SCC would like to thank a combined group of Outdoor Alliance of Story County (OASCO) members and Workiva employees for a very productive group volunteer workday recently, utilizing Workiva’s volunteer time off (VTO) offering. They spent March 17, designated as “Workiva Day of Service,” removing honeysuckle and other invasive species from one of our properties. Sixteen volunteers put in a combined 64 hours and made a very noticeable impact.
Looking for a VTO event for employees at your workplace? Contact Outreach Coordinator Madi Nolte at mnolte@storycountyiowa.gov to discuss opportunities!
While exploring the Praerie Rail Trail (PRT), keep an eye out for American kestrel activity! Ranger Olivia VanderHart and Vegetation Management
Specialist Tyler Kelley recently installed seven nesting boxes on vacated utility poles along the trail. We hope to continue installing more boxes as well as involve volunteers moving forward!
Removal of standing dead trees has led to declining kestrel populations in North America, forcing these cavity nesters to rely on nesting boxes. Egg laying begins in April to May. You may notice these small, fierce raptors perched on power lines, waiting to swoop down to capture its prey.
Partners has passed the three-quarter mark for the Deppe Property fundraising goal of $40,000 for FY23! As of March 22, 186 Partners members have raised $32,459 this fiscal year to put towards the purchase of this 127-acre property. When you renew or join with Partners, you get access to 10% off program registrations and services like building or campsite reservations. Visit our website to find out how your contributions can make a lasting impact.
We’re still searching for volunteers to fill a few final slots in our AdoptA-Park Program. Upon signing up, volunteers commit to picking up trash at least once per month.
Current openings include C.J. Schreck Access as well as several individual sections at Hickory Grove Park
For more details or to sign up, visit the “Volunteering” page on our website.
Christiansen Forest Preserve
• Walnut tree plantation thinned to improve tree health
Dakins Lake
• Native tree and shrub planting
Ronald “Dick” Jordan Wildlife Area
• Undesired tree removal performed by Conservation Corps of Iowa
Hickory Grove Park
• Removal of ash trees within Breezy Bay Campground and surrounding high-traffic areas (due to damage related to the devastating emerald ash borer)
• Emerald ash borer injections of trees in Breezy Bay Campground
• Timber stand improvement around lake performed by Conservation Corps of Iowa
Jennett Heritage Area
• Undesired trees removed by Conservation Corps of Iowa
McFarland Park
• Timber stand improvement around lake performed by Conservation Corps of Iowa
• Lake renovation in progress
Prairie Valley Preserve
• Undesired trees cleared from remnant prairie
• 1/2-acre prairie planting
Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor
• Six acres of praire seed sown/ planted
• Native tree and shrub planting
Osheim Prairie & Slough Preserve Hike
56103 130th Street, Story City, IA 50248 Thursday, May 11, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Join us for a guided walk to see the special features and plants that live there! This hike is for SCC Partners members only. Prior owner Rosemary Osheim will speak about the area’s history and SCC’s Natural Resource Specialist Brandon Clough will share SCC’s goals. Hike will take place on mowed grass trails. Please watch for invitation via email.
Various Parks
• Prescribed burns at several locations
Work has been slow but steady as weather dictates this project’s progress. The contractor has been busy shaping the spoil site (northwest of the lake in prairie area) and the lake outlet area (on the backside of previous dam). The lake’s dam was notched in early December, in preparation for the new outlet structure to be installed. This new outlet structure will allow IDNR/ SCC the ability to fully drawdown the lake in the future when the need arises.
In early February, the contractor began mechanically excavating spoils, or sediment, from the lake bottom. Each truck hauls up to 22 cubic yards of sediment, with two to three trucks working at a time and making around 100 trips per day! With that math, excavation of dredge material would take about three weeks total–weather and circumstances-permitting. As of the printing of this newsletter, however, crews still have not been able to wrap up with dredging due to moisture levels.
Nutrient-dense sediment excavated from the lake’s bottom is being deposited at spoil sites northeast of the lake near Interstate 35, where it will later be turned into reconstructed prairie.
Once the lake is excavated, the inlake fish habitat improvements can begin. Forebay excavation, shoreline stabilization, and the outlet structure installation are the major future items to be completed.
In the meantime, the lake and surrounding Touch-A-Life Trail remain closed. Sadly no fishing will take place this summer in McFarland Lake.
Make sure to follow Story County Conservation on Facebook for project updates moving forward.
While McFarland Lake is closed...
Consider Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor (TELC) or Ada Hayden Heritage Park for accessible, paved trails. Visit Dakins Lake (Zearing) or Hickory Grove Lake (Colo) for other great fishing opportunities this season!
SCC has been busy working on park master planning for two of its most visited areas, the McFarland Park Conservation Center and Hickory Grove Park. Master planning is the process of identifying and planning the future needs and solutions for existing facilities and proposed future additions, often emphasizing infrastructure needs. The goal at these two locations is to map out the future; making connections with users between the facilities, social needs, and surrounding natural environments.
Built in 1991, the original Conservation Center housed just five full-time employees and was designed to be a gateway to the outdoors, not a building destination. Three decades later, the
building tightly houses 11 staff members and significantly more visitors than it was designed for. The organization has outgrown the building’s footprint and the building does not meet the experience most visitors desire. A working group of staff, board members, and consultants have been collaborating since last fall to identify the future center needs of SCC and what location makes sense for those needs.
After thorough vetting, a decision was reached: McFarland Park would remain the home base for SCC operations due to its vast outdoor offerings, neighboring properties, and centralized location in the county. The master plan calls for repurposing the existing Conservation Center into an environmental educational center. This indoor space would allow for consistently-scheduled educational programs and nature camps, hosting
creating an inspirational visitor experience. The public would use this facility to view and interact with nature displays, learn about the natural environment, and connect with the many outdoor recreational opportunities available in Story County. The new building’s footprint would also consist of offices and large group meeting space, keeping up with increased public use. See Fig. 1 for conceptual plans.
While SCC is exited to plan for the future, the hard work is yet to come. We have heard thoughts and ideas, and have gathered input from the public to be incorporated into this master plan.
Hickory Grove Park (HGP), is also going through a master plan process. Since its inception in 1968, this park has come a long way, now featuring modern camping, lodges, a beach, tent camping, trails, and picnicking areas, as well as a lake well known for its angling opportunities. Recent updates include a new tornado-safe campground facility in 2017, beach house in 2020, and full lake renovation in 2021. These updates have been great for the park, as HGP sees more than 200,000 visitors annually and use is expected to continue rising. To keep up with increased visitation, the recreational activities offered at this flagship park could be further expanded to provide more
opportunities for people to connect with nature.
The same SCC working group and consultants have been working on a layout at HGP featuring an additional modern RV campground with pull-through sites and group camping areas. Furthermore, the plan shows modern cabins, an updated beachfront area, new picnic shelters in key locations, and an updated tent camping area in a new location. See Fig. 2 for conceptual plans of the cabin and lodge area. While the plan shows much development, it won’t all happen at once. Utility requirements must first be met and then projects can be phased in over time. The long-term goal is to make the best quality recreational opportunities that connect with a wide variety of park users, while also protecting and improving its natural beauty.
SCC will continue these planning efforts, with a goal to complete them this spring. Major efforts like the ones shown in these master plans will take determined public support initiatives and ambitious fundraising efforts. Building community support and buy-in will be key in moving toward the development of these plans. These two master plans create an exciting future for what outdoor education and recreation can look like in Story County.
Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved as well as project updates here: www.storycountyconservation.org.
school and public groups, regardless of weather. The current building will continue as a hub connecting people with nature, as was its original intention. This plan will set up SCC’s environmental education program to continue thriving another 30 years. Further needs identified were additional spaces for offices, educational displays, and public meetings. These needs may
be accomplished through a proposed new conservation center north of the existing Conservation Center. This new facility would be the future gateway to the outdoors for SCC at McFarland Park,
”This plan will set up SCC’s environmental education program to continue thriving another 30 years.”
by Friday, June 2, 2023. Fee of $5.
FOR
www.Storycountyconservation.org
Saturday, April 22, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dale Ross Board Room - Ames Public Library
This interactive workshop helps shape experiences and memories in nature into stories with purpose. Storytelling is an extremely effective tool to communicate commitment to and action for the earth. This free program is designed for ages 14 and up. Registration is required by Wednesday, April 19.
Saturday, April 22, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Robison Wildlife Acres
What better way to spend Earth Day than appreciating spring ephemeral flowers? Join a naturalist at Robison Wildlife Acres for a jaunt in the woods to see what woodland flowers are there to greet us. We will be hiking on soft surface trails, with some uneven terrain that are not appropriate for strollers. All ages welcome. This is a free event but registration is required. Register online by April 19th.
Friday, June 2, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dakins Lake
June 2-4 is Free Fishing Weekend! Do you or does someone in your family want to try fishing? Head to the shelter at Dakins Lake on Friday, June 2 between 10 AM and 2 PM. Story County Conservation naturalist staff will be there with poles, tackle, and bait. If you don’t know how to cast a pole, we’ll teach you. Not sure which knot to tie? We’ll show you. The best part, no fishing license is required so any age can fish for free! While you’re at it, bring a picnic lunch to have at the park. No registration required.
*This event will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather. Watch our Facebook for updates.
Thursday, June 8, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Hickory Grove Park - Oriole Ridge Lodge
Celebrate National Great Outdoors Month and National Best Friends Day with some inclusive fun! We will set-up tents, learn about nocturnal animals, and explore the outdoors together. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend this program. Registration due
*Activities will be geared towards individuals with disabilities and their friends and/or family members.
*Activities will take place in a mowed grass area and on crushed limestone trail.
Saturday, June 24, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hickory Grove Park - Oriole Ridge Lodge
June is National Camping Month, so let’s get outdoors and have some camping fun. We will explore tents, learn about Iowa animals, play games and take a short hike together. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Participants should bring a snack if their tot would like one. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire program. Fee of $5 per tot. Registration due by Tuesday, June 20.
Tedesco Environmental Learning Center
Friday, June 30, 4:30 - 5:30PM
Go buggy! Get an introduction to common butterflies and insect groups through basic wing shapes, patterns, and characteristics. Then go bug hunting throughout the park during this family-friendly event! Register by Wednesday, June 28.
Not affiliated with Story County Conservation.
Hosted by Ames Repair Cafe initiative
Saturday, April 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ames Public Library
The Ames Repair Cafe is an intiative where participants bring in broken items and volunteers help repair them. By repairing items and bringing them new life, waste to landfills is reduced, breaking away from the “throwaway” culture we live in today. Follow @AmesRepairCafe on Instagram and Facebook for more information.
Hosted by Outdoor Alliance of Story Co. (OASCO)
Thursday, April 27, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Robison Wildlife Acres
Take an afternoon walk in the woods and enjoy finding the spring ephemeral wildflowers before the trees leaf out and block much of the sun from the ground. Group will meet in parking area at Robison Wildlife Acres for the hike. No fee and no registration required!
Location: McFarland Park, Conservation Center Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for coffee/tea & chatting.
Thursday, May 4, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. The behavior of honey bees swarming has always been an amazing feat of honey bees to disperse into new habitat. Join Lifetime Master Gardener President, Jamie Beyer, as he discusses techniques for capturing swarms. He has captured over 100 in the last four years! He’s recorded swarming behavior on video as they disperse from a hibe, then cluster and enter their new home. You won’t want to miss this!
Thursday, June 1 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
SCC Board Vice-Chair, Dr. Nancy Franz, will present about her recent trip abroad. Discover select outdoor and cultural highlights of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and two Greenland towns. Savor local plants, trails, lighthouses, landscapes, and more. Be prepared for amazing views, travel joy, and an iceberg or two!
Reminder: O.W.L.S. does not take place in July and August. Watch for our next issue of Prairie Horizons for info on our fall O.W.L.S. programs!
Interested in presenting a future O.W.L.S prgoram? Or do you know of a good presenter who may be interested? Contact Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys at jkeys@storycountyiowa.gov.
LISTED
Last year, SCC was awarded an Iowa Native Plant Society grant to do a floristic inventory of five prairie remnants located on cemeteries throughout the county. These include Pleasant Run, Mound, Born, and Murphy Cemeteries located on land owned by township trustees, as well as Deeter Cemetery located on private land. Pioneer cemeteries are one of the very few places in Iowa that have remained unplowed and undisturbed over the years, therefore maintaining their native plant communities. These areas, known as prairie remnants, make up less than 0.1% of Iowa’s original tallgrass prairie.
To conduct these inventories, SCC hired Professor of Biology at Drake University, Dr. Tom Rosburg, who is also a Story County resident. The grant didn’t cover 100% of the cost, so Rosburg donated the remainder of his time for the cause –many thanks to you, Dr. Rosburg!
Inventory results confirmed that some of these remnant prairies are the best remnants in the county. On just 1.3 acres of combined land between the five cemeteries, Rosburg documented 220
plant species – 177 native plants and 43 non-natives! Thirty-six of the native species found are considered species of high conservation value – meaning they are very sensitive to negative disturbance, making them incredibly rare. Examples include prairie violet (Viola pedatifida), downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta), and others pictured to the right. The presence of these species is a true sign of how high-quality and significant these small prairies are.
SCC has worked with township trustees for many years to help manage these areas. It’s incredibly important to continue to manage these areas to preserve the County’s biodiversity and natural heritage. These five Story County gems provide a glimpse as to what our landscape used to look like.
Now that spring has arrived, many people are eager to get back on the South Skunk River. If you are one of these early season water trail enthusiasts, you may have noticed the work taking place at Soper’s Mill
Water Trail Access north of Ames. SCC is implementing a previously developed improvement plan and has secured the necessary grant funding through a Water Trail Development Grant to make this project a reality.
The construction contract was awarded to Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co. and they have hit the ground running for this project, taking advantage of the low water levels we were still experiencing in February. Once complete, this water trail access will offer a new and improved parking area in conjunction with concrete ramps located both upstream and downstream of the existing rock riffle.
This project is dependent on weather conditions, making project updates difficult to anticipate. Stay tuned to our social media accounts, as we will post more timely updates as needed. It is our expectation to have this project completed and available to the public by the middle of the summer season.
Above, a Tallgrass Land Stewardship Co. employee fills a sediment control log using woodchips generated from the less-thandesirable trees removed during construction. This practice lessens the possibilities of disease or invasive species entering the project location from sources outside the area, and reuses trees from the site.
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
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.). Meetings are open to the public.
Conservation Center Staff, 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, Environmenal Education Coordinator
Rebekah Beall, Naturalist
Bobbi Donovan, Naturalist
Beth Waage, Naturalist
Madison Nolte, Outreach/Community Engagement Coordinator
McFarland Park Shop, Ames
Russ DeWall, Operations Supervisor
Logan Heissel, Park Ranger
Dillon Schmidt, Conservation Technician II
Kallie Judson, Conservation Technician I
Derek Seward, Trails/Natural Resources Technician
Hickory Grove Park Shop, Colo
Jake Smith, Operations Supervisor
Olivia VanderHart, Park Ranger
Hunter Simmons, Conservation Technician II
Maxwell McCarty, Conservation Technician I
Brandon Clough, Natural Resources Specialist
IRVM Office & Shop, Nevada
Joe Kooiker, Vegetation Management Biologist
Tyler Kelley, Vegetation Management Specialist
Administration Bldg., Nevada Sara
Help us reach our goal of $40,000
Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help purchase the Deppe Property. 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
Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or more
Great Blue Heron - $275 to $999 Red Fox - $125 to $274
Name
Goldfinch - $70 to $124
Otter (Family) - $35 to $69
Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30
Address City State Zip
Phone
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.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY:
All Partners members & volunteers
Gordon Bivens
Jennifer Drinkwater
Noah & Erin Wendt
Kenneth & Beverly Kruempel
Lace Kaeberle
Frank & Joanne Tedesco
