2016 Summer Prairie Horizons

May - July 2016

Prairie Horizons In this issue...

Public Programs and Events Pages 2-5 Conservation Updates Pages 6-8 Map of SCC Areas Page 9 Calendar of Events Page 10 Partners Membership Page 11 Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors Page 12

may 1, 2016 Celebrate May Day at the

Partners Spring Festival This is our 20th Partners Festival!

FREE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRAFTS AND DISPLAYS CANOEING & SOLAR VIEWING NATIVE PLANT SALE

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

MUSIC BY THE BEGGARMEN & PERFORMANCES

BY ISU CELTIC DANCE SOCIETY

McFarland Park | 2-5pm www.storycountyconservation.org

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.

Partners Spring Festival

Sunday, May 1, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Celebrate May Day with music by The Beggarmen, crafts, canoeing, solar viewing, and more! Watch dance performances by the ISU Celtic Dance Society and bring cash for a native plant sale by ISU’s EEOB Department. This is the 20th Partners Festival!

TEAM Days

Saturday, May 7, 1:00 p.m.

Soper’s Mill North (56501 170th St.) Saturday, June 18, 9:00 a.m.

Soper’s Mill North (56501 170th St.) 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 required by 4:00 p.m. the Thursday before each event.

Evening Prairie Walks May 26, June 23, July 28, 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.

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Evening Exploration

Friday, June 3, 8:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

McFarland Park Discover the mysteries of the dark at the park! Follow us on a journey to understand just what it takes to be a creature of the night. Test your senses and try your hand at talking with the owls. Capture this unique opportunity to see McFarland Park through lightless eyes. This hike is not intended to scare but to excite your imagination. It will be a night to remember!

This program is free - registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1.

Natural Exposure

Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

McFarland Park Conservation Center Want to learn how to take better photographs outside? Come get exposed to nature photography.

Story County Conservation, along with Christian Photo, will be hosting an all-day, hands-on photo clinic that will offer multiple sessions for beginner and advanced photographer. Sessions include everything from basic camera use to composition to aerial photography! Fee includes lunch, all presentations, and door prizes.

Fee of $45 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27.

Mountain Biking Clinic

Saturday, June 4, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Shelter (near lake) If you’re looking to learn new skills, increase your confidence on the bike, or simply enjoy the sport, join Story County Conservation and Iowa State University’s Outdoor Recreation Department for this two-hour mountain biking clinic. Learn the basics and test your skills with a guide on McFarland Park’s trails. This clinic is for ages 18 and up.

Fee of $10 with registration is required by Monday, May 30. Bikes and helmets will be available for an additional $10 charge.

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events Butterfly Field Day

Naturalist Lunch Box

Saturday, June 11, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

McFarland Park

McFarland Park (behind the Conservation Center)

Hike McFarland Park and hunt for butterflies with Reiman Gardens staff. The butterfly survey will serve as a practice session for Iowa Butterfly Survey Network volunteers, but all are welcome. Discover some of Iowa’s beautiful bugs and learn more about getting involved in a statewide citizen science project. After the survey, check out an insect or pond net and explore additional options for being a volunteer scientist in our parks. Don’t forget to stop by the craft table to make a fun butterfly craft! Be prepared to hike up to a mile during the butterfly survey. The butterfly survey starts at 2:00 p.m.; nets and craft will be available from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This program is free; registration is not required.

Bring your lunch, spread a blanket, and join a naturalist for a Friday picnic in the park!

Buzzy Bees Friday, June 17, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Over in the Pond Friday, July 15, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

These programs are appropriate for all ages and will be held inside in case of inclement weather. Adults are expected to remain with their children.

These programs are free; registration is not required.

Save the Date!

The fourth annual Wild Women of the Woods event will take place September 23-25 at Hickory Grove Park. 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, Paddle Boarding, Campfire Cooking, Animal Tracking, Meditation Coloring, Regatta Rowing, Creating Backyard Habitats, Knot Tying, Fishing, Music, and much, much more!

Watch for more information on our website and in the fall issue of Prairie Horizons.

Zombie Camp

Thursday, August 11, 9:00 a.m. - Friday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. (overnight) McFarland Park

NEW

!

Become part of the Z.O.R.T. (Zombie Outbreak Response Team) and help research, monitor, and develop a cure for the zombie outbreak at McFarland Park! During your training, you will learn the importance of teamwork and gain valuable survival skills such as navigating and tracking, first aid, water purification, cooking, and more. Help save lives and restore McFarland Park to a zombie-free zone for all to enjoy. Camp involves real zombies!

This camp is for children completing grades 4 or 5 in spring 2016. Participants will receive a zombie-themed T-shirt!

Fee of $55 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28. Registration begins on Saturday, April 16 at 8:00 a.m. www.storycountyconservation.org

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Programs & Events Want a T-shirt for nature camp?

Order them online at

www.storycountyconservation.org

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ALL NATURE CAMPS BEGINS SATURDAY, APRIL 16 AT 8:00 A.M.

For children starting kindergarten fall 2016:

POLLIWOGS $35/session (Monday - Thursday only) Camp A - Preschoolers explore what makes each animal special, whether they have fur, feathers, fliers, or fins. On the last day, we’ll venture near the lake with nets, so be prepared to get wet and dirty!

June 6 - 9, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or June 6 - 9, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Camp B - Children experience nature using dirt, rocks, plants, and water and get wet and dirty in the process!

July 25 - 28, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

For children completing kindergarten spring 2016:

FROGS $40/session

Camp A - Children discover what makes a habitat through exploration, games, and song. Campers connect to the world around them by investigating the five basic needs of all living things.

June 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or June 13 - 17, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Camp B - Every day at Frogs camp is an adventure as children examine the natural world around them.

July 18 - 22, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or July 25 - 29, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

For children completing grades 1 or 2 spring 2016:

WATERBUGS $40/session

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Camp A - Explore the wild, muddy, squishy world of water.

Campers will learn how water connects us all as they discover Story County ponds, wetlands, streams, and rivers through hands-on activities, art, stories, games, and journaling.

June 13 - 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or June 13 - 17, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. or June 20 - 24, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Camp B - Children will go on expeditions to find nature’s wonders right here in Story County.

July 18 - 22, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or July 25 - 29, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events

FUN-LOVING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TEAM (FLOAT) FLOAT-I $50

For youth completing grades 3 or 4 spring 2016: ... teaches campers basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught.

June 9 - 10, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or June 27 - 28, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or June 29 - 30, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FLOAT - II $50

For youth completing grades 5 or 6 spring 2016: ... teaches a variety of outdoor skills. Campers build self-confidence in camping, canoeing, and fishing and spend the night exploring McFarland Park. This is outdoor play in the best way.

August 1, 9:00 a.m. - August 2, 9:00 a.m. (overnight)

FLOAT - III $55

For youth completing grades 6 or 7 spring 2016: ... allows campers to explore an Iowa river by taking an overnight canoe trip. Campers must have prior canoe experience or have attended a previous FLOAT camp.

July 7, 9:00 a.m. - July 8, 4:00 p.m. (overnight)

FLOAT - IV $75

For youth completing grades 7 or 8 spring 2016: ... explores Iowa underground! Go caving, climbing, and hiking on a two-night experience in eastern Iowa.

Learn how cooperation and teamwork can build your own confidence and abilities. Dare to try new things and discover new places. Please note that caving involves crawling through dark, small spaces.

August 3, 9:00 a.m. - August 5, 3:00 p.m. (overnight)

FLOAT - V $310

For those completing grades 9 - 12 spring 2016: Join Story County Conservation naturalists on an exciting seven-day backpacking trek to Porupine Mountains Wilderness State Park! Campers will spend three nights back-country camping in 60,000 acres of true Midwest wilderness on the shores of Lake Superior. Surround yourself with towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and countless waterfalls. Explore the “Porkies� of Michigan with over 100 miles of trails and discover your inner wild. Once we leave the back country, the adventure continues with a Lake Superior sea cave exploration on kayaks. Challenge your mind, body, and spirit and make it a summer to remember!

June 23, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (training day) July 7, 6:00 a.m. - July 13, 12:00 p.m. (overnight) ***How do you earn a spot? Go to www.storycountyconservation.org to complete an application and deliver it with payment to McFarland Park by 4:00 p.m. on May 13. If selected, you will begin your journey with a training day on June 23 at McFarland Park. At training, you will get a glimpse of back country camping: practice hiking with a loaded pack, learn to use the gear, and find out how to prepare for the adventure.

Backpacking is a very physical activity, so you will want to be in decent shape before we leave. SCC will provide backpacks, tents, water filters, stoves, cookware, camp fees and permits, and food. Participants are responsible for meals on the road, sleeping bags and pads, water bottles, and clothing.

www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates Wasp Watchers

By: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist Anyone out there worried about the Emerald Ash Borer? Story County Conservation is! We have 85 ash trees in the campground at Hickory Grove Park and many more in other areas. We are working on a plan to mitigate damage once the beetles arrive. Some trees will be removed, and some will be treated with either basal bark spray or injection. We are not within the 15-mile radius for treatment yet, but instead of just standing around waiting for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) to arrive, we have decided to take a proactive approach.

After learning about a program called “Wasp Watchers” at the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, I decided to introduce the program here in Story County for the very first time in the state of Iowa. The program began on the east coast and has been moving west following EAB. The program uses biosurveillance protocol, and volunteers to try and catch a ground nesting wasp which uses EAB adults to feed their larvae.

The wasp, Cerceris fumipenis, otherwise known as the Smoky-winged Beetle Bandit, preys on metallic wood-boring beetles for larval food. There are over 15,000 jewel or metallic beetles in the group Buprestid, and the emerald ash borer just happens to be one of them. The ground-nesting wasp will sting a Buprestid beetle to paralyze it and carry it back to its nest. The paralyzed beetle is placed in a nesting chamber where the larvae eat it. The wasp doesn’t want to kill the beetle, because it wants to provide fresh food for the larvae.

Theoretically, if you can find a nesting colony of the wasps and monitor the colony as food is being brought back, you may find an EAB adult.

Cerceris wasp emerging from nest.

Our first question as we began this program was: Do we have Cerceris fumipenis nests in Story County and, if so, where? In other states, nesting colonies have been found in areas with sparse vegetation and loose soil – aka baseball fields. So that’s where we started looking. SCC staff, along with citizen volunteers, searched the baseball fields in every community in the county and we found Cerceris fumipenis nesting colonies! Once a colony was located, we found volunteers who would visit the site once a week. The volunteers searched the ground for prey that had been dropped or discarded and also used insect nets to catch the wasps carrying prey. When a wasp with prey is netted, the prey falls to the bottom of the net, and the wasp can fly away. This species of wasp is considered to be docile and not an aggressive wasp that attacks and stings humans.

In our first field season, we found nesting colonies in the following communities: Roland, Gilbert, Story City, Ames, Huxley, and Slater, with a total of 146 nests identified. All collected beetles were sent to the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Lab at Iowa State University for identification. We did not find any EAB adults, but we are very happy to have found so many nesting colonies.

The goal of this program is to be able to detect EAB in an area sooner, proactively, instead of waiting for trees to show signs of infestation. We will use volunteers again this summer to continue monitoring efforts around the county. Once we work the kinks out of the program we will train other communities to start their own Wasp Watchers program. If you would like to volunteer to be a Wasp Watcher, contact Outreach Coordinator Erica Eaves at eeaves@storycountyiowa.gov.

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Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Conservation Updates Summer Sweets

By: Rebekah Beall, Naturalist Keep your eyes peeled for these “summer sweets”!

American Redstart Peterson Park May through the summer In May, expect color in our forests. Look for bright flowers at your feet, and watch for the sparkling feathers of migrating wood warblers above your head. Many warblers travel overnight, refueling during the day on emerging insects in our woodlands. Warblers work along tree branches gleaning this high-protein food. Some flit out from their perches to catch insects in mid-air. The American redstart is a particularly charismatic warbler with this habit. This behavior, along with their eye-popping colors, makes the male redstart a satisfying warbler to search out. The male redstart wears deep black with startlingly bright orange patches on the wings, tail, and sides. It flashes these patterns as it feeds, advertising its presence to the watchful birder.

Lightning Bugs Late June or early July Any park Even if you are all grown up, don’t forget this rite of childhood. The bioluminescent light show will begin as summer nights warm up. The insects produce a cool light, the result of a chemical reaction in their bodies, and their flash pattern communicates with potential mates. The sparking adults live only a week or two before the females lay eggs and die, restarting their year-long life cycle. The eggs hatch by summer’s end, and the carnivorous larvae feed under loose bark and soil, consuming small insects and slugs. The following spring they pupate and emerge transformed into adult beetles (yes, beetles!) capable of producing one of nature’s wonders. Reignite your childhood with a night hike to capture the glow.

Gooseberry Foraging Robison Wildlife Acres July A joy of summer is eating fresh-picked sweets from nature. Hunt for black raspberries, mulberries, elderberries, and gooseberries in late June and July. Although more tart than sweet, gooseberries are abundant and underrated. They grow on small, thorny bushes. The round, green berries with cream stripes are easy to identify; the remnants of the flower (called a tail or, sometimes, a beard) will still cling to the bottom of the fruit. Some berries blush with red or purple as they ripen. While braving thorns for sour berries may not sound appealing, magic happens when they are transformed into jelly. With cooking, the greenish mash of berries turns deep ruby. The addition of sugar tames the sour into a special flavor of nature. Be sure of your identification before picking berries. Story County Conservation allows collecting berries, nuts, and mushrooms for personal consumption.

Happy hunting and enjoy summer in your county parks! www.storycountyconservation.org

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Conservation Updates Congratulations on Your Retirement, Carol!

By: Steve Lekwa (Retired Director) and Mike Cox (Director)

Staff at McFarland Park during the 1970s and early 1980s consisted of a resident ranger and a series of seasonal employees and student interns.

Land holdings and programs continued to grow, and the need for a permanent, full-time assistant ranger became more pressing. An opening for just such a position came about in 1986. The conservation board employed several gentlemen that were known as senior park aides at the time. A particularly colorful character was working at McFarland Park and advised the ranger that he knew “one heck of a gal” who should be considered for the position.

It’s possible that we might have missed the chance to hire Carol Brown Williams if it had not been for that recommendation. As it happened, she Carol checking bluebird boxes. had a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State and was living close to McFarland Park. One of Carol’s first duties was to open and close the gates at Peterson Park on a daily basis to reduce late-night activity and vandalism at the county’s new park. The law enforcement aspect of patrolling SCC parks eventually led to Carol’s graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and certification as a County Conservation peace officer.

As Skunk River Greenbelt land holdings grew, more miles of trail were added. Those trails needed periodic hand maintenance and labor to build in areas that were often inaccessible to powered equipment. Volunteer assistance came from groups who enjoyed using the trails. They included hikers, horse-back riders, and a new and rapidly growing group of off-road mountain bike riders. Carol developed an active interest in biking and became the liaison between SCC and these important groups of people.

She helped to organize a trails advisory group that’s still the active core of today’s Trail Enhancement and Maintenance (TEAM) Day activities. Carol proved to be very effective in her work with volunteers in addition to her regular ranger duties. Her success with trails volunteers expanded to working with another important volunteer support group, the Story County Conservation Partners. Partners supports a broad range of conservation activities, including the Prairie Horizons newsletter and the spring and fall Partners Festivals.

Licking a millipede at the 2001 spring Partners Festival!

Carol’s involvement in writing grants grew considerably when the board began development of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in 1989. Her skills on computer-generated maps and graphics and her increasing skills in crafting wellwritten documents allowed Story County to be successful in the very competitive arena of trails development grants.

SCC received several million dollars of grant support during the years the trail was under development due to Carol’s efforts.

One of Carol’s latest projects was helping the board plan and complete the Dakins Lake Expansion Project. Carol took on the much-needed role of guiding our staff and consultants through park design -- a role she accomplished with ease.

Once again, she used her grant writing skills to acquire funding for the new park. This wonderful new park would not be what it is without Carol’s skillfull touch. Carol’s other recent efforts include the County’s recreation plan, extension of the Praeri Rail Trail to Dakins Lake, and development of the County’s C2C plan.

Amid trails advocacy, Partners support, grant writing, project management, and coordination with community groups and supporters, Carol has helped shape Story County Conservation into what it is today. We look forward to her continued involvement -- one she can enjoy at her much-deserved leisure.

Thank you, Carol, and congratulations on a job well done!

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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 MAY Sunday, May 1 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 7 1:00 p.m.

Monday, May 9 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 26 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 26 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30 Holiday

Partners Spring Festival McFarland Park O.W.L.S.: Sacagawea McFarland Park TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) Day Soper’s Mill North Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed

JUNE Friday, June 3 8:45 p.m. Evening Exploration McFarland Park Saturday, June 4 9:00 a.m. Natural Exposure McFarland Park Saturday, June 4 2:00 p.m. Mountain Biking Clinic McFarland Park June 6 - 9 a.m. & p.m.

Polliwogs Camp A McFarland Park June 9 - 10 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT I McFarland Park and Hickory Grove Park Saturday, June 11 2:00 p.m.

Butterfly Field Day McFarland Park Monday, June 13 5:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park June 13 - 17 a.m. & p.m.

Frogs Camp A McFarland Park June 13 - 17 a.m. & p.m.

Waterbugs Camp A McFarland Park & throughout Story County Friday, June 17 12:00 p.m.

Naturalist Lunch Box - Buzzy Bees McFarland Park Saturday, June 18 9:00 a.m.

TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) Day Soper’s Mill North June 20 - 24 1:00 p.m.

Waterbugs Camp A McFarland Park & throughout Story County Thursday, June 23 9:00 a.m. FLOAT V Training Day McFarland Park Thursday, June 23 7:00 p.m. Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie June 27 - 28 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT I McFarland Park and Hickory Grove Park June 29 - 30 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT I McFarland Park and Hickory Grove Park Thursday, June 30 7:30 p.m.

Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park JULY Monday, July 4 Holiday Story County Conservation Offices Closed July 7 - 8 9:00 a.m.

FLOAT III McFarland Park & throughout Story County July 7 - 13 6:00 a.m.

FLOAT V Trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Monday, July 11 5:30 p.m.

Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Thursday, July 14 7:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland Park Friday, July 15 12:00 p.m.

Naturalist Lunch Box - Over in the Pond McFarland Park July 18 - 22 9:00 a.m. Frogs Camp B McFarland Park July 18 - 22 9:00 a.m.

Waterbugs Camp B McFarland Park & throughout Story County July 25 - 28 1:00 p.m.

Polliwogs Camp B McFarland Park July 25 - 29 9:00 a.m. Frogs Camp B McFarland Park July 25 - 29 9:00 a.m.

Waterbugs Camp B McFarland Park & throughout Story County Thursday, July 28 7:00 p.m. Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie AUGUST *Sneak Peek* 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

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 Mark Metelman

Story County Conservation Board

Cash donation in memory of Reta Rearick Jodi Knox Cash donations in memory of Spencer Veysey Numerous friends and family Cash for equipment and seed harvest Cindy Hildebrand & Roger Maddux Cash donations and bird seed Big Bluestem Audubon Society Cash donations for Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Numerous donors c/o Tim & Kelly Wingate

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 2 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.

Sacajawea and the Lewis and Clark Expedition Beverly Hinds, Sgt. Floyd Tri-State Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Foundation Tuesday, May 3

Sakakawea, Sagagawea, “Bird Woman”, or “Janey”: Shoshoni Girl/Woman of History - however you pronounce it or spell it, this strong young woman had a unique place in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. What is myth? What is fact? What is fiction? One Sacagawea, or two?

Guide, interpreter, wife, or slave? A picture of a fascinating young woman emerges from what the past 200 years of records have told the world about her. Register and pay for lunch by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Menu: Taco bar, rice, beans, and watergate salad.

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O.W.L.S. programs take a short break over the summer.

See you again in September!