2016 Fall Prairie Horizons

August - October 2016

Prairie Horizons In this issue...

Public Programs and Events Pages 2-4

Partners Fall Festival

Conservation Updates Pages 5-8 Map of SCC Areas Page 9 Calendar of Events Page 10 Partners Membership Page 11 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 12

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

Old School Sunday, October 2, 3-6pm McFarland Park, 56461 180th St. Featuring classic rock, blues, and jazz by Old School

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of oldies at McFarland Park. We’ll revisit all the best crafts and activities from years past to celebrate our 20th Partners Fall Festival. It’s a free and familyfriendly event complete with a free-will donation barbecue!

A throwback to the oldies!

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.

Open Observing Nights

August 12, October 7 McFarland Park Observatory The Ames Area Amateur Astronomers offers open observing nights at the observatory in McFarland Park; there’s no formal program, just a chance to see the stars! Events will start at dusk, and telescopes and binoculars will be available. Events will be canceled in the event of inclement weather, though some have rescheduled dates. Learn more at www.asmesastronomers.com. Registration is not required.

Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meetings August 25, September 29, October 27, 7:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

If you enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, or canoeing in Story County, you are invited to attend these monthly meetings. Come to share your ideas or consider volunteering your time to improve Story County Conservation’s many trail systems.

Registration is not required.

Wildtots: Exciting Insects

Saturday, August 27, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park Join Naturalist Jess Lancial and explore exciting insects 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 is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25.

Clay Play

Saturday, August 27, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

Evening Prairie Walk Thursday, August 25, 7:00 p.m.

Doolittle Prairie (14249 560th Ave., Story City) Join Iowa Prairie Network’s Lloyd Crim at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended. Bring your camera for beautiful photographs! Doolittle Prairie is located 1.25 miles south of E-18 on 560th Avenue.

Registration is not required.

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Hunt for banks of natural clay during a creek walk with Naturalist Rebekah Beall. Plan on getting wet and muddy as we use our imaginations to play with clay and whatever else we may discover! Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes that will not be pulled off in mud. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free, but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25.

Partners Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, September 8, 7:00 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Partners are community members just like you who want to make a difference. Since its establishment in 1996, Partners has raised over $220,000 to help Story County Conservation achieve its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of the county. Registration is not required.

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events Iowa Hunter Education Field Day Course Tuesday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Hunter education is a mandatory program designed to introduce students to several life-long skills that are important to many different types of outdoor recreational opportunities. This course includes firearms handling, ethics and responsibility, Iowa hunting laws, and a final exam. Completion of an approved Iowa Online Hunter Education Course is required prior to registering and attending a field day.

To locate an approved Iowa Online Hunter Education Course, visit: www.iowadnr.gov/huntered.

Registration for this field day is available at https://register-ed.com/programs/iowa/152-huntereducation-field-day-course. Registration is required by Friday, September 9.

TEAM Days

Saturday, September 17, 9:00 a.m.

E-18 Greenbelt Access 56342 130th St., Story City

Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area Open House & Raptor Release Sunday, September 18 (2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

265th Street Access (56091 265th Street, Ames)

You are invited to visit the future Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area and to witness a raptor’s return to the wild! Saving Our Avian Resources and Iowa State University’s Wildlife Care Clinic will release a rehabilitated bird into this quality habitat (specific release time to be determined). Then, tour the floodplain oak savanna and oxbows and consider providing financial support for this land protection project. With your help, this 175-acre property currently held by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation will become a new public area for Story County. For more information about the property, visit www.inhf.org. The bird release greatly depends on the weather; watch our Facebook page or website for more details! Registration is not required.

Wild Women of the Woods

Friday, September 23 -Sunday, September 25 Hickory Grove Park

Saturday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.

West Peterson Park 55310 180th St., Ames 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. the Thursday before each event.

Wild Women of the Woods gives women the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and network with like-minded women. Due to popular demand, this event will be extended to offer an optional two nights of camping!

Participants can choose from many different sessions including archery, paddleboarding, animal tracking, vermicomposting, backpacking basics, tipi building, wild jams, astronomy, sweep rowing, meditation coloring, creating backyard habitats, and much, much more! If you’d like to assist during the event, contact the outreach coordinator at 515.232.2516. Online registration is not available for this event; view class descriptions and schedule and download the registration form at www. storycountyconservation.org. Class sizes are limited so register early! Participants must be at least 18 years old. Participants can register for half workshop (Friday - Saturday, $55) or full workshop (Friday - Sunday, $70) Registration form with payment is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Programs & Events Prairie Seed Harvests

Thursday, September 29, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 4, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Doolittle Prairie (14249 560th Ave., Story City) Help conservation staff collect prairie seed at Story County’s hidden gem, Doolittle Prairie. We’ll show you what to collect and provide information about the plants around you as you work. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended.

Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday the week before each event.

Partners Fall Festival

Sunday, October 2, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Join us for a day full of “oldies”! We’ll celebrate our 20th fall festival by revisiting all the best crafts and activities from years past. Enjoy a free-will donation barbecue while you listen to classic rock, jazz, and blues from Old School. The festival is open to everyone and is held rain or shine! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of oldies at McFarland Park.

Registration is not required.

Halloween Hides and Creepy Caches Friday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

This is a geocache hunt like no other! Combining the fun of geocaching with the spirit of the season, the pursuit has turned nocturnal! Join us for our second year of Halloween Hides and Creepy Caches and explore the origins of Halloween while using a GPS to enjoy the outdoors. Experience McFarland Park after dark and enjoy finding hidden jack-o-lanterns throughout the park. Space is limited, so be sure to register your group early! We recommend that groups not exceed 10 people. Fee of $10 per group with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10.

Batty Bats!

Thursday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park Go batty for bats! This family-friendly program will debunk many myths about bats and help you see them for the useful and beautiful creatures they are!

This program is free, but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18.

Super Spiders

Thursday, October 6, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park Spiders have super powers! Gear up for Halloween and celebrate these amazing creatures with naturalist and spider geek, Rebekah Beall. Discover spiders’ abilities to walk on water, change color, and spin silk. Weather permitting, participants will have an opportunity to go on a short web and spider hunt outdoors. This program is free, but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Yellow Crab Spider by Teresa Testroet October 4.

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POP UP PROGRAMS Like us on Facebook as some programs may just “pop up” on our page Watch for: - A monarch tagging program this fall - Campground events at Dakins Lake and Hickory Grove Park

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Combining Nature and Technology

By: Colin Brocka, Interpretation Practicum Intern If you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t thought about turning your smartphone or tablet into a fantastic tool for exploring nature. Outings in the prairies, wetlands, or woodlands are typically a chance to unplug and unwind. But there seems to be an app for everything these days, and this is definitely true when it comes to the great outdoors. In fact, there are nature apps for almost any topic you can think of, ranging from field guides to geocaching to hiking! I have downloaded several of them myself and picked a few favorites.

Project Noah (Free, iPhone and Android)

This is a great citizen science app that lets you document the organisms you come across on your adventures.

This makes it easy to keep track of your nature encounters and photos. You can even add to larger projects called “missions” that call for a specific type of organism or those from a particular area! My favorite part of this app is the field guide that allows you to see all of the organisms that have been recorded in your area and elsewhere.

iBird (versions range from free up to $19.99, iPhone and Android)

My favorite nature app, iBird, is a fantastic mobile bird guide that has a range of versions depending on your level of experience and geographical location. iBird’s wide variety of search filters allow you to identify unknown birds in the field. This mobile app contains more information than most paper field guides. Each species has illustrations, range maps, songs to listen to, photos, similar species, field marks, behavior information, and even a link to their Wikipedia page and additional photos.

You can be sure that this app will provide you with far more information than you’ll need to become a successful birder. It’s a little pricey, but I believe the $14 that I spent for the Pro version was well worth it.

SkyView Free (Free, iPhone and Android)

This is the best stargazing app that I have used. It is not as crowded with information as some of the other apps out there. Instead, it allows you to easily point and reference a star or light in the sky and click the object to receive more information about it. This app’s search function will tell you what constellations or satellites are currently above the horizon and will help you locate them using an arrow on the center of your screen.

The free version includes plenty of constellations and objects of interest to keep you stargazing for hours.

There’s a $1.99 premium version for the true astronomers among us.

A quick search on the web or on the app store will reveal just how many nature and wildlife apps are available for your next hike or backyard adventure. So don’t be afraid to use a little technology on an outdoor excursion. Have fun trying apps and be sure to post your favorites on our Facebook page!

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

Great Things Happening in the Volunteer Program By: Erica Place, Outreach Coordinator It’s been a fantastic year for SCC’s volunteer program.

We saw growth all around: more individuals, more total hours donated, more types of projects, more community engagement! Each time we wrap up the fiscal year and begin tabulating the data, I am amazed at all that was accomplished by the wonderful folks who dedicate their free time to helping us accomplish our mission.

One of those wonderful folks is Mike Meetz, who received the 2015 Outstanding Volunteer Award from Iowa Association of Naturalists/Iowa Conservation Education Coalition. Mike is a well-deserving recipient of this award as it is apparent that he cares Mike Meetz receiving award greatly for our landscape. from Jerry Keys, Environmental When we had an idea for Education Coordinator an adult conservation training program in 1996, Mike joined the committee and helped create the Master Conservationist Program. He was instrumental as an instructor in the early years of the program. Mike also served as a board member, guided Halloween Hikes, led birdwatching hikes for 3rd grade field trips, helped with trail improvement workdays, assisted the IRVM program with prescribed burns, served on the Trails Advisory Committee... the list goes on.

His commitment to conservation and enthusiastic donation of his time was noticed not only by SCC, but by the Story County Board of Supervisors as he was also named the 2016 Story County Citizen of the Year.

Another exceptional individual we have the pleasure of working with is Landra Reece. Landra is a longtime volunteer who gets involved in any way she can. She’s always eager to volunteer at large events like festivals, help with trail work or invasive species removal, and provide assistance at environmental education programs. Whether she’s helping kids with 6

crafts or doing maintenance on a trail, we know she’ll do the job to the best of her ability and with plenty of enthusiasm! Despite her young age, she regularly takes on a leadership role. This maturity and work ethic earned her the 2016 Story County Youth Volunteer Award from the Volunteer Center of Story County.

Her excitment and Landra Reece at the Volunteer Center of Story County’s award banquet willing attitude is contagious and she inspires others to work harder.

We’re confident Landra will continue to give back to the community.

The impact these two -- and the many, many other SCC volunteers -- have is tremendous. For every $1 we put into our volunteer program, $3.38 is returned to the communities in Story County by volunteers supplementing and extending the work of our paid staff. We’re going to continue to find new ways to involve volunteers throughout our organization.

Would you like to coordinate other volunteers in trail maintenance or habitat management? Could you make a monthly trip to a lake or river to take water samples? Do you love education and want to assist with or give a nature program? Does your business or club want to spend a couple hours harvesting prairie seed as a group? Maybe you would rather be indoors sorting computer files, creating more efficient excel spreadsheets, prepping crafts, or sewing cloth sachets for pioneer day? Talk to us about your passion, and we can find an opportunity that’s a great fit for both your interests and schedule. There are so many ways to share your skills, talents, and time, and every minute you give makes a difference. If you want to help enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Story County, we’d love to work with you. We look forward to even more growth over this next year!

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates

Hickory Grove Watershed Improvement Project Update By: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist Work is wrapping up on the first phase of the Hickory Grove Watershed Improvement Project. Major tasks for the Watershed Improvement Review Board (WIRB) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources grants are almost complete. Those tasks included stream restoration and bank stabilization, cattle exclusion, the creation of a grade stabilization structure, septic system upgrades, and the installation of a saturated buffer.

Evident in the “before and after� photos to the right, the seeded vegetation is greening up nicely, and stabilizing the banks made a dramatic difference in the stream. All of the septic system upgrades included in the grant project are complete; the grant provided cost-share for nine septic systems. Once fencing is installed, the cows will return to enjoy their new pasture outside of the stream.

SCC staff is making plans for the next phase of the Hickory Grove Watershed Improvement Plan. In-park gullies will be stabilized, and highly erosive shoreline areas will be armored.

2016 Conservation Summer Staff

Each summer, SCC gives hands-on experience to those interested in the conservation field. During the months of May through August, summer employees work with IRVM, field, and naturalist staff. Pictured above are the 2016 summer staff: Casy Angell, Danielle Blaylock, Seth Dicks, Megan Dohrman, Fiona Flatt, Zach Jamison, Blake Jesse, Cierra Johannes, Michael Mann, Ryan McPherren, Elizabeth Noble, Bobbi Provost, Matthew Shanklin, Owen Shawgo, Nick Steinle, Lauren White. Not pictured: Kathleen Baldwin www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates

2016 Partners Photo Contest Thank you to all participants in the 2016 Partners Photo Contest and congratulations to the winners! Judging nearly 60 photos was no easy task, but prizes were awarded for both youth and adult divisions in the Landscape, Fauna, Flora and Fungi, and Connecting People and Recreation categories.

Contest entries are used on flyers, social media, brochures, and other publications to encourage people to visit SCC areas. The Partners Photo Contest submission period runs for several weeks each March, but photographers are reminded to take photos year-round!

The Lone Tree by Olivia Wong

We’re particularly interested in increasing the submissions to the Connecting People and Recreation category, so get outside and snap some pictures of your family or friends fishing, hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor recreation activity. Watch our website and Facebook page for the official submission period for the 2017 Eagle in Tree by Barb McBreen contest.

Deer by Jeff Barnes

Pollinator Hotel Added to McFarland Park

This pollinator hotel was designed and built by four members of Girl Scout Troop 28 to attract solitary bees and other pollinators. Supporting and encouraging the presence of pollinators is important to help combat the environmental effects of Colony Collapse Disorder, which is greatly affecting the honey bee population.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the environment.

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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 AUGUST August 1 - 2 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT II McFarland Park August 3 - 5 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT IV Trip to Clinton, Iowa Monday, August 8 5:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park August 11 - 12 9:00 a.m.

Zombie Camp McFarland Park Friday, August 12 Dusk Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Observing Night McF Observatory Thursday, August 25 7:00 p.m.

Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie Thursday, August 25 7:30 p.m.

Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Saturday, August 27 10:00 a.m.

Wildtots: Exciting Insects McFarland Park Saturday, August 27 2:00 p.m.

Clay Play McFarland Park SEPTEMBER Monday, September 5 Tuesday, September 6 Thursday, September 8 Monday, September 12 Tuesday, September 13 Saturday, September 17 Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 September 23 - 25 Thursday, September 29 Thursday, September 29

Holiday 11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Offices Closed O.W.L.S.: What’s New with Conservation?

McFarland Park Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Iowa Hunter Education Field Day Course McFarland Park TEAM Day E18 Greenbelt Access Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Gravitational Waves McFarland Park Jordan Open House and Raptor Release 265th Street Access Wild Women of the Woods Hickory Grove Park Prairie Seed Harvest Doolittle Prairie Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park

OCTOBER Sunday, October 2 Tuesday, October 4 Tuesday, October 4 Thursday, October 6 Friday, October 7 Monday, October 10 Friday, October 14 Saturday, October 15 Saturday, October 15 Thursday, October 20 Thursday, October 27

3:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Dusk 5:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Partners Fall Festival McFarland Park O.W.L.S.: Pumas, Penguins, and Pinnacles in Patagonia McFarland Park Prairie Seed Harvest Doolittle Prairie Super Spiders McFarland Park Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Observing Night McF Observatory Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Halloween Hides and Creepy Caches McFarland Park TEAM Day West Peterson Park Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Variable Stars McFarland Park Batty Bats!

McFarland Park Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park

Sign up for the electronic version of Prairie Horizons!

Help SCC save resources by requesting our e-version of the newsletter. To change delivery method, email conservationoutreach@storycountyiowa.gov with a current email address.

Stay connected with SCC 10

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Give A Gift That Will Last All Year!

With the gift of a Story County Conservation Partners membership, a family or individual can enjoy a year of involvement! Recipients will receive a nature-themed magnet, a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and merchandise, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized for their support in the conservation center at McFarland Park.

Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or more Great Blue Heron - $275 to $999 Red Fox - $125 to $274

Goldfinch - $70 to $124 Otter (Family) - $35 to $69 Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30

Name__________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________City _________________State____ Zip________ Phone _____________________ E-mail______________________________________________________ Enclosed is my check for $ ______________ My membership level is ____________________________ Make checks payable to: Story County Conservation Partners 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010-9451; Phone (515) 232-2516

Thank You!

Thank you to all those who support Story County Conservation with donations of time, funding, and materials.

Thank you to the following for their generosity: Cash donation for Environmental Education Jami Mirka Cash donations in memory of Spencer Veysey Pedersen & Bassler Pollinator hotel and books Girl Scout Troop 28 Walleye mount Cathy Twito 10 children’s life jackets Skunk River Paddlers 2 lbs lavender flowers for programs Ameriherb Inc., Ames 10 lbs meat products for nature camps Burke Marketing, Nevada

Story County Conservation Board

Craig Meyers, Nevada - Chair Dr. Nancy Franz, Ames - Vice Chair Allen Weber, Ames - Secretary Dr. James Pease, Ames Ted Tedesco, 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 20 Number 3 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

What’s New with Conservation?

Pumas, Penguins, and Pinnacles in Patagonia

Fifty-seven years after inception, Story County Conservation has had lasting impacts on our county and state. This program will celebrate some of these successes and share some of the initiatives moving forward.

Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, September 2.

Menu: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, spring salad, dinner roll, and cookie.

“Patagonia” is much more than a high-end clothing company. In fact, it takes its name from an area covering about the southern third of South America.

This presentation will feature the wildlife of Chilean Patagonia as seen through the lens of Jim Pease.

Jim and his wife traveled there in 2015 and have wonderful stories and photos to share from their trip.

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

Menu: Pulled pork bbq sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, and cookie.

Michael Cox, Director of Story County Conservation Tuesday, September 6

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Dr. Jim Pease Tuesday, October 4