— PROGRAMS & EVENTS —

Providingpeopleopportunitiesandinspirationtodevelopan appreciationandunderstandingofnatureandhumansasapartofit

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.

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.

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.

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.

Summer Solstice Celebration

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

McFarland Park

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.

Slingshot Survival

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.

Wild Tots

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

McFarland Park

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.

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.

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.

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.