2018 Spring Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS February - April 2018

IN THIS ISSUE. . .

Programs & Events.................. 2-3 Calendar of Events..................... 4 Conservation Updates............ 5-9 Map of SCC Areas..................... 10

Partners Membership................ 11 Photo by I-Chin Liao

Photo Contest Reminder ...........12

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

FEBRUARY

Cocoa Picasso

Wild Tots: Winter Wonders

Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Join us for a unique learning experience! Upper Story Studio artist Molly Nagel will provide a step-bystep painting instruction while you sip hot cocoa. This family-friendly program is designed for ages 8 and up. Fee of $15 per person with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 22.

Get that tot out of the house and explore the wonders of winter through a series of activities, crafts, and a snack. This program is for children (ages 2 - 4) plus their adult.

Fee of $5 per child with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31.

Lotion Bars and Lip Balm Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 - 4 p.m.

Environmental Literature Club

Feb. 15, Mar. 15, Apr. 19, 7 - 8 p.m.

Wheatsfield Co-op Community Room (413 Northwestern Ave, Ames)

Explore nature cozied up with a good book! Join us at Wheatsfield Co-op community room. Each month we will discuss a different book focused on the human relationship with the environment, beginning with The Home Place by J. Drew Lanham, followed by A Sugar Creek Chronicle by Cornelia Mutel, and ending with Garbology by Edward Humes. Participation in this book club is free (participants must purchase their own books), but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 4.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Make and take home your own herbal lotion bars and lip balm in this hands-on workshop with Ann Staudt of Siberian Soap Company.

Using natural and nourishing ingredients, including plant-based oils, butters, beeswax, and essential oils, participants will delve into the art and sicence of creating their own custom, handcrafted herbal bath and body products from scratch. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Fee of $30 with registration is required by 9 a.m. on Monday, February 12.

Fermenting Foods

Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Fermenting foods is a great way to preserve your harvest while providing health benefits to your family. It is easy to do, boosts nutrition, and increases the digestibility of foods. Simple recipes will be shared, including sauerkraut, gingered carrots, and kefir. You will also get to sample some fermented foods! Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 22.

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516 56461 180th Street • Ames, Iowa 50010 Monday - Friday • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. conservation@storycountyiowa.gov • www.storycountyconservation.org

2

O.W.L.S. Programs MARCH

Geocache Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

McFarland Park Your family will love this new-age way of hunting eggs. Learn how to use a GPS, search the woods to find the Conservation Bunny’s nests of hidden treasures, and collect prizes and candy along the way! Be sure to keep a watchful eye for the golden egg for a special prize. Space is limited to 20 groups or 50 total collectors; register early to reserve your spot. Fee of $5 per collector (any child 3 - 14 years old) with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 25.

APRIL Explore Your Outdoors: Insects Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

McFarland Park

O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) programs are held each month at 11 a.m. at the Story County Conservation Center. These are designed for “boomers” or older -- but anyone can attend. An optional luncheon follows the program for just $7.50. Register for lunch at storycountyconservation.org or call 515-232-2516.

Tuesday, February 6 Portraits of Nature in Iowa Ken Saunders II This slide program with narrative by Grinnell nature photographer Ken Saunders II features images of Iowa’s flora and fauna.

Menu: Meatloaf, cheesy hashbrowns, mixed veggies, dinner roll, cookies.

Register for lunch by February 2.

Sunday, April 22, 2 - 4 p.m.

Robison Wildlife Acres (29490 632nd Ave., Nevada)

Tuesday, March 6 Iowa River Bones as a Window into Ice Age Animal Communities Matt Hill Iowa rivers and associated gravel deposits contain the remains of extinct Ice Age animals. Study of this material can give the context, cause, and chronology of their extinction.

Menu: Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, dinner roll, chocolate pound cake. Register for lunch

by March 2.

Celebrate Earth Day with a hike through Robison Wildlife Acres. The beautiful woodland wildflowers are some of the best in all of Story County Conservation areas. Look for the many signs of spring and learn about the restoration projects taking place in the park. This is a moderate hike suitable for most families. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. You may also want to bring binoculars and water. In case of bad weather, this event will be canceled. This program is free, but registration is required by 9 a.m. on Friday, April 20.

Tuesday, April 3 Aldo Leopold - Roots of the Land Ethic Steve Brower This program features photos and quotes from Aldo’s childhood and early career to study the influence of his youthful discoveries. Learn more about the reflections he used in later writings and the development of the “Land Ethic.”

Menu: Chicken marsala with red potatoes or chicken parmesan with spaghetti, salad, dinner roll, cheesecake. Register for lunch

by March 30.

Scoop in the pond, dig through logs, and discover that all insects play an important role in helping our habitats. This program is for children age 5 and up plus their adult. Participants must be dressed to get muddy and explore (long pants and closed-toe shoes are required). This program is free, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18.

Spring Wildflower Hike

3

— CALENDAR OF EVENTS —

Date Time Event Location FEBRUARY

Thursday, February 1 Saturday, February 3 Thursday, February 8 Tuesday, February 6 Monday, February 12 Thursday, February 15 Saturday, February 17 Sunday, February 18 Monday, February 19 Thursday, February 22 Saturday, February 24 Saturday, February 24

1:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Holiday 7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

MARCH

Thursday, March 1 6:30 p.m.

March 5 - 23 Tuesday, March 6 11:00 a.m.

Monday, March 12 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 15 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 17 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 29 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 31 10:00 a.m.

APRIL

Tuesday, April 3 Monday, April 9 Thursday, April 19 Saturday, April 21 Saturday, April 21 Sunday, April 22 Thursday, April 26 Saturday, April 28

11:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

7:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

OASC Winter Hike Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Wild Tots: Winter Wonders McFarland Park OASC Winter Hike Sleepy Hollow Access O.W.L.S.: Portraits of Nature in Iowa McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Environmental Literature Club: Part 1 Wheatsfield Co-op Astronomers Meeting: Hubble Space Telescope McFarland Park Lotion Bars and Lip Balm McFarland Park Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Cocoa Picasso McFarland Park Fermenting Foods McFarland Park Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Photo Contest Submission Period O.W.L.S.: Iowa River Bones Story County Conservation Board Meeting Environmental Literature Club: Part 2 Astronomers Meeting: Telescope Optics Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting Geocache Egg Hunt

O.W.L.S.: Aldo Leopold McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Environmental Literature Club: Part 3 Wheatsfield Co-op Explore Your Outdoors: Insects McFarland Park Astronomers Meeting: Solar System in 3D McFarland Park Spring Wildflower Hike Robison Wildlife Acres Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Trail Enhancement and Management Day Robison Wildlife Acres

TRAIL ENHANCEMENT AND MANAGEMENT (TEAM) DAY Saturday, April 28, 1 - 3 p.m.

Robison Wildlife Acres ( 29490 632nd Ave., Nevada)

Be a part of our TEAM and help make improvements to county trail systems. All volunteers are asked to wear long sleeves, pants, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. Registration is required to ensure enough tools and refreshments for everyone.

This day at Robison’s will focus on trail trimming and grooming.

Register by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 26.

4

McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park Wheatsfield Co-op McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park

— THE LATEST —

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects

Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor (TELC)

P l a n ti n g li v e

sta

kes

at

TE

• Phase 1 - The favorable fall weather moved streambank stabilization work along quickly, and the site is taking shape. Numerous stream stabilization techniques and water quality improvements have been incorporated in an effort to showcase cutting edge green practices. Permanent seeding has gone down in the uplands, wetlands, and along the banks. These areas were stabilized by hydromulch and crimped with hay to secure seed and soil over the winter months. Around 2,000 live stakes were planted in early December, and more live stakes, shrubs, and trees will be planted in the spring.

• Phase 2 - Story County Conservation received a grant of $468,582 from the Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection program -- commonly referred to as REAP. The grant will be used for a variety of Phase 2 construction components including development of trails, gathering areas, educational elements, prairie reconstruction, and wetland restoration and boardwalk. Design work is ongoing, but Phase 2 construction is still on track to begin in summer 2018.

LC

Water Trail Access Improvements

Story County Conservation received a grant from the Iowa DNR to improve the water trail accesses at Peterson Park and Askew Bridge. The design of the new accesses has been finalized, permitting is in process. Weather and water levels permitting, construction is scheduled to begin in February. The goal is for both accesses to be fully operational by the beginning of summer 2018 for all to enjoy the beautiful Skunk River.

S tr e a m

ar

ri mo

Bear Creek Bridge

ion

LC

brid g

t TE

pe

e at B e ar C

ree

k

i

ea

Sus

ns

dg

Br

If you have been to the Bear Creek property recently, you may have noticed the suspension bridge is leaning heavily to one side due to the upstream cable slipping off the support. Upon further inspection this past summer, it was discovered that one of the main cables had actually been damaged very close to the ground, making it nearly impossible to reconnect. There is currently an alternate route to navigate through the property from Soper’s Mill North to Pleasant Valley Road. We have been researching options and are now considering building a completely new bridge. We’re looking for a volunteer engineer for design input on the bridge so if you or someone you know would be interested, please contact Pat Shehan at pshehan@storycountyiowa.gov.

5

ng

— SCC NEWS — Stay up to date on our projects and other happenings

Revetment at West Peterson Park Danny Simcox, Park Ranger

West Peterson Park is a maze of trails and water bodies -- the Skunk River, the lake itself, and several seasonal, wet cells. The lake and the trail surrounding it probably define the park more than its other amenities and are a big reason for its high visitation. After recent Skunk River flooding events, SCC staff learned of the formation of new secondary channels on the south end of the lake where high water left the lake and entered the river. This eroded the trail and encouraged the river to inch closer and closer to connecting to the lake.

In 2015, SCC began assembling a plan and funding for a trail and bank stabilization project. We enlisted the help of the Iowa DNR for design and funding. The design needed to accomplish several tasks: restore the river channel back to its historic location, strengthen the trail and riverbank, and set a new max pool (water level) elevation for the lake.

The DNR decided to use a somewhat new shoreline strengthening technique called a toe wood sod mat.

A toe wood sod mat uses larger trees (12 to 24 inches in diameter) to add a level of structural integrity to the shoreline. Essentially, the 20 - 35 foot logs were driven into the ground at a shallow angle to hold them in place and then covered with fill material such as dirt, sand, and other tree limbs. Existing sod was placed on the edge of the newly formed shoreline to promote root growth. The roots provide further strength by holding the soil and fill material in place. The site was hydroseeded with a bonded fiber matrix mulch mixed with local ecotype diverse prairie seed and cereal rye to provide additional root structure.

The finished product ultimately widened the river channel to 120 feet in the project area, armored the lakeshore with rip-rap, and lowered the trail by one foot. Lowering the trail provides multiple benefits; most importantly, it will help protect existing lake infrastructure (docks) by setting a lower max pool elevation, allow the lake to drain at a more steady pace during flood events, and reduce water velocity as it exits the lake. The project was a great success and should protect West Peterson Lake for the foreseeable future!

Lakeshore armored and trail lowered

Placing first log

6

Finished product after hydroseeding

Story County Conservation’s Law Enforcement Team From left to right:

Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger Danny Simcox, Park Ranger Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent Pat Shehan, Special Projects Ranger

“Are you the DNR?”

That is a frequent question that Story County Conservation staff hear.

Game warden, conservation officer, park ranger, and park officer are a few of the titles given to staff that enforce park rules in Iowa. Staff with these titles may have similar or overlapping duties, but their roles vary depending on the government entity they report to — federal, state, or county. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employs park rangers on federal areas, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources employs conservation officers (also known as game wardens) and park rangers on state areas, and county conservation boards employ law enforcement staff with various “park ranger” titles in Iowa’s 99 counties.

One thing all Iowa DNR and county conservation law enforcement staff have in common is that they graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). At ILEA, each officer receives training on criminal law, mental health awareness and crisis intervention training, defensive tactics, first aid and emergency preparedness, and firearms training. After graduation, officers continue training according to their employer’s standards and obtain yearly continuing education credits to maintain statewide law enforcement certification. At SCC, officers receive training through the County Conservation Peace Officers Association, the Story County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement departments.

SCC has four certified officers who, as sworn officers, enforce state laws and county rules and regulations. County conservation park officers focus primarily on county park rules and regulations, state conservation and natural resource laws, and state criminal and motor vehicle laws. Parks Superintendent Ryan Wiemold oversees field operations, supervises management field staff, manages projects, and oversees and provides routine patrol in SCC’s law enforcement program. The parks superintendent influences how the law enforcement team operates, determines what equipment is needed to perform duties, manages the schedule, oversees department training, and addresses areas of concern through policy adoption and enforcement directives. Special Projects Ranger Patrick Shehan provides routine patrol, manages various projects, writes grants, works with GIS mapping software, and helps maintain public areas and facilities. Park Rangers Luke Feilmeier and Danny Simcox provide routine patrol and manage day-to-day operations in all of our county areas. The park rangers also supervise full-time and seasonal field staff, make various park improvements, and spend a large amount of their time interacting with the public. They are well-versed in natural resource management techniques, building and park maintenance, and equipment operation and maintenance.

Through all their various responsibilities, SCC’s law enforcement team makes about 8,000 contacts with the public and spends over 1,200 hours per year on law enforcement-related activities. Each one strives to protect the county’s natural resources, provide enjoyable recreational opportunities for park users, and educate the public regarding the proper use of Story County Conservation parks and areas. So if you spot them in the parks, ask where the fish are biting, for directions to the nearest hiking trail, or how to access the river for a paddle! They’ll be happy to help.

~ Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent

7

— SCC NEWS cont. — Stay up to date on our projects and other happenings

Partners have raised $6,065 (28%) of FY18’s goal of $22,000 to go towards the purchase of Carroll Prairie

Current Partners membership breakdown

Quick facts: • 26.7% have been members for over 15 years • 15% have been members since Partners started in 1996 • 14% just joined this year!

Membership form on page 11

Bill Horine Outdoor Writing Contest for Youth Open to Story County youth grades 9 - 12 Deadline: March 1 Win cash prizes for writing about your outdoor experiences!

Updated rules and entry forms can be found on the “Remembering W.E. Bill Horine” Facebook Page.

8

OUTDOOR ALLIANCE OF STORY COUNTY You’re invited to the Outdoor Alliance of Story County annual meeting on March 8, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the ISU Research Park Core Facility (1805 Collaboration Place).

The program will include a presentation

by Dr. Tom Isenhart on challenges to Iowa watersheds and their mitigation, including strategies to be used in the development of the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor. SCC Director Mike Cox will also provide an update on the park’s construction.

rse Co u en tee rin g Ori

Christiansen Forest

rn Ba ox

lB Ow

tat hS rus tB Boo

Nate Briggs installed an orienteering course at Christiansen Forest Preserve, a 45-acre wooded area near Huxley. The course was a request from Michael J. Macki, who is a scout leader as well as the Professional School Counselor & Life Skills Instructor for Ballard East Elementary School.

In addition to being available for public use, Macki plans to use the course with students and scouts to practice map and compass work.

ion

Story County Conservation served as the beneficiary for several unique Eagle Scout Projects in 2017

Tim Konfrst helped prevent the spread of invasive species by installing two boot brush stations. The stations, located at Hertz Woods and Robison Wildlife Acres, feature a panel describing the invasive plant species in the area and include a brush perfect for removing pesky seeds from the tread of your shoes. Graphics for the panel came from a partnership with PlayCleanGo, and Big Bluestem Audubon Society provided support through a donation.

Tim Weber constructed the perfect home for one of Iowa’s endangered species: the barn owl. Two barn owl nest boxes are now located in Hickory Grove Park awaiting occupancy! This project idea came around when Iowa DNR bird biologist Bruce Ehreshman found barn owl pellets in the the old corn crib on the northeast side of the park. If barn owls are in the area, we want to give them extra incentive to stay! This grassland owl’s population is on a slow but upward trend at 38 documented nests in Iowa in 2017; the uptick is attributed in part to this new effort to provide nest boxes.

Several other projects were completed in 2017 or are still in progress. We continue to be impressed by the effort put forth by the scouts and wish these young men the best in their future endeavors. If you know someone looking for an Eagle Scout Project, have them give us a call!

9

— SCC AREA MAP — There are over 3,000 acres for you to explore right here in Story County

Having trouble locating one of our parks or areas? You can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.

www.storycountyconservation.org

10

BOARD & STAFF Conservation Board

Dr. Nancy Franz, Chair Dr. James Pease, Vice Chair Craig Meyers, Secretary Christine Laumer, Member Ted Tedesco, Member Rick Sanders, Ex Officio Member

Conservation Staff Conservation Center, Ames

Michael Cox, Director Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent Pat Shehan, Special Projects Ranger Jolene Van Waus, Financial Data Manager Melissa Johannes, Administrative Assistant II Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator Heather Hucka, Naturalist Jess Lancial, Naturalist Rebekah Beall, Naturalist Beth Waage, Naturalist Erica Place, Outreach Coordinator

HELP PROTECT CARROLL PRAIRIE! Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help protect 49 acres along West Indian Creek containing five acres of remnant prairie, pasture, and oxbow wetlands. 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 for their support in the conservation center at McFarland Park.

Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or more Great Blue Heron - $275 to $999 Red Fox - $125 to $274

Goldfinch - $70 to $124 Otter (Family) - $35 to $69 Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30

Name 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

McFarland Park Shop, Ames

Danny Simcox, Park Ranger Russ DeWall, Conservation Technician II Joe Hill, Conservation Technician Ben Marcus, Conservation Technician

Hickory Grove Shop, Colo

Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger Beau Hoppe, Conservation Technician Dustin Horne, Conservation Technician Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist

Thank you to all those who support Story County Conservation with donations of time, funding, and materials.

IRVM Office & Shop, Nevada

Joe Kooiker, Vegetation Management Biologist Tyler Kelley, Vegetation Management Specialist

The Story County Conservation Board typically meets the the second Monday of each month at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames. Meetings are open to the public.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY

CASH DONATIONS Jax Mercantile Tadd & Jill Griffith Gordon Bivens Big Bluestem Audubon Society Outdoor Alliance of Story County

11

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 56461 180th Street Ames, Iowa 50010-9451

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Ames, Iowa Permit 301

Have some awesome nature photos you want to share?

Story County Conservation sponsors an annual photo contest to encourage the public to visit and photograph the beauty and recreational activities in SCC parks and natural areas. Categories include landscape, flora and fungi, fauna, and connecting people and recreation.

Contest photos may be submitted March 5 - 23 at the conservation center. A complete list of rules and the entry form are available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. Youth entries (18 years or younger) will be judged separately. Prizes will be awarded at the Spring Festival at McFarland Park on May 6! Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page.

Photo by Teresa Testroet 2017 winner of Bill Horine Best in Show Award