2017 Winter Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS November 2017 - January 2018

IN THIS ISSUE. . .

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

Partners Membership................ 11 Board Updates .........................12

Photo by Katie Barnes

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

DECEMBER Soap from Scratch

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Explore the art and science of making handcrafted soap from scratch with Siberian Soap Company Owner Ann Staudt! Using the centuries-old cold-process soapmaking technique, participants will combine plant-based oils and lye to create soaps that are mild, moisturizing, and eco-friendly. Each participant will make and take home a 1.3 pound custom batch of soap just in time for holiday gift-giving!

For ages 16 and up. Fee of $30 per person with registration is required by 9 a.m. on Monday, November 27.

Family Survival Camp

Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

McFarland Park

Does your family have the skills necessary to be successful winter survivalists? This family survival camp will challenge you to work together to build shelters, light fires, snowshoe through the forest, create a survival kit, and more. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Please bring your own lunch and wear proper winter attire. Fee of $20 per family group (up to 4 members; please call if you need special accommodations) with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 8.

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JANUARY Intro to Snowshoeing

Friday, Dec. 22, 1:30 - 3 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 27, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

We have two opportunities to learn some basic snowshoeing skills and then test them out on a fun hike around the park! Snowshoes will be provided. This program is designed for ages 8 and up. Program will be canceled if snow conditions are insufficient. Participants should wear hiking or snow boots and dress for the weather. Fee of $5 per person with registration is required by 4 p.m. two days prior to each event.

Winter Hikes Outdoor Alliance of Story County & Story County Conservation

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).

No registration is necessary.

Jan. 4 - Soper’s Mill South Jan. 11 - North River Valley Park Jan. 18 - South River Valley Park Jan. 25 - Ronald “Dick” Jordan

Family Wildlife Area Feb. 1 - Heart of Iowa NatureTrail Feb. 8 - Sleepy Hollow Access

Contact the Outdoor Alliance of Story County with questions at outdooralliancesc@gmail.com or visit their website at www.oasco.org

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

Snowshoe Owl Prowl

O.W.L.S. Programs

Explore beautiful Christiansen Forest Preserve, a hidden gem in Huxley with an abundance of owls. Bring your binoculars as we’ll try our luck at calling for owls on our showshoe hike through the woods. This hike is intended for ages 12 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Program will be canceled if snow conditions are insufficient. Participants should wear hiking or snow boots and dress for the weather. Fee of $5 per person with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 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 515232-2516.

Penguin Snowshoe Parade

Wednesday, November 8 Footnotes in Ames History

Friday, Jan. 12, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Christiansen Forest Preserve

Saturday, January 20, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

McFarland Park

January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day! Walk like a penguin as we explore McFarland Park and celebrate these quirky, flightless birds. No experience is necessary to waddle and sway as snowshoes help us conquer the snow. Learn about penguins from around the world and what makes them so extraordinary.

Please remember to dress for the weather (black and white optional) as we will be outside for the duration of the program. This program is designed for ages 8 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Program will be canceled if snow conditions are insufficient. Fee of $5 per person with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16.

SAVE THE DATE: Environmental Literature Club Explore nature this winter cozied up with a good book at Story County Conservation’s Environmental Literature Club. Discuss new and classic books with naturalist Rebekah Beall on February 15, March 15, and April 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Watch for details about book selections, location, and registration in the next newsletter!

Ames Historical Society

This slide program is an overview of early Ames history that weaves in stories about interesting individuals, colorful events, and architectural landmarks.

Menu: carved turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn, dinner roll, pumpkin pie. Register for lunch by November 3.

Tuesday, December 5 Zambia Ty Smedes Zambia may be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets as a safari destination. Come see some amazing photographs, including dramatic footage of leopards stalking and taking down prey in the darkness.

Menu: lasagna bar, garden salad, breadsticks, holiday brownie. Register for lunch by December 1.

Tuesday, January 2 The Art of Conservation: A Visit with Ding Darling Tom Milligan This historical presentation brings to life the two-time Pullitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist, creator of the “Duck Stamp” program, and founder of the National Wildlife Federation.

Menu: soup & salad bar, homemade bread, Oreo fluff. Register for lunch by December 29.

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— CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Date Time Event Location NOVEMBER

Thursday, November 2 Wednesday, November 8 Friday, November 10 Monday, November 13 Saturday, November 18 Monday, November 20 November 23 - 24 Thursday, November 30

DECEMBER

Sunday, December 3 Tuesday, December 5 Monday, December 11 Saturday, December 16 Friday, December 22 December 25 - 26

JANUARY

Tuesday, January 2 Thursday, January 4 Thursday, January 4 Monday, January 8 Thursday, January 11 Friday, January 12 Thursday, January 18 Saturday, January 20 Thursday, January 25 Thursday, January 25 Saturday, January 27

6:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

Holiday 5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Holiday 7:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Partners Meeting O.W.L.S.: Footnotes in Ames History Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Conservation Board Meeting Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting Heather Hucka’s Open House Story County Conservation Offices Closed Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting

McFarland Park McFarland Park

2:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Holiday

Soap From Scratch O.W.L.S.: Zambia Story County Conservation Board Meeting Family Survival Camp Introduction to Snowshoeing Story County Conservation Offices Closed

McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park

11:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

O.W.L.S.: A Visit with Ding Darling McFarland Park OASC Winter Hike Soper’s Mill South Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park OASC Winter Hike North River Valley Park Snowshoe Owl Prowl Christiansen Forest Preserve OASC Winter Hike South River Valley Park Penguin Snowshoe Parade McFarland Park OASC Winter Hike Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park Introduction to Snowshoeing McFarland Park

McFarland Park Observatory McFarland Park McFarland Park

Remember to take photos for our annual Photo Contest! Submissions are in March. Win prizes for your nature shots. Visit www.storycountyconservation.org for contest rules and to view the 2017 entries.

Photo by I-Chin Liao 4

— THE LATEST — Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor • Phase 1- Construction is underway as contractors are beginning streambank stabilization work. This work will re-establish native vegetation to resemble historic conditions while properly managing the site’s storm water and demonstrating innovative streambank restoration practices. Last fall, SCC staff, Conservation Corps Iowa members, and a contractor sorted and cut down undesirable and non-native tree species on the 37-acre site.

These trees are currently being chipped and hauled off site. Earth shaping work to restructure the banks will prevent erosion and slow the movement of water, allowing for nutrient filtration, sediment deposition, and reconnection of the stream with its historic floodplain. The Ames Rotary Club is sponsoring the tree planting plan.

Phase 1 work will wrap up in the spring/summer of 2018.

• Phase 2- Staff is coordinating with engineers on design work. Site amenities, paved and secondary trails, and key site features are being developed to showcase this unique site and maximize opportunities for environmental learning and interpretation. Construction is currently scheduled to begin summer of 2018.

West Peterson Park Shoreline revetment will be happening on the south end of the lake where it is closest to the river. During flood events this section of shoreline and the adjacent trail sees substantial erosion. The project will involve armoring both the lake and river shoreline and dropping the trail a foot, which will establish a new high-water mark for the lake and subsequently, protect the site from further erosion.

South Skunk River Water Trail The section of the South Skunk River in Story County has been designated a State Water Trail. This river enters the county near Story City and leaves near Cambridge. A designation event is planned for spring/summer of 2018 - Stay tuned for more details!

Robison Wildlife Acres Story County Conservation was awarded $40,000 through the Iowa DNR’s Fish Habitat Program to restore the oneacre pond at Robison Wildlife Acres. This $68,000 project is scheduled for completion in December 2017. Work will include outlet structure replacement, sediment excavation, and fishery renovation.

Countywide Watershed Assesments Story County has contracted Emmons & Olivier Resources to conduct analysis of watersheds in the county. This will identify areas that need further assessment and areas of concern for water quality. This is the first step in a comprehensive approach to water quality improvements countywide.

Hickory Grove Park The park’s main entrance now boasts new stone monuments and a kiosk featuring a large park map, rules and regulations, park news, and upcoming programs and events. It’s your one-stop shop for park information.

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Hickory Grove Lake Restoration

Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent

What does an empty 98-acre lake look like? Hopefully, we are about to find out. Restoration efforts at Hickory Grove Lake are in the works and will address various water quality issues in the lake. You might ask, “What about water quality issues outside of the lake?” Or “What efforts have been taken prior to draining the lake?” To answer these questions, let’s start at the beginning.

Hickory Grove is a 445-acre multi-use recreational area managed by Story County Conservation. Here you can camp, swim, picnic, catch numerous species of fish, hike on the trails, and observe wildlife that inhabits the park.

Hickory Grove Lake, like many lakes in Iowa, has some very common health issues. Sediment and nutrient loading and bacterial impairment are major concerns. Hickory Grove Lake takes in an average of 756 tons of sediment per year, which is 2-3% of the lake’s total storage capacity. This lake also turns a peculiar “pea soup” green color every summer as algae blooms from high nutrient levels take over the lake. A high population of carp also has a severe impact. Their feeding disrupts shallow-rooted plants, muddying the water and releasing phosphorus that increases algae abundance. Carp eat the aquatic plants needed by waterfowl and fish. On top of all this, Hickory Grove Lake is also on the impaired waters list for E. Coli bacteria. Parts of these issues can be attributed to grazing livestock in the watershed, common side effects of row crop farming, and an overabundance of certain wildlife and fish species living in and using the waterbody. So, what can be done to help correct some of these issues?

In 2008, discussions began among local environmental leaders and the Hickory Grove Watershed Advisory Team was developed. This team included people with backgrounds in conservation, lake restoration, water quality, and soil health. The group also gathered input from local homeowners, landowners, and watershed residents. After five years of monitoring, studying, and collaborating on a plan, the Hickory Grove Lake Watershed Management Action Plan was developed and adopted by the Story County Conservation Board in 2013. This plan is a road map to address the various issues that impair Hickory Grove Lake.

At a public meeting for the lake restoration in September, Iowa DNR Lake Restoration Program Coordinator George Antoniou explained, “Before you drain the tub, you should first turn off the faucet.” The same concept is true when restoring a lake. Much has been accomplished in Hickory Grove Lake’s watershed over the last several years in cooperation with many partners and funding contributors. Nine unpermitted septic systems were replaced to ensure their proper function. In cooperation with a private landowner, a crucial property in the watershed saw extensive projects, including development of a pond and exclusion of cattle from a stream that feeds 75% of Hickory Grove Lake’s water. Substantial streambank stabilization on this property will help prevent soil erosion, and a saturated buffer will collect water and remove nitrates before releasing the water to re-enter the soil profile. While not all issues in this 4,400-acre watershed are corrected, these projects are a step in the right direction. Managing agricultural practices with a conservation ethic are key to the long term health and protection of this lake.

To address issues within the lake and surrounding land, the Iowa DNR Lakes Restoration, Fisheries, and Engineering teams and Story County Conservation created a three-phase in-lake work plan. This plan is an ongoing effort and, therefore, subject to change and dependent upon full funding.

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Phase 1, which will occur this fall and winter, includes shoreline stabilization by the campground and construction of numerous rock check dams to prevent gully erosion. Phase 2 addresses how the lake will be drawn down; either a repair or upgrade to the existing outlet structure will be necessary. Lake drawdown is currently planned for spring 2018. The lake will only be drawn down one foot per day to discourage sluffing of the banks. Fishing regulations may be relaxed prior to drawdown at the discretion of Iowa DNR and SCC officials – depending on the timing of the project phasing. Phase 3 construction is scheduled to begin in late summer 2018, after the lake bed has dried out to allow for passage of equipment. Phase 3 will include additional shoreline work, mechanical dredging, fish habitat and access improvements, and a complete fishery renovation.

A project of this size and scope would not be possible without the cooperation and coordination the 15 different groups that have assisted with this project planning and work. Story County Conservation is just one partner of this grand project. SCC wants to continue making a difference in water quality by educating our citizens of its importance and showing its significance. Projects like this are a perfect opportunity to do just that!

If you’re interested in receiving quarterly updates on this project, please send us an email at conservationoutreach@storycountyiowa.gov, and we’ll subscribe you to blog postings. Updates will include photos, maps, updated fishery information and more specific details on what, where, and why the work is happening!

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

Sensitive Natural Areas Inventory

Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist & Dr. Tom Rosburg, Drake University The county’s comprehensive plan, Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C), outlines Story County’s intent to be science-based and policy guiding, to lead with a clear vision and goals, to identify quality of life aspects, and to outline strategies to achieve its goals. With this in mind, this year we embarked on a goal of inventorying the natural communities throughout the county. It is progressing nicely!

Dr. Tom Rosburg and his colleague, Dr. Bill Norris, are conducting plant inventories and (eventually) will be able to give a sense of the quality of natural resources that remain in the county. Story County is comprised of 368,640 acres, of which Story County Conservation manages a tiny percentage. The 36 county-owned or managed parks and natural areas are 3,100 acres, 0.8% of the total acres in the county. To take a representative look at habitats that remain, the project needs to include privately-owned parcels.

Dr. Rosburg reports that over 60 parcels totaling over 2,200 acres have been visited so far, with a goal of visiting 5,000 privately-owned acres.

Some highlights include a never-before-documented species in Iowa, and a new species record for the county. Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano, was found in a prairie restoration and has never been documented living “in the wild” in Iowa. This plant was either accidentally seeded or it is becoming naturalized from culinary gardens. Erysimum inconspicuum, small-flower wallflower, had never been documented in Story County. This species is native to Iowa and found in about a dozen other counties in dry, sandy, or gravelly habitats. It is principally a species of the northern and western Great Plains and Intermountain Basin.

Small-flower Wallflower

Some nice plant communities with relatively high quality have been mapped – for example, a sedge meadow, a red oak and basswood forest, a shallow wetland, and a degraded oak savanna with large bur oak “wolf” trees. Many landowners have taken the opportunity to tag along on the survey and ask questions about vegetation management or plant biology.

Dr. Rosburg and Dr. Norris will wrap up the in-the-field portion of the inventory in June 2018. We’ll let you know what else they discover!

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Naturalist Heather Hucka Receives National Award Naturalist Heather Hucka has been selected as the 2017 National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Master Frontline Interpreter. This is one of NAI’s most prestigious awards and presented to an individual who demonstrates a mastery of interpretive techniques, program development, and design of creative projects. Heather will receive this award at the NAI National Workshop in Spokane, Washington in November.

CARROLL PRAIRIE

Photo by Nathan Houck

Partners memberships go to new project The Partners Advisory Committee, with input from the conservation director, selected the Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area acquisition as a project needing Partners support in FY17 and set a goal of raising $20,000.

Partners met that goal by raising $20,089. Thank you, everyone!

With that goal achieved, it is time to move on to the next project. All Partners renewals and new memberships received in FY18 will help Story County Conservation acquire Carroll Prairie. This 49-acre property is bisected by West Indian Creek, a watershed that Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and Story County Conservation have been actively protecting and restoring. The property, sold to INHF at a bargain sale, includes remnant prairie, pasture, and oxbow wetlands.

SCC and INHF are just beginning fundraising for this important new wildlife area. Partners’ goal is to raise $22,000 to help fund this acquisition. Please help us protect this valuable piece of remnant prairie by being a Partners member.

Story County Conservation will host an open house for Heather on Monday, November 20, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Conservation Center at McFarland Park. Please stop by and congratulate her for being the best naturalist in the nation!

Go to www.mycountyparks.com/County/Story.aspx and click on the “Donations” tab to “Join Today.” Once you become a Partners member, you will receive a promotion code for a 10% discount that you can use for registration and reservation fees (not applicable on campsites, alcohol deposits, or concessions).

Partners are people who care about nature and want to see Story County Conservation achieve its mission .

Partners are people who want to make a difference.

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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. 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

GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR! With the gift of a Story County Conservation Partners membership, a family or individual can enjoy a year of involvement! Recipients will receive a nature-themed magnet, a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and merchandise, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! 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 Dave & Marsha Hegland Debra Bahr Samuel Reid Post #334 Woodruff Construction LLC Mucky Duck Pub Gardening Study Schools

TREES Dave Ballard CROW DIARAMA Ken Huffaker PHOENIX POKE BOAT Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Anderson

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

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

Christine Laumer joins Story County Conservation Board

Christine grew up on a farm in Smithland, Iowa and has had a lifelong interest in preserving natural resources. She moved to Ames/Story County in 2009 and is an Iowa State graduate in Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration. Christine has worked at the ISU Foundation since 2012 and is passionate about work that impacts and brings positive change to others.

She’s interested in being more actively involved in local conservation efforts because of the critical time in environmental protection and wanted to join an organization that encourages communities to experience nature, a key step in drawing attention to human impact on the environment. This – and her non-profit and fundraising background – make her a great fit for our board. She enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and finding new places to explore with their three dogs. If you see her out and about, wave!

Dr. Nancy Franz receives a Governor’s Volunteer Award!

Aside from being our board chair, she’s also our volunteer extraordinaire.

Her commitment and passion are astounding – she is involved in two SCC committees, attends trail workdays, helps plan and lead environmental education workshops, offers unparalleled guidance and expertise in SCC’s volunteer program, and serves as a tremendous advocate for SCC and the natural resources in Story County.

When asked why she so freely gives her time, Nancy replied, “Volunteering fills my soul.” That soul is surely bursting by now and deserves this recognition! We can’t begin to thank Nancy enough for all that she does. We hope to keep her involved for a long, long time.