2020 Spring Prairie Horizons

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS

February - April 2020

IN THIS ISSUE. . .

Programs & Events.................. 2-6 Calendar of Events..................... 7 Mushroom Memories................. 8 The Latest................................ 10 Photo by Larry Reis

Partners Membership................ 11

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

Winter and Wildlife

FEBRUARY

Wednesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m.

Ames Public Library, Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Snakes Alive!

Saturday, February 1, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park February 1 is National Serpent Day. Come celebrate and explore this often misunderstood and feared creature.

Snakes have been a part of human culture since the first stories were told. Uncover the different symbols snakes have portrayed across the world throughout time. Learn about our snake neighbors in Iowa, and meet some real live serpents! This program is free, and there’s no need to register.

Great Backyard Bird Count

Saturday, February 15, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

McFarland Park Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) with Story County Conservation, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Iowa Young Birders. You will learn about the GBBC and what birds to expect this time of year. We’ll cover different types of feeders and children can make their own to take home. Be a citizen scientist and record birds in the park! This program is open to all ages but is designed for ages 7 and up. A limited number of binoculars will be available; feel free to bring your own!

Program fee is $5 per group (groups must consist of at least one adult and no more than four youth) and registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7.

While spring is a time of renewal, summer a time of plenty, and fall a season of transition, winter is a challenging time of hardship and adaptation for Midwestern wildlife. Food and shelter that was seemingly everywhere most of the year is now in short supply as challenging winter weather often endures.

This presentation by Ty Smedes will discuss the many challenges faced by wintering wildlife, and we will view images demonstrating their adaptability and will to survive. This free program is sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation, and the Ames Public Library. Participants to this event are invited to record a story inspired by Iowa’s nature through the Common Ground project. A facilitator will be available in a study room from 8:00-8:45 to record 10 minute stories on a first-come, first-served basis. Find additional opportunities for participation at http://bit.ly/CommonGroundProject.

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516

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

MARCH

N a t i o n a l D a y o f U n p l u g g i n g : Fr i d a y, M a r c h 6 Pause and relearn what life was before there was “an app for that.” According to NationalDayOfUnplugging.com, March 6 is a time to commit to “a 24-hour global respite from technology. It highlights the value of disconnecting from digital devices to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities in real time.” It is no secret that there has been a drastic increase in personal electronic use. U.S. consumers average five hours a day on a mobile device. And new data shows the average smartphone user checks their device 63 times a day. Visit NationalDayOfUnplugging.com and sign the pledge to make a commitment to reconnect through disconnecting.

To show our support, Story County Conservation is offering a series of free programs at McFarland Park to help fill your time and mind during some of the most common times of day that we “plug in.” Without needing to check your phone or computer, there is sure to be some extra time in your routine. No need to register!

Community Coffee 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Come enjoy some coffee and conversation with one of your county naturalists. Recreate a time where phones were not the centerpiece on the table. Relax and reconnect while watching our bird feeders. Coffee, hot tea, and cocoa will be provided.

Lunch and Learn 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

A lunch hour is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new. Come enjoy a discussion about nature unplugged.

Please bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the park -- we’ll be outdoors if weather permits.

Community Campfire 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Campfires have been bringing people together for centuries and have a very calming power. We will tell stories, sing songs, and celebrate the end of the day. You are welcome to stay after the event and enjoy the night! This program will be canceled if there’s inclement weather.

Ames Reads Leopold

Luminary Hike

Join guest readers as we explore the conservation and land ethic writings of Aldo Leopold. His most famous work, A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949, is still popular with naturalists and writers alike. Readers will share essays from this book, his other books, and from other like-minded readers. Participants to this event are invited to record a story inspired by Iowa’s nature through the Common Ground project. A facilitator will be available in a study room throughout the program to record 10 minute stories on a first-come, first-served basis. Find additional opportunities for participation at http://bit.ly/CommonGroundProject.

Let luminaries light your way around McFarland Lake on a special walk to welcome spring. End the experience with cocoa by a campfire. Walk is self-guided; complete luminary loop is about one mile. Dress in layered clothing appropriate for the weather. Participants must arrive by 8:30 p.m.; event ends at 9:00 p.m. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Sunday, March 8, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Ames Public Library, Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Friday, March 20, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

McFarland Park

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Learn to Compost and Vermicompost Thursday, March 26, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Composting and vermicomposting both use natural processes to turn organic material into a dark, rich humus that is great for your soil and garden. Join Cindy Haynes, horticulture specialist and Associate Professor at Iowa State University, as she provides the information and encouragement needed to start backyard composting and vermicomposting at home. Fee of $3 per adult (kids can attend for free) required with registration by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

APRIL Trailgate Party: Adventures in Alaska Sunday, April 5, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Celebrate spring trail season at this trailgate party by learning about Alaska. Emily Stone, Cable Natural History Museum Naturalist and Education Director, Northland College alumni, award winning writer, and Iowa native will share her 2018 Alaska road trip sabbatical. She will share stories about the flora and fauna of this amazing place. An update on the Story County trails right in your backyard will also be provided. This program is free, and there’s no need to register.

Geocache Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

McFarland Park Your family will love this new-age way of hunting eggs.

Join Naturalist Jess Lancial to learn how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to find the Conservation Bunny’s nests of hidden treasures. Collect prizes and candy, and discover some of nature’s wonders along the way. Be sure to keep a watchful eye as you may come across a “golden egg” -- worth a special prize! Spots are limited. Be sure to register early to reserve your spot. Fee of $5 per collector (any child 3 - 14 years old) required with registration by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.

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O.W.L.S. Programs O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) 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 by 4 p.m. on the deadline at storycountyconservation.org or call 515-232-2516.

Tuesday, February 4 Gym-N-Eat Crickets: The Unlikely Adventure of Raising Crickets for Human Consumption Shelby Smith After moving back home to Iowa in October 2017 and helping on the family farm, Shelby was encouraged by her dad to find an obscure niche other than the traditional farming markets of corn and soybeans. By January 2018 she had ordered her first 10,000 crickets, and the rest is history.

Menu: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, and cheesecake. Register and pay for lunch

by January 31.

Tuesday, March 3 The Cats of America: Ancient History and Modern Conservation Dr. Bill Clark, Emeritus Professor, NREM ISU We’ll cover paleological history of cats that once roamed North America, modern cats including endangered and common species, and conclude with conservation challenges including habitat loss, climate change, conflicts, and hunting.

Menu: Soup (choice of broccoli beer cheese, tomato bisque, chili), salad, bread, and mint Oreo fluff. Register and pay for lunch by February 28.

Tuesday, April 7 The Brenton Arboretum: Past, Present, and Future Melissa Burdick, Executive Director Nestled in the heart of Dallas County farmland, The Brenton Arboretum is one of Iowa’s premier botanical collections. Join us for an exploration of The Brenton Arboretum from pioneer farming days, to a seed of an idea in founder Buz Brenton’s imagination, to the stunning cultural attraction it is today. Plus, enjoy a sneak peek at the exciting projects in store for the future of the Arboretum with a glimpse at the newly updated master plan.

Menu: Macaroni & cheese bar (ham & swiss, chicken Marsala, broccoli), green beans, roll, and lemon bar.

Register and pay for lunch by April 3.

VOLUNTEER

View & register for opportunities at storycountyconservation.org Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant plaguing our woodlands. We need YOUR help to get it under control.

Timing of garlic mustard pulling events will depend on the weather -watch our website for opportunities this spring.

TEAM Day

Saturday, April 25, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Christiansen Forest Preserve (55973 310th St., Huxley) Help make improvements to your parks at a TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) Day! We will be cutting brush back along the trails. No prior experience is needed. This workday is intended for those at least 13 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

Common Ground Project Tell the story of your connection to the natural world — building a fort in the woods, catching that monster fish, growing up on the family farm, walking in a prairie, catching sight of a special bird, taking your child hunting for the first time, paddling on the river.

Whatever sparks your love for the land, we are excited to help you record and share those experiences and memories. We hope to show that — despite perceived differences — our common (though unique) experiences in nature are fertile ground for building relationships and coming together to work toward a collective goal: the protection of our natural resources.

Common Ground will collect recorded stories and photos from across the state and create a public archive and exhibit.

You have full control over your submissions to Common Ground and can elect how you wish to have your story and image shared publicly.

Two options are available: 1. Record on your own. Have a conversation with a family member or friend and record it on a phone or computer.

Upload via the website using the provided instructions.

2. Attend a recording event and work with a project facilitator to tell your story. Daytime, evening, and weekend opportunities are available through the support of the Ames Public Library. Find recording event dates on the project website: http://bit.ly/CommonGroundProject. New dates will be added throughout the winter.

Common Ground brings together people of all generations, ages, backgrounds, knowledge bases, places of residence, and political persuasions to give voice in their own words to the important role that the natural world plays in their lives. The project aims to help people not only acknowledge their own connections to the natural world, but also build relationships with others who feel the same.

Common Ground is a project of the Iowa Association of Naturalists and supported in our county by Story County Conservation and the Ames Public Library.

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Thousands of people come together over one weekend each year in the name of science. In 2020 this weekend is February 14-17. Bird populations do not stand still; they are constantly moving, and an army of citizen scientists can do a much better job recording the movement than just one or two bird scientists. This event is called the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), and YOU can be a citizen scientist and help track bird populations.

The information that you collect is combined with information from other citizen science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count or Project FeederWatch, to get a big picture of what is happening to bird populations. The data collected in the twenty-one years of the GBBC is very meaningful because it can show things such as how weather and climate change can influence bird populations.

Doing your own observing from home is easy. It takes only fifteen minutes of observation on one of the four days, a few more minutes to submit your information online, and that is all! You are free to observe as long as you want, and on as many of those four days as you want, but fifteen minutes is all it takes to contribute. Visit the website for more information at https://gbbc.birdcount.org.

We’re teaming up with Wild Birds Unlimited and Iowa Young Birders to hold a GBBC celebration on February 15 at McFarland Park, full of information and activities! Find more program info on page 2 of this newsletter.

Check out Park Packs this spring at the Ames Public Library

These nature exploration backpacks are filled with fun tools, activities, and field guides (selected by a Story County Conservation naturalist) to help families discover nature in their local parks. Families can choose from five topics: animals, birds, insects, pond and creek, or pollinators.

The packs also include resources for finding Story County Conservation or City of Ames parks to explore. Search “park pack” in the catalog, or click Special Collections under the Books, Movies & More tab on the Ames Public Library homepage.

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Many thanks to the Ames Public Library for including Story County Conservation as a partner on this project and to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation for funding the purchase of all materials.

Due to scheduling conflicts, environmental literature is taking a break. We hope it will return next winter.

— CALENDAR OF EVENTS — Date Time Event Location FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 1 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, February 4 11:00 a.m.

Monday, February 10 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb 12 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15 9:00 a.m.

Monday, February 17 Wednesday, Feb. 19 7:00 p.m.

MARCH

Tuesday, March 3 Friday, March 6 Friday, March 6 Friday, March 6 Sunday, March 8 Monday, March 9 Monday, March 9 Thursday, March 12 Friday, March 20 Thursday, March 26

APRIL

Thursday, April 2 Sunday, April 5 Tuesday, April 7 Saturday, April 11 Monday, April 13 Saturday, April 25 Thursday, April 30

Snakes Alive!

Conservation Center O.W.L.S.: Gym-N-Eat Crickets Conservation Center SCC Board Meeting

Conservation Center Common Ground Recording Session Ames Public Library Common Ground Recording Session Ames Public Library Great Backyard Bird Count McFarland Park SCC offices closed Winter and Wildlife Ames Public Library

11:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

O.W.L.S.: The Cats of America National Day of Unplugging: Community Coffee National Day of Unplugging: Lunch and Learn National Day of Unplugging: Community Campfire Ames Reads Leopold Common Ground Recording Session Story County Conservation Board Meeting Common Ground Recording Session Luminary Hike Learn to Compost and Vermicompost

Conservation Center Conservation Center McFarland Park McFarland Park Ames Public Library Ames Public Library Conservation Center Ames Public Library McFarland Park Conservation Center

6:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Conservation Center Trailgate Party: Adventures in Alaska Conservation Center O.W.L.S.: The Brenton Arboretum Conservation Center Geocache Egg Hunt McFarland Park Story County Conservation Board Meeting Conservation Center TEAM Day Christiansen Forest Preserve Story County Trails Committee Meeting McFarland Park Shop 7

Oftentimes the heralds of spring are the return of our migrant birds, the emergence of flowers, or the anticipation of the spring turkey hunt. But for many Iowans like myself, the coming of spring has us fevering for one thing -- morel mushrooms! This finicky fungus is Iowa’s most famous spring ephemeral, and because of it’s delicious woody flavor and limited growing season, it has a very competitive market (a licensed forager can average $40-$80 per pound.) For me, mushroom hunting in the spring holds a different value -- tradition.

Every year growing up as a child I would watch our lilac bushes with eager anticipation; I was taught that when the bushes produced their fragrant purple flowers and the oak leaves were the “size of a squirrel’s ear,” it was time to hit the woods. We would wait to go after a good rain and when the sun was warm, “to allow the mushrooms to pop.” I would be the first to race into the woods determined to find the first mushroom. Like any eager kid, I would frantically circle trees and rush around shuffling my feet to plow away the leafy underbrush. I would battle the multiflora rose that tangled around my feet and tripped me to the ground. After I was certain that we had been searching for “hoooooours” I would pout and proclaim defeat. “There aren’t any mushrooms!”

My dad without lifting his gaze from the forest floor would offer one simple reply, “Be patient, slow down, you are moving too fast.” Even in the 80s before Forest Bathing was ever a craze, my parents were teaching me a lesson in mindfulness. I would then visualize the mushroom, which reminded me of a brain, and sniff the air taking in the forest’s scent of moist decaying logs and fresh blooming wildflowers, and slowly scan the forest floor ahead of me. Then in the corner of my eye, I would spot the grey conical shape glistening in the sun -- a morel mushroom. “I found one!” I let the whole forest know. The “little grey” (Morchella esculenta) is the early-season stage of the yellow morel mushroom.

When you find a little grey, you never let it leave your

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sight as it easily camouflages and disappears into the forest floor. In its last stages, it can become as huge as an ice-cream cone, making it much easier to spot. I would slowly approach the mushroom and just as my parents had taught me, inspect to make sure it wasn’t rotting or sun burned. Then I would pinch the stalk and shake it so the tiny spores could sprinkle onto the dirt below. I’d stay put to scan the forest floor around me. “When you find one, there’s usually more,” my dad would tell me. Sure enough, peeking from the leaves and greenery, there would be another, then another, and another -- a true treasure hunt.

At the end of the hunt, I would lift my onion sack and show my parents its heftiness. Since I was closer to the ground, mushrooms were easier for me to spot, and I often out-hunted my parents. I would show off my cuts from the raspberry and multiflora rose bushes with which I’d gone to war. “Battle wounds,” my father would call them. In some ways, mushroom hunting did feel like a battle of the elements -- crawling under branches, climbing over logs, scurrying up and down hills. By the time we’d make it back to the car I was exhausted, but it was all worth it as we’d imagine the feast that was to come. At dinner we would gorge ourselves to almost sickness, and with the rich and buttery mushroom flavor still lingering on our tongues, we’d discuss where we would search tomorrow. We would talk about needing more rain and more sun. I would watch the meteorologist on the news, hopeful he would announce ideal weather.

I learned words like “overnight temps” and that if they were over 40 degrees that was good, but as soon as “day time temps” got over 80 degrees, it would be too hot for the morels to continue to grow, and the season would be shortened.

As a general rule in Iowa, start looking for morels in early April, and then continue to hunt through mid-May.

As I grew older, I learned other hunting strategies and shared them with others. I paid attention to the direction of the sun, concentrating on westward and southward facing slopes where soil temperatures would be warmer. Disturbed areas, clear cuts, and wildfire burns tended to boom morel growth. Certain trees like ashes, oaks, sycamores, hickory, apple trees, and dying elms were great places to check. I started to notice other mushrooms in the forest, such as the poisonous false morel mushroom (Gyromitra fastigiata) and taught inexperienced mushroom hunters how to tell the difference (cut the mushrooms down the center; the edible species is hollow inside, and the inedible is solid throughout.) My growing knowledge-base budded an interest in learning what else I could forage from the forest, and soon I began picking things like fiddle head ferns and fresh pheasant backs (Polyporus squamosus, which if collected while young and tender, have a sweet flavor and smell like watermelon rind.) To this day, I continue to try new wild edibles and test new recipes; there’s so much to learn.

Jess Lancial has been a naturalist with SCC since 2012. She loves to kayak, backpack, hike, cave, collect rocks and artifacts (especially geodes), and would be happy to answer your mushroom questions.

As I reflect on the many years of our spring tradition, it is easy to see how mushroom hunting had a role in shaping who I am today and the career I have chosen. Morel mushroom hunting was one of the first things to spark my desire and connection with nature. It was a gateway to learning awareness of my surroundings and instilled a deep desire to learn what was in my woods and the connection between plants, animals, and humans. The time spent in the woods taught me patience, observation, how to be still, and how to balance the emotions of anticipation, expectation, and sometimes disappointment. These are lessons that cannot be taught but are only gained through the experience itself. Now as I take to the woods with the youngsters in my life, I watch the same journey unfold for them with familiar excitement, curiosity, and frustration. I think of my father who hunts with me now only in spirit and feel grateful for the parents who knew the value of getting me away from the screen and into the outdoors. I invite you to start your own tradition this spring.

Tired of the same old pan-fried morels? Jess recommends this tasty recipe from feastingathome.com:

Spring Pasta Salad with Asparagus, Morels & Lemon Parsley Dressing

• 8 ounces pasta • 1–2 tablespoon olive oil • 1 shallot, finely chopped • 6 ounces morel mushrooms, sliced • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (2–3 cups) • salt and pepper • 1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped • 5 scallions, chopped Dressing: • zest of one small lemon, plus 1–2 tablespoons juice • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 clove garlic, finely minced • ¾ teaspoon salt • fresh cracked pepper • grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese

1. Cook pasta according to directions.

2. Finely chop the shallot and prep the mushrooms (cut the morels in half or bite size pieces.)

3. Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat, add shallot and cook 3 minutes, until fragrant. Add mushrooms, season with salt and stir occasionally until lightly cooked, about 5 minutes. Set aside and saute the asparagus, seasoning again with salt, and cook just until tender and bright green.

4. Drain the pasta and place in a bowl.

5. Top with the mushrooms, asparagus, chopped parsley, and scallions.

6. Add the lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice. Add garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss well to combine.

Taste, adding more lemon juice or salt if you like.

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— THE LATEST —

Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects Christiansen Forest Preserve We’ve been working to restore oak savanna habitat at Christiansen Forest Preserve near Huxley. An oak savanna is a fire-dependent ecosystem containing scattered, opengrown trees with prairie species beneath; this habitat once dominated Iowa and many of our most vulnerable plants, animals, and insects depend on it. Over the years, undesirable and invasive shrubs and trees overtook the park. We have been using a variety of management techniques to remove select species. The latest work was a partnership with Conservation Corps of Iowa to strategically remove the larger trees and shrubs. The goal is for more sunlight to reach the woodland floor, allowing species such as oak, shagbark hickory, grasses, and forbs a chance to grow, and restoring the balance of the ecosystem as a whole. Join us in observing how the landscape is healing next time you visit.

Oak savannas are the preferred habitat of species like the red-headed woodpecker or the Indiana bat.

Praeri Rail Trail The paving project along the Praeri Rail Trail in Zearing has been postponed until the spring of 2020. Wet and cold weather ultimately put a halt to its progression for the 2019 season. Work will resume once it begins to warm up and drier weather prevails.

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Partners Membership Program Partners meetings will now be held quarterly (the first Thursday of January, April, July, and October) in the Story County Conservation Center at 6:30 p.m. We discuss projects and fundraising efforts, events for Partners members, and requests for youth service project funding.

Did you know $3,000 in membership funds are set aside each year to fund youth projects in county parks?

Keep tabs on what your membership dollars are doing by visiting storycountyconservation.org, scroll down to the Partners Membership Program section, and click on “subscribe to receive agendas and minutes when they are posted.”

This year Partners fundraising efforts will help build a cabin at Dakins Lake. So far you have contributed $6,560 (27%) towards our goal of $24,000. A Partners membership is a simple way to support the local conservation efforts that you and your family will enjoy.

Dillon Schmidt Joins SCC I grew up in central Iowa in the small town of Ogden. Ever since I was a child, I have always had a curiosity for natural resources and a love for the outdoors. My family home consists of 50 acres where I have spent the majority of my life hunting and trapping the timber with my father. My fiancé, Charli, and I enjoy similar hobbies including hunting, fishing, trapping, and hiking whenever we get the chance. Degrees in environmental science and forestry coupled with prior work experience at Ledges State Park and the 4-H camp in Madrid have prepared me well for my new role as Conservation Technician. I am looking forward to helping manage the natural resources at the many locations that Story County oversees.

BOARD & STAFF Conservation Board

Craig Meyers, Chair Christine Laumer, Vice Chair Dr. Nancy Franz, Secretary Dr. Jim Pease, Member Ted Tedesco, Member Linda Murken, Ex Officio Member

Conservation Staff Conservation Center, Ames

HELP BUILD A SUSTAINABLE CABIN! Help us reach our goal of $24,000 Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help build a sustainable cabin at Dakins Lake. 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 Marianne Harrelson, Financial Data Manager Elizabeth Jackson, 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

Brandon Clough, Trails/Natural Resources Technician Joe Hill, Conservation Technician Dillon Schmidt, Conservation Technician

City State

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

Hickory Grove Shop, Colo

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

Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger Beau Hoppe, Conservation Technician Nick Keefer, Conservation Technician Vacant, Natural Resource Specialist

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.

Zip

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY CASH DONATIONS Mary K. Abbott and Mary Jane Long in memory of Alan Abbott John Riveiro, Barbara and Philip Schendel, and Virginia Shenk in memory of James Cue Great Ames Adventure Race in memory of Dennis Jones ITC Midwest Outdoor Alliance of Story County

IOWA OUTDOORS SUBSCRIPTION Dr. Jim Pease COLLECTION OF NATURE PHOTOS AND ARTWORK Don Wall NATURE ARTWORK Shirley Riney

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

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