Thursday, March 17, 2011
Big Bucks Event
Our 1st Big Bucks of Northwest Iowa event was a huge success! We had over 140 entries that either brought deer heads or sheds. We also had 500 people attend the event! Thanks to everyone that helped make this day successful! Pictures will be coming soon!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Mill Creek Park-From the History Book
The O'Brien County Conservation Board is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Mill Creek Park near Paullina with events held throughout 2011. A look back into the history book provides clues about the beginning of the park.
*Many trees were planted during the summer of 1937. In one section of the park, over 1,500 walnut trees were planted. Other varieties of trees were also included.
*The building of the dam in 1937 was followed by the construction of the lodge. It included an ample auditorium with a native rock fireplace and was equipped solid walnut furniture in semi-rustic style.
*The City of Paullina has always supported the park. In the winter of 1940, the park board purchased sand and gravel for beach improvements A diving tower and docks were constructed, and flood lights were installed for convenience and safety.
*A green space was left without trees in the southwest corner of the park. This space was used extensively in the early days for a polo team. Teams from as far away as Omaha, Minneapolis, and Pierre traveled to play here. "It was regrettable that the World War began and many of the young men were called to service. Since that time the polo team has become history."
*On April 29, 1947, a flash flood did much damage to the dam. Surging water skirted the side wall and washed away the foundation and spillway. The lake was entirely drained, and it was a "sorry looking mess." Work commenced immediately to repair the damage. By July 24, the swimming lessons were already in session.
*Many trees were planted during the summer of 1937. In one section of the park, over 1,500 walnut trees were planted. Other varieties of trees were also included.
*The building of the dam in 1937 was followed by the construction of the lodge. It included an ample auditorium with a native rock fireplace and was equipped solid walnut furniture in semi-rustic style.
*The City of Paullina has always supported the park. In the winter of 1940, the park board purchased sand and gravel for beach improvements A diving tower and docks were constructed, and flood lights were installed for convenience and safety.
*A green space was left without trees in the southwest corner of the park. This space was used extensively in the early days for a polo team. Teams from as far away as Omaha, Minneapolis, and Pierre traveled to play here. "It was regrettable that the World War began and many of the young men were called to service. Since that time the polo team has become history."
*On April 29, 1947, a flash flood did much damage to the dam. Surging water skirted the side wall and washed away the foundation and spillway. The lake was entirely drained, and it was a "sorry looking mess." Work commenced immediately to repair the damage. By July 24, the swimming lessons were already in session.
Prairie Parade through 2011
Join the O'Brien County Conservation Board staff for a parade through the prairie in 2011. The tallgrass prairie is a dynamic place to visit. Every week a transformation occurs. Colors change, animals migrate through and plants burst into bloom.
Winter was filled with snowshoe hikes and winter games. Prairie parade visitors had a ball. Check out these families enjoying a native game of double ball in the snow.
Eagles, Pasque flowers, frogs, swans and spring wildflowers top the list for the prairie parade this season. Be sure to check the calendar and plan to attend.
Although they are not on this years schedule as a public program, keep an eye out for evidence of spring prairie burns. They are an important part of prairie management!
Winter was filled with snowshoe hikes and winter games. Prairie parade visitors had a ball. Check out these families enjoying a native game of double ball in the snow.
Eagles, Pasque flowers, frogs, swans and spring wildflowers top the list for the prairie parade this season. Be sure to check the calendar and plan to attend.
Although they are not on this years schedule as a public program, keep an eye out for evidence of spring prairie burns. They are an important part of prairie management!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Mill Creek Park - From the History Book
The O'Brien County Conservation Board is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Mill Creek Park near Paullina with events held throughout 2011. A look back into the history book provides clues about the beginnings of the park.
*The idea of building a dam for a lake was first brought forward by Hugh Dealy, Fred Holms and George Harris in 1912. Survery work was completed and the idea was found to be sound. However, the Northwestern Railway objected to the plan claiming that the dam located closely to one of their bridges would endanger the railroad passage.
*The plan was dropped until 1933 when George Callenius and Robert Mattice again revived the idea. Sentiment grew slowly in favor of the idea.
*In March 1935, a bond election was held with the proposal to issue and sell bonds in the amount of $20,000 to be used for park improvements and the purchase of the land on which the park now stands. The transfer of land to the state was made in October 1935.
*On December 3, 1935 a small group of WPA workers arrived to begin work on the lake. In the next year the group expanded to a total of 300 workers. The original plan was that 35,000 yards of earth was to be moved by hand labor only. After realizing the process was to slow, draglines and dump trucks were brought in the next year. The work was completed by December 20, 1937. Water ran over the spillway for the first time on February 2, 1938.
*The watershed for the lake comprises approximately 3600 acres. The lake covers 52 acres of ground and is about 25 feet deep at the greatest depth.
*In October 1938, a crowd of 5,000 people gathered for the dedication of Mill Creek State Park. The park was decorated completely with flags and welcome banners.
*The idea of building a dam for a lake was first brought forward by Hugh Dealy, Fred Holms and George Harris in 1912. Survery work was completed and the idea was found to be sound. However, the Northwestern Railway objected to the plan claiming that the dam located closely to one of their bridges would endanger the railroad passage.
*The plan was dropped until 1933 when George Callenius and Robert Mattice again revived the idea. Sentiment grew slowly in favor of the idea.
*In March 1935, a bond election was held with the proposal to issue and sell bonds in the amount of $20,000 to be used for park improvements and the purchase of the land on which the park now stands. The transfer of land to the state was made in October 1935.
*On December 3, 1935 a small group of WPA workers arrived to begin work on the lake. In the next year the group expanded to a total of 300 workers. The original plan was that 35,000 yards of earth was to be moved by hand labor only. After realizing the process was to slow, draglines and dump trucks were brought in the next year. The work was completed by December 20, 1937. Water ran over the spillway for the first time on February 2, 1938.
*The watershed for the lake comprises approximately 3600 acres. The lake covers 52 acres of ground and is about 25 feet deep at the greatest depth.
*In October 1938, a crowd of 5,000 people gathered for the dedication of Mill Creek State Park. The park was decorated completely with flags and welcome banners.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
*February Library Programs*
Discover the process of maple syrup making. Learn the history and myths behind the procedure. Check out the interesting tools and equipment. Even view a short video of syrup making in progress. This library program is sure to give you a
different view of the topping on your pancakes!
Monday, February 14- 7:00 p.m. - Sutherland Public Library
Wednesday, February 16 -2:00 p.m. -Hartley Public Library
Thursday, February 17 -2:00 p.m. - Sanborn Public Library
Thursday, February 24 -2:00 p.m. - Primghar Public Library
Monday, February 28 -7:00 p.m. - Sheldon Public Library
Winter Fun at the Prairie Heritage Center
Grab your boots, mittens, and hats! This winter fun day will get you outdoors to play games in the snow. Try snowshoe tag, snow snake races, flag in the snow stack and more!
Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Big Bucks of Northwest Iowa
Saturday, March 12 from 10:00am to 5 pm.
Calling all hunters...the Conservation Board is 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 large racks to display will be entered into a drawing to win an H & R 20 gauge Ultra Slug with thumbhole stock valued at over $300. There will be one chance entered per item brought in to display.(Limit of 5 items per person) You may bring sheds to be scored but they are not eligible for the gun drawing. 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 9am to 6:30 pm. Also you can drop them off on Saturday morning from 8:00am to 10:00am. Please call us at 712-295-7200 to register for displaying your items.
A deer biologists will be presenting information on current deer trends at 2:00pm (?time pending). An ongoing presentation on food plots will be held throughout the day.
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