little sioux wanderings - prairie heritage...

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Little Sioux Wanderings A newsletter from the Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association and the OBrien County Conservation Board Volume 18 Issue 3 Winter 2014-15 Waterman Wildlife Addition is a reality! The Waterman Wildlife Addition project has been completed. A public announcement was made at this years Bison Burger Picnic and Lawn Concert. The acquisition was a huge project and was only possible due to the partnerships with many other organizations and individuals. The Conservation Board received two grants - Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant for $485,000 and North American Wetlands Conservation Association grant for $100,000. Additional partners throughout the process included the OBrien County Sportsmans Club, OBrien County Pheasants Forever, Iowa Natu- ral Heritage Foundation - and many individuals who contributed through fundraising efforts by the Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association. The land use of the parcel has already enhanced recreational and educational programming. A handicap hunt was held this fall through a partnership with Special Youth Challenge. A hunting blind on site is available on a first come/first serve basis. The area is now open for hunting and fishing. Eagles have been making their annual return to the night roost along the river. The hunting blind on site will be converted to a bird watching/photograph blind after hunting season ends. The prairie has flourished; and, as summer returns, plans for hikes and archaeological events will be enacted. The view from the deck of the Prairie Heritage Center has already been impacted by the land management. Visitors to the center can gain a better understanding of historical land uses. It is through the Conservation Boards partnership with other conservation agencies and individuals that we can continue to enhance the quality of life of our residents and visitors. Thanks for your help! 1

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Page 1: Little Sioux Wanderings - Prairie Heritage Centerprairieheritagecenter.org/.../2014/...single-pages.pdf · land and culture these trees have seen! During the first half of their lives,

Little Sioux

Wanderings

A newsletter from the Little Sioux

Valley Conservation Association and the

O’Brien County Conservation Board

Volume 18 Issue 3 Winter 2014-15

Waterman Wildlife Addition is a reality!

The Waterman Wildlife Addition project has been completed. A public announcement was made at this year’s Bison Burger Picnic and Lawn Concert. The acquisition was a huge project and was only possible due to the partnerships with many other organizations and individuals. The Conservation Board received two grants - Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant for $485,000 and North American Wetlands Conservation Association grant for $100,000. Additional partners throughout the process included the O’Brien County Sportsman’s Club, O’Brien County Pheasants Forever, Iowa Natu-ral Heritage Foundation - and many individuals who contributed through fundraising efforts by the Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association. The land use of the parcel has already enhanced recreational and educational programming. A handicap hunt was held this fall through a partnership with Special Youth Challenge. A hunting blind on site is available on a first come/first serve basis. The area is now open for hunting and fishing. Eagles have been making their annual return to the night roost along the river. The hunting blind on site will be converted to a bird watching/photograph blind after hunting season ends. The prairie has flourished; and, as summer returns, plans for hikes and archaeological events will be enacted. The view from the deck of the Prairie Heritage Center has already been impacted by the land management. Visitors to the center can gain a better understanding of historical land uses. It is through the Conservation Board’s partnership with other conservation agencies and individuals that we can continue to enhance the quality of life of our residents and visitors. Thanks for your help!

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Oh Say Can You See … How Our Land Has Changed!

Two hundred years ago in September, after a 25 hour long battle, the United States soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised in victory a 42 foot American flag. Francis Scott Key, aboard a ship in the harbor, was so inspired by the patriotic site that he penned “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Some of the oaks growing on the river bluff adjacent to the Prairie Heritage are over 200 years old. What an amazing transformation of land and culture these trees have seen! During the first half of their lives, the landscaped changed so quickly that it cannot be compared to any other place on earth. In the 1840’s, Iowa consisted of 28 million acres of tallgrass prairie interspersed with large and small wetlands and 7 million acres of forests. By 1900, almost all of the prairie was converted to 200,000 farms, wetlands were drained by hundreds of thousands of miles of drain tile, and more than 2/3 of the forests were converted to firewood, railroad ties, fence posts, houses, and barns. By the midpoint in the oaks’ lives, mountain lions, bison, black bear, elk, wolves, cranes, and trumpeter swans disappeared from Iowa. The next quarter century brought even more devastating changes. Soil erosion muddied the streams; dust clouds blackened the skies; and even the deer, turkey and beaver disappeared. The second half of the oak trees’ lives could be considered a story of hope. Over the last seventy years, steps have been taken by Iowans who care about the land. Forests, parks, and wildlife refuges have been established. The soil conservation movement began. Agriculture initiatives such as the Conservation Reserve Program have provided incentives for land owners to provide wildlife habitat. Rivers became cleaner. Deer, turkey, otters, eagles, sandhill crane, and trumpeter swans have returned to the landscape. Our oak trees have lived through an amazing era of Iowa’s history. Now it is time to think about Iowa’s future. We are at a turning point. Consider what the oak trees have witnessed over the past two hundred

years and make wise choices for the future. What will be seen by the new oak seedlings growing on the river slope? The choice is up to you!

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Terry Boltjes, Director

O’Brien County Conservation Board - (712) 295-7200 [email protected]

Board Members Staff Sherri Bootsma, Royd Chambers Terry Boltjes, Director Darwin Dau, Kathy Luedke Brian Schimmer, Park Ranger Jack Wallinga Ryan List, Park Ranger Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month. Andrew Kathmann , Park Ranger Visit our website at: Charlene Elyea, Naturalist www.prairieheritagecenter.org Brenda Dodge, Receptionist 2

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Watch for snowshoe and other snow events as we enter into the winter season. Events will be planned as weather permits and announced in the newspaper, on the radio and through social media.

Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. - Country Schools - Prairie Heritage Center Enjoy a presentation by Wesley Peters, a young historian, speaking about his research on country country schools found in O’Brien County. Tuesday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m. - Ready for Winter Hike - Mill Creek Park Dress warmly for a walk around the lake looking for signs of winter. Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Meteor Shower Walk - Prairie Heritage Center The Geminid Meteor Shower is underway. While we may see a few meteors, this event is mainly a great opportunity to explore the landscape after dark. Dress appropriately. The hike will be on foot or snowshoes depending on weather conditions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS!!

Tuesday, December 30 at 1:30 p.m. - Going on an Elf Hunt - Prairie Heritage Center Looking for something to do with those extra people in your house? Come out to search for elusive Christmas characters using GPS coordinates! GPS units and instructions will be provided … just bring your sense of adventure for this family fun event!

Tuesday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. - Moon Walk -Dog Creek Park Meet at the south parking lot for a walk beneath the full “Wolf” moon. Dress for the weather. The walk will be on foot or snowshoes depending on conditions. Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. - Winter Bird Count - Prairie Heritage Center

Come out to explore the area and find the first robin of the season. We will also be taking part in the MidWinter Bald Eagle Survey. Sunday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. - Snowshoe Making Workshop - Prairie Heritage Center Make your own set of snowshoes. These are high quality and attractive. See article on page 8. PREORDER IS DUE - December 20. This would make a great gift!!! Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. - Super Stars - Prairie Heritage Center See the night sky from a whole new viewpoint as you are transported across the solar system inside the Star Lab - a portable planetarium set up in the conference room of the center.

Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. - FROZEN in Time – Prairie Heritage Center Break out of the frozen winter mood by stepping back in time to learn about mammoths, mastodons, and other glacial creatures. Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. - 13 Moons on Turtles Back - Prairie Heritage Center

Learn the native stories behind each of the full moons of the year. Celebrate the “snow” moon at this event. Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. - We LOVE Animals - Prairie Heritage Center This children friendly event celebrates some of the prairie’s most popular animals and why we love them through a look at stories, crafts and games. Thursday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. - Making Tracks - Prairie Heritage Center Depending on weather conditions we will be making tracks of our own or searching for tracks left behind by other creatures. Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. - Tell Me a Story - Prairie Heritage Center If you haven’t been out to see the latest exhibit in the lower level, this will be your last chance to do so. This family friendly event will focus on some of the stories featured in the exhibit.

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Fall is always an eventful time at the Prairie Heritage Center! We enjoyed seeing so many of you at the Bison Burger Picnic and Lawn Concert! The weather was wonderful, and the band was outstanding. It is always great to spend time with friends on the prairie. Thanks to the participants in the naming contest, our littlest bison now goes by the name “Bug.” Our outlook has changed from the vibrant colors of fall to the more subtle shades of white, gray, brown and black. The bison have free roam of both pastures at this point and can often be seen along the fence in the north pasture. This vantage point allows easy viewing throughout the winter. The cold weather also provides excellent photo prospects. The bison are sporting their thick winter coat, and the cold weather only helps to increase the fluffy look. Come out to

view the herd throughout the winter. With the arrival of the cold weather, it is also the beginning of “eagle season” in the valley. Eagles migrate based on food supply - not weather conditions. However, the two are related. As the cold weather freezes the open water areas in the north, eagles migrate south. Waterman Creek keeps water flowing into the Little Sioux River throughout the winter. The juncture of the two water bodies is key wintering habitat for eagles. AND … it is just outside the windows of the Prairie Heritage Center!

Stop by the center throughout the winter for great eagle watching! We are also planning a couple of events which feature these majestic birds. Check out the Winter Bird Count on January 10. This event includes counting eagles on the Mid-Winter Eagle Survey route. Also, save the date for the Eagle Watch Day on March 6! We will have a LIVE bald eagle presentation at 2:00 p.m. COMING SOON!!! A new interactive exhibit will be on display in the lower level. The exhibit, entitled “Read Me a Story,” will focus on children’s books. It will also include interesting tidbits of information for people of all ages. So make plans to check out the display before March 10. Holiday Hours at the Center include: Open - Monday and Tuesday, December 22 & 23; CLOSED Wednesday and Thursday, December 24 & 25; Open Monday and Tuesday, December 29 & 30; CLOSED Thursday, January 1. Bring family and come to the center over the holidays!

Hours: Wednesday - Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Need information? See our website at www.prairieheritagecenter.org

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Special Landscapes in 2014 - FOCUS ON OAK SAVANNA

Join the O’Brien County Conservation Board staff in 2014 for a look at some special landscapes in Northwest Iowa. This issue draws attention to a special prairie feature called an Oak Savanna. Oak savannas can also be known as oak groves, oak openings or oak barrens. The specific trees per acre definition can vary within the region that they are found. The best defining characteristic is that the ecosystem consists of two primary layers - an overstory of open-grown oak trees and a groundcover composed mostly of grasses, sedges, wildflowers and occasional brush. The sprawling oak trees dotting the savanna are called wolf trees by the forest community. They are large and excessively branchy trees which occupy more space in the forest than their economic value justifies. However, wolf trees are extremely important in their wildlife and aesthetic value. A great complexity of plants, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fungi and other components make up this special community.

Under the oaks in a savanna, prairie plants flourish. This landscape was both established and maintained by fire. Bur oak trees have specific adaptations which make them able to withstand the heat - thick, corky bark, an extensive root system, and rot resistance even when scarring occurs. Even the acorns are protected by thick fringy caps. Young bur oaks vigorously resprout after a fire building their resistance and energy stores, while mature trees thrive as fire slows the spread of disease.

Oak savannas are a special ecosystem not only as a space for plants and animals but also for people. Historically, native people as well as pioneers depended on savannas for many things including firewood, building materials and shaded but open campsites. Oak savannas are also a place of beauty - capturing the hearts and pens of explorers and settlers.

"Its indented and irregular outline of wood, its varied surface interspersed with clumps of oaks

of centuries' growth, its tall grass, with seed stalks from six to ten feet high, like tall and slender reeds waving in a gentle breeze,

the whole presenting a magnificence of park scenery, complete from the hand of Nature, and unrivalled by the same sort of scenery by European art."

— George Flower, 1817 Visit an oak savanna to savor the sites and history of this special landscape!

Make Your Holidays Bright

Are you looking for gift ideas for your family and friends? Think of giving the gift of memories in the outdoors! Camping cabins, camping coupon books and lodge certificates are an excellent way to make the holidays last all the way to summer … and also insure time spent together outdoors. Think about treating your spouse or children to one outdoor day a month … go hiking, fishing, canoeing … Be clever with your gifts! Check out this website for more ideas for creating fun and meaningful celebrations: http://www.uni.edu/ceee/hometown/reclaim-your-holidays/creativegiftideas

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WINTER LIBRARY SERIES

Each year during the winter months, the Conservation Board teams up with local libraries to bring programming to your community! Programs are designed for all ages and last approximately one hour. See you there!

JANUARY – “Wildlife for Sale”

Who would imagine that African frogs or spiny dogfish might hold the key to new antibiotics or that extracts from vampire bat saliva would help prevent heart attacks? For thousands of years humans have used plants, animals and other organisms to treat everything from common colds to strokes. The growing use of wildlife in human medicines is one example of dilemmas facing wildlife trade around the world. The use of creatures for luxury items or for pets also affects the planet’s biodiversity. Join the naturalist for a fascinating look at the topic of Wildlife for Sale. A stunning sample of confiscated animal trade items will also be on display.

Monday, January 5 at 4:00 p.m. - Sutherland Library Thursday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. - Sanborn Library Wednesday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m. - Hartley Library Thursday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. - Primghar Library Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. - Sheldon Library Tuesday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. - Paullina Library

FEBRUARY – “What Can You Do with a Like This?”

Fill in the blank with a tongue, eyes, ears, hair or a wide range of other animal body parts. This presentation takes a look at the amazing features of a wide range of creatures! What could you do with eyes like an eagle, a tongue like a wood-pecker or hair like a bison? Come to this fast paced program to find out!

Monday, February 2 at 4:00 p.m. - Sutherland Library Thursday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Sanborn Library Wednesday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. - Hartley Library Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. - Sheldon Library Tuesday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. - Paullina Library Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. - Primghar Library

MARCH – “Where Does It Go From Here?”

How far away do the choices that you make have an impact? Does the plastic bag that skitters past you on the sidewalk really make a difference? Can decisions made in Iowa really affect the ocean over a 1,000 miles away? This presentation will direct your attention to the way water travels, what it carries with it and how we can make changes to “clean up” our act!

Monday, March 2 at 4:00 p.m. - Sutherland Library Thursday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. - Sanborn Library Monday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. - Sheldon Library Tuesday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. - Paullina Library Wednesday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. - Hartley Library Thursday, March 26 at 2:00 p.m. - Primghar Library

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Special Edition 2015 Prairie Heritage Center Calendar

The Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association is again selling a special edition calendar in order to raise funds for special projects at the Prairie Heritage Center. The calendar is an excellent opportunity to support conservation efforts in O’Brien County while also having a chance to win great prizes for yourself. Each month the calendar owner is entered into a drawing to win a prize worth $100 - $200! That’s twelve chances to win for the calendar purchase price of $50. Here’s the list of the 2014 prizes:

- January - $150 worth of art work from Bruce Morrison Studios - February – Snowshoes

- March – Bird Feeder/Waterer Combo - April – Camping Package Combo

- May – 10 nights of Camping at Mill Creek - June – Two night stay at a 6-person Camping Cabin at Dog Creek Park

- July – Firepit - August – Wine of the Month Basket

- September – Range Finder - October – Dutch Oven Camping Equipment

- November - Dehydrator/Vacuum Sealer - December – Prairie Heritage Center merchandise

Winners will be contacted and also announced on our website and social media sites. Use the following form to order your calendar today! These also make excellent gifts for those “difficult to buy for” people on your list. Join with others to support conservation efforts in O’Brien County!

A minimum of 100 calendars must be sold for the promotion to take place.

Detach and return to O’Brien County Conservation Board, 4931 Yellow Ave, Peterson IA 51047 Price per calendar is $50. Please include $4 for shipping if you would like your calendar mailed to you.

Order Form for 2015 Prairie Heritage Center Special Events Calendar

Name _________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Email ____________________________________

Sample

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Snowshoe Making

Workshop

Few experiences can compare to stomping across freshly fallen snow on a pair of snowshoes. This activity is an excellent way to relax and get exercise at the same time! Hiking across the snow takes on a new meaning when you construct your own handmade pair of snowshoes! The Conservation Board is holding a snowshoe making class on Sunday, January 18 beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Styles available include Ojibway, Huron and Bearpaw. Each type has an advantage in different conditions, but all produce an exceptional quality product. The material cost for the class is $145. A kit includes frames made of white ash, nylon lacing and bindings. When completed, you will only need to varnish them annually to keep them in shape for a lifetime.

The kits will need to be ordered by

December 20 .

Please call 712-295-7200 for more information or to reserve your spot in the class. This would make an excellent Christmas gift. Give a certificate for the finished product or an opportunity to attend the class!

Bear Paw Huron Ojibway

Hunting Regulation Reminder

After several years of a concentrated effort to reduce the size of Iowa’s deer herd, management efforts are shifting towards stabilizing the population. This is especially true in 27 counties in Northwest Iowa. Hunters may take ONLY antlered deer during the first shotgun and first muzzleloader seasons. Antlerless deer may still be taken in archery, late muzzleloader and second shotgun seasons. Be sure to check your regulation handbook for maps and rules. The Iowa legislature added crossbows as a new option for weapon choice in late muzzleloader season. Specific rules apply including regulations on pistol grips and projectiles. Consult the regulations handbook for more details.

Conservation Partners at Work The O’Brien County Sportman’s Club and the O’Brien County Pheasants Forever recently worked with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa DNR to acquire approximately 225 acres of property along Waterman Creek in Section 14 of Waterman Township. This parcel connects to the Waterman Prairie Wildlife Management Area. Contiguous land sections allow for better management practices as well as excellent locations for hunting and wildlife watching. This piece also has an historical feature as it was the location of Bonnie and Clyde’s campsite when the outlaws were in the area in 1933. Announcements will be made when the area opens to the public.

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Conservation Reserve Program

In a recent combined effort, two square miles of land has been entered into the Conservation Reserve Program in O’Brien County. The current farm bill and pricing structure has allowed payment rates on some parcels to exceed $300/acre! This is an opportune time to invest in the future of wildlife conservation. Pollinator seed packs are also available for those interested in providing a place for insects. Speak to your contacts at the Soil Conservation office or the County Conservation Board to learn more!

Bird Conservation Area

The Iowa DNR held a public meeting at the Prairie Heritage Center in November to solicit public input regarding designating the Waterman Prairie Wildlife Management Area as a Bird Conservation Area. Bruce Ehrsmann, wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Diversity Program, described the many benefits for wildlife as well as people living in the region. Grassland birds are the fastest declining group in North America, and the area’s designation can lead to improved conservation practices benefiting the many species that are in trouble. Some of the birds impacted in our area include the bobolink, northern harrier, upland sandpiper, red-headed woodpecker, and ring-necked pheasant. Partnerships between conservation agencies and private landowners are key to creating a large expanse of bird habitat and reversing this trend of declining species numbers. Bird Conservation Area designation will aid in receiving grant funding which can be used on both public and private lands. Any efforts on private lands are completely voluntary with no restrictions or requirements. Those private partners who are interested in bird conservation practices can receive technical guidance from the conservation board or the DNR private lands division. Establishing a Bird Conservation Area increases recreational and tourism opportunities. It can lead to a economic boost for the entire region. Watching birds is one of the fastest growing pastimes in North America. A recent survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that more dollars are spent on wildlife watching than on hunting. All together the recreational activities of hunting, fishing and wildlife watching - all available within the Bird Conservation Area - bolster Iowa’s economy by nearly $1 billion each year! Watch for an announcement regarding a designation ceremony for this Bird Conservation Area to take place later this spring. Be a part of this project by visiting the area!

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Traditions of Trapping

Our feature event for our sportsmen this year will focus on the topic of trapping! The

Conservation Board is excited to offer a different twist on our biannual event. Building on the popularity of the Big Bucks of Northwest Iowa, the plan is to hold a “Traditions of Trapping” event on Saturday, March 14 at the Prairie Heritage Center from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Details regarding the event are still being worked through, but now is the time to mark your calendar and save the date! Some things that you can expect are seminars on trapping methods, vendors, and drawings for trapping equipment. For those of you who were anticipating sharing your big buck, a trophy wall for recent mounts is planned. This is more of a showcase option in-stead of a main feature for the event; so it will not include a gun drawing. The Traditions of Trapping topics will cover an historical perspective as well as answer some questions regarding how and why to trap. This event should be interesting for the novice and experienced trapper as well as an introduction for those interested in learning more about the sport. Watch for more details as the event comes closer.

Dreams for Dog Creek!

Due to the extremely high demand for the 12-person cabins at Mill Creek Park, the Conservation Board is making plans to expand our camping cabin options. Tentative plans include constructing bin shaped cabins on the south side of Dog Creek lake. The cabins would be handicap accessible, sleep 12 and include complete kitchen and restroom facilities. What a great place to enjoy the view and spend time making memories with your family! Located along the one of Iowa’s Scenic Byways, these “one of a kind” cabins will provide a rare experience connecting families to the heritage of the land. Staying in a 30’ foot grain bin will be a true Iowa vacation to share with friends and family. Grant funds will be sought. However, if you would like to personally become a part of this process, the board is exploring an option of donor bricks embedded into the foyer of the cabin. This would be a select opportunity as the brick would need to be purchased prior to construction. If you would like to know more about playing a part in this project, please contact the Conservation Board. Watch for more information about this exciting new camping option coming soon!

Check your mailing label to be sure the address is correct. Please let us know if any changes should be made. If you would like to receive the Little Sioux Wanderings free of charge, please send your name and physical or

email address to Naturalist, 4931 Yellow Ave, Peterson IA 51047. The newsletter is also available via email. See our web site at www.prairieheritagecenter.org to check out the newsletter or subscribe via email.

Environmental Protection Agency: 712-336-1840 Conservation Officers: John Sells: 712-260-1019 Chris Suppert: 712-240-6662 TIP (Turn In Poachers): 1-800-532-2020

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The O’Brien County Conservation Board does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap. If anyone believes that he or she has been subjected to such a discrimination, he or she may file a complaint with either the O’Brien County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240

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Our volunteers are nothing short of AMAZING! The faithful band of ambassadors do a variety of tasks. We are always looking for people to assist with special events such as the Bison Burger Picnic, craft days, Eagle Watch and more. If you have a knack for dealing with students, some field trip outings need extra hands. Perhaps you have a green thumb, we have plant beds to tend and are working towards a native plant crew. Maybe baking is your specialty; we sometimes need snacks for special speaker events. Our biggest need at present is for volunteers able to assist with staffing the center on weekends. The rotation works out well with a volunteer duty only once every month or two. If you would like to know more, please contact us at 712-295-7200. You can also check us out on Facebook to see the “Volunteer of the Month” and learn more about what our volunteers do.

Paige, Matthew & Luke Dagel - Apples for Fall Fest Marla Erick - Flannel Fiesta Foods, Hartley - Monarch Containers Marlin & Judy Mehrens - Metal Shelves Daryl & Sandy Rehder - Bar Stools Arlene Roemmich - Storage Tubs Bob & Vickie Ruden - Table and Chairs in Memory of Earl & Loretta Carney Blake Sievert - Apples for Fall Fest Volunteers at Events: Nicholette Bracy, Margaret Dau, Theodore & Caroline Letzring, Kathy Luedke, Eleanor Smith Bison Burger Picnic & Lawn Concert Volunteers: Jon & Judy Bang, Margaret Dau, Maxine Ewoldt, Duane & Rosemary Jalas, Darin Johnson, Mardi Letzring, Theodore & Caroline Letzring, Kathy Luedke, Bruce & Georgeann Morrison, Doris Rausch, Arlene Roemmich, Fred & Lucile Tanner, Paul & Kathy Unterbrink Monetary Donation: Cargo Express Bonnie Horstmann Betty Taylor Quarterly Memorial Donations in Memory of: Delmar Dau Juanita Hoeppner Rudy Riessen Bricks at the Prairie Heritage Center: Clair, Garrett, Kyla & Jenna Galvin Gaza High School Class of 1956 Sierra, Nolan & Isabella Spear Camping Pad Extension at Mill Creek: Netten Campout - Verlyn & Carla - Est 1986 In Memory of Wayne “BaPa” Evans Joshua White and Family Tracy & Shonda, Brennan & Jason Wittrock 2014

Wish List Would you have any of these items to help with the Prairie Heritage Center and Conservation Board Programs? * Tin (pioneer type) dishes and pots for use in the covered wagon play area * Pioneer dress-up clothes for the covered wagon play area * Cash box - bills laying flat * Craft supplies such as: - Glue Guns and Glue - Markers - Craft Foam Shapes (circles, squares, triangles, etc.) - Satin type ribbon - Buttons * Reusable shopping bags

Consider supporting Iowa’s Wildlife this tax season. Mark the Chickadee Check-off box to donate to help all wildlife … especially our non-game species.

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Save the Dates! Bald Eagle Day Saturday, March 7 From 9:00 - 4:00

Traditions of Trapping Saturday, March 14 From 10:00 - 5:00