Will You Be Camping on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day Camping Checklist
The first major camping holiday is right around the corner and many campgrounds have already been booked months in advance. Memorial Day weekend always seems to kick off the summer and camping season. The weather is warming up, and the spring rains have produced every shade of emerald across the landscape.

1. Selecting Your Campground:
Memorial Day Camping is very popular across the state which usually leads crowded campgrounds. Depending on the type of experience that you are looking for, now would be a great time to learn more about the various campgrounds in your area or the area where you will be traveling to. Campground amenities vary quite a bit from site to site, and generally the campgrounds with more amenities tend to be more popular. Beach Campgrounds, including sites on lakes and rivers are always popular Memorial Day Camping spots.

If you are looking to avoid some of the Memorial Day crowds, take a look at some of the less popular campground with the same area. From my experience Forestry sites are not as popular as State Park Campgrounds, County Park Campgrounds or Private Campgrounds, while offering similar amenities and the same area attractions.

2. Make a ReservationSometime selecting the campground isn’t the tough part. Often it’s getting and reserving your favorite campsite. You know the one thats close to the bathrooms, but far enough that you don’t smell them. These campsites tend to get reserved quickly and well in advance. If you haven’t reserved a site by now there is a good chance its already spoken for, but double check the campground reservations to be 100% sure. As Memorial Day weekend approaches many campers release their reservations so new sites are frequently becoming available.

First come first serve sites are great for weekends like Memorial Day weekends. Because there’s no reservation in place, you can often claim popular sites by arriving at empty site early in the morning, or perhaps the night before. Both great first come first serve techniques. If you do find a spot, be sure to throw down some gear, or leave a person behind while another visits the campground host or park entrance to pay for the site.

3. Check Your Gear
There’s a good chance that this is the first time you’ll be camping this year. Before you get out to the campsite to discover half of the tent stakes are missing, lighter is empty or batteries dead, check it all out. We usually pull out the tent and give it a good cleaning and shake off any dust that may of settled. We also like to clean the sleeping bags, cloths, and towels. Pull out your master camping list and ensure everything that you take is in working order.

Near Capacity Campgrounds Expected for Memorial Day Weekend 

Iowa State Parks will be filled to near capacity for the Memorial Day weekend as many of the reservable campsites were snapped up in late February. Campers who are still looking for a site should call the park early to see if any walk-up sites are available.

Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the State Parks Bureau with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said his staff is been busy preparing parks for the first major holiday of the season.

"It seems like there is never enough time in the day to get all the work done to prepare for the first holiday, but we have a dedicated staff who put in the time, love what they do, and know many of their campers by name," Szcodronski said.

Campers will begin arriving a few days ahead of the holiday until the parks fill to capacity on Friday evening.

"We are going to be full," Szcodronski said. "We like to remind our campers to be respectful of each other, be patient, pick-up after yourself and to help us maintain the park by leaving the site in as good of shape or better then you found it."

He also suggested using the full campground as an opportunity to reach out to the new neighbors and make new friends.

"Try something new and different this year. Visit with campers on a neighboring site, enjoy the natural beauty, go on a nature hike and see the wildlife or the scenic vista along the trail. Challenge yourself to find something new," he said.

Memorial Day weekend weather can be unpredictable so campers should make plans in case of rain.

For information on Iowa State Parks, go to http://parks.iowadnr.gov 

Parks Dos and Don'ts 
Don't
… bring fireworks
… burn trash
Do
… bring fishing poles
… observe quiet hours
… pick up after yourself
… bring a first aid kit and sunscreen 

New Firewood Rules
Beginning Jan. 1, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has required all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood. The rules were added to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The rules only apply to firewood sold and acquired in Iowa.
The rule also requires the Iowa DNR to collect firewood from campers that does not have a label.

Campgrounds Closed for Construction:
Lake Darling
Union Grove

Parks Closed due to Flooding:
Wilson Island

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Camping Kickoff Weekend Begins Today

It’s time to open up the camper or air out the tent and get ready for a season of relaxation and fun in Iowa’s state parks. Today begins the season's Camping Kickoff Weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

A little pre-season work goes a long way to making a camping trip more enjoyable.  Check out some of the camping video's on the IPF Facebook page for some basic 'getting started' tips for new campers. 

Putting up the tent to check for leaks and minor repairs, making sure sleeping bags are free of holes, inventorying kitchen utensils and restocking dry goods are all important. Preparation for an RV or camper owner may be a little more involved — making sure gas lines are in working order; the water system is sanitized and leak-free; batteries are fresh or charged; blocks, jacks and hitches are operational.

And doing a little research on new outdoor recipes can be fun whether you tent camp or us an RV.  A number of helpful camping tips, recipes and checklists can be found atwww.exploreiowaparks.com.

Upgrades were made earlier this year to the state parks’ reservation system, including a new website. Campsite — as well as cabin, shelter and lodge reservations — can now be made on-line or by calling (877) 427-2757 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Some State Park Facilities Not Available

A water leak in the campground at Emerson Bay State Park on the shores of West Okoboji Lake will likely cause the water to be shut off for the two shower buildings and to the restroom serving the popular boat ramp. Water will still be available from the water hydrants throughout the campground, the modern restroom and to the dump station.

Frank Rickerl, northwest district state parks supervisor for the Iowa DNR, said they are in the process of notifying the campers with reservations and providing them with some alternatives. "They can stay here and use the shower facilities at Gull Point, we can transfer their reservation to another park or refund their money," Rickerl said. 

In addition to being camper kickoff weekend across the state, Saturday is the opening of walleye season at the Iowa Great Lakes which draws additional campers to the region.

Other parks across the state will have features that will not be available.

At Ledges State Park, the Canyon Road and Lower Ledges Road will remain closed to vehicle traffic this spring due to ongoing flood clean-up and repair. Park visitors are welcome to hike into these areas, but vehicles are not permitted at this time.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area is closed due to flooding from the rising Missouri River. If conditions improve and the campground can be reopened, campsites will only be available on a first come basis for the rest of the year.

Campgrounds and cabins at Lake Darling and the campground at Union Grove state parks will be closed all year for a campground renovation.

The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park are closed to prevent the spread of white nosed bat disease. Other features of the park and the campground remain open.

The beach at George Wyth State Park has been closed since damaged from the flooding in 2008. The DNR is working with Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] officials to raise the dike, change the access to the concession, upgrade the transformer and lift station, and other landscaping.

  

John Crompton will speak twice in Des Moines this week.

Dr. John Crompton, a professor of recreation, park and tourism sciences from Texas A&M University, will speak in Des Moines this week during programs sponsored by Friends of Des Moines Parks, a nonprofit organization that advocates and raises money for city parks and recreation programs. Dr. Cronpton is the most published scholar in the history of the fields of tourism and parks and recreation. Dr. Crompton will discuss how parks and recreation benefit communities through reduced health care costs and juvenile crime, increased property values and economic development, and stronger civic responsibility. Dr. Crompton is known worldwide for his work on marketing and financing of parks and recreation, especially during times of difficult financial  restraints.

Dr. Crompton is an energetic speaker who inspires and educates his audience. Come hear him describe how parks and recreation can benefit the community by:
• Reducing health care costs
• Alleviating juvenile crime
• Improving community cohesion
• Promoting economic development
• Raising property values, and
• Encouraging civic responsibility

Dr. Crompton’s message is especially relevant to the Iowa Parks Foundation and its members who are exploring the transformation of State Parks and other places of natural beauty across the state.

IPF collaborative efforts in Central Iowa include creation of a sustainable greenways system of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. This greenway will preserve, protect, and enhance the environment, improve water quality, enable alternative transportation options, promote fun and healthy lifestyles, and foster community and economic vitality through regional cooperation.

The IPF is an active member of the Central Iowa GreenwaysTask Force which represents 35 organizations and 63 individuals. Task Force meetings, open to the public, are held every other month.  Participation by all interested parties is encouraged. Dr. Crompton’s message will support the economic and cultural rational behind this planning process.

Free tickets remain available for Dr. Crompton's 12:15 p.m. presentation on Friday at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St. Tickets are required for attendance. Reservations and complimentary tickets are available by contacting Rebecca Linhart at 237-1403 or via email at rjlinhart@dmgov.org. 

For those who can't make the presentations - check out the first part of Dr. Crompton's presentation to the American Recreation Association.

A Busy Weekend - a few events of Interest

Friends of Iowa State Parks Summit on April 9 

The Iowa Parks Foundation and IDNR's State Parks Bureau invite you to attend the first Friends of Iowa State Parks Summit

April 9, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Izaak Walton League
4343 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, Iowa 50321

The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum for Friends of Iowa State Parks groups to come together and share their plans, projects, challenges and celebrate successes. This exchange will help to inspire all the Parks Friends Groups to find new methods to achieve our common goals. By working in a more collaborative manner we will be able to accomplish more for our great parks.

Display tables will be provided for groups to ‘show-off’ plans, projects and progress they have realized in your park.


Prairie Chicken Festival at Kellerton on April 9


There will be a Prairie Chicken Festival at Kellerton prairie chicken viewing site from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.


The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been actively managing the southern Iowa grassland landscape for this charismatic species for many years. The improvements are benefitting other species like northern harriers, short eared owls, pheasants, upland sandpipers, eastern and western meadowlarks and others. Breeding bird surveys indicate that grassland habitat is sorely lacking for many grassland nesting birds.


There will be a prairie chicken feature on Outdoor Iowa on IPTV on Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Peregrine Falcon Event at McGregor on April 9


Peregrine falcon enthusiasts are invited to see and hear a nesting pair at Bunge Elevator in McGregor, on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This pair is one of the 16 nesting pairs that have established territories around the state.


It is particularly enjoyable to hear the falcon's courtship calls this time of year as this species recovers from the brink of extinction, said Pat Schlarbaum, wildlife diversity technician with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


Experts will be on hand with information and spotting scopes during the event. Parking is available west of the elevator and a trail provides access to a public overlook of the Mississippi River where falcons can be viewed.


A web camera will be trained on these falcons when birds initiate nesting in the near future.

Iowa Outdoors Episode # 3

On Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m., IPTV viewers across the state can enjoy the third episode of Iowa Outdoors, a television series focusing on outdoor recreation, environmental issues, conservation initiatives, and Iowa’s outdoor natural resources.

The spring episode takes viewers 100 feet underground into Coldwater Cave in northeast Iowa to explore Iowa’s longest and most spectacular cave. Viewers will also have the opportunity to witness the population rebound of prairie chickens in southern Iowa during this episode. Iowa Outdoors also visits Wapsipinicon State Park and profiles the paintings of Iowa native Maynard Reece, a living legend in the field of wildlife art.


Following the April 7 premiere, viewers can see the third episode again April 9 at 8 a.m. April 14 at 8:30 p.m., and April 17 at 12:30 p.m. For a complete program schedule and to view complete episodes, visit www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors.

Spend National Park Week Helping To Rebuild Tallgrass Prairie At Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek

If you're looking for a good, active way to celebrate National Park Week, head to Eastern Iowa and help  the folks at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to rebuild an 81-acre tallgrass prairie.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 23, to cut and haul shrubs and invasive weeds from the grassland. Anyone interested in helping may contact Adam Prato at (319) 643-7855 before the project date.

Volunteers will meet at the site's Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. for an orientation and to get signed up. Work in the prairie will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It's suggested that you dress for the weather and wear comfortable work clothes. Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended. Long pants and closed-toe footwear are required.

National Park Week (April 16-24, 2011) is the annual presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of your national parks, many of which are living examples of the best this nation has to offer—our magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet interrelated heritage. Parks can provide recreational experiences, opportunities to learn and grow, and places of quiet refuge.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go to www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

Audio Tour: Tallgrass Prairie (2:10)

Tallgrass prairie was part of the Iowa landscape that had almost vanished by the time Herbert Hoover’s grandparents moved here in 1854.
Download Audio File: heho-128-TALL-GRASS-PRAIRIE.mp3 (537 KB)
[Right-Click and Select "Save As"]

Iowa Parks - First 'Friends of State Parks' Summit

“If we are going to keep pace with our civilization, we must give the public an outlet in the great outdoors.” Louis Pammel 1862 – 1931

The Iowa Parks Foundation and IDNR's State Parks Bureau invite you to attend the first Friends of Iowa State Parks Summit

April 9, 2011

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Izaak Walton League

4343 George Flagg Parkway

Des Moines, Iowa 50321

 

The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum for Friends of Iowa State Parks groups to come together and share their plans, projects, challenges and celebrate successes. This exchange will help to inspire all the Parks Friends Groups to find new methods to achieve our common goals. By working in a more collaborative manner we will be able to accomplish more for our great parks.

Display tables will be provided for groups to ‘show-off’ plans, projects and progress they have realized in your park.

Tentative Agenda

1. Welcome and Introductions—

2. State of Iowa State Parks - Kevin Szcodronski

3. Highlights from each Friends Group (go around the room and give each group an opportunity to explain their major projects)

4. How do you keep your group alive?
5. What about legal issues?

LUNCH (Provided) 1 hour to allow for informal individual discussions

6. Iowa Parks Foundation – Kent Sovern
introduce, vision, status, proposed role with Friends Groups
7. Value of—and—ways to communicate with local legislators for the betterment of state parks
8. Group discussion on benefits and interest in setting up communication channels among Friends Group – e-mail, website, future meetings, etc.
9. The day will finish with an evaluation to know what people would like to have included in another possible meeting.
10. Closing comments and thanks to all who attend

If you are interested in attending the Summit or want more information send an e-mail to Kent at iaparks@mchsi.com



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Iowa Camping Kick-off and Reservations

Camping Kickoff Weekend May 6, 7 and 8

The calendar says early March, but spring is just around the corner. Camping kickoff weekend is a little over two months away.

Camping kickoff weekend is May 6, 7 and 8, in Iowa state parks, and has often been the first weekend trip for many campers.

"Camping kickoff weekend is our way of saying let's dust off the tent and camper and get back outside after a long winter and enjoy some camaraderie in a state park," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau.
Campers can reserve a site for camping kickoff weekend using the new reservation system online. Campers will need to register with the system before reserving a site. Campers who have registered with Reserve America before can sign in under their existing account.

Camping kickoff weekend happens to also be a prime time for fishing, as many fish are active, close to shore and preparing to spawn.

"Early May is really a good time to spend in the parks because the bugs are typically not out yet, fishing is good and the surrounding park is going through its spring awakening," Szcodronski said.

"Iowans care deeply about their parks and we want campers to know that we are working hard to offer them the best experience and facilities that we can, with the resources we have available," he said.

"All season long, we will be encouraging our campers and other park users to help us to keep our expenses down by turning off lights and air conditioners when they are not needed and to pick up after themselves and only burn firewood in the fire rings," he said.

Camping Kickoff Weekend was started in 2003, as a way to encourage Iowa residents to spend time in their state parks.

Check out this introductory video on family camping, then visit the Iowa Parks Foundation facebook page to see all the videos in the series.

March/April Iowa Outdoors Magazine - Great Features

I just received the March/April edition of Iowa Outdoors magazine. It is full of great articles - but two are of particular interest.

The Quietest Park by Jennifer Wilson is a terrific piece on Three Fires State Park.  


Tender shoots rise from the vast croplands of southwest Iowa. Last year's corn stubble has gone gray over a long winter in Taylor County, 100 miles southeast of Council Bluffs. Windmills and weather vanes stand rusting, but working, next to broke-down barns. They're lonesome relics of life as it once was in Iowa.

For weekenders shaking off winter's sleepy mantle and looking for an old-fashioned outdoors good time, Taylor County's Lake of Three Fires State Park is where to go-a 694-acre park named for the council fires of three Native American tribes that once shared this land.

Lake of Three Fires is one of the most underused in the state parks system. It feels like you have it all to yourself. But if improvements continue to work out as well as they have been, then that's about to change.

Workers are shoring up its 10.5 miles of trails and a lake renovation in 2004 is just beginning to bear serious bobber-friendly benefits. With nothing more than a rod and a lightly outfitted tackle box, you can easily catch your first fish of the season...

Get the rest of the story in the 2011 Mar/Apr Issue:

A second article by Shane Hallengren features the artwork of Ames artist Nancy Thompson who is on a quest to paint all of Iowa's great state parks.

Check out some of Nancy's work here -  

Get the rest of the story in the 2011 Mar/Apr Issue:

Iowa Outdoors Episode Two on Iowa Public Television

The new winter episode airs Thursday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. on statewide Iowa Public Television and will take viewers alongside a cold water paddle with some of Iowa's hard-core kayakers. You will go airborne for Iowa DNR aerial deer surveys...dog sledding on the Great Western Trail... and a profile of Emmy-award winning nature cinematographer Neil Rettig.


Iowa Outdoors, a six-part series focusing on outdoor recreation, environmental issues, conservation initiatives, and Iowa's outdoor natural resources. Iowa Outdoors is a partnership between Iowa Public Television and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The six half-hour programs will be broadcast in high-definition on Iowa Public Television.

The Iowa DNR annually publishes six issues of Iowa Outdoors magazine. Please become a Partner and invest in the Iowa Parks Foundation and receive a complementary subscription to Iowa Outdoors Magazine. 

If you can't tune in tonight, you can visit  the IPTV web site  to find streaming video of Iowa Outdoors.  Broadcast schedule for Iowa Outdoors episode two
■Thu, February 17, 2011 6:30 PM (IPTV)

■Thu, February 24, 2011 8:30 PM (IPTV)
■Sat, February 26, 2011 5:30 AM (IPTV Learns)
■Sun, February 27, 2011 12:30 PM (IPTV)
■Mon, February 28, 2011 6:30 PM (IPTV)

Rally @ the Iowa Capitol for Iowa's Breathing Spaces

Here is a great opportunity to visit the Iowa State Capitol and let your legislators know you care about funding for Iowa's 'Breathing Spaces'.  

"Yes 63" Day At Iowa State Capitol

Supporters of Iowa's Water & Land Legacy Amendment will be gathering at the Iowa State Capitol on February 9th, 2011 from 9 am - 11 am (DETAILS) to show their support for the legislator beginning to fund Iowa's Water & Land Legacy amendment - through the Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. 

You can help exhibit this energy to the Iowa General Assembly. We will provide a brief presentation, including messaging about our visit, comments from supportive legislators, and RALLY DAY stickers and materials. It's time for our elected officials to listen to Iowans and Fund The Trust Fund. Help us Flood the Capitol Rotunda in blue-volunteers are asked to wear any solid blue shirt and to be a part of statewide presence-children are encouraged to participate.

On November 2nd, 2010, 63% of Iowa voters showed their support for the Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund and now it's time for our elected officials to listen to Iowans and begin funding the Trust Fund. The simplest way for the legislature to do this is to dedicate $150 million to the Trust Fund and pledge to sustain that funding level in future years.
This rally is about:

• Improving Water Quality For Future Generations
• Investing In Our Agricultural Economy By Reducing Soil Erosion
• Protecting Fish & Wildlife Habitat And Public Access To Hunting Areas
• Creating Jobs And Economic Opportunity In Both Rural & Urban Iowa

Iowan's can show their support for funding important water quality, soil conservation, fish/wildlife habitat programs, and outdoor recreation by wearing a BLUE SHIRT and meeting us on the Iowa State Capitol Complex at 9:00 A.M. on February 9th (DETAILS). We will then be walking up to the Capitol Building and showing our strong support for Iowa's Water & Land Legacy.

If you want to learn about how the amendment fared in YOUR county. You can download county results HERE. Spreadsheet of actual numbers are HERE.  

Interested in participating? email  Iowas Water and Land Legacy,  contact Roz Lehman, Field Director, or call 515-707-0266.

Check out this graphic - it shows how much of the state's General Funds Budget goes to fund the Agriculture and Natural Resources programs. 

Shocking!

Iowa Outdoors in the Winter - Featured Programs

Friends -

I just received the January/February edition of Iowa Outdoors magazine - Great 'Lost In Iowa' article highlighting winter activities and the four recently remodeled cabins in Pine Lake State Park. Invest in the Iowa Parks Foundation and get your subscription to Iowa Outdoors magazine.

Check out the following for some very interesting media links to programming of interest to Iowa's outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

On Iowa Public Television


Iowa Outdoors, a six-part series focusing on outdoor recreation, environmental issues, conservation initiatives, and Iowa’s outdoor natural resources. Exlpore frozen farm silos in northeast Iowa, ice fishing in Spirit Lake, and fall migration in De Soto Bend National Wildlife Refuge. [28 minutes]

■Mon, January 24, 9:30 PM on IPTV
■Tue, January 25, 3:00 PM on IPTV Learns
■Sat, February 12, 8:30 AM on IPTV
■Sat, February 26, 5:00 AM on IPTV Learns
Watch This Episode Online


The National Parks: America's Best Idea is a six-episode series produced by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan and written by Dayton Duncan. Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska - The National Parks: America's Best Idea is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background – rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. The Iowa Parks Foundation is a proud local sponsor of The National Parks: America's Best Idea.  

Airdates & times are:

The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890) In 1872, Congress acts to protect land that will become America's first national park, Yellowstone 1/23/2011 @ 4pm
The Last Refuge (1890-1915)At the end of the 19th century a conservation movement takes shape to protect America's wilderness. 1/30/2011 @ 3:30pm
The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919) Established in 1916, the National Park Service protects the Grand Canyon from commercial interests. 2/6/2011 @ 4pm
Going Home (1920-1933) The automobile allows more people to visit the parks. The Smoky Mountains and Tetons become parks.2/13/2011 @ 4pm
Great Nature (1933-1945) During an economic crisis and a world war the parks provided a source of jobs and much-needed peace 2/20/2011 @ 4pm
The Morning of Creation (1946-1980) American families create unforgettable memories, passing on a love of parks to the next generation. 2/27/2011 @ 4pm


On Iowa Public Radio - 

Wildlife Day with Jim Pease - 01/12/11
When the landscape is obscured by snow, some things become easier to see. Wildlife biologist Jim Pease will give us some reasons to look at our surroundings a little more closely next time we're out in the snow. We'll find out what we can see and learn from animal tracks in winter. (49:00)  
 

Iowa Winter Sports - 01/10/11
The best way of beating cabin fever is to get out of the cabin. There's lots of different ways to take advantage of our winter weather: cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, bird watching, sledding and ice-fishing are some examples. We'll hear from some of the experts, including John Maehl of the Iowa D.N.R., Gail Barels of the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Linn County and Tim Smith of the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Dept. (49:00) 

Climate Change Impacts on Iowa - 01/04/11 
A new report compiled by researchers at Iowa's Public Universities details the effects of climate change on the state. The report is in response to a directive set forth by the Iowa Legislature to review climate change impacts and policies in Iowa. Ben Kieffer talks with Jerry Schnoor, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Iowa, Gene Takle, Director of the Climate Science Program at Iowa State University and Biology Professor Laura Jackson from the University of Northern Iowa. Later in the hour, a conversation with Leah Christian of the Pew Research Center who discusses the latest attitudes and opinions among the public towards climate change. (46:00)

DNR starts recycling pilot project for parks

Repost from Radio Iowa

by Pat Curtis on January 10, 2011

Visitors to some Iowa State Parks may soon be able to recycle items that are currently ending up in the trash. Jim Lawson is overseeing a recycling pilot project involving 10 state parks for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He says similar efforts have been tried a smaller scale in the past.

“But, we think it’s time to try it again,” Lawson told Radio Iowa. “People are much more cognizant of recycling efforts than they were five or 10 years ago. Some of the problems we had were people misusing the containers, putting normal refuse in them. We have different containers that will prevent some of that.” Lawson is hoping to implement the new recycling program this summer after receiving a lot of comments from campers.

“I’m sure we’ll be starting with basic things, possibly cardboard, aluminum, clear glass and things like that,” Lawson said. “We’ll probably start off with the basics and see how
goes.” It’s not immediately clear how much the pilot project will cost the DNR to implement.

“We hope to develop some partnerships, possibly with local vendors or organizations, and we’re looking at the possibility of partnering with some local civic organizations to sponsor the cost of the program,” Lawson said.

The 10 state parks selected for the pilot project are Gull Point near Milford, Clear Lake, Lake Ahquabi near Indianola, Big Creek in Polk County, Rock Creek in Jasper County, Ledges in Boone, Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs, George Wyth  in Waterloo, Pleasant Creek in Linn County and Lake Macbride State Park in Johnson County.
________________________________________________
 
 

27TH ANNUAL - BALD EAGLE APPRECIATION DAYS - KEOKUK, IOWA

Highlights - January 15 - 16, 2011

• View eagles in their Natural Habitat
• Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental Exhibits
• Native American Activities
• Woodcarvers' Exhibits and Demonstrations
• World Bird Sanctuary Presentations
• "A Salute to Songbirds" Traveling Exhibit
• Interesting Seminars!
• Artifact Road Show

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

View Bald Eagles in their Natural Habitat

Riverfront · Victory Park & Southside Boat Club
Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Personnel from the Lee County Conservation Board, Iowa DNR, Illinois DNR and the US Army Corps of Engineers will staff viewing points. Spotting scopes are available free of charge.

River City Mall Activities
300 Main Street
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A SALUTE TO SONGBIRDS TRAVELING EXHIBIT
This 7-panel interactive display is fun and informative for all ages. It includes a mimic nest and international research information. Learn the importance of songbirds, their habits and other unique characteristics.

AGENCY DISPLAYS from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri showcase their efforts of protecting, preserving and maintaining our natural habitat.

ARTIFACT ROAD SHOW from the Office of State Archaeology. Bring your artifacts in for identification and age determination.

CHILDREN PIONEER ACTIVITIES with NAUVOO ON THE ROAD. Saturday only.

NATIVE AMERICAN TRADERS ROW & EDUCATIONAL BOOTHS
Learn Native American history of the Keokuk Area and the significance of the Eagle in Native American Heritage. The Night Eagle Singers will lead the singing and dancing. Coordinated by the Thunderbirds.


SEMINARS

ALIEN INVADERS: THE BIOLOGICAL INVASION OF ASIAN CARP IN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER SYSTEM
Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
presented by Jim Lamer, manager of the Kibbe Field Station in Warsaw, Illinois.


IOWAVILLE & SOUTHEAST AREA ARCHAEOLOGY
Saturday , 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Cynthia Peterson, Project Archaeologist for the General Contracts Program with the Office of State Archaeology.

EDIBLE WILD PLANTS & MUSHROOMS
Saturday & Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
Learn about locally found wild foods, see demonstrations of how to crack and shell out hickory nuts, process acorns, and make sumac lemonade. Presented by Mike Krebill.

RAPTOR AWARENESS PROGRAMS
World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis
River City Mall Plaza Cinema
Saturday, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00
Sunday, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00

See these magnificent birds up close and personal. Birds featured will be the American Bald Eagle, Wedge Tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, African White-Naped Raven, and a Hooded Vulture that will fly over the crowd.

Holiday Inn Express Activities
325 Main Street
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WOODCARVERS SHOW
The 2010 Woodcarvers’ Show features outstanding and amazing items shaped by carvers from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Coordinated by the Keokuk Woodcarvers Club.

Check out this video produced before the 2008 Eagle Days in Keokuk