9th Annual Project AWARE - July 9-16, 2011

This Friday (June 24th) is the deadline for 2011 Iowa Project AWARE online registration! Spots may be limited, so sign up now if you want to go on the river cleanup excursion July 9-16th!

9th Annual Project AWARE
July 9-16, 2011
Little Turkey, Turkey & Volga Rivers

Project AWARE, which stands for A Watershed Awareness River Expedition, involves hundreds of volunteers who spend their vacations working as aquatic garbage collectors - cleaning up, learning about, and exploring Iowa's rivers.

Turkey River: Paddling and picking up with Project AWARE Journey vs. Destination

This map shows the daily paddles for Project AWARE, held July 9 to 16 on the Little Turkey, Turkey and Volga rivers in northeast Iowa. (Courtesy map) By Lisa Brainard In my never-ending quest to find a super-duper trip this year (or five or six - or 26 for that matter) I'm always looking at things on the Internet, as well as picking up area tourism brochures. (Reminder: Look for our own "Destination Bluff Country" guide coming out soon - it's all color and glossy this year!) Last weekend I picked up a brochure for Fayette County, Iowa. I spent my years growing up in Fayette and Clayton counties. Well, what before my wondering eyes should appear in that brochure, but a perfect trip opportunity of the type I would enjoy! And perhaps best of all, it's in my "homelands" as I call it; the area where I grew up. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IaDNR) is offering the 9th annual Project AWARE, a volunteer river cleanup, in the Turkey River watershed July 9 to 16. That includes the Little Turkey, Turkey and Volga Rivers. If you're looking for a reasonably priced trip with periods of hard work (but a lot of fun), being on (and in) the water, camping, camaraderie, learning opportunities, sun and (did I mention?) lots of fun, this is it. Project AWARE stands for "A Watershed Awareness River Expedition." As the website states, it "involves hundreds of volunteers who spend their vacations working as aquatic garbage collectors - cleaning up, learning about and exploring Iowa's rivers." I've learned a bit about conservation work on the Root River watershed here through Fillmore County SWCD, the federal NRCS, Hiawatha Trout Unlimited group's trout stream work, the caving community, state legislative tours and more. It's pretty interesting. Add a paddling cleanup to similar education opportunities offered each day and it should be quite an event for the Turkey River watershed! Ties to the Turkey I'm really tempted to do this. Let's look at my personal history with the Turkey. (Ha, ha... that sounds like I'll be telling tales on an ex, perhaps?!?? Nope, we'll be sticking to the river this time.) The Turkey River winds through two of the towns in the Valley Community School District, both Clermont and Elgin. It also runs within a mile, tops, of the high school located between the two towns and from which I graduated. The Volga River runs through the third town of the Valley School district, Wadena (although I understand the portion to be cleaned up is farther downstream). The two chances I had to canoe the Turkey were after my junior and senior years of high school. One trip ended up at the imposing, handsome Motor Mill downstream from Elkader. The other was an upstream segment around the village of Eldorado. Even longer ago I recall riding horses with my neighbor and friend, Joyce, down to the Turkey in our rural area for a loop trip of 8 miles or so. That was a big time for us on our own. The Motor Mill will be a fabulous site to see as it's being repaired and restored. One overnight is scheduled at the Clayton County Conservation Board's primitive campground adjacent to it. (Did I mention also riding horses across the Turkey in that location on a Whistlin' Bit Saddle Club annual fall ride? I remember it was deep enough that water got into my boots.) Another Clayton County Conservation campsite will be at the Osborne Park between Elkader and Strawberry Point. I worked there the summer of 1976 as a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew member. That was the summer before my senior year of high school. (Before you do the math, let me state for the record, yes, I'm an old - but active - fogey!) Other campsites for Project AWARE include two Fayette County Conservation Board parks. The one at Gouldsburg, south of St. Lucas, is nice. Another, which will host two nights of camping during Project AWARE, is the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area near Elgin. It's a lovely area where, back in my school days, our bus would run daily past the property of two Norwegian bachelor farmers (really!), who later donated the land to Fayette County for the park. It includes a nature center and hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails. It's all a cozy, contented area of northeast Iowa. I guarantee the folks are friendly and the scenery nice. More trip details Now that you've humored me by letting me take this stroll (err... paddle?) down memory lane, here are more details on the trip. The "registration" fee is the price of meals, which would be $20 a day when all meals are provided or by selecting individual meals priced at breakfast, $5, lunch, $7 and supper, $8. The use of a shuttle to move people and camping gear is highly encouraged at $20 a day on the days it's needed. And that's it, although you may need to come up with a canoe. All in all, it sounds like a pretty fun way to spend a vacation - or at least a day or two - to me. For future details - and a lot of informational pages to print out - go to: www.iowaprojectaware.com/ 2011 Project AWARE Schedule July 9-16 - 88.1 miles - Little Turkey, Turkey & Volga Rivers Saturday, July 9 Meet and greet at Gouldsburg Park. Sunday, July 10 - 12.8 miles. LITTLE TURKEY RIVER from Gouldsburg Park to Eldorado. Camp at Gouldsburg Park. Monday, July 11 - 14.9 miles. TURKEY RIVER from Eldorado to Turkey River Canoe Access. Camp at Gilbertson Conservation Education Area. Tuesday, July 12 - 12.3 miles. TURKEY RIVER from Turkey River Canoe Access to Gilbertson Conservation Education Area. Camp at Gilbertson Conservation Education Area Wednesday, July 13 - 12.7 miles. TURKEY RIVER from Gilbertson Conservation Education Area to Frieden Park. Camp at Elkader City Park. Thursday, July 14 - 13.7 miles. TURKEY RIVER from Frieden Park to Motor Mill. Camp at Motor Mill. Friday, July 15 - 12.3 miles. TURKEY RIVER from Motor Mill to Garber. Camp at Osborne Park. Saturday, July 16 - 9.4 miles. VOLGA RIVER from Osborne Park to Littleport.

Water Quality Monitoring Begins at State Park Beaches

Summer is just around the corner, which for many means enjoying warm, sunny days at Iowa's state park beaches. The DNR will once again monitor and report on the water quality of these beaches to safeguard public health and enhance understanding of water quality.

Monitoring at all 38 state park beaches begins today (May 23) and will continue into September. Beach water samples are compared to water quality standards to determine the risk of waterborne illnesses for swimmers. All state park beaches will be monitored at least once per week.

Iowans and visitors can find weekly results on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov by clicking on Beach Monitoring. Choosing State Park Beaches under the Beach Monitoring Results heading will bring up a page that graphically displays the current advisory status at beaches throughout the state.

Clicking on the icon over each beach will open a window containing more detailed water quality information. Beachgoers can also get up-to-date advisory information by calling the Iowa Beach Hotline at 319- 353- 2613.

OUTDOOR JOURNEY FOR GIRLS PROGRAM GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER REWARDING RUN

Outdoor Journey for Girls An Outdoor skills camp for girls 12-15

Iowa’s Outdoor Journey for Girls (OJ) camp introduces outdoor skills to 12 to 15 year old girls of all backgrounds and knowledge levels where they have an opportunity to try things hands-on under the watchful eye of trained instructors. 

The three day, two night workshop teaches a variety of outdoor skills, including canoeing, orienteering, fishing, archery, shooting rifles/shotguns, conservation, water safety, camping, game care, fur harvesting, fish identification and fish cleaning and cooking. 

The second day is devoted to certifying the girls in Iowa’s hunter education program.

The experiences at OJ can form a common bond between campers. Megan Wisecup with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Bureau who coordinates the camp said it is common for some of the girls to keep in touch for a few years after the camp. 

“The girls really seem to form a bond rather quickly with other campers in their cabin, which is nice because many are a little nervous heading in to the camp,” Wisecup said.

Campers are encouraged to contact their local Pheasants Forever chapter to see if they have any scholarships available to pay for registration.  Other organizations provide scholarships, as well. 

The 2011 camps are scheduled for June 15 to 17 at Springbrook Conservation Education Center, near Guthrie Center, July 12 to 14 at Black Hawk County’s Hickory Hills Park, and Aug. 3 to 5 at Springbrook.  The July and August camps fill rather quickly so early registration is encouraged.  More information is available on the web at http://www.iowadnr.gov/oj/index.html

Outdoor Journey for Girls began in 1993 with the purpose of offering girls a similar experience to outdoor camps already in place for boys, and so far, more than 2,000 girls have gone through the camp.

Iowa’s Outdoor Journey for Girls has been featured in Newsweek and Pheasants Forever magazines, across the state and country on television (including Nickelodeon), and in newspapers.  

OJ instructors are Iowa DNR conservation officers and biologists, County Conservation Board naturalists, and representatives from other agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa State University.  Many of the presenters are women professionals in natural resources, including several conservation officers from the DNR’s Law Enforcement Bureau’s who instruct annually at the program.

For information on the workshop, in southwest Iowa, contact Shawnel Richter at 712-249-2844.  In the Dubuque and Bellevue area, contact Stephanie Penniston at 563-340-4528.  In Waterloo, contact Lori Eberhard at 319-269-6705.  In northwest Iowa, contact Ginger Walker at 712-225-6709.  In southeast Iowa, contact Jackie Gautsch at 319-205-8501. In central Iowa, contact Rhonda Fowler at 515-205-8709.

Frequently Asked Questions 

OJ for Girls Brochure

OJ for Girls Flyer 

Check out the Flickr Page for lots of photos 

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.

  

Devasting Threats to Iowa's Trees and Forests Emerge

By Brian Button - Editor, Iowa Outdoors Magazine

Not since Dutch elm disease are so many threats converging on Iowa's trees. Keep and eye out for these four invasive pests to avoid potential disease, widespread damage and great costs.

Proper woodland and community tree care plays a critical role in creating healthy rural and urban community forests. In 2008, more than 6 million trees died. 

THE BIG FOUR THREATS 

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer is a small green invasive wood boring beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. The adults live on the outside of ash trees feeding on the leaves during the summer months. The larvae look similar to white grubs and feed on the living plant tissue underneath the bark of ash trees. The trees are killed by the tunneling activity of the larvae under the tree’s bark, which disrupts the vascular flow. EAB is a highly invasive forest pest that has the potential to kill nearly 100% of the native ash trees of any size, age, or stage of health where it is present. Over 50 million ash trees outside of Iowa have been killed where EAB is present. Much of Iowa’s forestland is populated with ash trees, and Iowa’s community street trees are heavily planted with ash cultivars. The US Forest Service 2008 inventory indicates that there are 52 million woodland ash trees and 3.1 million urban ash trees in Iowa. Trees attacked by EAB can die within two years. Once EAB killed trees are discovered in a community nearly all ash trees in that community will be dead in five to six years.

Check out this video about the EAB from Iowa State University extension  

Gypsy Moth

Gypsy Moth is a European insect species introduced in Boston, MA in 1869 as an experiment to help provide silk for the textile industry. This exotic insect continues to spread west from that introduction site and defoliate native forests. Establishment of gypsy moth in Iowa will affect the survival of mature trees. The larvae of this insect will feed on the leaves of over 300 host species during the important summer growing season, a time when a trees leaves are converting sunlight to energy. Repeated defoliation that occurs several years in a row on the same tree will deplete the stored nutrients, leading to the decline of that tree. In 2010, a record number of 2,260 male gypsy moths were captured in 31 Iowa counties.

Bur Oak Blight

Bur oak is common across Iowa. In 2008, bur oak ranked second among all tree species as measured in volume of saw timber on forest land. Bur oak provides substantial value for wood products and is an important source of wildlife habitat and mast (acorns) to many game and nongame species. Bur oak blight is a newly named disease that can cause severe defoliation, leading to mortality of branches or entire trees. Bur oak blight is caused by an un-described species of the fungus Tubakia.  Based on reports of BOB to the Iowa State Plant Insect and Disease Clinic in 2010, 27 counties in Iowa reported the presence of the disease. Within these counties there are over 8.7 million bur oaks out of Iowa’s over 32 million bur oak trees growing. However, the disease has been observed by DNR foresters across the state.

Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnuts

Since the 1990’s, black walnut has been dying in Western U.S. The deaths are caused by a walnut twig beetle that carries a fungus which is spread as the beetle tunnels through tree tissues. The insect disease complex had been named Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD). The introduction of TCD into Iowa would have disastrous effects economically to the wood industry in the state and the rest of the nation. Iowa has the third largest volume (979 million board feet) of saw log size black walnut in the world. Some experts believe that TCD has the potential to decimate black walnut in the same way Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer and chestnut blight have destroyed their respective hosts.

Help Lessen an Outbreak

1) For woodlands, keep an appropriate number of trees per acre and maintain species diversity as the best insurance against native and exotic invasive tree threats.

2) Watch for signs and symptoms of the big four pests. If you see issues, contact a district forester. Have digital photos of suspect trees ready to help determine if an on-the-ground inspection is warrented.

3) Take care of your woods. Follow written management plans developed by a professional forester. Maintain proper spacing, stocking and tree diversity. Overstocked, overgrazed and under managed woods are more susceptible to all pests.

4) Cities should inventory their tree resources and work to create a diverse community forest containing no more than 10 percent of any one species.

5) Do not transport firewood, untreated wood products or wood waste. Movement aids spread of destructive pests. For campfires, use wood purchased at the park.

6) Get involved. Advocate protection and care of rural and city tree resources. learn more about tree diseases at www.idnr.gov/forestry/index or contact the IDNR's forest health coordinator, Tivon Feeley at 515-281-4915.

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.

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



View Larger Map

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:

New State Park Reservation System Begins February 17

The new system for Iowa state park campsite, cabin and lodge reservations debuted today at 7 a.m. central time at . The system will require users to create a new account, unless the user had an account on the national website, Reserve America.

The previous system was shut down on Feb. 3 in order to make the switch. All reservations made for 2011 under the old system have been transferred to the new system.

"Our customers will notice a few differences. We worked pretty aggressively to get this new system ready to take Memorial Day weekend reservations so there will be some added features coming later," said Sherry Arntzen, with the DNR's state parks bureau. "If a customer needs to change a reservation this year, or if they need to cancel a reservation on the day they were scheduled to arrive, they will need to go through the call center. For this year, making changes through the call center will be assessed the lower $5 online change fee rather than the higher phone center fee."


The call center has the same number, 1-877-427-2757, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time, from Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The call center will be closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Once the online system is running, it will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make reservations.


The three month window for the Memorial Day weekend for a Friday arrival is February 27.

"I would recommend that users who want to make a reservation for Memorial Day weekend get familiar with the new system and set up their account before the time comes to book a campsite," Arntzen said. "One change with the new system is that if one person makes reservations for multiple people, they will need to have addresses for the individuals on the site."


Customers who have bookmarked the previous reservation system website will be redirected to the new site.

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)

Beat Cabin Fever by a Visit to a State Park

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. 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

It’s that time of year when many Iowans are feeling the effects of “cabin fever.” John Maehl with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the cure could involve a visit to a state park for some outdoor winter fun. He says cross-country skiing is an inexpressive way to get exercise and enjoy the parks.


“Many of our trails that are more level and longer in distance, we groom those with a snow machine pulling a trailer that leaves some packed-down tracks specifically for cross-country skiers,” Maehl said. He suggests calling your local state park to check if they offer groomed trails for cross-country skiing.


Maehl is based in Monticello and says two of the more popular parks in northeast Iowa for the activity are Mines of Spain State Park near Dubuque and Volga River State Park near Fayette. Hiking is another popular activity during the winter months at state parks. Maehl suggests taking a walk on a state park trail after dark.


“We don’t have the night sky pollution like you do in the city,” Maehl said. “You’ll see the outdoors in a way you’ve never seen it before. The stars are so bright, there’s so many of them and they reflect off the snow. It’s just a whole different way to experience the outdoors.” Iowans can also visit state parks in the winter for ice-fishing, sledding or bird watching. Maehl says there’s not a wide variety of birds in Iowa at this time of year, but they’re much easier to see.


He notes bald eagles are especially active this time of year and can be spotted plucking fish out of rivers running through state parks. Maehl says a few brave Iowans enjoy tent camping in the winter, but most prefer to seek out parks with cabins for rent.

Maehl was a guest on the Iowa Public Radio program Talk of Iowa.

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