Wednesday, December 29, 2010

NEW YEAR BIRD COUNT

Do you enjoy bird watching? Do you want to make a difference to bird conservation? Join the thousands of volunteers across America by taking part in the Christmas Bird Count. Each citizen scientist that takes part makes an enormous contribution to conservation. The data collected is used by the National Audobon Society and other conservation organizations to access the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.
A new bird count loop is being established in the junction of O'Brien, Clay, Buena Vista and Cherokee counties. As a trial run, the count for this year falls just outside of the official Christmas Bird Count dates. However, volunteers will be making a big difference in settling baseline data.
In addition to counting species for the bird count, participants will also be taking part in the Midwinter Bald Eagle Survery which takes place annually in January. This count helps contribute information to access the health of eagle population in Iowa.
Want to join this exciting citizen science project? Participants are asked to meet at the Prairie Heritage Center at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8. The first group of birders will be breaking out into sections and survery until 12:00. A second birding group will depart from the center at 12:30 p.m. and return in the mid-afternoon.
You don't need to be a birding expert to take part in this project. Just bring along a pair of binoculars and plenty of enthusiasm. Carpools will be set up with an experienced birding guide to lead the way. Make plans to join in for part of the day or bring a sack lunch to stay all day.
For more information, contact the Prairie Heritage Center at 712-295-7200. Play a role in bird conservation in Iowa!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas

From:
The O'Brien County Conservation Board Staff

Friday, December 17, 2010

Lunar Eclipse

There is a lunar eclipse on the night of December 20 or 21-depending on your time zone. This December solstice eclipse is also the northenmost total lunar eclipse for several centuries.
There won't be a total lunar eclipse this far north on the sky's dome until December 21, 2485.
That's because this eclipse is happening almost simutaneously with the December solstice-which in 2010 occurs on December 21-when the sun will be southernmost for this year. Remember, a totally eclipsed full moon has to lie exactly opposite the sun. The winter sun rides low to the south now, as it crosses the sky each day. December full moon is far to the north on the sky's dome. It rides high in the sky-much like the June solstice sun.

December 21 solstice marks day of southernmost sun (http://earthsky.org/tonight/southernmost-sun-brings-december-21-solstice)

Remember it's the same eclipse-happening at the same magical moments-for all of us. But our clocks will say different times.

Here are the central standard times for the eclipse- December 21

Partial eclipse starts-
December 21 -12:33 a.m.

Total eclipse starts-
December 21-1:41 a.m.

Total eclipse ends-
December 21-2:53 a.m.

Partial eclipse ends-
December 21-4:01 a.m.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

**SAVE THE DATE**

Make plans to attend the Big Bucks of NW Iowa Event
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Calling all hunters...the Conservation Board is also seeking large racks or head mounts to display. Help make this a notable event for Northwest Iowa.
All participants who bring a deer mount or a set of antlers to display will be entered into a drawing to win a H & R 20 gauge Ulta Slug with thumbhole stock valued at over $300. There will be one chance entered per item brought in to display. Boone and Crockett scorers will also be available at the event to score antlers.
Items may be dropped off at the center on Friday, March 11 from 9:00 a.m. -6:30 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 8:00 -10:00 a.m. Please call us at 712-295-7200 to register for displaying your items.
The Big Bucks event will run from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011. A deer biologist will be presenting information on current deer trends at 2:00 p.m. An ongoing presentation on food plots will be held throughout the day!
SAVE THE DATE AND PLAN TO ATTEND

Monday, December 6, 2010

Make a pair of snowshoes.....

Few experiences can compare to stomping across freshly fallen snow on a pair of snowshoes. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to relax and get excercise at the same time! Last year was a great year for snowshoeing; and, if the long range forcast holds, this year will be good as well. There are several snowshoe outings on the calendar of events.

As an added bonus, taking up the activity on a homemade pair of snowshoes makes it extra special. The Conservation Board is holding a snowshoe making class on Saturday, January 15 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Styles available include Ojibway, Huron, and Bearpaw. The material cost for the class is $130. A kit includes frames made of white ash, nylon lacing and bindings. When completed, you will only need to varnish them annually to keep them in shape for a lifetime.

The kits will need to be ordered by December 20. Please call 712-295-7200 for more information or to reserve a spot in the class.

In Search of Christmas Ideas?

Are you looking for a unique Christmas gift? The Conservation Board may be just the place to find something different. Consider renting a cabin for the year ahead. There are openings available for the upcoming camping season. The 6-person cabins at Mill Creek and Dog Creek can be rented for $35/night on Sunday -Thursday and $40/night on Friday and Saturday. A 12-person camping cabin with full kitchen and bath is available at Mill Creek Park. It rents for $85/night on Sunday-Thursday and $100/night on Friday and Saturday. All cabins must be rented for a minimum of two nights.

Camping coupon books are another great gift giving option. Coupon books are available for both Mill Creek and Dog Creek campgrounds. The books contain vouchers for 10 nights of camping and must be used within two camping seasons. The Mill Creek books are priced at $150 and the Dog Creek books cost $100.

For any of these options or to reserve a stay of your own, contact the Conservation Board office at 712-295-7200. Certificates can be mailed to you for your gift giving needs.

Memorials or donations to the parks or Prairie Heritage Center can also be given as an unique gift. Contact the Conservation Board for ideas.