Improvements Underway at Soper’s Mill

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.

A closer Look:

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.

Camp Grade Level (Fall ‘23) Date & Time

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

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 PURCHASE A NEW PROPERTY!

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

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 www.mycountyparks.com/County/Story.aspx

Or join online!

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