Des Moines River Water Trail Campsite Dedication

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will designate a water trail campsite on the Des Moines River Water Trail at Yellow Banks County Park on October 2.

The Des Moines River in Polk County was designated as a state water trail earlier this spring, but the idea of a paddle-in/paddle-out campsite came as an addendum.

“It became apparent to us that there was a lack of suitable camping opportunities for paddlers along the Des Moines River between Saylorville and Red Rock,” said Loren Lown, Polk County Conservation natural resources specialist. “Yellow Banks seemed like an ideal place.”

The campsite is within 150 feet of the river and includes fire rings, picnic tables, and a shelter area. Reservations for this campsite will soon be available online through http://www.mycountyparks.com/.

The dedication will take place at 6 p.m. at the campsite. Robin Fortney, founder of Central Iowa Paddlers, will be leading a paddling excursion from Pleasant Hill Access (north side of river at Hwy. 65 and Vandalia Road) and arriving at the campsite in time for the dedication. If you are interested in floating this 4-mile stretch of the river, meet at the Pleasant Hill Access at 1 p.m. —you must have your own canoe or kayak.

“This is probably my favorite stretch of the water trail,” said Fortney. “It’s beyond the city limits and offers greater opportunities for wildlife viewing.”

“Primitive campsites accessible from the river are very popular amenities on our water trails,” said John Wenck, DNR river programs outreach coordinator. “It offers paddlers greater solitude and the opportunity for multi-day tripping without the need for daily shuttles.”

For more information on Iowa water trails, see www.iowadnr.gov/watertrails/.

Upcoming Park Programs on Iowa Public Television

In the spirit of the upcoming Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, IPTV gave their first-ever 'Be more Awards' to three individuals who have been champions for Iowa Public Television and Iowa's natural resources.

On Wednesday evening, September 23, Former Congressman Neal Smith (Co-Chair of the Iowa Parks Foundation), Joe Crookham (President of the Iowa Parks Foundation) and Bob Jester (longtime Des Moines business leader and conservationist) were presented with the 'Be more Awards' by Dan Miller of IPTV. Following the presentation, we were entertained with a live closed circuit concert from Central Park in New York City.

Iowa Public Television is embracing the premiere broadcast of Ken Burns' The National Parks: America's Best Idea by showcasing the wide variety of natural wonders all around us. Through these programs, Iowans will be exposed to the beauty and wonder of our natural heritage on the air, on the ground, and online.

These films are a human history set against the most stunning backdrop imaginable. These films works their way chronologically through the history of the national parks featuring characters -- some famous, most not, from every walk of life -- who dedicated their lives to insuring all could enjoy these places. These films also explore how the national park system came to be and examines some -- but not all --of how these majestic places came to be national parks.

Visit the Web Site

The Iowa Parks Foundation is a proud local sponsor of The National Parks: America's Best Idea.

National Parks: America's Best Idea
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890) (#101)
Sun, September 27, 2009 1:00 PM (IPTV)
Sun, September 27, 2009 7:00 PM (IPTV)
Sun, September 27, 2009 9:00 PM (IPTV)
Mon, September 28, 2009 7:00 AM (IPTV World)
Mon, September 28, 2009 1:00 PM (IPTV World)
In 1872, Congress acts to protect land that will become America's first national park, Yellowstone. Watch Online Play Video

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA Schullery ... Historian Paul Schullery and former National Park Service director George Hartzog describe the power of the national parks.... 01:30 Play Video

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA'S BEST IDEA Collecting ... Tuan Luong, a climber and photographer who was so captivated by the splendor of the national parks that he decided to continue ... 03:08 Play Video

THE NATIONAL PARKS Yosemite's Buffalo Soldiers ... Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson and his rediscovered the story of the African American soldiers who patrolled the parks ... 11:31 Play Video

THE NATIONAL PARKS Mount Rushmore: Telling America's ... Focuses on the new interpretive program at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, spearheaded by Supt. Gerard Baker. 09:33 Play Video

THE NATIONAL PARKS Manzanar: "Never Again" ... Stories of Japanese internment during World War II, Sue Kunitomi Embrey's efforts to commemorate Manzanar internment camp, ... 14:21 Watch more video from this program »

Iowa's National Parks Stories

Thu, September 24, 10:30 PM on IPTV Television producer Dayton Duncan talks with Iowa Public Television about the history of National Parks and the making of the PBS documentary series. Also featured are stories about Iowans who helped create our National Park system: John F. Lacey and William T. Hornaday. Plus, a glimpse of a wild 1921 adventure when Clinton, Iowa, boy scouts drove model T's to Yellowstone

Grand Lodges (#101)
Sun, September 27, 3:00 PM on IPTV

The story of Yellowstone's Old Faithful Lodge and Yosemite's luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel are detailed.

Canyon Lodges (#102)
Sun, September 27, 4:00 PM on IPTV

A close look at El Tovar in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion Lodge in Utah's Zion National Park.

Episode #201
Wed, September 23, 7:00 PM on IPTV

Visit Death Valley's Furnace Creek Inn and the Lake Quinault Lodge in the Olympic National Forest.

Roughing It In Style In Alaska and the Rockies (#202)

Rocky Mountain National Park is just out your back door at the grand and graceful Stanley Hotel.
Wed, September 23, 8:00 PM on IPTV

Glacier Lodges (#103)

Glacier Park Lodge, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier Lodge and Sperry Chalet in Montana are showcased. Sun, September 27, 5:00 PM on IPTV

Pacific Northwest Lodges (#104)

Visit Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park and Timberline Lodge on Oregon's Mount Hood.

Sun, September 27, 6:00 PM on IPTV

The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890) (#101)

In 1872, Congress acts to protect land that will become America's first national park, Yellowstone.

Sun, September 27, 1:00 PM on IPTV

Sun, September 27, 7:00 PM on IPTV

Sun, September 27, 9:00 PM on IPTV

Mon, September 28, 7:00 AM on IPTV World

Mon, September 28, 1:00 PM on IPTV World

Mon, September 28, 5:00 PM on IPTV World

The Last Refuge (1890-1915) (#102)

At the end of the 19th century a conservation movement takes shape to protect America's wilderness.

Mon, September 28, 7:00 PM on IPTV

Mon, September 28, 9:30 PM on IPTV

Tue, September 29, 7:00 AM on IPTV World

Tue, September 29, 1:00 PM on IPTV World Tue, September 29, 5:00 PM on IPTV World

The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919) (#103)

Established in 1916, the National Park Service protects the Grand Canyon from commercial interests.

Tue, September 29, 7:00 PM on IPTV

Tue, September 29, 9:00 PM on IPTV

“Cedar Rock Under Moonlight”

Start fall off the “Wright way” with your family by enjoying the Harvest Moon at the Walter residence Cedar Rock. Our annual Under Moonlight event will be Saturday October 3rd from 6-9pm.

Spice up your weekend with a trolley ride and an after-hours tour of the estate and then enjoy a fireside snack. The Walter House is close to home and something everyone should take the opportunity to experience.

This beautiful home perches on the Wapsipinicon River and is created mainly from brick, concrete, and glass. The grounds include a Wright designed entrance gate, the Usonian home, a boathouse, and council fire area for outdoor entertaining. This evening is an opportunity for you to view the home and grounds at your own pace. It is also your only chance to experience the typically inaccessible maid’s quarters and boathouse. For this event there are not formal tours offered but our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be available to answer any questions you may have as you meander through the park.

This is a fund-raiser for the Walter House. Visit us at 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd (Buchanan Co. Road W-35), Independence. This State Park is funded solely through the Walter Charitable Trust Fund. Donations are never required, but are needed and appreciated. A $3.00 donation per adult will be graciously accepted. Photography is encouraged.

For more information call the visitor center at (319) 934-3572, or e-mail the park at Cedar_Rock@dnr.iowa.gov

When: Saturday, October 3, 2009
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Cedar Rock State Park The Walter House
2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd. Independence, IA 50644
319.934.3572 Quasqueton, Iowa

Cedar Rock the Walter House - Katie Karsten, assistant manager

Pine Creek Grist Mill Heritage Day - Wildcat Den State Park

Visitors to the Pine Creek Grist Mill Heritage Day will find several new additions to the annual celebration Saturday, Sept. 19.

Tom Hanifan, president of the Friends of the Mill, coordinators of the event, said new live demonstrations will include basket-making by a weaving team, lace- making, traditionally known as tatting, and an antique tractor display by residents from the Walnut Grove area near Eldridge.

A local wood carver has also volunteered to demonstrate his craft.

In addition to the traditional offering of homemade pies and ice cream, A Guy and a Grill of Muscatine will sell freshly grilled sandwiches.

Heritage Day is an annual fundraiser staged by the Friends of the Pine Creek Grist Mill. The non-profit group, which was formed in 1996, is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the 162-year-old grist mill located at Wild Cat Den State Park.

All proceeds from the event go toward Mill-related work and preservation.

On Heritage Day, visitors can see the results of the group’s restoration efforts as the mill once again grinds corn.

Tom Hanifan, president of Friends of the Mill, said it is difficult to track the number of people who attend Heritage Day, but he estimates the count between 1,500 and 2,000.

The free event includes a free shuttle service between the Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Buckskinners’ Rendezvous, which is held throughout the weekend at the upper campground area of the park.

The Buckskinners will set up a temporary village, similar to the ones mountain men lived in during the Gold Rush-era.

The Friends of the Melpine Country School also helps organize the event. That group oversees the preservation of the 1877 one-room school house located near the Grist Mill. That historical site is also open for tours during Heritage Day.

Returning activities include canoe rides, music by the Port City Pearl Chapter of Sweet Adelines International and model steam engines.

Tin-type photographer Haven Noble of Mount Pleasant will also return this year.

Hanifan said Noble, a member of the Friends of the Mill, restored his Civil War-era camera and taught himself how to use it.

Noble uses the camera to take photos and develops them as Heritage Day visitors watch the process.

Details

What: Pine Creek Grist Mill Heritage Day

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

Admission: Free

Where: Wild Cat Den State Park , located between Muscatine and Montpelier on Iowa Highway 22.

Contact: 563-263-4808

Information: The annual Buckskinner’s Rendezvous will be held Friday-Sunday, Sept. 18-20, in the upper deck of Wild Cat Den State Park. A free shuttle service is available between the Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Rendezvous sites.

Online at http://www.pinecreekgristmill.com/
http://www.pinecreekgristmill.com/PDF/MillHours2009.pdf

Maquoketa Caves State Park Appreciation Day

Maquoketa Caves State Park Appreciation Day

Saturday August 8 - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Schedule of Events -

Rudy Vallejo-Native American Dance

10:30am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm

Live Music

Doug and Lisa Frey --performing from 1pm-3pm --Old Lodge Shelter

Hiking Tours -Flint Knapping - Visitor Center

10:30am & 12:30pm

Doug Gonner -Dutch Oven cooking demo

4:00-5:00 pm

Please join us in celebating our appreciation for YOU and the Maquoketa Caves. Bring your own chair. Come and enjoy free popcorn & Lemonade at the visitor's Center

9:00am - 5:00pm. For more information contact Maquoketa Caves at 563-652-5833.

Maquoketa Caves is probably Iowa’s most unique state park. Its caves, limestone formations and rugged bluffs provide visitors a chance to "step back" into geological time thousands of years. Caves vary from the 1,100′ Dancehall Cave with walkways and lighting system to Dugout Cave. The remaining caves are all different sizes and shapes. Some can be explored by walking while others can best be seen by crawling. In any case, a flashlight and old clothes and shoes are most helpful.

The caves at the state park have been found to release treasures such as tools and projectile points made of stone, hundreds of years of history just waiting to be explored by you.
Early recorded history tells of the Native Americans in the area, and that they were likely visitors to the Raccoon Creek valleys. From the discovery of the caves in the 1830’s by settlers until the present day explorers the caves have revealed the story of the past.

Beautiful milk white stalactites once hung from the ceilings and stalagmites rose from the floor. Souvenir hunters have robbed the caves of this rare beauty, but many formations remain.

The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A beautiful trail system links the caves, formations, and overlooks while providing an exciting hiking experience. Many areas on these trails have seen new construction, making the journey to the caves safer and easier. Trail highlights include the dramatic "Natural Bridge" which stands nearly 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, and the 17-ton "Balanced Rock".

The park has beauty all its own each season of the year. Spring wildflowers give way to the lush green growth of summer. Fall brings dramatic hues of yellow, gold and crimson. Snow transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Whatever the season, Maquoketa Caves has something special to offer.

TrailsHikers can enjoy the scenery along the 6 miles of trails. The trails in the eastern part of the park connect the park facilities and provide access to the caves. Trail highlights include the dramatic "Natural Bridge" which stand nearly 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, 17-ton "Balanced Rock", and "Dancehall Cave." A trail in the western area of the park takes hikers past a restored prairie, an experimental oak savanna restoration and a wildlife food plot.

Interpretive Center

The former Sager’s Museum building has been converted into an interpretive center. This new facility contains detailed information about the geology of cave formations, park history, and a background of the early "inhabitants" of the park.

It also contains a "video tour" of the park, for those who are unable to withstand the rugged terrain that the park offers. This facility will be open on the weekends during the summer and by special arrangement with the park office.

Location: Maquoketa is seven miles southeast of the park. Actual address is 10970 98th St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563/652-5833

DNR DIRECTOR TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUMS ACROSS IOWA

Richard Leopold, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will be holding public forums across Iowa again this year to discuss natural resource issues with Iowans.

The first forum will be held at Honey Creek Resort State Park on Thursday, Aug. 6.

“I really look forward to hearing from Iowa’s citizens. Last year, we got great feedback and ideas from more than 300 attendees,” said Leopold about the seven forums held last year. “Our relationship with Iowans is something we highly value within the DNR and we will work together on the things most affecting our natural resources.”

Each public forum begins at 6 p.m. with Director Leopold outlining the DNR’s top priorities, the environmental report card, providing an update on budget cuts and discussing local issues. Another hour-and-a-half will be devoted to answering questions from the public.

Public forums scheduled for Director Leopold are as follows listed by date:

Moravia
Honey Creek Resort State Park Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m.

Lehigh
Dolliver State Park Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m.

Solon
Lake Macbride State Park Main Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m.

Bellevue
Bellevue State Park Lodge
Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m.

Bedford
Lake of Three Fires State Park Lodge
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

Clear Lake
Clear Lake State Park Lodge
Thursday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m.

Sioux City
Stone State Park Lodge
Thursday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tammie Krausman, DNR, at (515) 402-8763 or Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov.

“Mob the Quab” Iowa Mountain Bike Champeonship Race

On Sunday, August 9, 2009 the Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series heads south.

By Bruce Brown

Have you heard of the famous Chequamegon 40 in Wisconsin that is run on cross country ski trails, forest roads, snowmobile trails and wooded lanes? That's right!! We now have a "Cheqaumegon like" race in our very own Iowa series.

Coming for the second time is Iowa's very own “Mob the Quab” backwoods, super fast, fat tire XC race held on a course loop that rolls on the multi-use cross country ski, snowmobile, and hiking trail that circles Lake Ahquabi. The race loop utilizes backwood sections of the wooded trails throughout Lake Ahquabi State Park to make for a scenic race filled with unique challenges.

COURSE: The 6.75 mile loop includes a trip around Lake Ahquabi's multi-use trail with additional sections that include backwood trails. You will encounter gravel, dirt, roots, ruts, grass, logs, wooden bridges, railroad tie stairs, climbs, fast descents and the best nature has to offer on this scenic course. The loop will be the perfect test of one's fitness with all of the full throttle speed and all of the climbing, but will not be technical in nature to scare off the entry level racer. In fact, this will be a perfect venue for first timers and experts alike.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE: [Mass Start for 2009]

CAT 1 Expert Men/Women's Open - 12:00pm (prizes: 100% expert entry fee pay out for top 3 in Expert Open and Women's Open categories)

CAT 2 Sport Men/Sport Women/Singlespeed/Sport Junior - 12:00pm (prizes and awards for winners)

CAT 3 Beginner Men/Beginner Women/Beginner Junior - 12:00pm (prizes and awards for winners)

Awards Ceremony: After the completion of all categories (approximately 2:00 pm)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:Registration is on the day of the race starting at 9:00am and closes 15 minutes before each race begins.Entry Fee: $20 for Expert/Sport/Singlespeed; $15 for Beginner/Junior

DIRECTIONS:Lake Ahquabi State Park is five miles south of Indianola (17 miles south of Des Moines) on Hwy. 65/69 and one mile west on G-58. Enter Lake Ahquabi State Park through the main entrance where G-58 ends and the entrance gate is located at the 4 way stop. Parking and registration will be at the Lake Ahquabi Lodge (once you enter the park, take the first left at the Lodge sign). We have the Lodge rented for the day of the race and restrooms are located inside.

MAKE IT A FAMILY OUTING:The start/finish line area below the Lodge is only a few minutes walk from the swimming beach and boat rental. Bring the entire family and let the kids swim and build sand castles. Or rent one of the many canoes, kayaks, double kayaks, row boats, or paddle boats available. There is a concession stand with food and drinks as well as lots of shade and picnic tables for those seeking to avoid the sun.

YOUR MOB the QUAB Race Director/Promoter:Bruce Brown

More Information: brown.bruce@mchsi.com

515-961-0251; 515-205-4295