Reptiles of Iowa Tuesday, April 1 @ 6:30-7:30 P.M. Jester Park Lodge Come and learn about Iowa’s reptiles. We’ll discuss the fears and myths that surround these scaly creatures people love to hate. Brown’s Woods Clean-up Saturday, April 5 @ 9:00-11 A.M. Brown’s Woods We’ll meet at the new parking lot off Brown’s Woods Drive. We are looking for co-sponsors for this event. No experience is necessary. All tools, equipment, and training are provided. It is recommended that participants dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring a refillable water bottle. Sandhill Crane Count Thursday, April 10 @ 7 P.M. (training) Saturday, April 12th Early A.M. The Iowa DNR and International Crane Foundation co-sponsor an annual crane count across the state of Iowa. This one-day event is designed to help determine the status of the Sandhill Crane population in our state, which has been growing steadily in recent years. The crane count will be conducted in the early morning hours on Saturday, April 12th. A brief orientation session will be held at the Chichaqua Longhouse on Thursday, April 10 at 7 pm. Survey areas will be assigned at that time and training will be provided on crane ID and data collection. The meeting should take no more than an hour. For any questions, contact Doug Sheeley at [email protected]. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt 515-967-2596 Carney Marsh Restoration Sunday, April 13 @ 11 A.M.-2 P.M. Carney Marsh A crew of DMACC Environmental Science students and staff have committed to volunteering on the first Sunday of every month at Carney Marsh. Be a part of this restoration effort by coming along. We will be removing undergrowth and invasive species. No experience is necessary, and equipment is provided. You should, however, dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring a refillable water bottle. Rain Barrel Workshop Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30-7:30 P.M. Easter Lake Park Shop Did you know 50% of the pollution in our lakes and rivers is washed in by storm water? One way to slow down storm water runoff is to install a rain barrel. A short discussion about ways to collect and use runoff water will be held before participants construct their own barrel. All materials and tools will be provided. Make sure you are able to transport your 50-gallon barrel back to your home after the workshop. Pre-registration required; deadline is April 11. Fee: $50. To register, click here. Spring Fling Family Fun Saturday, April 19 @ 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Jester Park Equestrian Center Spring is in the air! Come and enjoy this coming season at the Jester Park Equestrian Center. Bounce house, carnival games, pony rides ($5), wagon rides ($5), and fun for all ages. Earth Day Invasive Species Removal Tuesday, April 22 @ 6:00-8:00 P.M. Easter Lake Park, Shelter #3 Join Polk County Conservation staff to celebrate Earth Day with an invasive species removal project at Easter Lake Park. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Wild Night Life & Hike Friday, April 25 Jester Park Lodge Join PCC naturalists for a campfire program about the wild night life in Jester Park. A short hike will follow as we search for some of these nocturnal animals. Afterward enjoy eating s ‘mores around the campfire. Pre-registration is required; deadline is April 24. Fee: $5. To register, click here. Spring Wildflower Hike Saturday, April 26 @ 1:00-2:00 P.M. Thomas Mitchell Park Enjoy a beautiful spring day as we hike through the woods to view and identify the dazzling display of spring wildflowers. Tulip Time Wednesday, April 30 @ 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Pella, Iowa Take time, smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty of thousands of blooming Tulips. Our first stop of the day will be at the Lake Red Rock Visitor Center. A Park Ranger will share the history and wildlife of Lake Red Rock. In Pella, we will tour the Scholte House and gardens and enjoy an organ concert at the Opera House. Indulge in an authentic Dutch Dinner at the Central College. Tour the largest working grain mill in the U.S. at the Pella Historical Village and watch the performance at the Klokkenspel carillon clock. There will also be free time for exploring downtown Pella and time to take pictures of the tulips. Tour departs from Prairie Meadows parking lot. Pre-registration required; deadline is April 16. Fee: $55/person. To register, click here. For more information about any of these programs, visit our website. To register, please see mycountyparks. Ask a Naturalist: What benefits do rain gardens provide? Heidi Anderson, a naturalist for Polk County Conservation, answers your wildlife and nature-related questions. Rain gardens are landscaped perennial gardens planted with native plants that soak up rain water from your roof, driveway and lawn. These gardens fill up with a few inches of water and allow 30 percent more water to soak in the ground compared to a conventional lawn. Holding back this runoff prevents pollutants from entering storm drains and eventually streams and rivers. The chances of flooding and erosion to stream banks are lessened by the reduced amount of water that enters storm drains. Plus, rain gardens add natural beauty and habitat to your yard. Before planting a rain garden you need to consider size, appropriate plants, construction, planting and maintenance. Click here for more details!
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:24:07 +0000