Thursday, May 27, 2010

Another New Arrival at Prairie Heritage Center








Tis the season for babies!!! The second baby bison arrived at the Center on May 15th and is on the left in the picture above. The very top picture is the new addition alone. It has been fun to watch both the Mom's and babies sleep and play! You should definitely plan to visit the Center to see them. The Canadian Geese parents are taking their numerous children for a stroll - anyway that's what it looks like.
Recent weather patterns have promoted the early blooming of several prairie flowers. The lupine is putting on quite a show on the prairie across the road from the Center (see above) and you can also see fringed puccoon and Canada anemone.

Mark your calendars for June 3rd! Join us for a "Prairie Prowl" at 6:30 p.m. Take an evening stroll through the prairie with Naturalist Charlene Elyea. You can pick up some plant tips and savor the view of the river valley in the fading light.

Hope to see you soon!






























Thursday, May 13, 2010

New Arrival at Prairie Heritage Center

Last Friday, we welcomed a new addition to the bison herd at the Center! Mom and Baby are doing well and Mom is very protective of her new calf. Thanks to Bruce Morrison, Morrison's Studio, for our first picture of Mom and Baby!

If you missed attending Wings and Wetlands on May 8th, here is a photo of the swans that were released at Waterman Prairie that day. They should remain there until late fall when they acquire their flight feathers and migrate for the winter.

Although it was wet and cold out, it was a wonderful experience touching the swans (they are very soft) and seeing them swim off to their new home for the summer!

Our next event at the Center will be held Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. This will be a stone tool making session - otherwise known as Flintknapping. Flintknapping is the making of flaked or chipped stone tools. This technology was used to make spear and dart points, arrow heads, knives, scrapers, etc. Pat Hashman, an expert in this field, will be on hand to demonstrate his extensive stone tool making skills. The session will be held rain or shine. Learn a new skill or practice your hobby!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

May Happenings



MAY 8TH, SATURDAY -- WINGS AND WETLANDS FESTIVAL

O'BRIEN COUNTY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7:30 A.M. ---- BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
Meet at Prairie Heritage Center. Rolls and coffee will be served, followed by a birding hike led by Lee Schoenewe at the Hannibal Waterman area. Then carpool to Wanata State Park, near Peterson.

10:30 A.M. ---- TRUMPETER SWAN RELEASE BY IDNR

Head over to Waterman Prairie for another "Seasons on the Prairie" event. The site is located 1 1/2 miles south of Hwy 10 on Wilson Avenue. Follow the gravel road around the hill and the parking lot is on the east side of the road. Have an opportunity to view and touch the swans before they are releaed onto the pond.

12:30 P.M. ---- CELEBRATE IOWA WILDFLOWER WEEK
Take a walk on one of Iowa's most recognized prairies! Meet at Steele Prairie which is located 1 1/2 miles west of Larrabee on 440th Street. Look at some of the earliest spring flowers. Sturday footwear and pants are recommended.

3:30 P.M. ---- BASKETS FOR THE BIRDS
Meet back at the Prairie Heritage Center to weave small baskets that you can use to hold nesting materials for the local birds to use.

7:00 P.M. ---- FAMILY MOVIE
Finish out the day at the Prairie Heritage Center to enjoy a family movie with a natural link. Bring a blanket to camp out on the floor (chairs are available as well)!