Programs & Events

Providing people opportunities and inspiration to develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and humans as a part of it

Nature Play: Leaves

Tuesday, November 9 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. McFarland Park

During this unstructured activity, we’ll focus on leaves! Kids will be encouraged to help make piles of leaves to play in. A fall scavenger hunt and leaf matching activity will also be provided. Let the imagination, discoveries, and friendships unfold. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. This is most appropriate for ages 3 and up, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free but registration is required by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 8.

National Hiking Day

Wednesday, November 17 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Skunk River Greenbelt

Take a hike on National Hiking Day! We will meet at Soper’s Mill North (56501 170th St., Ames) to do a short route on the Skunk River Greenbelt totaling two miles on a dirt trail. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated as we explore! This hike is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15. They’re back! O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls) have returned in a new format and time. These 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.

Climate Change

Thursday, November 4 Many places are feeling the dramatic effects of climate change with weather extremes and rising ocean levels as each new year brings record-breaking heat. This presentation by Denise Frank, from Climate Reality, will give you up-to-date information about what is happening around the globe. We’ll look at the problem as well as hopeful solutions, especially those that apply to our own state.

The Brenton Arboretum: Past, Present, and Future

Thursday, December 2 Nestled in the heart of Dallas County farmland, The Brenton Arboretum is one of Iowa’s premier botanical collections. Join Executive Director Melissa Burdick for an exploration of the Arboretum from pioneer farming days, to a seed of an idea in founder Buz Brenton’s imagination, to the stunning cultural attraction it is today. Plus, enjoy a sneak peek at the exciting projects in store for the future with a glimpse of the newly updated master plan.

STAR 1

Thursday, January 6 When you think of search and rescue, what comes to mind? Usually, it’s a dog and someone in a bright neon vest. Have you ever thought about horses, instead? Yes, horses can scent out people similar to a good trailing dog. Sara Samms will introduce you to the mounted unit of the STAR 1 team and explain how equine scenting works.

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Sunday, December 12 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. McFarland Park

Santa’s helpers have been playing in the park! Learn how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to find stockings of goodies and elves hiding nearby. Bring back an elf to claim a special prize! The hunt is limited to 20 groups, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot. It is recommended groups not exceed 10 people. Fee of $5 per collector (children 3 - 14 years old) required with registration by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6.

Story County Polar Play

January 1 - February 6 countywide!

Luminary Walk

Friday, December 17 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. McFarland Park

Let luminaries light your way around McFarland Lake on a special walk to celebrate the changing season. Walk is self-guided; complete luminary loop is about one mile. Dress in layered clothing appropriate for the weather. Fee of $5 is required with registration by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10. Story County Conservation has created an online family challenge that will take you from your home and into your county parks--kicking off January 1! Sign up starts December 15, but you can sign up at any time throughout the challenge. Earn points by completing weekly missions (posted each Friday). Your team will have until February 6 to complete as many missions as you can. The winner earns a $50 gift certificate for a sweet winter treat at Chocolaterie Stam in Ames! Register at www.storycountyconservation.org, and we’ll send you the code to the game on the GooseChase app. Fee is $5 per team. Ring in the new year by getting outside!

Winter Hikes

Get out of the house with other outdoor enthusiasts, and explore local public areas this winter. Hikes begin at 1:30 p.m. and are expected to last no more than two hours. The hikes may vary from good exercise to a social stroll and will end with snacks and beverages (bring your own). Cold, wind, snow, rain, and ice are all possible! Hikes will go on as long as the roads are safe to drive. These hikes are free, but registration is requested. Contact the Outdoor Alliance of Story County with questions at info@ oasco.org.

January 6 - Anderson Access (56743 150 St., Story City) January 13 - West Peterson Park (55310 180th St., Ames) January 20 - Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (Cambridge) January 27 - McFarland Park (56461 180th St., Ames)

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516

Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 29 7:00 p.m. Location TBD

Explore nature cozied up with a good book at Environmental Literature Club. Join a discussion with naturalist Rebekah Beall at 7:00 p.m. on January 25, February 22, and March 29. Location (in Ames) TBD. Each month we will discuss a different book focused on the human relationship with the environment:

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren (January) What Do We Know by Mary Oliver (February) The Overstory by Richard Powers (March)

The club is free (book purchase is on your own) but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10.

Thursday, January 27 10 - 11 a.m. OR 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. McFarland Park

Join naturalist Jess Lancial as we learn about common animal tracks and scat. Look for clues around McFarland Park trails to help us discover animal inhabitants. This program is for children ages 5 and up plus their adult. Participants must be dressed to go and explore outdoors. This program is free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24.

snowshoe

THIS WINTER

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