2018 Summer Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS May - July 2018

IN THIS ISSUE. . .

Programs & Events.................. 2-5 Conservation Updates........ 6 - 11 Calendar of Events................... 10 Map of SCC Areas..................... 12

Partners Membership................ 13 Photo by William Crow

Free Fishing Weekend ... ...........14

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

MAY Off-Trail Treks

Hike off the trail with a naturalist and get a new perspective on your parks.

Bring your curiosity as we explore and adventure.

Saturday, May 5, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Skunk River Greenbelt: Experience the songs and colors of spring in the forest.

Register by May 2.

Sunday, July 8, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Jennett Heritage Area: Hike the prairie and trek at the edge of wetland and creek. Register by July 5.

Invasive Species Roundups We need your help!

Watch our website and social media for opportunities to remove invasive species like garlic mustard, honeysuckle, or wild parsnip. After we work, we’ll get together for social time and fun!

Prepare to hike over rough -- possibly hilly or muddy -- terrain and through vegetation. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Hikes are free!

Trail Enhancement and Management (TEAM) Day

Spring Festival

Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Vegetation control Meet at Pleasant Valley Church (56971 170th St., Ames)

Sunday, May 6, 2 - 5 p.m.

McFarland Park Enjoy a free and family-friendly afternoon at McFarland Park!

• Educational entertainment by Reid Miller • Native plant sale by ISU’s EEOB department and Ames High School • Fishing poles and bait available from Story County Conservation • Canoeing led by the Skunk River Paddlers • Solar viewing provided by the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers • Annual Photo Contest awards • Crafts for kids • Tree education by Nick Oullette, ISU

Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trail trimming Meet at Soper’s Mill North (56501 170th St., Ames) 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 the Thursday before each event to ensure enough tools and refreshments for everyone.

Evening Prairie Walks

May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Doolittle Prairie (14249 560th Ave., Story City)

Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg on monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare and common prairie flora that change each month and learn about the history and ecology of central Iowa prairies. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended. These walks are free, and no registration is required.

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

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JUNE Evening Exploration

Friday, June 8, 8:45 - 10:15 p.m.

McFarland Park

Discover the mysteries of the dark at the park! Follow us on a journey to understand just what it takes to be a creature of the night. Test your senses and try your hand at talking with the owls. Capture this unique opportunity to see McFarland Park through lightless eyes. This hike is not intended to scare but to excite your imagination.

This program is free, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6.

Yoga in the Park

The yoga in the park craze has finally made it to Story County Conservation!

Come ready to relax, release, and enjoy nature. Bring a mat or a towel and a full water bottle, and wear clothes you can move in. All experience levels and ages are welcome. Two sessions are on the books for this summer: Saturday, June 23, 9 - 10 a.m.

Oriole Ridge Lodge at Hickory Grove Park, (67466 250th St., Colo) Saturday, July 28, 9 - 10 a.m.

Shelter at Dakins Lake (70613 130th St., Zearing) Both sessions are free, and no registration is required!

Naturalist Lunch Box McFarland Park

Bring your lunch, spread a blanket, and join a naturalist for a Friday picnic in the park!

Magical Monarchs Friday, June 15, 12 - 1 p.m.

Explore Your Outdoors: Birds

Sat., June 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

McFarland Park

Through hands-on inquiry learning, participants will identify common birds by sight and sound, understand bird behaviors, and explore different bird habitats. This program is for children ages 5 and up plus their adult.

Binoculars and identification books will be provided. This program is free, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 11.

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, May 1 Butterflies in Iowa & In Your Backyard Stephanie Shepherd, IA DNR We’ll start with an introduction to the 110 butterflies that call Iowa home; then provide tips on creating butterfly habitat in your own backyard. With species such as the Monarch in decline, every little bit of habitat helps!

Menu: Baked potato bar (chili, broccoli, bacon, warm cheese, butter, sour cream, ham, salsa) and lemon bar. Register for lunch by April 27.

O.W.L.S. takes a short break over the summer. See you again in September!

Tree-rific!

Friday, July 13, 12 - 1 p.m.

These programs are appropriate for all ages and will be held inside in case of inclement weather. Adults are expected to remain with their children. These programs are free, and no registration is required.

O.W.L.S. Programs

JULY Paddle Boarding Basics Monday, July 23, 5 - 8 p.m.

West Peterson Park

Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing paddle sport in the country.

Come learn about different boards and have fun trying your skills out on the water. Paddle boarding can provide an amazing full-body workout that addresses your core, cardio fitness, balance, and flexibility, all with the fluidity of a paddle sport. Paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, and light refreshments will be provided.

Participants must be 18 or older to attend. Fee of $15 with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 20.

Wild Women of the Woods

The sixth annual Wild Women of the Woods event will take place September 14 - 15 at McFarland Park. Wild Women of the Woods is designed to give women the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn or improve skills, and network with women with similar interests. Participants can opt to camp out and will choose from many different sessions (tentatively) including: Astronomy, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Orienteering, Survival Shelters, Natural Products, Gun Shooting, Natural Remedies (Fire Cider), Creek Hikes, Outdoor Preparedness, Nature Mandalas, Trail Foods, Plant Hike, Fire Ink Art, Yoga, Mindful Meditation,Fermenting Foods, Mountain Biking, Owl Pellets, and much, much more! Watch our website for registration to open in May.

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— MAKE

THE

MOST

Day Camps $35

Water Rocks! Camp

POLLIWOGS

For children starting kindergarten fall 2018 Camp A - Children explore what makes each animal special, whether they have fur, feathers, fliers, or fins.

On the last day, we’ll venture to the lake with nets, so be prepared to get wet and dirty!

June 11 - 14, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Camp B - Children experience nature using dirt, rocks, plants, and water and get wet and dirty in the process!

July 16 - 19, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

$40

Friday, July 27, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

For children completing grades 5 or 6 spring 2018 Sign your child up for a fun-filled day of outdoor exploration, games, and activities. Campers will learn about biodiversity, watersheds, wetlands, soil, and so much more through scientific investigation, music, art, and other interactive activities! Co-sponsored by Water Rocks, Iowa State Extension.

$20

FROGS

For children completing kindergarten spring 2018 Camp A - Children discover what makes a habitat through exploration, games, and song. Campers connect to the world around them by investigating the five basic needs of all living things.

June 18 - 22, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Camp B - Every day at Frogs camp is an adventure as children examine the natural world around them.

July 16 - 20, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. or July 23 - 27, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

WATERBUGS

$40 For children completing grades 1 or 2 spring 2018

Camp A - Explore the wild, muddy, squishy world of water. Campers will learn how water connects us all as they discover Story County ponds, wetlands, streams, and rivers through hands-on activities, art, stories, games, and journaling.

June 11 - 15, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

June 18 - 22, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Camp B - Children will go on expeditions to find nature’s wonders right here in Story County.

July 16 - 20, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. or July 23 - 27, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

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$20

Eco Arts Camp: A Walk on the Wild Side Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McFarland Park For children completing grades 4 through 6 spring 2018

Campers will enjoy plenty of activities while connecting to nature at McFarland Park. Activities include hiking, theater games, mask making, sketching, and nature journaling.

FLOAT I

$50

McFarland Park and Hickory Grove Park For children completing grades 3 or 4 spring 2018 The first of the FLOATs (Fun-Loving Outdoor Adventure Team) teaches campers basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught.

Runs 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the following dates: June 6 - 7, June 26 - 27, June 28 - 29, and August 8 - 9

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ALL SUMMER CAMPS OPENS SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 8:00 AM

OF

THE

SUMMER —

Overnights & Trips FLOAT II

$50

For youth completing grades 5 or 6 spring 2018 July 30, 9:00 a.m. - July 31, 9:00 a.m. (overnight)

... teaches a variety of outdoor skills. Campers build self-confidence in camping and canoeing and will spend the night exploring McFarland Park. This is outdoor play in the best way.

FLOAT III

$55

For youth completing grades 6 or 7 spring 2018 August 2, 9:00 a.m. - August 3, 4:00 p.m. (overnight)

... allows campers to explore an Iowa river by taking an overnight canoe trip.

Campers must have prior canoe experience or have attended a previous FLOAT camp.

FLOAT IV

$75

For youth completing grades 7 or 8 spring 2018 August 7, 9:00 a.m. - August 9, 3:00 p.m. (overnight)

... explores Iowa underground! Go caving, climbing, and hiking on a two-night experience in eastern Iowa.

Learn how cooperation and teamwork can build your own confidence and abilities. Dare to try new things and discover new places. Please note that caving involves crawling through dark, small spaces.

$350

FLOAT V

For those completing grades 9 - 12 spring 2018 June 12, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (training day), June 27 - July 3 (overnight) ... an inspiring seven-day

backpacking adventure to Great Smoky Mountains

National Park. Experience three nights back-country camping in what is considered the most diverse

habitat in North America. Surround yourself with ancient mountains, waterfalls, and lush forest. Conclude your journey with a white water rafting trip down the Nantahala River. Challenge your mind, body, and spirit and make it a summer to remember! Applications are available online now - they are due by May 11!

$55

Zombie Camp

For youth completing grades 4 or 5 spring 2018 July 10, 9:00 a.m. - July 11, 10:00 a.m. (overnight) ... research, monitor, and develop a cure for the zombie outbreak at McFarland Park! During your training, you will learn the importance of teamwork and gain valuable survival skills such as navigating and tracking, first aid, fire building, medicinal plants, and more. Help save lives and restore McFarland Park to a zombie-free zone for all to enjoy. Camp involves real zombies! This camp is fun, not scary!

While you’re registering for camps, be sure to order a camp t-shirt!

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— THE LATEST —

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects

Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor • Phase I- Streambank restoration, ground shaping, two pedestrian bridges, and other construction elements were completed in 2017. About 1,500 live stakes of various wetland species were installed along the creek corridors for stabilization and vegetative cover. Additional live stakes and native trees and shrubs will be planted throughout the stream corridor this spring, essentially wrapping up Phase I of this project.

• Phase II - SCC and engineers have worked together to give shape to park amenities, and the design work is now complete.

This phase includes primary and secondary trails, boardwalks, environmental education and interpretive elements, and developed gathering areas. Bids for this project will be let soon, and construction is anticipated to begin in late spring 2018.

Above renderings are conceptual and developed by Shive-Hattery, Inc.

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Campground Reservations

Several campground sites at Dakins Lake and Hickory Grove Park will soon be reservable through www.mycountyparks.com. Once this system is in place, users can book sites for the upcoming camping season, allowing them to plan ahead. Reservable sites will still be available on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved, and there will still be some non-reservable sites. Campgrounds are scheduled to open April 1. Stay tuned for more information as we make these exciting changes!

Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area

Photo by Nathan Houck

This wildlife area south of Ames on 265th Ave. along the Skunk River has been undergoing constant restoration work. Oxbow reestablishment and savanna, prairie, and timber restoration efforts were in full force throughout 2017. Prairie and tree planting projects will occur this spring. Acquisition of this unique and diverse property has been made possible through several partners.

It should open to the public in summer 2018.

Hickory Grove Park Lake Restoration

Contracts have been awarded for Phase I work, which includes gully stabilization and watershed improvements as well as targeted shoreline armoring. Work should begin in spring 2018 on this joint project between the Iowa DNR and SCC. Phase II design work is complete, which includes plans for infrastructure to drain the lake. Staff has already started prescribed tree clearing for staging areas below the spillway. Draining the lake is anticipated to begin midsummer of 2018.

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Paving Project

Story County Conservation has begun long-range planning for paving the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Staff met with representatives from each city on the trail to discuss future partnership opportunities for project collaborations. SCC has been working with an engineering firm on master planning and design documentation for the 2.5 mile segment between Slater and Huxley. SCC is attempting to secure funding and anticipating construction to begin as early as 2019.

Message from Director Mike Cox On February 12, SCC sent representatives to the Capitol for Fund the Trust Day -- an opportunity to convey to legislators the need for substantial and sustainable funding for water quality and outdoor recreation in Iowa. On the next page you’ll find a summary of what the trust would accomplish for our water and land legacy as well as our quality of life. I urge you to learn about the Trust and encourage your legislators to fund it.

Board members Dr. Jim Pease and Dr. Nancy Franz and volunteer Mike Meetz chat with Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell.

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Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund

It’s our responsibility. It’s our time. It’s our legacy.

Iowa’s legacy depends on clean water, productive agricultural soils, and thriving wildlife habitats so all Iowans can enjoy the splendor of our state.

Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy is bringing Iowans together in support of immediate, permanent, reliable, substantial funding aimed at improving our water quality, protecting our soil, enhancing our wildlife habitat, and increasing outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Iowa.

Fund the Trust.

In 2010, 63% of Iowans voted for a constitutional amendment to create the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, a permanent and protected funding source dedicated to clean water, productive agricultural soils and thriving wildlife habitats.

Six years later the Trust Fund sits empty because it requires a sales tax increase of 3/8 of a cent for funding. Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy supports raising the sales tax to fund the Trust Fund and maintaining the formula supported by 63% of Iowa voters.

Our broad-based coalition ranging from business leaders and farmers to conservationists and sportspersons believe cleaning our water, protecting our soil and enhancing our habitat will strengthen our economy and improve our quality of life.

We urge Iowa’s political leaders to include a sales tax increase of at least 3/8 of a cent in any legislative solution aimed at addressing water quality and conservation moving forward.

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Learn more about the Iowa’s Water

Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy

and Land Legacy coalition at

@IWiLL_IA

www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org

@iowaswaterandlandlegacy

FUND ALLOCATION Estimated revenue of $150-$180 million each year

FUND ALLOCATION

• Up to two-thirds of the total revenue of the Trust Fund is availEstimated revenue of $150-$180 million each year able for voluntary, non-regulatory, private land conservation projects inofthe Reduction Strategy.

• Up tooutlined two-thirds theNutrient total revenue of the Trust Fund is available for voluntary, non-regulatory, private land conservation

• Over $670outlined million in shovel-ready project needs have projects in unmet, the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. been identified and are ready to go once funding is available.

• Over $670 million in unmet, shovel-ready project needs have

• The vast majority ofare Trust Fund dollars are designated for been identified and ready to go once funding is available. water quality improvement projects, including lake • The vast majority of Trust Fund dollars are designated for restoration, wildlife habitat projects, water protection and water quality improvement projects, including lake enhancing flood protection efforts.

restoration, wildlife habitat projects, water protection and enhancing flood protection efforts.

• Trust Fund dollars can be used for wildlife habitat, parks and nature preserves — ensuring open spaces for

the•next tocan enjoy Iowa’s of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

Trustgeneration Fund dollars be used fortraditions wildlife habitat, parks and nature preserves — ensuring open spaces for the next generation to enjoy Iowa’s traditions of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO IOWANS ACCOUNTABILITY TO IOWANS

The Trust will fund voluntary, non-regulatory conservation partnerships and is accountable to taxpayers The Trust willoversight, fund voluntary, non-regulatory conservation partnerships is accountable taxpayers through public mandatory annual aduits and regular reportsand submitted to the to Iowa legislature. through public oversight, mandatory annual aduits and regular reports submitted to the Iowa legislature.

ECONOMIC ECONOMICBENEFITS BENEFITS

The Trust Fund Iowa’squality qualityofoflife, life, workforce development The Trust Fundformula formulais is about about Iowa’s workforce development and economic and economicdevelopment. development.

TheThe Trust Fund and itsitsformula initialfunding fundingnecessary necessary help implement Nutrient Reduction Trust Fund and formulaprovide provide the the initial toto help implement the the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, while also providing quality of life components like trails, outdoor recreation and access to public Strategy, while also providing quality of life components like trails, outdoor recreation and access to public land that Iowans demand. initiativeswill willensure ensure that Iowa attract retain a qualified land that Iowans demand.These Thesequality quality of of life life initiatives that Iowa cancan attract andand retain a qualified workforce while also guaranteeing andits itscommunities communities reap the economic benefits vibrancy workforce while also guaranteeingthat that Iowa Iowa and reap the economic benefits andand vibrancy that that is generated ecotourism. is generated byby ecotourism.

In Iowa, outdoor recreationgenerates generates $6.1 $6.1 billion billion in $1.7 billion in wages andand salaries, In Iowa, outdoor recreation inconsumer consumerspending, spending, $1.7 billion in wages salaries, 75,000 direct Iowa jobs and $433 million in state and local revenue tax.

75,000 direct Iowa jobs and $433 million in state and local revenue tax.

THE NEED THE NEED

• Less than 10 percent of Iowa’s wetlands — natural spaces that help prevent flooding and provide habitat for

• Less than—10remain, percent of Iowa’s to wetlands naturalacres spaces help prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife amounting a loss of— 5 million of that wetlands. wildlife — remain, amounting to a loss of 5 million acres of wetlands.

• Over the last two decades, Iowa has lost more than 1.6 million acres of habitat suitable for pheasants and

• Over lastgame. two decades, Iowa has lost more than 1.6 million acres of habitat suitable for pheasants and otherthe small other small game.

• Iowa loses and average of 5 tons per acre of soil, our major economic engine, each year to erosion.

• Iowa loses and average of 5 tons per acre of soil, our major economic engine, each year to erosion.

• Roughly half of Iowa’s rivers, lakes and streams fail to meet water quality standards.

• Roughly half of Iowa’s rivers, lakes and streams fail to meet water quality standards.

Learn more about the Iowa’s Water

Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy

and Land Legacy coalition at Learn more about the Iowa’s Water

@IWiLL_IA Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy

and Land Legacy coalition at

@iowaswaterandlandlegacy

www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org

www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org

@IWiLL_IA

@iowaswaterandlandlegacy

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— CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Date Time Event Location MAY

Tuesday, May 1 Thursday, May 3 Saturday, May 5 Sunday, May 6 Monday, May 14 Saturday, May 19 Saturday, May 19 Thursday, May 24 Monday, May 28

JUNE

June 6 -7 Friday, June 8 Saturday, June 9 June 11 - 14 June 11 - 15 Tuesday, June 12 Wednesday, June 13 Friday, June 15 Saturday, June 16 June 18 - 22 Saturday, June 23 June 26 - 27 June 27 - July 3 Thursday, June 28 Thursday, June 28 June 28 - 29

JULY

Wednesday, July 4 Thursday, July 5 Sunday, July 8 July 10 - 11 Friday, July 13 July 16 - 19 July 16 - 20 Saturday, July 21 Monday, July 23 July 23 - 27 Thursday, July 26 Friday, July 27 Saturday, July 28 July 30 - 31

AUGUST (sneak peek) August 2 - 3 August 7 - 9 August 8 - 9

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11:00 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Holiday

O.W.L.S.: Butterflies in Iowa McFarland Park Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland Park Off-Trail Trek Skunk River Greenbelt Spring Festival McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park Trail Enhancement and Management Day Pleasant Valley Church Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting McFarland Park Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie Story County Conservation Offices Closed

9:00 a.m.

8:45 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. a.m. & p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

6:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

FLOAT I McFarland Park & Hickory Grove Park Evening Exploration McFarland Park Trail Enhancement and Management Day Soper’s Mill North Polliwogs Camp A McFarland Park Waterbugs Camp A McFarland Park FLOAT V Training Day McFarland Park Eco Arts Camp: A Walk on the Wild Side McFarland Park Naturalist Lunch Box: Magical Monarchs McFarland Park Explore Your Outdoors: Birds McFarland Park Frogs Camp A, Waterbugs Camp A McFarland Park Yoga in the Park Hickory Grove Park FLOAT I McFarland Park & Hickory Grove Park FLOAT V Great Smoky Mountains National Park Evening Prairie Walk Doolittle Prairie Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park FLOAT I McFarland Park & Hickory Grove Park

Holiday 6:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Off-Trail Trek Zombie Camp Naturalist Lunch Box: Tree-rific!

Polliwogs Camp B Frogs Camp B, Waterbugs Camp B Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting Paddle Boarding Basics Frogs Camp B, Waterbugs Camp B Evening Prairie Walk Water Rocks! Camp Yoga in the Park FLOAT II

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

FLOAT III McFarland Park & throughout Story County FLOAT IV Trip to Eastern Iowa FLOAT I McFarland Park & Hickory Grove Park

McFarland Park Jennett Heritage Area McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park West Peterson Park McFarland Park Doolittle Prairie McFarland Park Dakins Lake McFarland Park

Wasp Watchers Are Awesome!

Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist

SCC began the Wasp Watchers program in 2015, and although we have not collected any Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) adults, we have captured two new Buprestid (jewel beetle) species for Story County! Not only is the goal of the Wasp Watchers program to track where EAB moves across the landscape, but also to supplement the known jewel beetle database.

For several weeks in the summer, our Wasp Watcher volunteers monitor a nesting colony, collect prey beetles, and record data. The collected beetles are sent for identification at the end of the summer. We have 37 identified beetles, which encompass 6 genera and these 9 different species:

Wasp Watchers observe native ground nesting wasps to see if they are preying on EAB adults. The wasps, Cerceris fumipennis, catch these metallic wood-boring beetles and take them to their underground nesting chamber to become a food source for their soon-to-be-laid eggs. As the egg develops into larvae, it feeds on the paralyzed beetle. If EAB is in the area, there’s a good chance a wasp might capture one as prey.

Actenodes simi Agrilus bilineatus Agrilus difficilis Agrilus lecontei Beprestis rufipes Chrysobothris sexsignata Chrysobothris rugosiceps Dicerca lurida Spectralia gracilipes

A big thank you to our Wasp Watcher volunteers for their part in promoting citizen science in the county.

We’re organizing for summer 2018 contact us if you’d like to be a Wasp Watcher!

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— 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

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BOARD & STAFF Conservation Board

Dr. James Pease, Chair Craig Meyers, Vice Chair Christine Laumer, Secretary Dr. Nancy Franz, 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! We are halfway to our goal of $22,000 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 in the conservation center for their support.

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 Carol Hansel Ames Morning Rotary Helen McRoberts 800 TONS OF FIELD STONE Joyce Schonomeier

CASH AND BIRD SEED Big Bluestem Audubon FISHING POLES, BIRD FEEDERS, BIRD SEED Pat Murphy 13

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

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

FREE FISHING WEEKEND JUNE 1 - 3, 2018

Invite a kid, your best friend, or a spouse to go fishing on Iowa’s Free Fishing weekend, June 1, 2, and 3. Iowa residents may fish without a license or trout fee; all other regulations remain in place.

Things to consider...

“Small mouth and the occasional walleye have been caught on the Skunk River.” - Ben Marcus, Conservation Technician “West Peterson Park has some of the best crappie counts.”

- Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent “Should be good timing for nice bluegills at McFarland Park.”

Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator

Photo by Mary Pepper