The Latest

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects

Bioassessment of Grant Creek

We contracted with the State Hygienic Lab to conduct a bioassessment of Grant Creek as it flows through Jennett Heritage Area. They looked at stream dimensions, substrate composition, in-stream cover, bank condition, and vegetation, and collected water quality, benthic macroinvertebrate, and fish samples. The lab will analyze the data to determine the health of the stream. Both fish and macroinvertebrates are great biological indicators to estimate stream health.

Analyzed metrics include species diversity, relative abundance of sensitive and tolerant organisms, and proportion of individuals belonging to specific feeding and habitat groups. The baseline data will be extremely useful as we move forward, helping us understand the effectiveness of water quality improvement efforts. We won’t get most of the data back until sometime this winter, but the preliminary results include 362 fish from 13 species.

Partners Update

We cannot hide our excitement about the amazing year that Partners just had! Your contributions in the last fiscal year came in at about $33,000, which was $9,000 above our initial goal. This year, we challenge you to exceed the goal once more. We have $89,505 left on the contract purchase for the Osheim property, and we have designated this year’s Partners contribution to go towards that purchase.

We are almost to the finish line, and we can get there with your help! This year’s goal is $30,000 and we are off to a promising start. When you renew or join with Partners, you get access to 10% off program registrations and services like building rentals or campsite reservations. You will also have access to a tour of the Osheim property before it is open to the public! Thank you for your continued support of conservation in Story County.

Christiansen Forest Preserve • Natural Resource Steward, Bob Hartzler, removing honeysuckle • Oriental bittersweet control

Dakins Lake • New dock ramp • Painted interior of shower buildings • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing

Doolittle Prairie • Reed canary grass and brush removal

East & West Peterson Park • Wayfinding signage

Hertz Woods • Trimming back trail in preparation for rock resurfacing

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail • Trimming back trail

Hickory Grove Park • Prep work for future walleye brood rearing pond • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing

Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh • Undesired brush control

McFarland Park • Replaced box steps on George Clark Trail; backfilling and shoulder regrading still underway • New dock approach • Natural Resource Steward, Rick Dietz, removing undesired brush along lakeshore • Watch for opportunities to provide input on lake restoration plan

Robison Wildife Acres • Wayfinding signage • Goats are busy eating!

Tedesco Connector Trail • Bike repair station installed • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing

Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor • Undesired brush control