2018 Winter Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS November 2018 - January 2019

IN THIS ISSUE. . .

Programs & Events................ 2 - 3 Calendar of Events..................... 4 Winter Marathon....................... 5 Conservation Updates........ 6 - 10

Partners Membership............... 11 ROAR Campaign.......................12 Photo by Tana Tesdall

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

NOVEMBER Soap from Scratch

Wed., November 14, 6 - 8:30 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 coldprocess technique, we will combine plant-based oils and lye to create soaps that are mild, moisturizing, and ecofriendly. Each participant will make and take home 1.3 pounds of soap just in time for holiday gift-giving. All materials are provided, but please bring an old towel or blanket to insulate your soap for the ride home. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Fee of $30 with registration is required by 4 p.m. on Monday, November 5.

JANUARY Winter Hikes

Luminary Hike

Tues., December 18 6 - 7:30 p.m. (20 slots) 7:30 - 9 p.m. (20 slots) McFarland Park Let luminaries light your way around McFarland Lake on a special wintry hike. End the experience with hot cocoa by a campfire. In case of snow, snowshoes will be provided (sizes available for ages 8 and up). Hike is self-guided; complete luminary loop is about one mile. Dress in layered, warm clothing appropriate for the weather.

Participants can choose between a 6 - 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 - 9 p.m. slot. Fee of $5 with registration required by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12.

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. 3 - E-18 Greenbelt Access Jan. 10 - Reactor Woods Jan. 17 - Dakins Lake Jan. 24 - McFarland Park Jan. 31 - Robison Wildlife Acres Feb. 7 - Emma McCarthy Lee Park Contact the Outdoor Alliance of Story County with questions at

info@oasco.org

DECEMBER Geocache Elf Hunt

Sat., December 8, 1-3 p.m.

McFarland Park Santa’s helpers have been playing in the park! Kids will learn how to use a GPS and then search the woods to find stockings of goodies and elves hiding nearby. Bring back an elf to claim a special prize! Spots in the hunt are limited so be sure to register early. Be dressed to spend the afternoon outside.

Fee of $5 per collector (children 3 - 14 years old) with registration required by 4 p.m. on Friday, November 30.

Snowshoe Hikes at McFarland Park

Come experience the snowy trails on snowshoes! We will discuss snowshoe sizing and learn techniques to enjoying this ancient method of winter travel.

December 27 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Register by 4 p.m. on December 26

January 11 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Register by 4 p.m. on January 9

February 2 2 - 3 p.m.

Register by 4 p.m. on January 31

These programs are outside, so please dress for the cold Iowa winter. Programs are dependent on snow levels. Fee of $5 with registration is required by deadlines above.

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516 2

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

Don’t forget to take photos for the Annual Photo Contest!

Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks

Sat., January 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

McFarland Park Learn about common animal tracks and scat! Look for clues on the trails to discover what animals inhabit the park. This program is for children ages 5 and up plus their adult. Participants must be dressed to explore outdoors.

Bring a snack and water if you wish.

This program is free, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16.

Wolves, Bears, & Dogsleds: A Northwoods Adventure February 9 - 12, 2019 Ely, Minnesota

Co-sponsored and co-led by Polk and Story County Conservation, this trip will offer adventure in the forests and lakes surrounding Ely, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Activities include trips to the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center, as well as a chance to command your own dogsled team. Registration is handled through Legacy Tour and Travel. Fee: $1,099 per person if registering in pairs (two people sharing one room with either one or two beds) or $1,329 per person if registering on your own. Deposit of $250 is required when booking with final payment due December 18.

Environmental Literature Club Wheatsfield Co-op Community Room

Explore nature cozied up with a good book. Join naturalist Rebekah Beall at 7 p.m. each month to discuss a different book focused on the human relationship with the environment. This club is free, but registration is required by 4 p.m. on January 18.

January 31 Braiding Sweetgrass

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

February 28 The Death and Life of the Great Lakes

by Dan Egan

March 28 The Forest Unseen

by David Haskell

O.W.L.S. Programs 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.

Wednesday, November 7 Working Together: The Outdoor Alliance & Story County Conservation Greg Vitale Hear the ongoing story of one of SCC’s more recent partners, the Outdoor Alliance of Story County.

Menu: carved turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn, dinner roll, and pumpkin pie. Register for lunch by 11/2.

Tuesday, December 4 Discovering Fire: Generation after Generation after Generation Patricia Coffie “It is one story of Iowa, tallgrass prairie to family farms to big cities. Sheffield Cemetery and the old house are still places to visit in Story City, the farm with the replacement barn is near Altoona but private, and the student housing in Iowa City where we had an apartment has been destroyed in a flood. All Iowa history.”

Menu: lasagna, garden salad, breadsticks, and holiday brownie. Register for lunch by 11/30.

Tuesday, January 8 (late due to holiday) Climate for Change Ty Smedes As we experience an exploding human population and rapidly increasing pressure upon remaining habitat, the plant and animal communities that make up our planet’s diverse ecosystems are under siege. Join Ty for a slide presentation and lecture as we discover many spectacular species of wildlife and explore some of our planet’s most wild places.

Menu: soup (broccoli beer cheese, tomato bisque, and chili) and salad bar (variety of dressings and toppings), homemade bread, and Oreo fluff dessert. Register for lunch by 1/4.

3

— CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Date Time Event Location NOVEMBER Thursday, November 1 Monday, November 5 Wednesday, November 7 Monday, November 12 Wednesday, November 14 November 22 - 23

6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

Holiday 6:00 p.m.

Holiday

SCC Partners Meeting SCC Board Meeting O.W.L.S.: Working Together SCC Offices Closed Soap From Scratch SCC Offices Closed

McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park

DECEMBER Tuesday, December 4 Saturday, December 8 Monday, December 10 Tuesday, December 18 Tuesday, December 18 December 24 - 25 Thursday, December 27 Monday, December 31

11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Holiday 10:00 a.m.

Holiday

O.W.L.S.: Discovering Fire Geocache Elf Hunt SCC Board Meeting Luminary Hike (slot 1) Luminary Hike (slot 2) SCC Offices Closed Snowshoe Hike SCC Offices Closing 2 hours early

McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park McFarland Park

McFarland Park

McFarland Park

JANUARY January 1 - March 1 Tuesday, January 1 Holiday Thursday, January 3 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 3 6:30 p.m.

Monday, January 7 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 8 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 10 1:30 p.m.

Friday, January 11 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 17 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 19 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 24 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 31 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 31 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 31 7:00 p.m.

Winter Activity Marathon!

SCC Offices Closed Winter Hike E-18 Greenbelt Access SCC Partners Meeting McFarland Park SCC Board Meeting McFarland Park O.W.L.S.: Climate for Change McFarland Park Winter Hike Reactor Woods Snowshoe Hike McFarland Park Winter Hike Dakins Lake Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks McFarland Park Winter Hike McFarland Park Winter Hike Robison Wildlife Acres Environmental Literature Club: Session 1 Wheatsfield Co-op Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland Park

FEBRUARY Saturday, February 2 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 7 1:30 p.m.

February 9 - 12 Thursday, February 28 7:00 p.m.

Snowshoe Hike McFarland Park Winter Hike Emma McCarthy Lee Park Wolves, Bears, & Dogsleds: A Northwoods Adventure Ely, MN Environmental Literature Club: Session 2 Wheatsfield Co-op

Winter Presentation Series at the Ames Public Library A Partnership between the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, SCC, Ames Historical Society, and Ames Public Library

Winter Skies: Constellations, Stories, and Folklore on January 24, 7:00 p.m.

4

Need to locate one of our parks or areas? View a county map and 911 addresses online.

www.storycountyconservation.org

Beat the Blues

Winter Activity Marathon Challenge:

Complete a full marathon—26 miles!—between January 1 and March 1, 2019. Walk, run, ski, snowshoe, or bike 26 miles outdoors at your own pace, when it works for you and your family. Or play outside for 30 minutes to equal one mile.

Record your mileage on the Mileage Log.

Start:

Pick up your free mileage log at McFarland Park (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) OR download at http://bit.ly/SCCWinterMarathon2019

Finish:

Earn $10 off any Story County Conservation online registrations or reservations (programs, summer camps, camping, and more)!

Return your mileage log to Story County Conservation, by mail (must be received by March 5) to Rebekah Beall, 56461 180th St, Ames, IA 50010, or by email to rbeall@storycountyiowa.gov.

Connect: Use #sccwintermarathon to share your photos and adventures! Visit www.storycountyconservation.org to find events to help complete your miles.

www.storycountyconservation.org 5

— THE LATEST —

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor • Phase 2- Crews have been working diligently on bringing park features to life. The 10-foot wide concrete trails are mostly complete and installation of a permeable, recycled glass surfacing on secondary trails is underway. These trails will take you down to the creek and to several gathering areas. Large rock steps are being installed to allow access in and out of the creeks as well as to the final stormwater pond at the impressive gathering area labeled “the nest.” A series of boardwalks spanning the wetland area is nearly complete and will allow users to cross water in three different locations. Two large shipping containers were recycled to create a seated viewing area and will house benches, stools, and tables for gatherings or meetings. Site amenities, such as picnic tables with solar-powered charging stations and a bike repair station, will be installed soon. Phase 2 construction is scheduled to finish in late 2018.

• Phase 3 - Design work will begin shortly on this trail connector phase. The trail will leave the west side of the park, cross University Boulevard, and occupy the old railroad right-of-way south to 260th Street. From there, the trail is planned to run on ISU property until reaching R-38. Bike lanes on this road will go to Slater where trail users can find trailheads to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail and the High Trestle Trail. Phase 3 is anticipated to be completed in 2019.

Hickory Grove Park Lake Restoration Phase 1, which included gully stabilization, watershed improvements, and shoreline armoring around the lake is complete.

Relaxed fishing regulations went in to effect in July, which lifted bag limits (for full details visit www.storycountyiowa.gov).

A partial drawdown began in August to allow for an archaeological survey prior to in-lake construction. Rainfall has made it difficult to keep the level at 10 feet below full pool, but construction is still anticipated to begin this winter. The lake is expected to remain open to the public until in-lake construction begins, and the south boat ramp should remain usable for medium-sized boats during the partial drawdown.

Partners Member Update Thanks to your support, The Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area is now public land for all to enjoy. You’ll find a plaque in the parking lot acknowledging Partners members and all other donors. Carroll Prairie, a prairie remnant along West Indian Creek northwest of Nevada, will soon be open to the public made possible in part by Partners support. Your membership has helped protect 224 acres of natural area for future generations to enjoy.

Since July 1, Partners has raised $2,780 (12%) of its $24,000 goal towards the new beach house at Hickory Grove Park. We plan to have a Partners tour of the Hickory Grove lake restoration and new beach house construction in the spring.

6

New County Records

Sensitive Natural Areas Inventory Update Dr. Thomas Rosburg, Drake University

European alder

Prairie: The Anderson-Dyas Prairie (formerly referred to as Black’s Prairie), located on State Street south of Ames and just north of Kelley, although small, was easily the most diverse (and least impacted by non-native plants) native prairie surveyed this summer.

A prairie reconstruction located along Templeton Road just north of West Peterson Park was also impressive in terms of size and diversity of prairie plants. Another large prairie reconstruction located just west of Indian Creek Country Club on the south side of Nevada was also notable. A prairie reconstruction and savanna restoration in the far northeast corner of the county presented impressive bur oaks and diverse prairie. Large, savanna remnant oaks (wolf trees) were regularly found throughout the county.

Blue grama

Oriental Lady’s-thumb

Field work began in May 2018 to revisit several hundred acres of the higher quality forests surveyed the previous year with the specific goal of looking for spring ephemerals. Several new county records were discovered (on left), and the following observations were made for the major habitats:

Little mouseeared chickweed

Upland Forest: Portions of the Skunk River Greenbelt (E-18 Access) just south of Story City contained good quality upland forests on steep west-slopes overlooking the South Skunk River. These were characterized by mature oak, shagbark hickory, black maple and American basswood trees and high herbaceous diversity, including blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), meadow parsnip (Thaspium barbinodes), Michigan lily (Lilium michiganense) and beakgrass (Diarrhena obovata). Several large private forest tracts (one just west of Stagecoach Road and one south of Riverside Road near Sleepy Hollow Access) were also impressive in their diversity of mature native trees and rich herbaceous layers (e.g., Michigan lily).

Bottomland Forest: Several extensive bottomland forests along and within the Skunk River Greenbelt (E-18 Access) were quite impressive in terms of large size and diversity of mature, native trees (e.g., black walnut, hackberry, red and American elm, green ash, Kentucky Coffee Tree, American basswood, boxelder, bitternut hickory, honey locust) despite containing too much non-native honeysuckle. A large tract of privately owned bottomland forest on the west side of the South Skunk River, just north of West Peterson Park, was similar in maturity and plant composition to the Skunk River Greenbelt forest described above. An extensive bottomland forest was surveyed along Squaw Creek in northwest Ames. While a bit smaller than the other two bottomland forests, it was somewhat different in composition with conspicuous large silver maple and American sycamores in the canopy.

Wetland: One of the highest quality wetlands encountered was located within the Skunk River Greenbelt (E-18 Access) just west of Interstate 35 and just south of an extensive reed canary wetland. It contained high diversity of wet prairie and wetland plants, including several that are quite scarce in Story County: sweet black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa), swamp lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata) and a sedge (Carex tetanica). Another large wetland south of Nevada is of low to intermediate overall quality due to extensive reed canary grass but contains patches of native wetland plants including the uncommon prairie bulrush (Schoenoplectus heterochaetus).

Wild quinine

Inventory work has been extended through 2019 with the goal of surveying an additional 5,000 acres. A map of areas to be surveyed can be found on our website.

Final findings will be made available upon completion.

Cut-leaf crane’s bill

7 Green bristlegrass (not pictured)

ROLAND WILDLIFE AREA A newly-installed water control structure at Roland Wildlife Area (RWA) is allowing us to perform previously impossible work, meaning big (and positive) changes for the species inhabiting the 80-acre wetland and grassland complex.

Lots of species showed up - barnyardgrass, smartweed, sedges and rushes, milkweed, chordgrass, and other wetland forbs.

We were aware RWA was already a valuable oasis. Breeding bird surveys conducted a few years ago revealed that 15 Species of Greatest Conservation Need and one state threatened species raised young in RWA -- but when it comes to habitat, there is always room for improvement. The control structure allows us to adjust the water level in the wetland, granting new access to areas in need of habitat maintenance. Areas dominated by willows are now suddenly within reach of our equipment. Targeted mowing and herbicide application on some of the willow stands created a nice mosaic of habitat with structural diversity.

A mixture of new plant species quickly appeared following the drawdown. Some won’t remain now that the basin is refilled, but many of these plants will keep on growing, providing additional food and critical winter cover for many species.

It is worth mentioning that not a single seed was planted -- all of this is naturally occurring after being excavated only a short four years ago.

With continued use, visitors can expect to see the full benefits of moist soil management. The resulting diversity will create the mecca that these pothole wetland complexes are meant to be, benefiting both game and non-game species. SCC thanks the NRCS who funded, engineered, designed, and 8 contracted the water control structure system.

175 acres of

prairie, savanna, and riparian habitat

2 linear miles of South Skunk River shoreline

Only $5,000

of the entire $880,000 project came from county’s general fund

Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area 56091 265th Street, Ames

9 Dedicated on August 24, this property is now open and waiting for you to explore. Thank you to all who donated to protect it.

Water We Doing?

“Preserve, protect, restore, and enhance the quality of Story County’s ground water and surface water.”

That is the first goal of the Conservation of Natural Resources and Recreation section (chapter 4) of Story County’s Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C) Plan adopted in 2016. So, water we doing to achieve this goal?

This is the second of a four-part series of articles about Story County Conservation’s efforts in water quality.

Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator Data is handy when it comes to water quality discussions. SCC is partnering with three individuals who received an Iowa State University College of Human Sciences Translational Research Network U-TuRN Grant. Funding from U-TuRN will help augment ongoing targeted monthly water quality testing in the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor watershed. This data will prove the efficacy of the many water quality practices and demonstrations within the park.

Our concern for water quality goes beyond developed parks. The Integration Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program has been working to improve water quality in roadsides and beyond for more than 30 years. Over 1,200 acres of diverse native grasses and forbs have been seeded in construction projects in and along our roadsides. Once established, these native systems, along with the erosion control material used to armor the sites, help to filter water and reduce erosion.

IRVM’s water quality work also extends into private land. Equipment is available for rent along with technical expertise needed to assist landowners in planting waterways, CRP, and other lands which provide permanent cover on the landscape. Approximately 6,550 acres have been seeded by IRVM’s no-till drills and broadcast seeders.

Much of Story County’s land would not be suitable for row crop production without the vast series of tiles and drainage systems in place to regulate water. This offers endless opportunities for IRVM staff to network and assist landowners with water quality practices along the 55 miles of open ditches and hundreds of tile intakes. Installation of saturated buffers, filter strips, and oxbows along these water corridors are ongoing improvements.

Oxbows have recently been restored at the Jennett Heritage Area along West Indian Creek and at the newly acquired Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area along the South Skunk River. These U-shaped wetlands -- now cut off from the modern course of the river that formed them -- can be rich wildlife habitat and help reduce flooding by retaining and filtering surface water.

Care is always taken when it comes to ecosystem management in roadsides, parks, and natural areas alike. The old school method of blanket spraying noxious and invasive plants has been replaced by “wise use” or spot spraying with carefully selected herbicide, trained staff, and calibrated equipment.

Whether through research, citizen science, or on-the-ground efforts, SCC is committed to improving water quality. In the next issue, we’ll elaborate on sampling efforts and assessments.

10

LET’S BUILD A BEACH HOUSE! 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

Help us reach our goal of $24,000 Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help provide a muchneeded updated facility at Hickory Grove Park. 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

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

Address

McFarland Park Shop, Ames

Or, join online! www.mycountyparks.com/ County/Story.aspx

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

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

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

MEMORIAL BENCHES Greg Reimers NESCO Class of 1972 CANOE PADDLES Rob Bohlke

GPS BACKPACK UNIT David Orth DAKINS LAKE FLAGPOLE Story County VVA Chapter 1102

11

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

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

Releasing a pet into the wild is never the right thing to do.

Releasing animals or dumping aquarium or water garden plants into rivers, streams, lakes, and storm sewers can cause harm to the environment and the economy. Released pets may introduce diseases to wildlife or become invasive species. Many plants used in the aquarium trade become invasive species if introduced into a natural system. Some of the most notorious invasive species in the United States were originally sold as pets or plants for water gardens and aquariums.

We know of several local instances where an aquarium has been dumped into a waterbody and the contents have created mini “natural disasters.” The lake at McFarland Park has European Water Clover, and a retention pond in West Ames has not one -- but two -- invasive plants in it: Brazilian Waterweed and Brittle Naiad. In both cases, these aquatic invaders can only be stopped with herbicides, and no one wants to use herbicide in a waterbody.

Several partners came together to form R.O.A.R. with the goal of spreading awareness and providing alternatives to setting pets “free.” Our first rehoming event (an opportunity for pet owners to surrender unwanted pets) took place during Rummage RAMPage in Ames at the end of July. We were pleased to find homes for two fish and a bearded dragon.

Please help us spread the word about responsible pet ownership and local rehoming options. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RehomingOurAnimalsAquariumsResponsibly/

Rehoming Our Animals/Aquariums Responsibly