Summer 2022 Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS

May - July 2022

Scan the code to get this emailed to you IN THIS ISSUE. . .

The Latest......................... 2 Updates & Stories............. 3 Programs & Events.............7 Calendar..........................10

Partners Membership.......11 Photo by Aaron Eckley

In the parks...

— THE LATEST —

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects

Staff Realignment

We’ve had some changes in the structure of our field staff positions!

Duties have been shifted around to better serve you and your parks.

The focus of the Park Ranger position will now be solely on law enforcement rather than also juggling project and staff supervision.

The newly-created Operations Supervisor positions, one based at each shop, will be better able to coordinate large and/or long-term park improvements, as well as oversee day-to-day operations. Also added was a second Conservation Technician II position.

Dakins Lake • Primitive campground renovation complete -- renamed “Dakins Lake East.” Larger, angled “L-shape” sites better accommodate modern campers; new electrical pedestals; shared water hydrants between sites; campground road widened and extended to create a one-way loop; addition of two tent sites with designated parking spots; all sites will be reservable • New playground equipment to be installed on “Dakins Lake Main” side in mid-July (climbing structures and slides!)

Doolittle Prairie • Removing undesirable trees and shrubs

Russ DeWall Jake Smith Dillon Schmidt Operations Supervisor Operations Supervisor Technician II McFarland Park Hickory Grove Park McFarland Park

Hunter Simmons Technician II Hickory Grove Park

Congratulate the above staff on their new roles! We’ll be refilling technician positions and adding two new park rangers to the conservation team soon, so watch for their introduction.

Bird Friendly County

We have reapplied for our annual designation as a Bird Friendly County. Since our original application in 2020, we’ve done a lot for our feathered friends! 200 acres of public land have been protected and many, many more have undergone habitat restoration work. Care has been taken to reduce threats to birds through efforts like revising management plans, promoting pesticide reduction, and educating about window collision prevention. We’ve tried new outreach strategies through our environmental education programs, community events, and social media. What would you like us to advocate for in the year ahead? Call or email the Conservation Center with your thoughts.

Partners update

So far, Partners members have raised $26,135 of the year’s goal of $30,000 to help purchase the Osheim property. So far, 184 of you have contributed to the protection of this new county area. We are so close to the finish line, and we can get there with your help!

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East & West Peterson Park • Work has begun on beach renovation • Regrading of parking lot and several new paths along lakeshore • Planned tree/shrub plantings Heart of Iowa Nature Trail • Seeking grants and other funding to continue paving efforts eastward • Undesirable tree removal in Lee Prairie Hickory Grove Park • Timber stand improvement • Ash tree removal in high-traffic areas • Planned tree/shrub plantings McFarland Park • Continued timber stand improvement efforts Oshiem Prairie and Slough Preserve • Interseeding of prairie reconstruction Praeri Rail Trail • Ash tree removal Sleepy Hollow • Planned tree/shrub plantings • Planned prairie planting

Four-legged Conservationists Kaitlyn Kelley, Conservation Aide Did you know that goats are conservationists? As browsers, goats are very effective in clearing unwanted weeds and brush. They prefer to eat small trees, brush, weeds, and other plants over grass, which can be helpful in cleaning up the understories in your parks! And they are ambitious eaters. They stand on their hind legs to reach taller plants and low tree branches. In this process they can quickly knock down vegetation, which is further accelerated when they are kept in a herd and in smaller quarters. Their eating and trampling exposes the forest floor to more sunlight, giving native plants a chance to grow.

new leaves, and then putting them back in the original paddock can significantly drain the plants’ energy reserves. If defoliated multiple times in a growing season, it’s likely the weakened plants will die over the winter.

We have utilized goat grazing for quite a few years in county parks like Robison Wildlife Acres, Christiansen Forest Preserve, McFarland Park, and Hickory Grove Park.

We plan to continue inviting them back! Keep an eye out for goats this upcoming summer at some of these same parks.

Grazing with goats means we can use less equipment and chemicals, and therefore cause less disturbance to sensitive areas. And the process can be pretty quick!

They can kill an entire weed or brush species in a given area in just one season if using the right technique.

Allowing them to completely defoliate an area, moving them to another paddock to allow those plants to grow

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Do you have an interest in water quality? Do you like being outside in any kind of weather? Do you want to help the county collect important data? Then we have a great opportunity for you!

We are in year two of our 10-year countywide water quality monitoring plan. Prairie Rivers of Iowa partnered with SCC and others in Story County to create a report focused on the importance of gathering water quality data. It explains where we already have data and where it is lacking, how to collect new data and interpret the findings, and goals for 2021-2031.

The Water Quality Monitoring Program is an initative that came out of this plan and is a volunteer water quality monitoring program whose goals are • To provide a balanced approach for the public to become involved in protecting and improving water resources • To develop opportunities for the public to experience and discover the influence of watershed on water quality • To develop a user-friendly process for data collection and interpretation to increase accurate information on the county’s water resources

Become a

Volunteer

Water Quality Monitor

We are always looking for more volunteers to monitor our rivers and creeks. The map below shows monitoring sites, and some of these sites are unclaimed! Training and all supplies will be provided.

If you would like to learn more or sign up please contact Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator, at 515.598.1652 or scarmichael@storycountyiowa.gov.

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Sara Carmichael

Thoughts from the Trails Tech

Derek Seward

You may be asking yourself, what is trail infrastructure? I personally view trail infrastructure as anything that affects the tread surface of a trail. Think of everything from a tree root or rock to a bridge across a creek. Incorporating infrastructure requires a great deal of planning and consideration, as well as a lot of maintenance. So, why do we bother with high-maintenance, engineered structures?

Can’t we just have simple single track trails?

That approach might be ok in some places, but if we want a cohesive trails system that will last long into the future, we have to responsibly incorporate infrastructure that will increase stability and accessibility. For example, we need stairs to get down slopes and bridges to get across ravines. We recently replaced 90 steps in McFarland Park (on the George Clark trail) that will now be better able to hold soil in place and stabilize the ridge top. Water bars (a raised, diagonal wood/stone element) are installed along the trail to preserve the tread surface by directing water off the trail and capturing any moving sediment.

Before installing trail infrastructure there’s a lot of planning involved! We consider aesthetics, longevity, materials, and of course the needs of the landscape. We examine where water is coming from and how will it interact with the trail feature. We think about potential issues with erosion, both in the immediate future and long down the line. We typically strive for a more “natural” appearance, meaning we use stone and wood more often than metal and concrete (after all... you are there to experience nature!).

But there’s a balance; sometimes there is sacrifice in aesthetic value for greater longevity.

As you can see, trail infrastructure is actually a little bit complex! Next time you cross a bridge or notice water bars, you’ll know that a lot of care and thought went into its design and placement. Want to help us make improvements like this to your county trails? Watch for volunteer workdays or get in touch with us about the skills you’d like to share.

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Woodland Wonders

Take the Lead & Go Lead-Free

Watch for the beautiful orange blooms of Michigan Lilies in July.

They’ve been spotted in the woods in several county parks.

A Conservation & Community Leader Lead is toxic to animals and people.

Commonly found in tackle, there are safer alternatives such as steel, tungsten, and tin.

We’re finding ourselves feeling thankful for Ted Tedesco! Ted is a fixture in the community and a leader in many regards, and was recently recognized as a “History Maker” by the Ames Historical Society. What a fitting award--his conservation history alone is worth celebrating.

Ted has served on the Story County Conservation Board since 2009 and has guided us through a lot of change.

Not only is he the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor’s namesake but a key driver in the vision and creation of that park. “He is a visionary--a true champion for a conservation ethic,” remarked SCC Director Michael Cox. Thank you Ted for everything you do for conservation in Story County!

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Did you know?

Coatings aren’t enough to prevent lead poisoning.

Ready to get the lead out?

Don’t trash it! Contact the Ames Resource Recovery Plant for hazardous waste disposal or drop off at the Story County Conservation Center.

Tackle packaging will say whether it’s lead or not.

If you want to check what’s already in your tackle box, look for a dull, dark grey color, see if it makes a mark on paper, or is easy to pinch with pliers.

— PROGRAMS & EVENTS — Providing people opportunities and inspiration to develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and humans as a part of it

O.W.L.S. Programs

O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) are designed for “boomers” or older, but anyone can attend.

Program runs from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; doors will open at 10:00 a.m. for coffee/tea and chatting.

Birding the Southwest United States Thursday, May 5 In early 2018 and 2021, Margaret and Ray Harden took a birding vacation to Arizona and New Mexico. They visited birding hot spots near Ramsey Canyon, San Pedro River Reserve, a hummingbird reserve in Patagonia, Saguaro National Park, and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge along the Rio Grande River. Come hear about their adventure!

Raptors of Iowa Thursday, June 2 Hawks... birds of prey... raptors... no matter what you call them, this group of predatory birds is facinating to watch and study. From the giant bald eagle to the petite American kestrel, Iowa’s raptors exhibit surprising diversity in what they look like, what they eat, when they’re active, and where they live. This program by Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Biologist Stephanie Shepherd is a tour through Iowa’s many species of raptorial birds, including some tips on how to identify some of the more common species and details on these amazing birds’ life history.

Introduction to Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Monday, June 13 at West Peterson Park or Monday, June 20 at Hickory Grove (if enough water) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing paddle sport in the country. Come and learn about different boards and have fun trying your skills out on the water.

Paddle boarding can provide an amazing full-body workout that addresses your core, cardio fitness, balance, and flexibility, all with the fluidity of a paddle sport.

This program is for ages 18 and up. Fee of $15 with registration is required by the Friday prior.

Paddle School

June 15, July 13, and July 20, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Ada Hayden for first two sessions, last session on the South Skunk River This series consists of three instructional kayak sessions for those who would like to improve their kayaking skills! We’ll work on paddling posture, stroke techniques, maneuvering in flat water, and maneuvering in moving water. All the sessions will include risk management and safety information. Sessions will be led by an American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 4 kayak certified instructor; series is co-sponsored by the Skunk River Paddlers. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided.

Fee of $45 with registration is required by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1.

Evening Prairie Walks

May 19, June 16, July 21, & August 18, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Doolittle Prairie (14249 560th Ave., Story City) Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg on monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare and common prairie flora that change each month, and learn about the history and ecology of Central Iowa prairies.

Long pants, sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bug spray are recommended. These walks are free, but registration is required by the day prior to each walk.

Father’s Day in the Forest

Sunday, June 19, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Oriole Ridge Lodge at Hickory Grove Park Grab your dad, grandpa, uncle, family members, or friends and head out to Oriole Ridge Lodge and Hickory Grove Park to celebrate Father’s Day by embarking on an adventure through the woods. Participants will complete a scavenger hunt by using a map and following clues.

Program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on June 15.

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Summer Solstice Celebration

Wild Tots

Bring the family outdoors for a walk through the woods as the sun sets. During our evening hike, we will learn about the animals that wake up when the sun goes down. As participants return, they can relax by a campfire. This program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17.

Summer is a perfect time to get outside and play! While we explore the outdoors, we will learn about the different animals that call McFarland Park home.

Slingshot Survival

July 14: We will learn about our six-legged friends and how amazing they are! Borrow a net and come search for insects with us.

Monday, June 20, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

Wednesday, July 6 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

4:45 - 5:45 p.m.

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

McFarland Park

Participants will learn how the primitive hunting tool, the slingshot, has evolved over time. You will be given brief instruction on how to use a slingshot, then try your luck at “hunting” wooden animal blocks. Each block is worth a certain number of calories and set at different distances; the hunters that procure the most calories survives the challenge! This program is intended for ages 9 and up; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee of $7 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 30.

Lost Ladybug Project

Saturday, July 9, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor Be an insect scientist! Hunt ladybugs in the park and contribute to a nationwide science project. We will use nets to search for bugs and record our finds for the Lost Ladybug Project. All ages encouraged to participate, but be ready to go off trail in tall grass. This program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7.

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Sat., July 9 & Thursday, July 14, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

McFarland Park

July 9: Hop into some fun as we learn all about frogs, toads, and salamanders. We will also search for and meet some amphibian friends.

These programs will include a story, craft, short hike, and lots of nature activities. Programs are intended for children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pond Exploration

Saturday, July 9, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Discover the plants and animals that make our Iowa waters special! Many aquatic critters live under the surface of the water, so we will use nets to explore the pond even further. We will identify the critters we catch while learning how wetlands help us. This program is best suited for ages 5 and up. This program is free and registration is not required.

Advanced Stand Up Paddle Boarding Monday, July 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Go beyond basic paddle boarding in this program and dive deeper into paddle board maneuvering skills! Plan on getting wet as you test your amazing new abilities.

This program is for paddlers ages 18 and up. Intended for ages 18 and above. Fee of $15 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8.

NATURE CAMPS Camp

Grade Level (Fall 2022)

Date & Time

Fishing Frogs “Amazing Adaptations” Waterbugs “Nature’s Treasures” Waterbugs “Nature’s Treasures” Frogs “Amazing Adaptations” Lake Canoeing Shooting Sports Camp Polliwogs “Fur, Feathers, Fliers, Fins” Polliwogs “Fur, Feathers, Fliers, Fins” Survival Day Camp GPS FLOAT I “Basic Outdoor Skills” River Trip FLOAT I “Basic Outdoor Skills” FLOAT I “Basic Outdoor Skills” River Stomp Shooting Sports Camp Frogs “Adventure” Waterbugs “Expedition” Archery Archery Waterbugs “Expedition” Frogs “Adventure” River Trip Polliwogs “Dirt, Pond, Rocks, Water” Advanced Nature Quest Nature at Night Kayaking Kayaking FLOAT I “Basic Outdoor Skills” Archery Archery

Completed 5 and up Completed kindergarten Completed 1 or 2 Completed 1 or 2 Completed kindergarten Completed 5 and up Completed 4 and up Starting kindergarten Starting kindergarten Completed 4 - 6 Completed 5 and up Completed 3 or 4 Completed 6 - 8 Completed 3 or 4 Completed 3 or 4 Completed 5 and up Completed 4 and up Completed kindergarten Completed 1 or 2 Completed 5 and up Completed 5 and up Completed 1 or 2 Completed kindergarten Completed 6 - 8 Starting kindergarten Completed 5 and up Completed 5 - 6 Completed 5 and up Completed 5 and up Completed 3 or 4 Completed 5 and up Completed 5 and up

June 3, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

June 6 - 10, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

June 6 - 10, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

June 13 - 17, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

June 13 -17, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

June 14, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

June 16, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

June 20 - 23, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

June 20 - 23, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

June 24, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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

June 29, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

June 30 - July 1, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

July 6 - 7, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

July 7, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

July 12, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

July 18 - 22, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

July 20, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

July 20, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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

July 25 - 29, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

August 1, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

August 2- 5, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

August 3, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

August, 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.

August 5, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

August 5, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

August 9 - 10, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

August 12, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

August 12, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Camp registration will open Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m.

Visit www.mycountyparks.com to view descriptions & fees

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516 56461 180th Street • Ames, Iowa 50010 Monday - Friday • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. conservation@storycountyiowa.gov • www.storycountyconservation.org

Camp t-shirts are back! Buy yours for $12.

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— OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS — For a full listing of events visit our website at www.storycountyconservation.org

Date

Time

Event

Friday, April 1 Thursday, April 14 6:00 p.m.

Monday, May 9 5:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30 Monday, June 13 5:30 p.m.

Monday, July 4 Monday, July 11 5:30 p.m.

Campgrounds Open!

Nature Camp Registration Opens Story County Conservation Board Meeting Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Board Meeting Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Board Meeting

Location www.mycountyparks.com Conservation Center Conservation Center Conservation Center

Need to locate one of our parks or areas? You can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.

www.storycountyconservation.org

P E R SStory M ICounty LL A T E R Conservation A C C E S S was awarded C E M B Epreliminarily R 2021 $85,000 from the Iowa DNR Water Trail Enhancement Grant for improvements to the Soper’s Mill Water Trail Access. Stay tuned for a timeline!

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BOARD & STAFF Conservation Board

Christine Laumer, Chair Dr. Nancy Franz, Vice Chair Dr. Jim Pease, Secretary Craig Meyers, Member Ted Tedesco, Member Linda Murken, Ex Officio Member

HELP PURCHASE A NEW PROPERTY! Help us reach our goal of $30,000 Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help purchase a new property along the South Skunk River south of Story City. You will receive a nature-themed magnet and a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and merchandise. The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized in the conservation center for their support.

Eagle Business Level - $1,000 or more

Monarch Business Level - $250 to $999

The Story County Conservation Board typically meets the second Monday of each month at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames. Meetings are open to the public.

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

Conservation Staff

Phone

Conservation Center, Ames

Michael Cox, Director Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent Pat Shehan, Special Projects Ranger Marianne Harrelson, Financial Data Manager Brittany Ridgway, Administrative Assistant II Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator Bobbi Donovan, Naturalist Jess Lancial, Naturalist Rebekah Beall, Naturalist Beth Waage, Naturalist Vacant, Outreach/Community Engagement Coordinator

McFarland Park Shop, Ames

Russ DeWall, Operations Supervisor Vacant, Park Ranger Dillon Schmidt, Conservation Technician II Vacant, Conservation Technician

Name Address City State

Zip

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 Or join online! www.mycountyparks.com/ County/Story.aspx

We are grateful to all those who support Story County Conservation with donations of time, funding, and materials.

Derek Seward, Trails/Natural Resources Technician

Hickory Grove Shop, Colo

Jake Smith, Operations Supervisor Vacant, Park Ranger Hunter Simmons, Conservation Technician II Vacant, Conservation Technician Brandon Clough, Natural Resource Specialist

IRVM Office & Shop, Nevada

Joe Kooiker, Vegetation Management Biologist Tyler Kelley, Vegetation Management Specialist

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY

All Partners members & volunteers Outdoor Alliance of Story County Lekwa Family & Friends Jennifer Drinkwater Art LLC Richard & Jennifer Martin Lorna Carroll

Lois Lehmkuhl LuEmma Quinn Cindy Hildebrand Marsha Hegland Big Bluestem Audubon Society City of Ames Electric Administration

Administration Bldg., Nevada

Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator

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STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 56461 180th Street Ames, Iowa 50010-9451

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Ames, Iowa Permit 301