2016 spring prairie horizons

Prairie HorizonsFebruary - April 2016

Story County Conservation Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys accepted a community grant for $25,000 from Jim Black, Story County Community Foundation advisory board member, during a ceremony in Ames last November.

Keys said the grant will be used to purchase elements for a natural playscape at McFarland Park. “Rather than installing a fabricated playground, a natural playscape will challenge children’s creativity with adventurous natural activities and objects,” Keys explained. “The Discovery Nature Playscape at McFarland Park is intended to engage children in free play as they explore the natural world. Different play and learning areas will be created allowing users to climb, build, dig, gather, and explore nature.” Park visitors can expect to see construction on the nature playscape in the coming months.

The Story County Community Foundation received a total of 36 applications for 2015 community grants. Story County Conservation was one of 19 applicants selected for the awards. Funding for the community grants is provided by the State of Iowa’s County Endowment Fund Program and local donors. Additional funding for the nature playscape is being provided by Story County Conservation Partners and the Frank Vance memorial.

In this issue...

Public Programs and EventsPages 2-4

Conservation UpdatesPages 5-8

Map of SCC AreasPage 9

Calendar of Events0

Partners MembershipPage 11

Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors

Page 12

Story County Conservation

56461 180th StreetAmes, Iowa 50010

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

[email protected]

www.storycountyconservation.org

Nature Playscape Coming to McFarland Park with Support

from SCCF Grant

Jerry Keys (right) accepting the community grant from Jim Black (left).

2 Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Programs & Events

Register and pay for programs and events online!Go to www.storycountyconservation.org to register.

Registration for all programs and events is online unless other registration information is provided in the program description. Call (515) 232-2516 if you have questions.

Insect HotelsThursday, February 11, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.McFarland Park

Think spring with a creative insect hotel! Discover why you should welcome pollinators and other bugs to your backyard with this decorative insect house. We will provide materials for a wooden frame (approximately 8”x12”) and a variety of natural items to fill it. The creativity is up to you! Wear clothes that can get dirty. Children under 16 must be accompanied and assisted by an adult. Fee of $6 per hotel with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4.

Track TrekSaturday, February 13, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.McFarland Park

Snow is great for tracking animals, and a lot of snow is great for snowshoes! Join us as we put the two together. Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport, and tracking is a skill that you can build on for a lifetime. Hike and find that not all animals hide away for the winter, and there is no reason that you have to, either! If there is not enough snow, the program will be canceled. This program is suitable for ages 8 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:oo p.m. on Wednesday, February 10.

Dakins Lake Ice Fishing DerbySaturday, February 13, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Dakins Lake (70613 130th St., Zearing)

Zearing Fire and EMS is holding an ice fishing derby with prizes! Event is dependent on weather and ice conditions. For more information or to register, visit www.zearingiowa.net. All proceeds will go towards ice rescue gear and training for the Zearing Fire Department.

Edible LandscapingTuesday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Ames Public Library Auditorium (515 Douglas Ave.)

Edible landscaping allows you to create a multi-functional landscape that provides returns year after year with minimal work. Start planning your garden in a whole new way! There will be multiple handouts as well as time to begin designing your yard. This program will be geared towards adults. This program is free - registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12.

Geology of Story CountySaturday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.McFarland Park

Did you know that Ames sits over an earthquake zone? Or that it had mountains as high as the Himalayas? That you could have owned beachfront property 300 million years ago? Story County Conservation and the Central Iowa Mineral Society (CIMS) will expand on these facts in a lecture on central Iowa geology. Bring any treasures you’ve got at home; CIMS members will be on hand to identify rocks, fossils, artifacts, and minerals until 12:00 p.m. This program is free - registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18.

3www.storycountyconservation.org

Snowshoe Owl ProwlSaturday, February 20, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Christiansen Forest Preserve (55973 310th St., Huxley)

Join Naturalist Jess Lancial for a snowshoe owl prowl! Explore beautiful Christiansen Forest Preserve, a hidden gem in Huxley with an abundance of owls. Bring your binoculars and a flashlight as we try our luck at calling and spotting owls while exploring the trails on snowshoes. If there is not enough snow, the program will be canceled. This program is suitable for ages 12 and up. Snowshoes will be provided. Fee of $5 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17.

Annual Partners Membership MeetingSaturday, February 27, 6:00 p.m.McFarland Park

Save the date, Partners members! The annual membership meeting will include games, food, and conservation updates. Not a Partners member? Join today to get in on the fun! R.S.V.P. by calling or emailing by Friday, February 19.

Mushroom Cultivation WorkshopSaturday, March 5, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.McFarland Park

Grow your own mushrooms after this hands-on program about the wonders of fungus. Each participant will inoculate a log with shiitake mushroom spawn to take home. Learn to care for your log and enjoy your harvest! Adam Wilke, an ISU PhD candidate in sociology and sustainable agriculture, will lead the workshop. Minimum age 12; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee of $25 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12.

ReptilesWednesday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.McFarland Park

Come and learn about Iowa’s reptiles. We’ll discuss the fears and myths that surround the scaly creatures people love to hate. Live animals will be used during this program! Program is family friendly. This program is free and no registration is required.

Partners Photo Contest SubmissionsMarch 7 - 25McFarland Park

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. Categories include landscape, flora and fungi, fauna, and connecting people and recreation. A complete list of rules and the entry form is available at www.storycountyconservation.org or at the conservation center. Contest photos may be submitted March 7 - 25 at the conservation center; each photographer may submit up to three entries. Youth entries (18 years or younger) will be judged separately. Prizes will be awarded at the Partners Spring Festival at McFarland Park on May 1! Photos from last year’s contest can be found on our Facebook page.

Programs & Events


Programs & EventsGeocache Egg HuntSaturday, March 26, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.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, 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 is required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21.

TEAM DaySaturday, April 16, 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, close-toed shoes are strongly recommended. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.

All Species, One Earth EventSaturday, April 23, 1:00 p.m.Downtown Ames Area

More details are yet to come on the second annual celebration of all species on this one earth. Festivities will include a parade, displays, and other activities. Watch for upcoming workshops for a chance to make a mask to wear to the parade.

Breakfast with the BirdsSaturday, April 30, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.McFarland Park

Enjoy a quiet morning of food and fun at McFarland Park. Join Naturalist Heather Hucka for birding basics and a hike to look for some of Iowa’s fine feathered friends. End the morning with eggs, bagels, and fruit watching birds at the feeders at the conservation center. Whether you are a novice bird watcher or a seasoned “bird nerd,” spring birding is not to be missed! Binoculars are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Fee of $6 (ages 5 and under are free) with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.

Spring Wildflower HikeSaturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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 habitat restoration 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 canceled. This program is free -- but registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28.

Partners Spring FestivalSunday, May 1, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.McFarland Park

The annual Partners Spring Festival isn’t far away! Mark your calendars now and celebrate May Day with music, crafts, canoeing, solar viewing, and more. Look in the next newsletter or watch our Facebook page for more details.


If you’re like me, you don’t need much encouragement to seek out signs of spring’s arrival. Visit Story County Conservation parks to hunt the first green leaves unfurling, bursts of wildflowers, and returning warm-weather critters. Keep your eyes open for these three harbingers of spring.

Late Winter Butterfly HuntChistiansen Forest Preserve

First warm days in March

Pay attention to sunny forest openings on warm days in late winter. Among the last remnants of slush, you may spot a butterfly enjoying the sunshine too! Both mourning cloak and eastern comma butterflies hibernate as adults under bark and in hollow trees in Iowa woodlands. In late fall, their bodies undergo chemical changes - including producing an antifreeze - that allow them to withstand temperatures as cold as -40 F without damage. Those days when winter gives way to a spring preview, the butterflies emerge and stretch their wings. Mourning cloaks are a deep brownish-purple (nearly black) with a creamy yellow edge on their wings. Eastern commas show rusty orange wings spotted with brown. Love butterfly hunting? Volunteer in our parks through the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network! Check for trainings at Reiman Gardens.

Turkey Vulture ReturnSkunk River Greenbelt

Mid-March (or later)

For one of the surest signs spring is on the way, watch for a bald redhead who loves to dismember roadkill. Around mid-March, turkey vultures return from as far away as South America. Their dark forms cruising overhead mean warm weather is on the way. They hold their wings in a wide V shape and look tippy as they soar. Compared to other birds, turkey vultures possess a much better sense of smell - all the better to locate their favorite food, dead animals.

While the thought of eating rotten animals might disgust us, the scientific name, translated “purifying breeze,” reflects what many cultures think of vultures. Welcome nature’s spring cleaners!

Wildflowers and Queen BumblebeesRobison Wildlife Acres

Mid-April

Enjoy the profusion of spring ephemeral wildflowers. They bloom fast, catching sunlight before the trees leaf out, then rapidly disappear. Queen bumblebees feast at these early flowers. These new queens hibernated alone over the winter. Their nestmates died the previous fall, and it’s up to them to build new nests buzzing with workers. First they fuel up on nectar, and one flower in particular meets their needs: Dutchman’s breeches. The flower looks like white pants hanging upside down on a washing line and blooms about the time bumblebees begin flying. The queens’ strength and long tongue make them perfectly paired to reach the nectar deep within the petals. Want to learn more? Take a naturalist-led wildflower hike at Robison Wildlife Acres, April 30 at 10 a.m.

Enjoy spring and happy hunting for its nature treasures!

Turkey VulturePhoto from Wikimedia Commons

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Spring TreasuresBy: Rebekah Beall, Naturalist

Conservation Updates



Red-Tailed Hawk($1,000 or more)

Al & Sue Ravenscroft

Great Blue Heron($275-$999)

A Friend of SCCVi Baker

Janet & Philip Dixon David Hade & Delora Jespersen Hade

Art KetelsenSue Kohler

George & Marlys LaddMarilyn Lekwa

Patricia MurphyMary Wauson

Karen & Gary Youngberg

Red Fox($125-$274)

A Friend of SCCLori Biederman & David Peterson

Scott, Lisa, & Isabel DahlRenate & Dieter DellmannRick Dietz & Carol HansellFrevert Family Farms LLC

John GreveSally GrevePhil Hahn

Phyllis HeffronJoyce & Scott Hornstein

Tom & Cathy KasparJanet & John Kazwell

Janet & Erv KlaasRandy & Beth LarabeeMichael & Debbie Lee

Eleanor MathewsHelen McRoberts

Michael & Linda MeetzWolfgang, Lesia, & Annamarie Oesterreich

Steve & Shirlee OrrRosemarry & David OsheimEleanor & Wayne Ostendorf

George & Trish PatrickKevin & Lynn Peterson

John PohlmanPat & Tom Sauer & Family

Susan & David SievKarsten & Sharon Smedal

C. Stassis

Roy & Kathryn StrasburgJoe Toot

Michelle Ward & Kimball OlsonDonald & Kay Wall

Joan WelchKathy Wiederin

Goldfinch($70-$124)

Barb & Jack AdamsKris August & Radford Davis

Roger & Kay BergerKen & Diane Birt

Joyce & Rod BrinkClifford & Claudia Dalbey

Bob & Carol DeppeDelphine DouglassBart & Jane Dupuis

Bruce & Marlene EhresmanWade & Pamela HelferKeith & Brenda HobsonPatty & Dan Huisenga

Phyllis Jones & John LandgrafAllen & Joy Lang

Julie Larson & Ed, Emily & Hannah EngleBrooks & Alesha Lofstedt

Jan MabeDonald & Joan Mathews

Robin McNeely & Joli VollersGregory & Diane NelsonReuben & Joslin Peters

Ralph & Teresa RosenbergLorna & Mike Sellberg & Family

With GratitudeStory County Conservation would like to offer a heartfelt

thank you to our 2015 Partners members. We would not be able to carry out our mission without your valuable support!


Conservation UpdatesTrish & Ray Strah

Willie StrussRuth & Clayton Swenson

Gregory Vitale & Flo HamrickRuth Walker

Denise WarrinerMark Widrlechner

Web Wilke & Marjorie Smith

Otter(Family: $35-$69)

James Andrews & Margaret LaWareNancy & Jon Applequist

Karen Bates & David BrownMike Beall

Harold & Lynn BoesetGeorge Burnet & Martha Anderson

Jean CarmanPaul Clark & Donna Starck

Suzanne ClarkStan & Sue Crull

James CueDiane & Mike Dawson

Gary & Laura DealGalen & Linda Drennan

Amy EdmondsDavid & Jeanne EdwardsScott & Tracy EllingsonDon & Eugenia Farrar

Leonard & Patricia FoleyMelody Franje

Nancy Franz & Bill GahnzRay & Karen Gerke

Wayne & Cindy HauberLaurie Henry

Rick & Andrea HillLee & Gayle Huey

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

Susan Jasper

Rich & Judy JonesJohn & Rose Marie Kluge

Bill & Laura La GrangeSteve & Sue Lekwa

Doug & Melinda LuzbetakFrank & Judy Maly

Londell & Karen MannesJohn Mathews

Laura Merrick & Matt LiebmanRay & Eleanor Moeckly

Jill MortensenLonna Nachtigal & Joe Lynch

Jim & Frankee OlesonBryon & Jennifer Olson

Marc & Amber OlsonJim & Cindy Pease

Jay & Diana PetersonJean Peterson

Allan PotterJames Pritchard

Tim, Robyn, Kenton, & Landra ReeceCraig & Nancy SargentLeo & Betty Schneider

Curt & Liam Struck & Megan FairallBob & Deanne Summerfelt

Craig & Julie SutherlandMike Swanson

Meg & John TaitTed & Joanie TedescoJeff & Cheri Thieleke

Jimmie & Nancy ThompsonDerral & Anna Tressler

Karleen UitermarkGwen WardJanet Warg

Marlene & Bill WeisshaarJulia & David Wilson

Great Horned Owl(Individual: $30)

Jamie BeyerTom Gust

Janet HeintzPatricia Hopkins

Nathan KempermanLisa Ladd

Evan MillerJami Mirka

Kermit MoldeSarah Nostwich

Louise O’DonnellLou Richert

Michelle RobinsonWilliam RunyanThomas ScottJaye Stefani

Teresa TestroetLynne Van Valin

Linda Zaletel

Get involved in the Partners Advisory GroupWant to have a 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. Meetings are held every other month, and all Partners members are welcome. If you’re interested, contact Special Projects Ranger Carol Williams at [email protected].



The increasingly vast and harmful reach of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is becoming a reality to more Iowans each year. According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, there were 30 counties throughout Iowa with positive identification of EAB at the end of 2015 - Story County was added to this list in late 2014 when EAB larvae were found in a residential tree in Story City. While adult beetles feed on ash leaves, the larvae feed on living plant tissue underneath the ash tree’s bark. It is the tunneling activity of the larvae under the tree’s bark which disrupts the vascular flow and ultimately kills the ash tree.

This pest is easily transported to new areas when people inadvertently move EAB larvae inside of infested firewood. Story County Conservation (SCC) has taken proactive measures to help prevent the further spread of EAB and other diseases by prohibiting importation of firewood from outside the county to SCC parks and areas. With over 3,000 acres under SCC management, there is a wide number of diseases and invasive species that our staff is actively identifying and working to prevent further infestation by implementing management efforts.

A management plan is in the works for Hickory Grove Park’s Breezy Bay campground with the goal of reducing the potential effects of EAB. There are currently 82 Green Ash trees in the Breezy Bay campground alone! Staff is compiling a comprehensive plan detailing species diversity, conditions of existing trees, and treatment methods to help mitigate the effects of EAB. The management plan is set to be in place this winter with various treatment methods beginning in the spring.

EAB Management Plan for Breezy BayBy: Luke Feilmeier, Park Ranger

White Oak Tree Honors Wilbur E. (“Bill”) HorineBy: Ruth Book and Janis Pyle

Family and friends of Nevada native Bill Horine planted a tree in his honor at McFarland Park just in time to mark the first anniversary of this death (which, coincidentally, was Thanksgiving Day!). The well-known nature writer and outdoorsman passed away Nov. 26, 2014, at 99 years of age. The inspiration for this particular tree came from a remembrance article in the Ames Tribune. Local writer Janis Pyle recalled asking him how she could thank him for being her mentor. “That’s easy,” he said. “Plant a tree and think of me.”

The family felt that the park was the right location for a memorial tree, not only because of the lovely, wooded setting, but also because it is the location of the Story County Conservation Center (which he championed from its beginning). Bill received numerous awards and recognitions for his many contributions to conservation. He also passionately advocated for walking trails and saving floodplains and farmland.

A tree is a fitting tribute to Bill because he planted at least one tree each year and distributed thousands of tree seedlings to school and scout groups. The white oak chosen will grow well in local soil and provide shade 100 years from now (Bill always took the long view!) to families picnicking at the handicap accessible site. Look for the tree just south of the shelter overlooking the lake! It serves as a living legacy to a friend of the land. An engraved memorial rock will be placed in the spring.


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

www.storycountyconservation.org

Story County Conservation Map


Calendar of Events

Date Time Event Location

FEBRUARYTuesday, February 2 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Weather Radar and Bird Migration McFarland ParkTuesday, February 9 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland ParkThursday, February 11 6:30 p.m. Insect Hotels McFarland ParkSaturday, February 13 9:00 a.m. Dakins Lake Ice Fishing Derby Dakins LakeSaturday, February 13 9:30 a.m. Track Trek McFarland ParkMonday, February 15 Holiday Story County Conservation Offices ClosedTuesday, February 16 6:30 p.m. Edible Landscaping Ames Public LibrarySaturday, February 20 10:00 a.m. Geology of Story County McFarland ParkSaturday, February 20 5:00 p.m. Snowshoe Owl Prowl Christiansen Forest PreserveSaturday, February 20 7:30 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers Meeting McFarland ParkThursday, February 25 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland ParkSaturday, February 27 6:00 p.m. Annual Partners Membership Meeting McFarland Park

MARCHTuesday, March 1 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Wasp Watchers McFarland ParkThursday, March 3 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Partners Meeting Ames Public LibrarySaturday, March 5 2:00 p.m. Mushroom Cultivation Workshop McFarland ParkMarch 7 - 25 Partners Photo Contest Submissions McFarland ParkMonday, March 14 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland ParkWednesday, March 16 10:30 a.m. Reptiles McFarland ParkSaturday, March 26 10:00 a.m. Geocache Egg Hunt McFarland ParkThursday, March 31 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting (Tool Time) McFarland Shop

APRILTuesday, April 5 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: South Georgia Island McFarland ParkMonday, April 11 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board Meeting McFarland ParkSaturday, April 16 1:00 p.m. TEAM (Trail Enhancement and Management) Day McFarland ParkThursday, April 21 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFarland ParkSaturday, April 23 1:00 p.m. All Species, One Earth Event Downtown Ames AreaThursday, April 28 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFarland ParkSaturday, April 30 7:00 a.m. Breakfast with the Birds McFarland ParkSaturday, April 30 10:00 a.m. Spring Wildflower Hike Robison Wildlife Acres

MAY *Sneak Peak*Sunday, May 1 2:00 p.m. Partners Spring Festival McFarland Park

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


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, a 10% discount on all programs, facility rentals, and merchandise, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! 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 - Chair

Craig Meyers, Nevada - Vice ChairAllen Weber, Ames - Secretary

Dr. James Pease, AmesDr. Nancy 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 20 Number 1

Thank You!Thank you to all those who support

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

Thank you to the following for their generosity:Fish mount, rock and shell collections

Paul Mumm

Animal mounts and photosElaine Brown

Cash donation in memory of Carol NortonRay and Molly Lee Family

White oak tree at McFarland Park in memory of Bill HorineJanis Pyle and Ruth Book

Cash donationCathy Martin

Cash donations in memory of Spencer VeyseyNumerous friends and family

Cash donation for conservation land acquisitionITC Midwest LLC.

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 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.

Weather Radar and Bird MigrationKarl Jungbluth, Retired meteorologist with NWSTuesday, February 2

Did you know that weather radars can detect bird migration? By learning to interpret bird signatures on weather radar display, everyone can increase their enjoyment of migration and increase birdwatching success during the spring and fall migration seasons. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, January 29. Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed veggies, dinner roll, cookies.

Wasp WatchersAmy Yoakum, Story County ConservationTuesday, March 1

Learn about a harmless native wasp that hunts metallic wood boring beetles like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and brings them back to ground nests. Observers can easily watch wasp nests and capture or collect abandoned beetles to be sent in for identification. Learn how early detection through this program could help us to better control EAB in Story County. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, February 26. Menu: Beef & noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, apple crisp.

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South Georgia Island - A Wildlife ExtravaganzaTy Smedes, Photographer

Tuesday, April 5

This island, just 100 miles long, is the most wildlife-rich island on the planet! This presentation will take you ashore to visit the huge fur seal colonies and to witness the titanic struggle between bull elephant seals, each battling to become beach-master. Register for lunch by 4pm, Friday, April 1. Menu: Ham balls, red potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, dinner roll, apple waldorf salad.

2016 spring prairie horizons

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