Programs & Events

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

Brrrrds Friday, November 6 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. McFarland Park Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks Tuesday, January 26 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. McFarland Park

Explore nature as it gets ready for winter with a special focus on birds. A naturalist will provide an introduction and activities to inspire discovery and investigation in the park; activities are geared toward lower elementary grades. Dress to be outdoors for the entire program. Free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Group registrations are limited to 4 people, and at least one adult must be present with each group. Canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Winter Survival Wednesday, December 16 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. McFarland Park

up, plus their adult. Please dress to explore outdoors. This program is free, but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24.

Environmental Literature Club Tentatively over Zoom

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 (book purchase or checkout from library is on your own), but registration is required by 4 p.m. on January 15. Do you have the skills it takes to be a successful winter survivalist? Participants will be challenged to build shelters, light fires, and more. Wear proper winter attire (dress in layers) as we will be outside the entire time. Fee is $10 per group (groups are limited to 5 people with at least one adult present), and registration is required by

Join naturalist Jess Lancial as we learn about common animal tracks and scat. We will look for clues around McFarland Park trails to help us discover animal inhabitants. This program is designed for children ages 5 and

4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9.

January 26

Crow Planet by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

February 23

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal

March 23

Rising by Elizabeth Rush

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION 515.232.2516

Activities all winter long!

SCC Winter Marathon January 1 - March 1

Challenge yourself to complete a full marathon — 26 miles! — between January 1 and March 1. 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, available at McFarland Park or download at http://bit.ly/SCCWinterMarathon2021. Turn in your completed log to win a discount on Story County Conservation online registrations or rentals.

Winter Hikes

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). Cold, wind, snow, rain, and ice are all possible! Hikes will go on as long as the roads are safe to drive. These hikes are free but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to each hike. Contact the Outdoor Alliance of Story County with questions at info@oasco.org.

Jan. 7 - Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area Jan. 14 - E-18 Greenbelt Trail Jan. 21 - Soper’s Mill Jan. 28 - McFarland Park

Snowshoe Hikes

Come and experience the beauty of winter on our snowy trails using snowshoes! We will discuss snowshoe sizing and learn techniques to enjoy this ancient method of winter travel. Join a naturalist for some fun exercise and peace in nature.

Locations and timing will be dependent on snow levels, so we aren’t scheduling these hikes just yet. Watch our website and social media for opportunities. Hikes will typically last one hour. Dress for the cold Iowa winter.

Need to locate one of our parks or areas? You can view individual maps and 911 addresses online. www.storycountyconservation.org

One positive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been an increase in people getting outdoors. Whether walking on a paved trail or wading through waist-high prairie, many people have reconnected or made new connections with outdoor activities and are discovering “new” parks close to home to enjoy. When this pandemic is over, our hope is that people will not abandon these new connections. One way to strengthen your connection is through financial support. Story County Conservation has several land projects in the works. A Partners membership will help us add 35 acres of native tallgrass prairie, wetlands, and floodplain timber along the Skunk River to your list of new areas to enjoy. In the first two months of this fiscal year you have contributed $1,835 towards our goal of $24,000. Thank you and please help spread the word about Partners so we can reach our goal.