IN THIS ISSUE - January 2022 Photo by Christina Campbell
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION • NATURE PROGRAMS AND NEWS
November 2021 - January 2022
IN THIS ISSUE. . .
The Latest......................... 2
Updates & Stories............. 3
Programs & Events.............7
Calendar..........................10
Partners Membership.......11
Photo by Christina Campbell
In the parks...
— THE LATEST — Christiansen Forest Preserve
Timely and brief updates on ongoing projects • Natural Resource Steward, Bob Hartzler,
removing honeysuckle
• Oriental bittersweet control
Bioassessment of Grant Creek
We contracted with the State Hygienic Lab to conduct a Dakins Lake
bioassessment of Grant Creek as it flows through Jennett • New dock ramp
Heritage Area. They looked at stream dimensions, substrate • Painted interior of shower buildings
composition, in-stream cover, bank condition, and vegetation, • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing
and collected water quality, benthic macroinvertebrate, and
fish samples. The lab will analyze the data to determine the Doolittle Prairie
health of the stream. Both fish and macroinvertebrates are great • Reed canary grass and brush removal
biological indicators to estimate stream health.
East & West Peterson Park
Analyzed metrics include • Wayfinding signage
species diversity, relative
Hertz Woods
abundance of sensitive and • Trimming back trail in preparation for rock
tolerant organisms, and resurfacing
proportion of individuals
belonging to specific Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
feeding and habitat • Trimming back trail
groups. The baseline data
will be extremely useful Hickory Grove Park
as we move forward, • Prep work for future walleye brood rearing
helping us understand pond
the effectiveness of water • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing
quality improvement
Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh
efforts. We won’t get most • Undesired brush control
of the data back until
sometime this winter, but McFarland Park
the preliminary results include 362 fish • Replaced box steps on George Clark Trail;
from 13 species. backfilling and shoulder regrading still
underway
Partners Update • New dock approach
We cannot hide our excitement about the amazing year that • Natural Resource Steward, Rick Dietz,
removing undesired brush along lakeshore
Partners just had! Your contributions in the last fiscal year
• Watch for opportunities to provide input on
came in at about $33,000, which was $9,000 above our initial lake restoration plan
goal. This year, we challenge you to exceed the goal once
more. We have $89,505 left on the contract purchase for the Robison Wildife Acres
Osheim property, and we have designated this year’s Partners • Wayfinding signage
contribution to go towards that purchase. • Goats are busy eating!
We are almost to the finish line, and we can get there with your Tedesco Connector Trail
help! This year’s goal is $30,000 and we are off to a promising • Bike repair station installed
start. When you renew or join with Partners, you get access to • Prairie seeding maintenance mowing
10% off program registrations and services like building rentals
Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor
or campsite reservations. You will also have access to a tour of
• Undesired brush control
the Osheim property before it is open to the public! Thank you
for your continued support of conservation in Story County. Wicks Wildlife Area
• Prairie seeding maintenance mowing
2 • Undesired brush removal
Restoration
Efforts Continue
Brandon Clough, Natural Resource Specialist
Wildlife habitat restoration efforts are underway at Jennett Heritage Area! Jennett is a 171-acre property
approximately three miles south of Nevada. Its diverse ecosystems and wildlife make this a truly special spot; it
contains prairie remnants and reconstructions, riparian woodlands, wetlands, ponds, and two creeks (West Indian
Creek and Grant Creek). In 2010, a plant survey revealed 277 native species – 65 of which were prairie species. In
2019, a bird survey detected 101 species – 29 of which are categorized as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. A
grassland ecosystem of this size and quality is extremely rare in Iowa, which makes it critical habitat for a number of
Iowa’s wildlife. The restoration efforts underway will further improve the habitat quality and reduce threats to these
plants and animals.
Currently, staff are concentrating restoration efforts along the northwest section of Grant Creek. Many of the tree and
shrub species along the creek are not native to Iowa and/or are deemed invasive species and should be removed.
Some of the targeted species include Siberian elm, black locust, buckthorn, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, white
mulberry, and eastern red cedar.
These undesirable species harm the native ecosystem in many ways. From a vegetative stand point, they are out-
competing native plants by rapidly growing in dense thickets. These thickets often expose bare soil underneath, which
in turn leaves the area vulnerable to soil erosion and harms water quality downstream. These trees and shrubs are
also starting to invade the nearby prairie remnant and prairie reconstructions. From a wildlife standpoint, they are
breaking up the grassland into separate segments. Grassland birds in particular require large, contiguous suitable
habitat. The trees also create perching sites and corridors for nest predators to thrive.
You may notice staff removing brush in a variety of ways. Heavy machinery is used to mow shrubs and a tree shear
can efficiently remove the easily-accessible trees. Staff will collaborate with Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa to
chainsaw the less accessible trees and shrubs (thank you CCI!). Brush piles will be burned in a year or two once they
have had time to dry.
3
The Scoop
ON THE SOIL
Sara, our Outreach Assistant,
is a recent gradute of the
Univesity of Northern Iowa
with a bachelor’s in digital
journalism. She enjoys
camping, hiking, and collecting
Sara Qualley houseplants.
World Soil Day is on December 5. Being an
ag-centric state, the quality of Iowa’s soil is
of utmost importance. We wouldn’t see those
familiar fields of corn and soybean without the
rich soil here. Iowa’s lands haven’t always been
farmed, though.
Prairies once covered much of Iowa. These
prairies were home to an abundance of wildlife
and plants. As organisms died, their nutrients
were absorbed by the ground, becoming part
of Iowa’s rich soil. The soil nourished long
prairie grasses, whose extensive root systems
prevented erosion. Along with severe drought,
plowing prairies, excessive tillage, and lack of
conservation practices caused the Dust Bowl of
the 1930s. There were fewer root systems to
help hold soil in place, resulting in dust storms.
We learned some lessons from the Dust Bowl,
certainly, but we did irreversable damage. Today,
less than 0.1% of original prairie remains in
Iowa.
Five factors contribute to soil development:
climate, organisms, relief, parent material,
4
Did you know . . .
One of the most productive soils in Iowa is Tama
soil. It’s even been suggested as Iowa’s official
soil, much like the goldfinch is the state’s official
bird. The soil, which is made of loess (windblown
sediment), is found in 28 counties.
and time (ClORPT). Climate, which includes deer with places to hide and graze. Flowers are
precipitation and temperature, dictates how buffets for pollinators like bees, wasps, and ants.
materials weather and the decomposition of
dead organisms. Organisms include plants, Through efforts such as no-till systems,
animals, and microorganisms. Relief (landform mulching, increasing plant diversity, and actively
position) describes the land’s shape. Slope growing plants to produce compounds for soil
direction determines how much sunlight hits soil microorganisms, we can help ensure Iowa’s soil is
and how much water it retains. Parent material here to stay.
refers to the material soil formed from. Common
Iowa soil material includes glacial till, loess,
and alluvium. These materials can be deposited
by wind, water, volcanoes, and gravity. Time
impacts the processes that develop soil.
There are a few ways farmers can help preserve
Iowa’s soil. One way is through planting cover
crops. Farmers plant cover crops after fall harvest
and before spring crop planting. Cover crops
reduce erosion, absorb nitrates, improve soil
health, suppress weeds, and provide livestock
with feed.
Without efforts to preserve our soil, Iowa’s
According to a December 2017 study conducted by the
ecosystems will be jeopardized. Erosion results in
Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, about 36 billion tons of
nutrients washing away, making it more difficult soil eroded per year. Most soil loss occurs in Sub-Saharan
for plants to grow. Not only do people rely on Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. If we apply
plants, but so do wildlife for food and shelter. agricultural conservation practices correctly worldwide, we
Birds flock to trees for nesting and a safe place could save over a billion tons of soil per year.
to sleep. Forests, prairies, and cornfields provide
5
Hunting Seasons Are Here
Season Season Dates Season Season Dates 2021 Fall Turkey Hunting
2021-22 Iowa Deer
Remember that the parks Youth Sept. 18 - Oct. 3 Shotgun License Types Season Dates
Hunting Seasons
Disabled Hunter Sept. 18 - Oct. 3 First: Dec. 4-8 Gun/Bow Oct. 11 - Dec. 3
are shared spaces for all Archery Oct. 1 - Dec. 3 AND Second: Dec. 11-19 Archery Only Oct. 1 - Dec. 3 AND
of us to use. Be courteous
Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022 Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022
Muzzleloader Nonresident Holiday Dec. 24 - Jan. 2, 2022 Shooting Hours
Gun: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
about how others choose to Early:
Late:
Oct. 16-24
Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022 Bow: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour
recreate outdoors. Shooting hours for all deer seasons are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
after sunset
Hunters are required to report deer and turkey harvest either at iowadnr.gov or by calling the number printed on the harvest reporting tag.
Non-toxic ammunition is Species Season Dates Trapping Hours Daily/Season *Furharvesters must contact a conservation officer within
Trapping Seasons
Raccoon, Muskrat, 24 hours of taking an otter or bobcat to receive a CITES
required for all hunting in SCC- Fox (Red and Gray), Coyote, tag. See Iowa Hunting, Trapping & Migratory Game Bird
Regulations for more information on bobcat zones and
2021-22 Iowa
Badger, Mink, Weasel,
owned and managed areas Opossum, Striped Skunk Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit
harvest restrictions.
Beaver Nov. 6 - April 15, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit
(does not include Doolittle Otter* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day 3/3
Bobcat* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day See p. 33 Turn-In-Poachers
Prairie, Skunk River Flats, or Colo Civet Cat (Spotted Skunk) & 1-800-532-2020
Bog). Gray Wolf Closed
SEASON
SEASON DATES NORTH ZONE
DATES NORTH ZONESmall Game
CENTRAL andCENTRAL
ZONE Upland ZONE
HuntingZONE
SOUTH Seasons SOUTH ZONE Bag Limits
SEASON DATES NORTH
SEASON ZONE
DATES CENTRAL
NORTH ZONEZONE CENTRAL
SOUTH
Species ZONE
ZONE SOUTH ZONE
Season Dates Shooting Hours Daily Possession
Youth Waterfowl Sept. 25-26Sept. 25-26 Oct. 2-3 Oct. Oct.
2-39-10
Parks designated as Youth
public Waterfowl Youth
Youth
Ducks,
Waterfowl
Sept. 25-26
Waterfowl
Coots, Mergansers Oct.
Oct.25-26
Sept. 2-3
2-8 &
Oct.
Oct. 2-39-10
Rooster
Oct. 9-15
Pheasant (Youth)
& Oct.
Oct. 9-10Oct.
16-22
23-24 8 a.m.Oct.
to 4:309-10
& 2022 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
p.m. 1 2
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Ducks,
Oct. Coots,
2-8 & Mergansers
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Oct. Oct. 9-15
Oct. 16-Dec.
2-8 & 7Oct.
& 2-8 & Rooster
Oct. Pheasant
16-22
Oct. 23-Dec.
9-15 & 14 & Oct. 9-15
Oct.
Oct.30 -&Jan. 10,
16-22 & 21 Oct. 16-22 &3 12
hunting areas (which means they Oct. 16-Dec. 7 Oct.
Oct. 23-Dec.
16-Dec. 71014
Oct.
Bobwhite
Oct.
Oct. Quail 21
30-Dec.
23-Dec.
Oct. 30-Dec.
Oct. 30 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 8 16
Dark & Light Geese Sept. Oct.
25-Oct. &16-Dec.
Oct.72-17
Gray & 14 Oct. Oct.
Partridge
Oct. 30-Dec.
23-Dec.
Oct. 9-24 1421
9 - Jan.&31, 2022 8 a.m.Oct.
to 4:3030-Dec.
p.m. 8 21 16
are also open to trapping) areGeese (including
Dark & Light Dark & Sept.
Dark
Light
&
25-Oct.
Geese
Light
Canada 10
Geese
geese, & Oct.
Sept. 2-17
Oct. 16-Dec. &
25-Oct. 10
Sept.
&
7 & 25-Oct. Oct.
Oct.
10
Ruffed9-24
2-17
&
&
Grouse
Oct. 23-Dec. & Oct.
14 & Oct. Oct.
2-17
Oct. 9-24
2 - &
Jan.
30-Dec. &31, 2022
21 & Oct.
Sunrise to 9-24
Sunset & 3 6
(including Canada geese,
brant & Oct.
(including 16-Dec.
Canada
white-fronted 7geese,
&
geese, Oct.
Oct.
Dec. 23-Dec.
16-Dec.
11-Jan. 7&
8, 14 &
2022 Oct.
Oct.
Dec. 30-Dec.
23-Dec.
Mourning 1421
Dove & & Oct. Sept.
30-Dec. 21 29
1 - Nov. & 1/2 hour before 15 45
clearly signed at the brant
entrance. (including
& white-fronted geese,
brant &Dec. Canada
11-Jan.
white-fronted geese,
8,geese,
2022 Dec.
Dec. Oct.
18-Jan.
11-Jan. 16-Dec.
15,
8, 2022 2022Dec.718-Jan.
Dec. &25-Jan.
18-Jan.
15, 2022
15,22,Oct. Dec.
2022Dec.
2022
25-Jan.
23-Dec.25-Jan. 1422,&2022
22, 2022 Oct.
sunrise 30-Dec. 21 &
to sunset
white & blue phase snow
brant
white
white & blue phase snow
geese & white-fronted
&& blue
Ross’phase snow
geese) geese, Dec. 11-Jan.Rabbit (Cottontail)
8, 2022
Rabbit (Jack)
Dec.Sept. 4 - Feb. 28, 2022 Sunrise to Sunset
18-Jan. 15, 2022 Dec. 25-Jan.
Closed
10 20
22, 2022
geese & Ross’ geese) geese & Ross’ geese)
white & blue phase snow S t a t e wSquirrel (Fox
i d e and Gray) Sept. 4 - Jan. 31, 2022 No Restrictions 6 12
Blaze orange clothing provides geese & SRoss’
Doves
t a t e wS i t da et e w
geese)
Sept.
Crow i d e
1-Nov. 29 SHOOTING HOURS: 1/2-hour
Oct. 15 - Nov. 30 and No Restrictions
Jan. 14 - March 31, 2022
Turn-in-Poachers
No Limit No Limit
Doves Sept. 1-16
1-Nov. 29 before
increased visibility. Doves
Teal
Sept.
Teal1-Nov. 29 SHOOTING
Teal
Sept. 1-16 before
Sept.
Sept.
HOURS:
1-16to 30
sunrise sunset
SHOOTING
before
sunriseHOURS:
1/2-hour
sunrise
except
1/2-hour
toTurn-in-Poachers
Pigeon
sunset except
S to1-800-532-2020
t Teal
sunsetaexcept
andtwood-
Turn-in-Poachers
Continuous Open Season
1-800-532-2020
e 1-800-532-2020
w i d e No Restrictions No Limit No Limit
Snipe Sept. 4-Nov. Special September Furbearer
and wood- Seasons
Hunting
Snipe Snipe
Sept. 4-Nov. 30 SpecialSept. 4-Nov.
September 30 Special
Teal and September
wood- Teal
Doves
Rails (Virginia & Sora
cock) Sept. Sept.
4-Nov.
which4-Nov. 12 1-Nov.
is sunrise
cock
cock 29
which
which
to sunset
is
is
sunrise
SHOOTING
sunrise
to
to
sunset
Species
sunsetHOURS: 1/2-hourSeason Dates Shooting Hours
Turn-in-PoachersDaily Possession
Rails (Virginia ) Oct.
Sept. 15121-16 beforeCoyote, Groundhog Continuous Open Season No Restrictions No Limit No Limit
Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov.
Woodcock 12 & Sora 2-Nov.
Be aware of what seasons are Woodcock Teal 15
Oct.Woodcock
2-Nov. Sept.
Oct. 2-Nov. 15 sunrise
Raccoon to sunset
and Opossum except
1-800-532-2020
Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022
8 a.m. First Day No Limit No Limit
Snipe Sept. 4-Nov. 30 GAME
Special
See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME September
Fox REGULATIONS
BIRD (Red Teal
and Gray) for Nov.and
more - Jan.wood-
6information
31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit No Limit
open; visit https://www.iowadnr. See IOWA
See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & HUNTING,
MIGRATORYTRAPPING & MIGRATORY
GAME BIRD REGULATIONS forBIRD
moreREGULATIONS
information for more information
Bobcat* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day *See p. 33 *See p. 33
Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov. 12 cock which is sunrise to sunset
gov/hunting/hunting-season- Woodcock Oct. 2-Nov. 15
dates for more information. See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS for more information
6
O.W.L.S. Programs
— PROGRAMS & EVENTS — They’re back! O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier,
Souls) have returned in a new format and
Providing people opportunities and inspiration to develop an time. These are designed for “boomers” or
appreciation and understanding of nature and humans as a part of it older, but anyone can attend.
Program runs from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.;
doors will open at 10:00 a.m. for coffee/tea
and chatting.
Climate Change
Thursday, November 4
Many places are feeling the dramatic
effects of climate change with weather
extremes and rising ocean levels as each
new year brings record-breaking heat.
This presentation by Denise Frank, from
Climate Reality, will give you up-to-date
information about what is happening
Nature Play: Leaves around the globe. We’ll look at the problem
Tuesday, November 9 as well as hopeful solutions, especially
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. those that apply to our own state.
McFarland Park
The Brenton Arboretum: Past, Present,
During this unstructured activity, we’ll focus on leaves! and Future
Kids will be encouraged to help make piles of leaves to Thursday, December 2
play in. A fall scavenger hunt and leaf matching activity
will also be provided. Let the imagination, discoveries, Nestled in the heart of Dallas County
and friendships unfold. Participants should wear long farmland, The Brenton Arboretum is one of
pants and closed-toe shoes. This is most appropriate Iowa’s premier botanical collections. Join
for ages 3 and up, but all ages are welcome. Children Executive Director Melissa Burdick for an
must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free exploration of the Arboretum from pioneer
but registration is required by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, farming days, to a seed of an idea in
November 8. founder Buz Brenton’s imagination, to the
stunning cultural attraction it is today. Plus,
enjoy a sneak peek at the exciting projects
National Hiking Day in store for the future with a glimpse of the
Wednesday, November 17 newly updated master plan.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Skunk River Greenbelt STAR 1
Thursday, January 6
Take a hike on National Hiking Day! We will meet at When you think of search and rescue,
Soper’s Mill North (56501 170th St., Ames) to do a short what comes to mind? Usually, it’s a dog
route on the Skunk River Greenbelt totaling two miles on and someone in a bright neon vest. Have
a dirt trail. Wear good hiking shoes and bring a water you ever thought about horses, instead?
bottle to stay hydrated as we explore! This hike is free Yes, horses can scent out people similar
but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, to a good trailing dog. Sara Samms will
November 15. introduce you to the mounted unit of the
STAR 1 team and explain how equine
scenting works. 7
Geocache Elf Hunt
Sunday, December 12
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
McFarland Park
Santa’s helpers have been playing in the park! Learn
how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to find
stockings of goodies and elves hiding nearby. Bring back
an elf to claim a special prize! The hunt is limited to 20
groups, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot.
It is recommended groups not exceed 10 people. Fee of
Story County Polar Play
$5 per collector (children 3 - 14 years old) required with
January 1 - February 6
registration by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 6.
countywide!
Story County Conservation has created an online family
Luminary Walk challenge that will take you from your home and into
Friday, December 17 your county parks--kicking off January 1! Sign up
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. starts December 15, but you can sign up at any time
McFarland Park throughout the challenge. Earn points by completing
weekly missions (posted each Friday). Your team will
Let luminaries light your way around McFarland Lake on have until February 6 to complete as many missions as
a special walk to celebrate the changing season. Walk is you can. The winner earns a $50 gift certificate for a
self-guided; complete luminary loop is about one mile. sweet winter treat at Chocolaterie Stam in Ames! Register
Dress in layered clothing appropriate for the weather. at www.storycountyconservation.org, and we’ll send you
Fee of $5 is required with registration by 12:00 p.m. on the code to the game on the GooseChase app. Fee is $5
Friday, December 10. per team. Ring in the new year by getting outside!
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 requested. Contact the
Outdoor Alliance of Story County with questions at info@
oasco.org.
January 6 - Anderson Access (56743 150 St., Story City)
January 13 - West Peterson Park (55310 180th St., Ames)
January 20 - Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (Cambridge)
January 27 - McFarland Park (56461 180th St., Ames)
STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION
515.232.2516
56461 180th Street • Ames, Iowa 50010
8 Monday - Friday • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
conservation@storycountyiowa.gov • www.storycountyconservation.org
Environmental Literature Club Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks
Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 29 Thursday, January 27
7:00 p.m. 10 - 11 a.m. OR 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Location TBD McFarland Park
Explore nature cozied up with a good book at Join naturalist Jess Lancial as we learn about common
Environmental Literature Club. Join a discussion with animal tracks and scat. Look for clues around McFarland
naturalist Rebekah Beall at 7:00 p.m. on January 25, Park trails to help us discover animal inhabitants. This
February 22, and March 29. Location (in Ames) TBD. Each program is for children ages 5 and up plus their adult.
month we will discuss a different book focused on the Participants must be dressed to go and explore outdoors.
human relationship with the environment: This program is free but registration is required by 4:00
p.m. on Monday, January 24.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren (January)
What Do We Know by Mary Oliver (February)
The Overstory by Richard Powers (March)
The club is free (book purchase is on your own) but
registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January
10.
snowshoe
THIS WINTER
WATCH OUR WEBSITE
AND SOCIAL MEDIA
FOR PROGRAMS
9
— CALENDAR OF EVENTS —
Date Time Event Location
November 4 10:30 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Climate Change McFarland Park
November 8 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park
November 9 4:30 p.m. Nature Play: Leaves McFarland Park
November 11 SCC Offices Closed
November 17 3:00 p.m. National Hiking Day Hike Skunk River Greenbelt
November 25 - 26 SCC Offices Closed
December 2 10:30 a.m. O.W.L.S.: The Brenton Arboretum McFarland Park
December 6 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park
December 12 1:00 p.m. Geocache Elf Hunt McFarland Park
December 17 6:30 p.m. Luminary Walk McFarland Park
December 24 - 27 SCC Offices Closed
December 31 SCC Offices Closed
January 1 - February 6 Story County Polar Play Countywide!
January 6 10:30 a.m. O.W.L.S.: STAR 1 McFarland Park
January 6 1:30 p.m. Winter Hike Anderson Access
January 11 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland Park
January 13 1:30 p.m. Winter Hike West Peterson Park
January 20 1:30 p.m. Winter Hike Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
January 25 7:00 p.m. Environmental Literature Club Meeting TBD
January 27 10:00 a.m. Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks McFarland Park
January 27 1:30 p.m. Winter Hike McFarland Park
January 27 4:30 p.m. Explore Your Outdoors: Animal Tracks McFarland Park
February 22 7:00 p.m. Environmental Literature Club Meeting TBD
March 29 7:00 p.m. Environmental Literature Club Meeting TBD
Need to locate one of our parks or areas? You can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.
www.storycountyconservation.org
position open that August and And now it’s time for us to say good-
Heather joined SCC full-time. bye and congratulations. Heather
has joined Cerro Gordo County
During her time here she has as their Conservation Education
taught thousands of programs, Manager. This new chapter in her life
but most notably are the many allows her to move back home and
caving and backpacking trips that care for the family property that is so
ignited the spark for exploration dear to her. Next time you’re driving
I first met Heather Hucka when she and appreciation of wilderness in so up I-35, plan some extra time in your
was as a seasonal naturalist for many youth, and her guest teaching trip to stop by the Lime Creek Nature
SCC in summer 2005. During that at ISU Natural Resource Ecology Center and say hi to Heather. I will.
short three-month time, I saw a lot and Management interpretation
of potential. In January of 2006, I classes as a “prairie woman.” She ~ Jerry Keys, Environmental
convinced Heather to return to Ames was recognized by the National Education Coordinator
for a seven-month position. As luck Association for Interpretation as the
would have it, we had a permanent 2017 Master Front-Line Interpreter.
10HELP PURCHASE A NEW PROPERTY!
BOARD & STAFF Help us reach our goal of $30,000
Your Story County Conservation Partners membership will help purchase a new
Conservation Board property along the South Skunk River south of Story City. You will receive a
Craig Meyers, Chair nature-themed magnet and a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and
Christine Laumer, Vice Chair merchandise. The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized in
Dr. Nancy Franz, Secretary the conservation center for their support.
Dr. Jim Pease, Member Eagle Business Level - $1,000 or more Monarch Business Level - $250 to $999
Ted Tedesco, Member
Linda Murken, Ex Officio Member Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or more Goldfinch - $70 to $124
Great Blue Heron - $275 to $999 Otter (Family) - $35 to $69
Red Fox - $125 to $274 Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30
Conservation Staff
Conservation Center, Ames Name
Michael Cox, Director
Address
Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent
Pat Shehan, Special Projects Ranger City State Zip
Marianne Harrelson, Financial Data Manager
Brittany Ridgway, Administrative Assistant II Phone
Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator E-mail
Vacant, Naturalist
Jess Lancial, Naturalist Enclosed is my check for $
Rebekah Beall, Naturalist My membership level is
Beth Waage, Naturalist
Erica Place, Outreach Coordinator Make checks payable to: Story County Conservation Partners
56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010-9451; Phone (515) 232-2516
McFarland Park Shop, Ames
Vacant, Park Ranger Or join online!
Russ DeWall, Conservation Technician II www.mycountyparks.com/
Derek Seward, Trails/Natural Resources Technician County/Story.aspx
Joe Hill, Conservation Technician
Dillon Schmidt, Conservation Technician
Hickory Grove Shop, Colo Thank you to all those who support
Vacant, Park Ranger Story County Conservation with
Jake Smith, Conservation Technician donations of time, funding, and materials.
Hunter Simmons, Conservation Technician
Brandon Clough, Natural Resource Specialist
IRVM Office & Shop, Nevada
Joe Kooiker, Vegetation Management Biologist THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY
Tyler Kelley, Vegetation Management Specialist
All Partners members
John Niyo Outdoor Alliance of Story County
The Story County Conservation Board Carrie Oboyle Mary Finch
typically meets the second Monday Iowa Orntihologists’ Union Sue & Jack Dekkers
of each month at the Story County Jennifer Drinkwater Art LLC Susan Siev
Conservation Center at Daniel Ketelsen
McFarland Park (56461 180th St.),
northeast of Ames. Meetings are open to
the public.
11STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION Nonprofit Org.
56461 180th Street U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Ames, Iowa 50010-9451
Ames, Iowa
Permit 301You can also read
