2015 Spring Prairie Horizons

Prairie HorizonsFebruary 2015 - April 2015

In this issue...

Public ProgramsPages 2-3

Partners Photo ContestPage 4

Partners Membership RecognitionPages 6 & 9

Calendar of Events Page 7

Map of SCC AreasPage 8

Conservation Updates Pages 5, 10-13

Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors

Page 14

Follow the Dakins Lake Project ONLINE!

http://bit.ly/dakinslake

www.facebook.com/storycountyconservation

Featuring music by The Runkels. Plenty to do for the whole family including displays, crafts, canoeing, and solar viewing.

Mark your calendars!

“To Bee Or Not To Bee” McFarland Park

Sunday, May 3, 2015 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Join SCC Partners to learn

everything you need to know about pollinators and how we

can help them!

Story County Conservation is working towards providing on-line registrations and payments through mycountyparks.com in the next few months.

SCC has had a limited presence on the Iowa Association of County Conservation Board’s website, but plans to utilize

mycountyparks.com to provide a more convenient and efficient method to register for programs and rent shelters by summer. Note: No changes to the self-registration process in our campgrounds are planned at this time.

Watch for more details on our website this spring!

Partners Spring Festival

On-line Registrations and Payment Available Soon!

NEW!

2 Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events

Spring Programs and Events

• Fees/registration are not required unless noted.• To register for a program, call 515-232-2516 or email [email protected]. • Refunds will not be issued after the registration deadline. If there isn’t a registration deadline, refunds will be issued up to one week prior to the program or event.• Programs and events may be cancelled if there are extreme weather conditions or if the minimum number of registered participants is not met.

Shoes and SoupThursday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Come out to the park for a brief snowshoeing tutorial, followed by a naturalist-lead snowshoe hike with time to explore on your own. Complete the evening with a warm bowl of soup! There is a limited number of showshoes, so register early! Fee of $15 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13.

WildTots: Caving KidsSaturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Let your wild tot explore “caves” through a series of activities, crafts, and a snack. This program is for children (ages 2-4) plus their adult. Fee of $5 per child with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19.

Writing NaturallySaturday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Break out paper, pencil, and creativity to write your experiences in nature. Interact in a group with writers from the staff of Flyway, a journal of writing and the environment. Then gain tips and confidence for writing your own stories with SCC Naturalist (and writer) Rebekah Beall. Both beginning and experienced participants are welcomed and encouraged! Fee of $7 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27.

WhittlingTuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Join instructors Larry Mitchell and Art Mann for an evening of whittling fun! Learn about whittling lore and techniques with time for hands-on experience in carving green wood. Let your creative juices flow and make letter openers, butter spreaders, utensils, and more. Beverages and snacks are provided. Bring a sharp knife, gloves, and thumb guard if you have one. Fee of $10 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Volunteer with SCC! Did you know that many of our programs

require help from volunteers?

Contact Outreach Coordinator Erica Eaves by email at [email protected]

or by phone at (515) 598-4761

To register for a program, call our office at (515) 232-2516 or

email us at [email protected].

3www.storycountyconservation.org

Geocache Egg HuntSaturday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Story County Conservation Center, 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, collecting prizes and candy along the way! Be sure to keep an eye out for the “golden egg” containing special giveaways. Space is limited, so register early! Fee of $5 per collector (any child 3-14 years old) with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

Soapmaking 101 Workshop: Soap from ScratchSaturday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Explore the art and science of making handcrafted soap from scratch with Ann Staudt, Siberian Soap Company owner! Using the centuries-old cold-process soapmaking technique, students will combine plant-based oils and lye to create soaps that are mild, moisturizing, and eco-friendly. Each participant will take home a 1.3 pound custom batch of soap! We ask that participants be 16 years or older. Fee of $25 with registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3.

TEAM Day Saturday, April 18, 1:00 p.m. McFarland Park

Be a part of our TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) to help make improvements to Story County’s trail system. All volunteers are asked to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves and bring a water bottle. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended. Registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

Spring Wildflower HikeSaturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Robison Wildlife Acres (29490 632nd Ave., Nevada)

Come and hike through Robison Wildlife Acres. The beautiful woodland wildflowers are some of the best of all of Story County Conservation’s areas. Look for the many signs of spring and learn about the restoration projects taking place in the park. This is a moderate hike suitable for families with small children. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. You may also want to bring binoculars and water. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled. Registration required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

Programs & Events

Summer 2015 Nature Camps

Summer is just around the corner! Each year, SCC offers several outdoor experiences for

youth. Week-long, half-day Nature Camps are provided for pre-schoolers and early elementary age groups, while FLOAT (Fun Loving Outdoor Adventure Team) camps teach older children outdoor skills including camping, canoeing, caving, and backpacking. Registration will

tentatively begin April 13. Watch our website and Facebook page for updates on when

registration will open and for more information and dates.


Do you enjoy taking pictures in Story County Parks? Story County Conservation Partners sponsors an annual photo contest to encourage the public to visit and photograph the beauty and recreational activities in SCC parks and natural areas. The contest is open to amateur photographers only.

The categories are different this year! Enter images that fit the following Partners contest categories:

A. Landscape - These photos must be taken in Story County Conservation parks and areas. Photos may include structures.

B. Flora and Fungi - Photos of specific plants or fungi. They can be taken from a distance or close-up (either macro or micro). These shots may be taken in areas outside of SCC parks. Photographs of non-native plants will not be accepted.

C. Fauna - Photos of specific animals. They can be taken from a distance or close-up (either macro or micro). These shots may be taken in areas outside of SCC parks. Photographs of non-native animals will not be accepted. Please do not include portraits of pets, domestic animals, or captive animals in game farms.

D. Connecting People and Recreation - These are photos of people enjoying Story County Conservation areas. These photos must be taken in Story County Conservation parks and areas. This category gets the fewest entries but is very useful for SCC’s digital library. Consider photographing your family and friends while they hike, picnic, cross-country ski, snowshoe, fish, canoe, bike, run, hunt, or camp. School field trips and public events are also great opportunities for photos.

Remember: Photos entered in categories A and D must be taken on properties owned or managed by SCC. You can find a map of all Story County Parks and Areas on page 8.

A complete list of rules is available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. The entry form may be reproduced. Photographers retain all rights to their images except for use by Story County Conservation.

Contest photos may be submitted March 9-27. Prizes will be awarded at the Partners Spring Festival. Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/storycountyconservation.

Programs & Events

Name ____________________________________Address ___________________________________________________________________________Phone Number ____________________________Email ___________________________________

Photo Location ___________________________Title ____________________________________

Category (check one):__ A. Landscape__ B. Flora and Fungi__ C. Fauna__ D. Connecting People and Recreation

Age Bracket (check one):__ Adult (over 18 years of age)__ Youth (under 18 years of age)

Partners Photo Contest2015 Entry Form

SCC Partners Photo Contest Entries Due in March

2014 Winning Photo by Bret Johnson


Conservation Updates

Last fall, SCC began work on a 20-year comprehensive recreation and natural resources plan. The goal is to create a tool that will guide recreational development and natural resource protection in Story County in the coming decades.

While the plan will focus mostly on unincorporated areas, it will also reflect what each community is currently doing and their future plans. We will also survey neighboring counties’ plans to make sure we have a coordinated regional vision. We are very fortunate to have a donor who provided funding for two interns this fall. Two students in the Landscape Architecture Department at Iowa State University have been busy compiling information that we will use as we work with stakeholders and give presentations at public meetings. Then the fun part begins. Everyone will have a chance to help us create a plan worthy of Story County, our wonderful communities, and our outstanding citizens. You can expect to see invitations to these meetings soon. If you or your organization would like to be included in meetings or updates about the plan, please contact our office.

Recreation and Natural Resource Plan

“Working with Story County Conservation on the trails and recreation plan has been extremely enlightening. I have had the opportunity to see the level of detail and care that goes into planning a project of this size. It has been most interesting to meet a variety of individuals and organizations that Story County Conservation collaborates with, who are in support of this plan. As we continue moving forward with the project, I hope to see it gain similar support from the community.” -Morgan Harty, Intern

Donate to the Chickadee Check-off this tax season and support

wildlife conservation in Iowa!

On March 26, 2015 at 7 p.m., Dr. Jim Pease will give a presentation on “Partnering for Conservation” at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park. Jim will talk about strategic needs of Story County Conservation and the value of partnering with other groups to successfully meet those needs. Jim will be introducing board members of the Outdoor Alliance of Story County. Those board members are John Pohlman, Diane Birt, Linda Zaletel, and Greg Vitale.

The Outdoor Alliance is a new organization that is working to become a strong partner in helping fund conservation projects. Its mission is to enhance outdoor recreation, education, and conservation opportunities in Story County. There will be discussion and information with opportunities to partner with the Alliance in their efforts. Light appetizers and desserts will be provided.

Partnering for Conservation

“My experience so far as an intern with Story County Conservation has expanded my knowledge of trail and park development and allowed me to explore my interests within my discipline more than I could have imagined as a student. Trail development and design has become a large focus of my education and I feel very fortunate to be able to work with Story County Conservation to further plan trail development in the county. I am excited to continue our efforts to create a comprehensive trail development plan that will connect people to significant places across the county.” -Dylan Schroeder, Intern


Red-Tailed Hawk($1000 or more)

Al & Sue Ravenscroft

Great Blue Heron($275 - $999)

A Friend of SCCVi Baker

David Hade & Delora Jespersen HadeJanet & John Kazwell

Art KetelsenGeorge & Marlys Ladd

Marilyn LekwaPatricia MurphyWilliam Runyan

Mary WausonKaren & Gary Youngberg

Red Fox($125 - $274)

A Friend of SCCLori Biederman & David Peterson

In Loving Memory of Betty BielenbergRenate & Dieter DellmannRick Dietz & Carol Hansell

Janet & Philip Dixon Delphine DouglassScott & Sue Draper

Frevert Family Farms LLCBarbara & Jim Gohman

Phil HahnPhyllis Heffron

Joyce & Scott HornsteinTom & Cathy Kaspar

Janet & Erv KlaasRandy & Beth LarabeeMichael & Debbie Lee

Helen McRobertsMichael & Linda Meetz

Wolfgang, Lesia, & Annamarie OesterreichRosemarry & David OsheimEleanor & Wayne Ostendorf

George & Trish PatrickKevin & Lynn Peterson

John PohlmanKeith & June Rhoades

Pat & Tom Sauer & FamilySusan & David Siev

Karsten & Sharon SmedalC. Stassis

Roy & Kathryn StrasburgMichelle Ward & Kimball Olson

Donald & Kay WallJoan Welch

Kathy Wiederin

Goldfinch($70 - $124)

Barb & Jack AdamsDanelda Allen

Kris August & Radford DavisRoger & Kay BergerJoyce & Rod Brink

Clifford & Claudia DalbeyBob & Carol DeppeBart & Jane Dupuis

Bruce & Marlene EhresmanJohn GreveSally Greve

Wade & Pamela HelferCindy Hildebrand

Bill HorinePatty & Dan Huisenga

Huxley Parks & Rec DepartmentAllen & Joy Lang

Brooks & Alesha LofstedtJan Mabe

Donald & Joan MathewsEleanor Mathews

Robin McNeelyReuben & Joslin Peters

Ralph & Teresa RosenbergLorna & Mike Sellberg & Family

Willie StrussRuth & Clayton Swenson

Joe & Barb TootAudrey Upah

Gregory Vitale & Flo HamrickRuth Walker

Denise WarrinerMark Widrlechner

Web Wilke & Marjorie Smith


With GratitudeStory County Conservation would like to offer a heartfelt

thank you to our 2014 Partners members. We would not be able to carry out our mission without your valuable support!


Calendar of EventsDate Time Event Location

FEBRUARY 2015Tuesday, Feb. 3 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: The Bears of Katmai McFMonday, Feb. 9 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFMonday, Feb. 16 Holiday Story County Conservation Offices ClosedThursday, Feb. 19 5:30 p.m. Shoes and Soup McFSaturday, Feb. 21 10:00 a.m. WildTots: Caving Kids McFSaturday, Feb. 21 7:00 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Searching for Dark Matter McFThursday, Feb. 26 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McF

MARCH 2015Tuesday, March 3 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Emerald Ash Borer: It is in Iowa. Now what? McFThursday, March 5 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Partners Meeting APLSaturday, March 7 2:00 p.m. Writing Naturally McFMonday, March 9 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFSaturday, March 21 7:00 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Messier Catalog McFTuesday, March 24 7:00 p.m. Whittling McFThursday, March 26 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFSThursday, March 26 7:00 p.m. Outdoor Alliance Meeting: Partnering for Conservation McF

APRIL 2015Saturday, April 4 10:00 a.m. Geocache Egg Hunt McFTuesday, April 7 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Winter Birding at Sax-Zim Bog in Northern Minnesota McFSaturday, April 11 9:30 a.m. Soapmaking 101 Workshop: Soap From Scratch McFMonday, April 13 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFSaturday, April 18 1:00 p.m. TEAM (Trail Enhacement and Management) Day McFSaturday, April 18 7:00 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Astronomy Day Program McFThursday, April 30 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McF

MAY 2015 *Sneak Peek*Saturday, May 2 10:00 a.m. Spring Wildflower Hike RWASunday, May 3 2:00 p.m. Partners Spring Festival McF

McF = McFarland Park McFS = McFarland Shop RWA = Robison Wildlife Acres APL = Ames Public Library

Sign up for the electronic version of Prairie Horizons!

Help SCC save resources by requesting our e-version of the newsletter. To change delivery method, email [email protected] with a current email address.

Stay connected with SCC


Story County Conservation Map

Having trouble locating one of our parks or areas? Remember that you can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.

All information is listed under the “Parks & Trails” subpage. www.storycountyconservation.org



Otter(Family: $35 - $69)

James Andrews & Margaret LaWareNancy & Jon Applequist

Karen Bates & David BrownLynn & Michael Bond

George Burnet & Martha AndersonMarie CarlsonJean Carman

Floyd & Ana ChristoffersonPaul Clark & Donna Starck

John & Judy ClemJim & Nancy Clough

Stan & Sue CrullJames Cue

Diane & Mike DawsonGary & Laura DealThe Derrick Family

Galen & Linda DrennanAmy Edmonds

David & Jeanne EdwardsScott & Tracy EllingsonDon & Eugenia Farrar

Leonard & Patricia FoleyMelody Franje

Ray & Karen GerkeDean Girard

Wayne & Cindy HauberLaurie Henry

Rick & Andrea HillLee & Gayle Huey

Maridel & Walter JacksonBruce, Diane, Bryleigh, Bram & Ilona Janvrin

Susan JasperJohn & Rose Marie Kluge

Bill & Laura La GrangeJulie Larson & Ed, Emily & Hannah Engle

Robert & Maxine LekwaSteve & Sue LekwaRon & Roni Lessard

Matt & Jessica LoeckeDoug & Melinda Luzbetak

Frank & Judy MalyLondell & Karen Mannes

John Mathews

Laura Merrick & Matt LiebmanRay & Eleanor Moeckly

Lonna Nachtigal & Joe LynchGregory & Diane Nelson

Jim & Frankee OlesonBryon & Jennifer Olson

Marc & Amber OlsonJim & Cindy Pease

Jay & Diana PetersonJean Peterson

Allan PotterJames Pritchard

Gene & Mary RasmussenTim, Robyn, Kenton, & Landra Reece

Dale & Cindy RuighLeo & Betty Schneider

Lynette SpicerTrish & Ray Strah

Curt & Liam Struck & Megan FairallBob & Deanne Summerfelt

Craig & Julie SutherlandMike Swanson

Meg & John TaitTed & Joanie TedescoJeff & Cheri Thieleke

Jimmie & Nancy ThompsonDerral & Anna Tressler

Karleen UitermarkLynne & Richard Van Valin

Gwen WardJanet Warg

Marlene & Bill WeisshaarJulia & David Wilson

Great Horned Owl(Individual: $30)

Jamie BeyerM Burton Drexler

Tom GustHoward Hammond

Patricia HopkinsNathan Kemperman

Marianne KlinskyLisa Ladd

Evan MillerJami Mirka

Kermit MoldeMarlys MooreJill Mortensen

Sarah NostwichLouise O’Donnell

Lou RichertThomas ScottJaye Stefani

Teresa TestroetLinda Zaletel

Get involved in the Partners Advisory Group

Want to have a more hands-on role in Story County Conservation? Join the SCC Partners Advisory Group! Advisory members help designate Partners funds toward projects and plan activities like the fall and spring festivals. Meetingsare held every other month, and all Partners members are welcome.If you’re interested, contact Special Projects Ranger Carol Williams at [email protected].

Our next meeting is March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ames Public Library.



A WIRB (Watershed Improvement Review Board) grant was received in July to improve water quality at Hickory Grove Lake. The grant will fund practices on private property to reduce nutrient loading into the lake, specifically reducing levels of E. coli bacteria in the water. Two projects are outlined in the grant: upgrading nine unpermitted septic systems in the lake’s watershed, and excluding cattle from a stream. Hickory Grove Lake was placed on the Iowa Impaired Waters list in 2008 because of high levels of E. coli bacteria. Pinpointing the exact cause of the bacteria in the water is difficult at best; therefore, we are focusing our efforts on every possible culprit including septic systems, livestock, and Canada Geese.

Margaret Jaynes, Environmental Health Department Director, has been working with homeowners in the watershed to upgrade septic systems. The grant provides 50 percent cost-share to bring unpermitted septic systems up to code. To date, three septic systems have been replaced, and six more are funded through the grant. A failing septic system not only releases E. coli bacteria, it also releases an estimated 12.5 pounds of phosphorus per year. Excessive phosphorus in a water body can lead to algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen.

Livestock in waterways contribute not only E. coli but can cause excessive sediment (soil) to be washed

into the lake as shown in the picture above. Grant funds will restore and stabilize the stream channel and provide fencing to exclude the cattle from entering it. Cattle are not the only cause of sediment entering the lake. Several gullies inside of Hickory Grove Park have severe erosion problems. Story County Conservation staff are working to correct the gullies by removing invasive species from them and returning native vegetation to hold the soil in place.

WIRB grants are funded through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and support projects that improve water quality and reduce flooding. In 2014, six grant projects across the state were chosen to be funded, including Hickory Grove Lake. Partners in the watershed project include: Story County Conservation, Story County Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University, Story County Board of Supervisors, Story County Board of Health, and private landowners.

You can expect more updates on this project in future months. See how SCC is tackling one specific contributor to the reduced water quality in Hickory Grove Lake in the article on the following page.

Watershed Project UpdateBy: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist



Geese at Hickory Grove ParkBy: Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger

Hickory Grove Lake is recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as one of the many impaired water bodies throughout the state. In an effort to better understand the factors contributing to the poor water quality, Iowa State University conducted a Water Quality Improvement Plan. The study revealed that many components are impacting our water quality, one of them being bacteria. As cited in the article on the previous page, bacteria enters the lake through a variety of ways, including septic systems and waterfowl and livestock feces. Because the large population of Canada Geese frequenting the lake is likely contributing to the problem, SCC is working with IDNR wildlife biologists to implement management practices to reduce these numbers in hopes of improving water quality.

As the island at Hickory Grove Park has been identified as breeding grounds for the local populations of Canada Geese, measures have been taken to make the island a less appealing place for the geese to congregate.

Excess brush on the island was removed. Canada Geese are very territorial, so increasing the line of sight between potential nesting locations should reduce the number of nests built. Staff also set up a goose cannon, a device that mimics the sound of a shotgun, which periodically sounds off to further deter geese from nesting on the island. Single shot bird scare cartridges are used to discourage the local goose population from gathering in high-use areas (like the beach), which will help reduce bacteria levels in the swimming area. This year, SCC also approved a Canada Goose hunting season at Hickory Grove Park to help reduce local and migrant populations. In the late fall months, thousands of migrant Canada Geese find refuge in the park. In addition to depositing large amounts of feces, their presence into the winter months prevents the lake surface from freezing solid, which creates unsafe ice conditions.

Removing Hickory Grove Lake from the impaired water bodies list will take time, but through these management practices we can quickly implement actions to improve the water quality for all park users. SCC will monitor Canada Goose populations annually to determine if management goals are being met and determine techniques to utilize in future years.

Sunset on the beach at Hickory Grove Park

Canada Geese may stay through the winter as long as there is open water and food.



Story County Conservation remembers...

Wilbur (Bill) HorineAugust 15, 1915 - November 26, 2014

Bill was a founding member of the Story County Conservation Board. In addition to being a part of the creation of Hickory Grove Park, he helped shape the structure of our program today-- one that manages multiple parks, preserves, and wildlife areas and provides conservation education services. An avid outdoorsman, Bill was a published outdoor writer, teaching naturalist, nature photographer, and recipient of numerous awards and recognitions in conservation. A celebration of his life and legacy is planned at McFarland Park in the spring.

Bernadine Alegra SchaeferAugust 26, 1913 - November 6, 2014

Bernadine, born to Manley and Bethany Dakins, was a staunch supporter of Dakins Lake Park. The park, including all of its additions since inception, was built on land homesteaded by the Dakins family. Bernadine believed in providing their land as a place for recreation that people would enjoy time and time again. A small example of Bernadine’s touch on the new park can be seen in the red roofs and the stone buildings. Bernadine often said “I want people to come.” That they will! Bernadine was also a talented artist and pianist.

Early in 2014 the environmental education staff decided a lightweight and portable puppet theater was needed for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. After some online research, we decided that building one with a PVC frame was the answer. In July, the outreach coordinator sent an email to various groups offering several volunteer opportunities. Melissa Murray saw our request and checked with her Girl Scout Troops 28 and 150. The girls agreed it was a good idea build a puppet theater for SCC.

The girls designed the theater based on a photo they received from SCC. Scout Leader Melissa Murray said, “They did an amazing job analyzing and building the structure. They like working with PVC structures (they made pet beds for the animal shelter in spring). I think it’s like the old Tinker Toys!”

It took three people 16 hours (that’s 48 people hours) and $70 worth of materials to build the puppet theater. Yes, they donated the materials, too! Thanks, ladies!

Pictured are SCC Naturalist Heather Hucka and

Girl Scout Lara Murray

Dakins UpdateBy: Carol Williams, Special Projects RangerWork at Dakins Lake continues, but we have come a very long way! All the utilities are in, and almost all of the road and trail work is completed. The contractor has wrapped the campground showerhouse with a plastic enclosure so work on both the exterior (staining and masonry touch-ups) and interior can continue. When that building is complete, the crew will move to the picnic shelter. The park will remain closed this winter.

When will opening day happen? Right now, we are shooting for Memorial Day weekend, but that is contingent upon a lot of work getting done this spring. Our staff has a long list of projects we will be working on, including turf and tree planting and placement of all the picnic tables, campfire rings, and benches.

Speaking of tree planting, we will be looking for volunteers to assist us plant over 100 trees! If you would like to be on an email list so we can contact you to help, please send a message to Erica Eaves at [email protected].

Puppet TheaterBy: Jerry Keys, EE Coordinator



Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or moreGreat Blue Heron - $275 to $999Red Fox - $125 to $274

Goldfinch - $70 to $124Otter (Family) - $35 to $69Great 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 Partners56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010-9451; Phone (515) 232-2516

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, free or discounted admission to select conservation and Partners events and programs, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! The Goldfinch membership level and above receive a token of appreciation (to be used for programs, merchandise, or SCC services) based on level of membership. The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized for their support in the conservation center at McFarland Park.

Give A Gift That Will Last All Year!

Story County Conservation Board Ted Tedesco, Ames Craig Meyers, Nevada Dr. James Pease, Ames

Allen Weber, AmesNancy Franz, Ames

Wayne Clinton, Ames - Ex Officio Member

Story County Conservation DirectorMichael Cox

The Story County Conservation Board meets monthly at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park

(56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames.

This booklet is brought to you with support from Story County Conservation Partners. Partners was originally formed in 1996 to help produce the newsletter. Since then, Partners has expanded its support of Story County Conservation to include funding and support of various conservation projects, spring and fall festivals, and the Partners Photo Contest. Partners members are people who continue to make a difference with financial, volunteer, and program support. Volume 19 Number 1

Thank You!Thank you to all those who support

Story County Conservation programs with donations of time, funding, and materials.

Thank you to the following for their generosity:

Cash donation in memory of Gary Swartz from the Iowa Wildlife Center

Cash donation in memory of Keith Rhoades from Maurice Goff

Bench at Dakins Lake in memory of Carrie Obrecht from Raymond Obrecht and family

Benches at Dakins Lake in memory of Roger McCloud from Virginia McCloud and family

Bird seed and cash donation from Big Bluestem Audubon Society

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION56461 180th STREETAMES, IA 50010-9451

Nonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDAmes, IowaPermit 301

O.W.L.S. Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors

O.W.L.S. programs are held the first Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. at the Story County Conservation Center. These programs are designed for “boomers” or older – but anyone can attend. An optional luncheon follows the

program for just $7. Pre-registration for lunch is required by 4 p.m. the Friday before the program.

The Bears of KatmaiCraig Meyers, photographerTuesday, February 3

Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula is well known as the “go to” place to see coastal brown bears. While many fear bears, and rightly so, it’s possible to share the space and get along with them, too. Come meet the bears and other wildlife of Katmai and learn why the bears aren’t always the vicious killers we hear about. Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, cookies.

Emerald Ash Borer: It is in Iowa. Now what? Emma Hanigan, DNR Urban ForesterTuesday, March 3

We will discuss the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic and destructive insect of ash trees, which is spreading in Iowa. Learn how to identify EAB, ash trees, signs of EAB infestation, and management options. Menu: Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, apple crisp.

Winter Birding at Sax-Zim Bog in Northern MinnesotaHank and Linda Zaletel, birdersTuesday, April 7

Winters in northern Minnesota are snowy and cold but provide some of the best opportunities to see northern owls and birds found nowhere else in such a relatively small area. Join Linda and Hank Zaletel as they share details of their 2014 trip. Menu: Taco bar with toppings, rice and beans, watergate salad.

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Documents

2015 Spring Prairie Horizons