The Jasper County Jewel - Jasper County, IA
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The Jasper
County Jewel
Jasper County Conservation Board Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2021
Pileated Woodpeckers at Ashton tributaries throughout central and northern Iowa,
and sometimes along the South Skunk River. We
By Katie Cantu, Naturalist have been hearing and watching pileated wood-
It could be said that we still live in prehistoric peckers at Ashton Wildwood Park for several
times when you look at some of the life forms in years. Its very exciting to see these rare birds!
existence today. While visiting a zoo or viewing It’s no accident pileated woodpeckers can be
a documentary on TV and seeing an ostrich, rhi- found inhabiting bottomland woods along rivers
noceros or alligator, it’s not hard to imagine and streams. They feed primarily on carpenter
times past. ants that live in the central portions of large trees.
One inhabitant of the forested lands of Iowa It takes many years for a forest to have trees old
has a prehistoric appearance. Classified as a rare enough to support a pair of these birds. County-
permanent resident of Iowa, the pileated wood- maintained natural areas alongside private forest
pecker is Iowa’s largest woodpecker, comparable areas and waterways provide enough suitable hab-
in size to a crow. The bird is mainly black with itat for this species to survive.
white striping along the head and neck, and white Like most woodpeckers, their long tongue is
underwings that flash during flight. Pileated used to probe insects out of holes. The tip of the
woodpeckers have a red crest that covers the pile- tongue is rigid with backward pointing barbs.
um, or the top of their heads. Its bill could be When coated with sticky saliva, it is a potent tool
compared to a three-inch long wood chisel. for gathering insects. Other foods they eat in-
My first encounter with this species was many clude acorns, wild grapes, and poison ivy and
years ago while hiking in northern Wisconsin. dogwood berries.
What initially caught my eye was the size of the Ashton Park’s oak trees have been suffering
bird. Being my first time to actually see one, it from oak wilt, a fungus which inhibits the move-
looked out of place, almost prehistoric. The be- ment of water and nutrients in a tree, leaving
havior of the bird was just as fascinating as it many of the mature oaks dead but still standing.
looks. The bird made a very loud rasping call as This actually creates the perfect habitat for birds
it flew, unlike any other sound I have heard in the like woodpeckers. Possibly one good thing to
woods. It is quite the sight to spot “Woody emerge from the destruction of the derecho wind
Woodpecker” swooping through the timber! storm last August are the number of “snags,” or
One clue that may lead you to discover a pileat- dead trees that provide
ed woodpecker is the mess it leaves at the base of crucial habitat.
a tree. While either looking for insects in dead So the next time you
wood or excavating a nest or roost cavity, these take a leisurely walk,
birds leave large piles of woodchips at the base of try taking a step back
the tree on which they were working. in time to search these
Pileated woodpeckers like mature wooded are- birds out and view the
as, with a large number of standing dead trees. prehistoric looking
Their territories can be up to 200 acres in size pileated woodpeckers
and their range covers the Eastern and Northern that inhabit Iowa, and
U.S. They are somewhat limited in Iowa, occur- right here in Jasper
ring in the most hilly and heavily wooded areas County.
in the eastern part of the state. They are also seen
along the Des Moines and Iowa Rivers and their
2 Conservation News
New Restrooms at Ashton Park Ashton Observatory Remodel
Miraculously, depending on how you look at it, Last August the derecho storm ripped part of
the old pit-toilet restrooms at Ashton Wildwood Ashton Observatory’s roof off, resulting in quite
Park were spared from falling trees during last a bit of water damage inside. Luckily, the domes
August’s derecho storm. How they were missed and telescopes were unharmed, but the large
is beyond us, but they still really needed to be classroom had to be gutted and completely re-
replaced. done.
Thanks to a Jasper Community Foundation The work included new sheetrock, ceiling tiles,
grant, a Jasper Conservation Connection donation carpet, and furniture. A large TV screen will re-
and our camping revenue, we are happy to an- place the old projector and screen for programs.
nounce there are now two new solar-powered At this time, the Des Moines Astronomical So-
restrooms at Ashton Park, one in the campground ciety (DMAS) is not planning open houses but
and the other at the trailhead/group camping area. look forward to an end in the Covid-19 pandemic
They are still pit-toilets, but what a major im- and hosting groups in the newly remodeled class-
provement! room again. More information can be found on
Our park ranger at Ashton is trying to get grass the DMAS website at www.dmastronomy.com.
established around the new buildings this spring,
so please take caution and be courteous of the
new little shoots trying to grow. Certain
campsites might be closed this spring due to the
new seeding.
Also, for those venturing into the woods, be
aware there are still broken tree limbs hanging
from up above, left there by the derecho storm.
Our staff was unable to get to every tree that sus-
tained damage, so please use caution when walk-
ing off the trails.
Above: Ashton Observatory’s classroom remodel
is still in progress but looking very nice!
Above: A new handicap-accessible restroom near the
picnic shelter at Ashton Park. There is also a new
restroom located in the campground.
Below: When hiking off the trails in county parks
such as Ashton, please be cautious of the many trees
with broken tops and limbs hanging down.
Above: A comparison of the various woodpecker
species in Jasper County. All of these birds can be
spotted at Ashton Wildwood Park.Upcoming Events/Programs 3
120 Hours Outside Challenge Program Email List
Whether you like to ride a bike, paddle a kayak, Jasper County Conservation staff are creating
or simply enjoy a walk down one of our many monthly, educational videos that are exclusively
nature trails, we’d like to challenge you to spend available by email! To get on the list, simply
120 hours of your time outdoors in 2021. This send an email to jread@jasperia.org or call the
breaks down to only 2 hours a week! office at (641) 792-9780. Each month you will
To keep track of your hours, print off the 120 receive an exclusive link featuring a new pro-
Hours Outside in 2021 chart on our website, gram and will have up to a month to watch it un-
www.jaspercountyconservation.com, and mark til it becomes public. This is available only to
off your time each week. You are also welcome those on our mailing list!
to make your own chart to keep track of hours. Here’s a sneak-peak at topics coming up: Prai-
Once you’ve reached 120 hours, send your chart rie Fire, Wildflowers, and Conscious Coffee.
to our office at the Jasper County Armory/Annex
Building in Newton and you will receive a prize!
It has been proven over and over again that Signs of Spring Hike
spending time outdoors not only helps you physi- Sunday, May 3, 2:00-3:00 PM
cally, but also mentally, improving your entire Ashton Wildwood Park
well-being. Something as easy as a walk outside Celebrate the return of spring! A naturalist led
and taking in nature around you can be extremely hike will take you on the hunt for spring wild-
good for your health! flowers and the many songbirds who have re-
Need a place to start? Try your luck finding our turned for nesting. Discover wildlife under logs
120 Hours Outside “leaf” which is hidden in Jas- and among the treetops.
per County Conservation areas. Follow the clues Group size is limited! Please call (641) 792-
we share on our Facebook page. Once you’ve 9780 to reserve your spot. Wear comfortable
found the leaf, take a selfie with it and share the walking shoes and bring along binoculars or a
photo with us for online bragging rights. The leaf camera if you have them. This program is for all
will be hidden again with new clues the following ages.
week. So far this year our leaf has traveled to sev-
en different areas. If you find the leaf first, you Movie Nights at Ashton Park
will also be entered in a drawing for a fun conser-
Saturdays, May 15, June 19, July 17
vation gift basket!
Ashton Wildwood Park
Check out the new “big screen” at Ashton Park
this summer. We will be featuring family-friendly
movies at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs or blan-
kets to sit on and a snack. Movies at the park are
free and open to the public.
Caring For Conservation Concert
Featuring Slipstream
Saturday, August 28
Ashton Wildwood Park
Above: The white, laminated “leaf” is traveling Bring the whole family
around JCCB areas. Look for clues to its location on to the park and enjoy
Jasper County Conservation’s Facebook page and some great music, lawn games and a fun activity
be entered in a prize drawing if you find it first! area for kids. Food will be available for purchase
from local food trucks. Drinks will also be availa-
Wagaman Mill and Museum Tours ble for purchase. Tickets are $10/adult, $5/
children 12 and under. After August 20, tickets
Wagaman Mill in Lynnville will be open from will go up to $15/adult and $10/child.
1:00-4:00 PM each Sunday afternoon between All proceeds will go toward the construction of
Memorial Day weekend and the end of Septem- the Environmental Education Center! Watch our
ber. For more information regarding Wagaman Facebook events page for updates.
Mill, please call (641) 792-9780.4 Summer Camps: The Wild is Waiting!
Nature Quest
Summer Camp Registration for kids ages 5-7 years old
JCCB is offering programs for kids of Group 1: Monday, June 21, 9:00-12:00 PM
all ages this summer! Camps will look a bit Group 2: Tuesday, June 22, 9:00-12:00 PM
smaller in size this year and all activities Newton Izaak Walton League
will be outdoors. Each child is limited to Fee: $15.00; limit 12 kids per camp
2 camps only. Our quest is to have fun and explore the out-
Registration begins Monday, May 3, doors with activities including hiking, pond net-
through a signup link on JCCB’s website at ting and fishing. Parents/guardians are welcome
www.jaspercountyconservation.com and to stay and join their child for the activities, but
also posted on JCCB’s Facebook page. not required.
A signed waiver and payment for each
camp is required for registration. Cash,
checks made out to Jasper County Conser- Junior Botanists
vation, and credit/debit cards (with usage for kids ages 10-14 years old
fee) are accepted by calling our office at Wednesday-Friday, July 7, 8, and 9
(641) 792-9780. 9:00 AM-1:00 PM each day
Payment and waivers are due within 14 Mariposa Park
days of signing up or the child will lose Fee: $50.00; limit 12 kids, must attend all 3 days
their spot. If a child fails to attend the camp Take a closer look at what makes plants unique,
they signed up for, their registration fee using art, science experiments, and outdoor ex-
will be considered a donation to Jasper ploration at Mariposa. Participants will work in
County Conservation. the butterfly garden and create a miniature garden
to take home. Please bring sack lunches.
Wildlife Explorers
for kids ages 8-12 years old
Watersports Camps
June 15, 16 and 17*, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM for kids ages 8-16 years old
*Thursday special time 7:00 AM-12:00 PM Group 1: Tues., July 27, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Group 2: Wed., July 28, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Fee: $40.00; limit 12 kids, must attend all 3 days Group 3: Thurs., July 29, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Over three days, our group Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
will explore the things that fly, Fee: $20.00; limit 15 kids per camp
swim, trot and slither in Iowa’s Spend a day on the water canoeing, kayaking,
great outdoors. and paddle boarding. Slide down the giant slip
On Thursday, we will join and slide and take part in a fun relay and water
licensed bird bander Bob Van balloon toss. Equipment will be provided, includ-
Ersvelde to net local bird spe- ing life vests. Bring a water bottle, sack lunch and
cies. Transportation will be sunscreen.
provided from Krumm Pre-
serve to the bird netting loca-
tion. Please bring sack lunches. 100 Acre Woods Camp
for kids ages 5-7 years old
Group 1: Thursday, July 22. 9:00-12:00 PM
Junior Naturalists Group 2: Friday, July 23, 9:00-12:00 PM
for kids ages 8-12 years old Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
Group 1: Wed., June 17, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Fee: $15.00; limit 12 kids per camp
Group 2: Thurs., June 18, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Come explore our “100 Acre Woods” with
Ashton Wildwood Park Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends! We will
Fee: $20.00; limit 12 kids per camp hunt for heffalumps and woozels and explore pol-
Campers will explore the woods with a focus on linators. Please bring a sack lunch for a picnic in
wildlife, habitat and nature discovery. We will go the park. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay
on a creek hike and learn various outdoor survival and enjoy the activities.
skills. Please bring a sack lunch to camp.Conservation Events/News 5
Summer Camp in a Box JCCB Items For Sale
A summer camp box will be available this year Looking for an easy way you can support Jas-
for families unable to attend an in-person camp. per County Conservation? We have several items
The theme this year focuses on STEAM activi- for sale that not only make great gifts, but the
ties, including BugBots, solar ovens, kite making money raised goes directly back into our program
and nature journaling. budget!
Boxes are $40 each and can be reserved using Conservation greeting cards are available in
the summer camp registration link on JCCB’s packages of 16 (two of each photo) for $15/
website at www.jaspercountyconservation.com package. The cards feature nature photos from
starting May 3rd. The box must be paid for within around Jasper County and are blank inside.
14 days of signup or it will be forfeited. JCCB Yowie face coverings are still available for $5/
accepts cash, check or credit card (see summer each. They can be worn like a mask, scarf, head-
camp registration info on page 4). Only one box band or bandana and have the JCCB butterfly
reserved per household, please. logo.
Uncle Jake’s Sugar Shack at Jacob Krumm
Nature Preserve didn’t produce as much maple
Attention Nature Explorers! syrup this season as temperatures warmed up
quickly and the sap didn’t run for long. Syrup
Kids ages 6-12 years old can earn the official supplies are very limited and jars will be sold for
Iowa Junior Naturalist certificate and 2021 $15/pint. Only one pint per household, please!
embroidered Oak Leaf Badge by attending They will sell out fast, so don’t delay!
any three outdoor programs/videos and doing JCCB t-shirts not only look cool, but show that
two independent activities this summer! you support conservation and our projects! We
Ask for a record book at the JCCB office. have a heather-blue shirt that says, “I’d Rather Be
Exploring Jasper County Parks” and has our con-
servation logo on the upper back. We are also
Conservation Craft Kits selling heather-green Uncle Jake’s Sugar Shack t-
This year the JCCB office has been providing a shirts that have the syrup logo on the front. All
monthly DIY craft project or kit for people to conservation t-shirts are $15/shirt.
reserve and pick up. Some projects have a small These items are available for purchase at the
fee and others have been free. So far, we’ve of- JCCB office in the Jasper County Armory/Annex
fered fresh evergreen wreath kits, birdseed orna- Building in Newton. Thanks for supporting con-
ment kits, and paint a mini birdhouse craft. servation!
Coming up this spring, be watch-
ing for rain barrel kits and toma- Community Garden Space Available
to tower kits for your garden! Have you ever wanted to try out your green
Call our office at (641) 792-9780 thumb but haven’t had the room to do it? A sum-
for more information. mer of growing fresh produce to enjoy is easier
than you may think!
Thirteen raised beds are available to reserve at
Scholarship for Students the Community Garden, located in Newton east
The Emerson Hough of the Centre for Arts and Artists. A double-sided
Chapter of the Izaak Walton composting bin is available for use, along with a
League is offering a $750 rain barrel for watering plants. Growers are re-
scholarship this year for a sponsible for weeding and maintaining their
graduating Jasper County raised beds. Produce is reserved to the person(s)
High School student who is maintaining the plot unless that person has given
majoring in conservation or permission to another grower to take produce
natural resources. from their plot. A produce stand will be at the
The scholarship application garden site for those who wish to share their extra
is due April 1st. Information and applications are produce.
available through high school guidance offices, Jasper County Conservation is currently taking
online at www.jaspercountyconservation.com, or reservations for raised bed plots. Plots are free
at the Jasper County Conservation office, 1030 and open to all community members. To reserve
W. 2nd St. S., Newton. a garden bed, call JCCB at (641) 792-9780 or
email jread@jasperia.org.Jasper County Conservation Board PRSRT STD
1030 W. 2nd St. S. U.S. POSTAGE
Newton, IA 50208 PAID
Newton, Iowa
Permit No. 636
A Big Thank You To….
Ina Heidemann for supporting our live animal
displays and Bill Yeager for donating mini bird
houses for craft kits. Thank you!
Jasper County Conservation Board
Shelter House Reservation
M - F 8:00 - 5:00 (641) 792-9780 Shelter houses located in Jasper County parks
email: conservation@co.jasper.ia.us can be reserved for $25 per day. Shelters are lo-
website: www.jaspercountyconservation.com cated at Ashton Wildwood Park, Mariposa Rec-
reation Area, Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve,
BOARD MEMBERS Reimer Refuge, Wagaman Mill, and the
Robyn Friedman Carol Kramer Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail. Call (641)
Doug Smith Andrew Stone 792-9780 to make your reservation.
Chris Herbold
STAFF #ExploreJasperCountyParks
Keri Van Zante............Director
Katie Cantu..................Naturalist
Jasper County Conservation Board’s programs are consistent
Greg Oldsen...………..Naturalist
with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations on
Jade Read.....................Admin/EE Assistant
nondiscrimination regarding race, color, national origin,
Dennis Cooling............Park Officer
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, age and
Jerry Ratliff..................Park Officer
handicap. If anyone believes they have been subjected to
Kent Dunsbergen.........Maintenance Technician
Ethan Vander Pol…….Maintenance Technician discrimination, they may file a complaint with the Jasper
Jacob Arrowood…...…Maintenance Technician County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity,
Washington, D.C. 29240You can also read
