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!

Merry Christmas

From:

The O'Brien County Conservation Board Staff

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.

**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

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.

Upcoming event......

"Colors of the Prairie"

Prairie Heritage Center

Thursday, December 2, 2010

7:00 p.m.

Remember the vivid colors of spring, summer, and fall?

Settle in for a treat for the senses as Bruce Morrison puts some

of his photographic delights on the screen for your viewing pleasure!

The Prairie Heritage Center is hosting

a statewide traveling

exhibit now through

January 6, 2011!

Tallgrass Prairie-Past, Present & Future

Americans and millions of people around the world will sit down to a meal sometime today courtesy of prairies that once covered much of Iowa. Come and experience the story of our prairie heritage through the exhibit "Tallgrass Prairie-Past, Present, and Future." This display is making its way through the state and we are the first to host the exhibit in the western Iowa location. Hands-on displays and interactive components will engage visitors in learning about prairie landscape and native plant species. Visitors to the center will also be able to become personally involved in perservation and restoration of the prairie ecosystem.

Some of our special events while we are hosting this exhibit include:

*A snowshoe hike across a native prairie

*A photography presentation depicting the many colors of the prairie

Our goal of this exhibit is to have visitors leave with a better understanding

of the story of Iowa's prairie heritage.

Bring family and friends to take a look! Our hours over the Thanksgiving holiday are-

Thanksgiving Day-Closed

Friday, November 26th 1-4pm

Saturday, November 27th 1-4 pm

Sunday, November 28th 1-4 pm

Our regular hours are-

Wednesday-Friday 9am-4pm

Saturday-Sunday 1pm-4pm

Come learn more about the night sky and some of the important people who made discoveries about our solar system at our Sky Watch!

Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Prairie Heritage Center

We will be outside so dress warm!

TALLGRASS PRAIRIE EXHIBIT

Check out the Tallgrass Prairie Exhibit on display from November 15th-January 6th. Bring your guests and family to the center over the holidays!

Coming up....

Moonlight Hike at Prairie Heritage Center

Monday, October 25, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

Walk along the trail in the moonlight enjoying the fall air and exploring the darkness!

Don't forget........

WOODLAND WALK

Mill Creek Park at 2:00 p.m.

Come join the naturalist as you stomp through

the leaves looking for signs of the season!

This is the largest recorded buck killed in O'brien County. It was hit on highway 59 south of Primghar. It score 202 5/8 on the Boone and Crockett system.

Come check out this new deer mount at the Prairie Heritage Center!!!

Upcoming Events

Woodland Walk

Saturday, October 16, 2010

2:00 p.m.

Mill Creek Park

Paullina, IA

Dust off your hiking boots and join us as we explore the sights and sounds of fall as we hike the trails of Mill Creek Park. We will meet in front of the shelter house, make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring your bug spray! If weather is an issue listen to KICD or KIWA for cancellation information.

Moonlight Hike

Monday, October 25, 2010

8:00 p.m.

Prairie Heritage Center

Peterson, IA

Stroll along the trail in the full moonlight enjoying the crisp fall air and exploring the darkness.

Bison Burger Picnic & Lawn Concert - August 24th

Hello to all our followers! Time is definitely flying by and the summer is quickly drawing to a close - it is hard to believe! With the rain in June, July and August we were not able to have the 2nd Annual Inkpaduta Canoe Race - as you know, the Little Sioux River was too high and dangerous, but we will be back in 2011. We did have the Kayak Raffle Drawing and the lucky winner was Barbara Durham, all the way from Delaware. Congratulations Barbara!

Next Tuesday, August 24th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is the Bison Burger Picnic and Lawn Concert featuring Dave Rowley from Spirit Lake. You won't want to miss this annual event, we'll be serving bison burgers hot off the grill, along with sides and ice cold watermelon. Bring your lawn chair for the outdoor music and visit with old and new friends!

Funds from this year will be used toward the production and purchase of an outdoor information station. This kiosk will be located on the Bison Viewing Platform and visitors will be able to use it even when the Center is closed.

CAN YOU CANOE????

If you have not yet learned how to canoe or need to brush up, here is your opportunity. The O'Brien County Conservation Board is offering an entry level experience to the canoeing world.

Learn the basics of canoeing on August 26th. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Mill Creek Park (Paullina Lake). Canoes, paddles and life vests will be provided. The program is free, but space is limited. Please call us at 712-295-7200 to register or for more information.

Summer Happenings!

TREK THE TRAIL - GLACIAL TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY EVENT WAS A SUCCESS!!

Here are some pictures from the Trek the Trail event held on June 26, 2010. The first photo is Miss Elyea making a duck decoy out of cat tails at Linn Grove Park. The second photo is Hannah Waterman on the prairie where she settled in July of 1856. It was a great adventure for all that participated. Trail maps are available at the Center, so pick one up and explore this scenic byway yourself!

"DISCOVERY DAYS" SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUTH AGE 3RD GRADE TO 8TH GRADE TO START MONDAY, JULY 5TH

A "Discovery Days" Camp will be held in July from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays: July 5, July 12, July 19 and July 26. We will be exploring the prairie, woodlands and river looking for natural resources that were used by early peoples to survive. Each Monday will have a different focus and you can come to one or all of the Discovery Days. Please bring a lunch and dress for outdoor weather and creek excursions (old sneakers, swimwear and towels). Pre-registration is not required.

NIGHT HIKE

What goes on in the woods at night? Head out to Mill Creek Park, 1/2 mile east of Paullina on Highway 10, to find out!! The naturalist will be leading a night hike through the woods. Meet at the Lodge at 8:30 p.m. for a short game to get into the spirit and then we will take off to explore the woods after dark. People of all ages can attend. Dress appropriately for walking on paths in the woods. Call us if you would like more information.

JULY 8TH AT 8:30 P.M.

MEET AT THE LODGE

MILL CREEK, PAULLINA

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!

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!

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)!

Prairie Burning, Trade Show, Etc.

Over the last several weeks, the prairie has been burned and is turning a brilliant green, especially with our April showers this week. More birds are arriving daily and the bison herd is getting back to their frisky spring/summer selves!

If you are going to the Sutherland Trade Show on Saturday, April 17th, stop at the Prairie Heritage Center table from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Up for grabs in a drawing will be one of our new Dog Creek camping coupon books, which will give you 10 nights of camping fees and is a $100 value. A baby bison stuffed animal will be given away as well.

Looking for something to do on Sunday, April 18th? Come to the Center at 1:00 p.m. for PLANT A TREE DAY. You will learn about Arbor Day and much more! Native tree seeds will be planted in pots for use in our public areas. Participants will have an opportunity to take one home too.

The latest edition of the Little Sioux Wanderings is in production at this very moment and will be mailed/e-mailed next week. You will want to check out all the upcoming events!

With the longer day length and position of the sun, our summer bird residents have been making a slow return to the Prairie Heritage Center. In the past week, we have seen the eagles leave the area around the Center. A few Kildeers are back as well as the Redwing Blackbirds and Robins. Even a Meadowlark was seen today! Below is a picture from one of our bird watching events. Last year, from the Center down to the Little Sioux River canoe access, we spotted 53 types of birds.

This coming Saturday, April 3rd, we will be looking for the pasque flower (see above photo) on the Waterman Prairie. The pasque flower is one of the first prairie plants to bloom in the spring. This is the second event of the "Seasons on the Prairie Series." The hike will begin at 1:00 p.m. and we will meet in the parking lot of the Waterman Prairie. Directions are as follows: From Highway 10, take Wilson Avenue south approximately 1.5 miles. The road is gravel and will curve around the base of the hills. Continue on Wilson Avenue up a large hill. The parking lot is on the east side. Besides good exercise, it should prove to be very informational.

Please note that our hours on Good Friday, April 2, will be 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. We will be open on Saturday and Sunday as usual.

Center Happenings

We had a very successful Eagle Watch Day with approximately 230 people visiting the Center. Despite the rain, fog and cold temperatures, the eagles cooperated and were at the Center for everyone's viewing pleasure! An awesome bird program by Lee Schoenewe was enjoyed in the afternoon. Several eagles are still in the area around the Center. Hopefully they will decide to make the valley their permanent residence!

This Thursday evening, March 18, Naturalist Charlene Elyea will be presenting the Bird House Building program. This is a great way to create a place for wildlife in your own backyard. You can build a robin shelf or a wren house - your choice! Be here at 7:00 p.m. and bring a hammer if you have one. Call us if you need further information.

I saw the first robins at the Center this morning and ducks and geese are in the air as well - all welcome signs of spring!! The Little Sioux River is running fast and furious (some large ice blocks have been racing by) and you can get a good view of it right now from our windows. That reminds me - it won't be that long until our 2nd Annual Canoe Race - we have just selected the date - August 14th! Below is a picture from last year's race.

Happy March!

Spring has arrived....finally. Today is gorgeous here at the Center - blue skies, eagles in the air, the sound of snow melting and almost 40 degrees. Don't forget to stop by on Saturday, March 6 - Eagle Watch Day. From 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. you can view the eagles, learn more about birds, and do some bird-related crafts. At 2:00 p.m. Lee Schoenewe, local bird expert, will be presenting a program on birds which you won't want to miss. He has also donated a hand-carved eagle walking stick for our raffle. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. The walking stick is on display and is very special. Drawing will be held Saturday and you need not be present to win! Eagle activities will also be going on in nearby Linn Grove the same day. See you there.

Looking for Something to Do?

For all aspiring nature photographers - The Midwinter Thaw Nature Photography Workshop is set for tomorrow, 2-20-10. You can sign up at the door. The workshop is at the Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg and starts at 9:30 a.m. This will be a great chance to learn from some of the professionals in the area and your fee includes lunch.

Mark your calendars for next Saturday, 3-6-10, Eagle Watch Day. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m. will be a presentation by bird expert, Lee Schoenewe. You will not want to miss this opportunity to see the Bald Eagles before they leave for the winter.

This week, I've included a couple of photos (coyote and barred owl) contributed by Bev and Ken, two of our dedicated volunteers. Hope to see you at the Center soon!

Winter continues ... Think Spring!!

We have made it through one more week of winter!! Only 35 days until spring. The hawks and eagles continue to visit our "Raptor Cafe," and we've seen many coyote tracks in the snow around the Center as well.

The naturalist will be presenting "Ingenious Inventions" at the Primghar Public Library on Wednesday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m. You can learn more about the real source behind some of man's greatest inventions at this winter program. Make plans to attend!

If you enjoy taking nature photographs or looking at them, you may want to check out the Midwinter Thaw Photography workshop to be held at the Iowa Lakes Community College - Emmetsburg Campus on Saturday, February 20. Preregistration is due by Friday, February 19. Call for more info - 712-295-7200.

Prairie Heritage Center

Welcome to the Prairie Heritage Center's new blog page. Located in the scenic Little Sioux River Valley, there is always something new and interesting to do! Bald Eagles can be seen daily feeding at the bottom of the hill or soaring through the valley. The latest snow is excellent for snowshoeing. Come on out and try it on the trail! This Thursday, Feb 11, at 6:30 p.m., we will be hosting a "We LOVE Animals" event for children, ages up to 10, and their families! Stop back and visit us soon!