henry Rick & Andrea Hill Lee & Gayle Huey Maridel & Walter Jackson Bruce, Diane, Bryleigh, Bram & Ilona Janvrin

Susan Jasper John & Rose Marie Kluge Bill & Laura La Grange Julie Larson & Ed, Emily & Hannah Engle Robert & Maxine Lekwa Steve & Sue Lekwa Ron & Roni Lessard Matt & Jessica Loecke Doug & Melinda Luzbetak Frank & Judy Maly Londell & Karen Mannes John Mathews

Laura Merrick & Matt Liebman Ray & Eleanor Moeckly Lonna Nachtigal & Joe Lynch Gregory & Diane Nelson Jim & Frankee Oleson Bryon & Jennifer Olson Marc & Amber Olson Jim & Cindy Pease Jay & Diana Peterson Jean Peterson Allan Potter James Pritchard Gene & Mary Rasmussen Tim, Robyn, Kenton, & Landra Reece Dale & Cindy Ruigh Leo & Betty Schneider Lynette Spicer Trish & Ray Strah 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 Lynne & Richard Van Valin Gwen Ward Janet Warg Marlene & Bill Weisshaar Julia & David Wilson

Great Horned Owl (Individual: $30)

Jamie Beyer M Burton Drexler Tom Gust Howard Hammond Patricia Hopkins Nathan Kemperman Marianne Klinsky Lisa Ladd Evan Miller Jami Mirka Kermit Molde Marlys Moore Jill Mortensen Sarah Nostwich Louise O’Donnell Lou Richert Thomas Scott Jaye Stefani Teresa Testroet Linda Zaletel

Get involved in the Partners Advisory Group Want to have a more 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.

Our next meeting is March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ames Public Library.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

Watershed Project Update By: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist

A WIRB (Watershed Improvement Review Board) grant was received in July to improve water quality at Hickory Grove Lake. The grant will fund practices on private property to reduce nutrient loading into the lake, specifically reducing levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. Two projects are outlined in the grant: upgrading nine unpermitted septic systems in the lake’s watershed, and excluding cattle from a stream. Hickory Grove Lake was placed on the Iowa Impaired Waters list in 2008 because of high levels of E. coli bacteria. Pinpointing the exact cause of the bacteria in the water is difficult at best; therefore, we are focusing our efforts on every possible culprit including septic systems, livestock, and Canada Geese.

Margaret Jaynes, Environmental Health Department Director, has been working with homeowners in the watershed to upgrade septic systems. The grant provides 50 percent cost-share to bring unpermitted septic systems up to code. To date, three septic systems have been replaced, and six more are funded through the grant. A failing septic system not only releases E. coli bacteria, it also releases an estimated 12.5 pounds of phosphorus per year. Excessive phosphorus in a water body can lead to algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen.

into the lake as shown in the picture above. Grant funds will restore and stabilize the stream channel and provide fencing to exclude the cattle from entering it. Cattle are not the only cause of sediment entering the lake. Several gullies inside of Hickory Grove Park have severe erosion problems. Story County Conservation staff are working to correct the gullies by removing invasive species from them and returning native vegetation to hold the soil in place.

WIRB grants are funded through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and support projects that improve water quality and reduce flooding. In 2014, six grant projects across the state were chosen to be funded, including Hickory Grove Lake. Partners in the watershed project include: Story County Conservation, Story County Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University, Story County Board of Supervisors, Story County Board of Health, and private landowners.

You can expect more updates on this project in future months. See how SCC is tackling one specific contributor to the reduced water quality in Hickory Grove Lake in the article on the following page.

Livestock in waterways contribute not only E. coli but can cause excessive sediment (soil) to be washed 10

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Geese at Hickory Grove Park By: Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger Hickory Grove Lake is recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as one of the many impaired water bodies throughout the state. In an effort to better understand the factors contributing to the poor water quality, Iowa State University conducted a Water Quality Improvement Plan. The study revealed that many components are impacting our water quality, one of them being bacteria. As cited in the article on the previous page, bacteria enters the lake through a variety of ways, including septic systems and waterfowl and livestock feces.

Because the large population of Canada Geese frequenting the lake is likely contributing to the problem, SCC is working with IDNR wildlife biologists to implement management practices to reduce these numbers in hopes of improving water quality.

As the island at Hickory Grove Park has been identified as breeding grounds for the local populations of Canada Geese, measures have been taken to make the island a less appealing place for the geese to congregate.

Canada Geese may stay through the winter as long as there is open water and food.

Sunset on the beach at Hickory Grove Park

Excess brush on the island was removed. Canada Geese are very territorial, so increasing the line of sight between potential nesting locations should reduce the number of nests built. Staff also set up a goose cannon, a device that mimics the sound of a shotgun, which periodically sounds off to further deter geese from nesting on the island. Single shot bird scare cartridges are used to discourage the local goose population from gathering in high-use areas (like the beach), which will help reduce bacteria levels in the swimming area. This year, SCC also approved a Canada Goose hunting season at Hickory Grove Park to help reduce local and migrant populations. In the late fall months, thousands of migrant Canada Geese find refuge in the park. In addition to depositing large amounts of feces, their presence into the winter months prevents the lake surface from freezing solid, which creates unsafe ice conditions.

Removing Hickory Grove Lake from the impaired water bodies list will take time, but through these management practices we can quickly implement actions to improve the water quality for all park users. SCC will monitor Canada Goose populations annually to determine if management goals are being met and determine techniques to utilize in future years.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

Dakins Update

Story County Conservation remembers...

By: Carol Williams, Special Projects Ranger

Wilbur (Bill) Horine

August 15, 1915 - November 26, 2014 Bill was a founding member of the Story County Conservation Board.

In addition to being a part of the creation of Hickory Grove Park, he helped shape the structure of our program today-- one that manages multiple parks, preserves, and wildlife areas and provides conservation education services.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill was a published outdoor writer, teaching naturalist, nature photographer, and recipient of numerous awards and recognitions in conservation.

A celebration of his life and legacy is planned at McFarland Park in the spring.

Bernadine Alegra Schaefer August 26, 1913 - November 6, 2014

Bernadine, born to Manley and Bethany Dakins, was a staunch supporter of Dakins Lake Park. The park, including all of its additions since inception, was built on land homesteaded by the Dakins family.

Bernadine believed in providing their land as a place for recreation that people would enjoy time and time again. A small example of Bernadine’s touch on the new park can be seen in the red roofs and the stone buildings. Bernadine often said “I want people to come.” That they will! Bernadine was also a talented artist and pianist.

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Work at Dakins Lake continues, but we have come a very long way! All the utilities are in, and almost all of the road and trail work is completed. The contractor has wrapped the campground showerhouse with a plastic enclosure so work on both the exterior (staining and masonry touch-ups) and interior can continue. When that building is complete, the crew will move to the picnic shelter.

The park will remain closed this winter.

When will opening day happen? Right now, we are shooting for Memorial Day weekend, but that is contingent upon a lot of work getting done this spring. Our staff has a long list of projects we will be working on, including turf and tree planting and placement of all the picnic tables, campfire rings, and benches.

Speaking of tree planting, we will be looking for volunteers to assist us plant over 100 trees! If you would like to be on an email list so we can contact you to help, please send a message to Erica Eaves at eeaves@storycountyiowa.gov.

Puppet Theater

By: Jerry Keys, EE Coordinator Early in 2014 the environmental education staff decided a lightweight and portable puppet theater was needed for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. After some online research, we decided that building one with a PVC frame was the answer. In July, the outreach coordinator sent an email to various groups offering several volunteer opportunities. Melissa Murray saw our request and checked with her Girl Scout Troops 28 and 150. The girls agreed it Pictured are SCC Naturalist was a good idea build a puppet theater Heather Hucka and for SCC. Girl Scout Lara Murray The girls designed the theater based on a photo they received from SCC. Scout Leader Melissa Murray said, “They did an amazing job analyzing and building the structure. They like working with PVC structures (they made pet beds for the animal shelter in spring). I think it’s like the old Tinker Toys!”

It took three people 16 hours (that’s 48 people hours) and $70 worth of materials to build the puppet theater. Yes, they donated the materials, too! Thanks, ladies!

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, free or discounted admission to select conservation and Partners events and programs, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! The Goldfinch membership level and above receive a token of appreciation (to be used for programs, merchandise, or SCC services) based on level of membership. 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 programs with donations of time, funding, and materials.

Thank you to the following for their generosity: Cash donation in memory of Gary Swartz from the Iowa Wildlife Center Cash donation in memory of Keith Rhoades from Maurice Goff Bench at Dakins Lake in memory of Carrie Obrecht from Raymond Obrecht and family Benches at Dakins Lake in memory of Roger McCloud from Virginia McCloud and family Bird seed and cash donation from Big Bluestem Audubon Society

Story County Conservation Board

Ted Tedesco, Ames Craig Meyers, Nevada Dr. James Pease, Ames Allen Weber, Ames 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 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 the first Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at the Story County Conservation Center.

These programs are designed for “boomers” or older – but anyone can attend. An optional luncheon follows the program for just $7. Pre-registration for lunch is required by 4 p.m. the Friday before the program.

Emerald Ash Borer: It is in Iowa. Now what?

Emma Hanigan, DNR Urban Forester Tuesday, March 3

We will discuss the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic and destructive insect of ash trees, which is spreading in Iowa. Learn how to identify EAB, ash trees, signs of EAB infestation, and management options.

Menu: Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, apple crisp.

The Bears of Katmai

Craig Meyers, photographer Tuesday, February 3 Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula is well known as the “go to” place to see coastal brown bears.

While many fear bears, and rightly so, it’s possible to share the space and get along with them, too. Come meet the bears and other wildlife of Katmai and learn why the bears aren’t always the vicious killers we hear about.

Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, cookies.

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Winter Birding at Sax-Zim Bog in Northern Minnesota Hank and Linda Zaletel, birders Tuesday, April 7

Winters in northern Minnesota are snowy and cold but provide some of the best opportunities to see northern owls and birds found nowhere else in such a relatively small area. Join Linda and Hank Zaletel as they share details of their 2014 trip.

Menu: Taco bar with toppings, rice and beans, watergate salad.