— PROGRAMS & EVENTS — Providing people opportunities and inspiration to develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and humans as a part of it
Nature Play: Insects
Nature Adventure Wednesdays
Tuesday, August 31, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. McFarland Park During this unstructured activity, we’ll provide equipment and head to the prairie to catch insects! Let the imagination, discoveries, and friendships unfold. This is most appropriate for ages 5 and up, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30.
Spider Safari
Friday, September 10, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor
These programs, offered for families, are based on our favorite school field trip topics. Children must be accompanied by an adult; no more than five children per adult. Fee of $5 is required with registration by 4:00 p.m. on the Monday before each program. • September 22, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Prairie Pollinator Party at McFarland Park (designed for elementary grades) The prairie is blooming and buzzing. Celebrate! We will explore flowers, see who is pollinating the prairie during an insect hunt, and make a seed ball to take home. • October 20, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Tree-rific at Hickory Grove Park (designed for early elementary grades) Explore forests and trees through a hike and leaf and seed investigation. Learn about forest wildlife.
Spiders are superheroes! Find out more about their superpowers and search for webs and spiders. This program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 8.
Weedin’ Out Wednesdays
September 22, October 6, October 20 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Various locations The volunteer series continues! Help us improve our county parks. Every Wednesday we will be using hand tools to cut honeysuckle, an invasive plant that is taking the place of more valuable native plants. Work locations will be determined a week in advance. Registration is required by the Sunday before each week’s event. Participants ages 15 and under need an adult present.
Bike the Greenbelt
Sunday, October 17, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Meet at E-18 Greenbelt Access, Story City Grab your mountain bike and saddle up for an exploration of the Skunk River Greenbelt! We will meet with our bikes at the E-18 Greenbelt Access and bike the trails to McFarland Park. A shuttle will be provided to get back to your car. A representative from Bike World will join us, too. This program is suitable for ages 16 and up. This program will be canceled if trail conditions are unsuitable for biking. Fee of $5 required with registration by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12.
STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516 56461 180th Street • Ames, Iowa 50010 9 Monday - Friday • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. conservation@storycountyiowa.gov • www.storycountyconservation.org
