-programs and events-

by Friday, June 2, 2023. Fee of $5.

FOR

REGISTRATION, VISIT:

www.Storycountyconservation.org

Earth Stories

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.

Earth Day Wildflower Hike

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.

Free Fishing Day - Learn to Fish

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.

Unified Nature - “Camping Basics”

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.

Wild Tots - “Camping Fun”

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.

Butterflies and Other Bugs

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.

- Other Community Events -

Not affiliated with Story County Conservation.

Ames Repair Cafe

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.

Wildflower Walk

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!

O.W.L.S. programs are designed for “boomers” or older, but anyone can attend.

Location: McFarland Park, Conservation Center Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for coffee/tea & chatting.

Honey Bees, the Super-Organism: Swarming Behavior & Other Facts

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!

Exploring the Splendor of Northeast Canada and Southwest Greenland

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.

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