On the Campaign Road again; a familiar theme to politi-

cians and since there is a little buzz about some elections this year we thought we’d join in. The MCCB is again on the fundraising campaign road for the proposed Green Cas-tle campground. A campaign is defined as operations for a specific objective and a campground is this one. Green Cas-tle Recreation Area was chosen to become the eventual home of a campground because of the attractions already in place with the lake, observatory, picnic shelters, bison ex-hibit and trails. The first phase of construction for an opera-tional campground will be for access roads through the site chosen for the campground.

This facility will be constructed in phases over the next several years beginning in 2016. With preliminary grade work on site complete, this next phase will be to construct access roads throughout the site to provide a primitive camping area that will initially contain 30 camp sites. There will be no electricity or water initially at these camp sites, however utilities do exist nearby at picnic shelters and are available for limited use. Funds received during this phase will not only allow for road construction, but also for things

that are needed throughout the camping area including camping pads, directional signage, fire rings, picnic tables, grills, registration kiosk and additional port-a-potties. The estimate for this phase of the project to create a campground, at least in primitive form, is $60,000. With the gracious kick off gift of $30,000 from the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation already awarded, this project is well on its way to fruition. Other partners already on board with this project include the Community Foundation of Marshall County, Morning Optimists of Marshalltown and several private donations. While additional grant requests are being

prepared, private contributions are of utmost importance to show the widespread community support needed to top off this campaign. Over time the MCCB special pro-jects have flourished in part due to your generous contributions. This road also needs your support. It is planned that revenue generat-ed from camper receipts will sup-port the overhead required to make the campground function. Any ex-tra funds generated will be used to make improvements and upgrades to the campground over time. Eco-nomic impacts of the campground to the county are also projected to be significant; potentially bringing

over $100,000 to $200,000 to the area annually.

Join us on this campaign and support your campground. To make a tax deductible contribution to the Green Castle ac-cess road project please contact the MCCB offices at 641-752-5490 or email mccb@co.marshall.ia.us Whether you’re on the road to a new place or the same old road, adventure is always ahead of you. Green Castle Rec-reation Area Campground can be that objective.

On the Campaign Road by Mike Stegmann, MCCB Director

Volume 31, Issue 2 Summer 2016

Marshall County Conservation Quarterly Newsletter

SeasonsSeasonsSeasonsSeasons

Page 2 SEASONS

Nature Playscape Progress

Spring has sprung, as well as several of the stations in the Nature Playscape at Grimes Farm. More stations will be add-ed over the coming months. Please keep in mind, that the area may have some construction happening. Construction is slated to be completed by the end of the Summer. 1. Music Station: the pebble harp, wood xylophone, metal

xylophone, drum set with chimes, and thunder drum have been installed. (Please refrain from climbing the instru-ments). There will be two more instruments added this summer, tung drums and a rain wheel.

2. Spider Web: the spider web and the spider web swing

have been installed. The weight capacity on the swing is 600 lbs, so multiple children can swing at a time.

3. Seating: two swinging log benches have been placed

in the playscape. Coming soon:

• Eagle’s nest

• Water feature

• Butterfly garden

• Living tunnel

Katie Cope is back for her second season as a summer field intern for MCCB. The summer field interns are temporary positions with the MCCB and fulfill internship requirements

for school. Many of the MCCB summer interns have continued their pursuit of a career in the natural resource field. Katie just finished her junior year at Iowa State University in the Biology program. In her spare time, Katie enjoys hiking, fishing, taking in the fresh air, and reading. If you see Katie or Tanner in

one of our many parks, please welcome them!

Welcome Tanner! Welcome Back Katie! Tanner Thompson is beginning his first year with MCCB as a summer field intern. Tanner is currently a senior at Upper Iowa University with a degree in Natural Resource Manage-ment and plans to graduate in 2016. Tanner previously held a wildlife management aide position for the Iowa DNR working at the Otter Creek Marsh. He has knowledge in prairie management. Tanner is dedicated to improving land and animal quality in Iowa’s natural habitats. Tanner enjoys spending time outdoors hunting waterfowl, deer, turkey, and pheasants and playing slow pitch softball.

The Conservation Center will be closed on July 4.

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2 Page 5

Littering fishing line has become a huge issue in public waters world-wide. Many animals have been suffering as a result of this. MCCB staff and members of the public have witnessed, first hand, birds and other wildlife entangled in fishing line. As an effort to try and keep our bodies of water free of fishing line, the MCCB staff has placed fishing line recycling tubes at Sand Lake.

What’s going to happen to the fishing line in the tubes? Since 1990 Berkley Conservation Institute has carried out a “respool and recycle” program. Since then, Berkley Conser-vation Institute has recycled more than 9 million miles worth of fishing line! Fishing line, along with other recycled materi-als, is used to produce plastic fish structures. These fish struc-tures encourage plant growth, which provides the natural cov-er young fish need in order to survive and grow, ulti-mately maintaining a heathy fish population.

Fish-Habs are available to everyone; pond owners,

anglers, communities or anyone interested in im-proving an aquatic habitat. Berkeley designed the 4-foot cube Fish-Hab structure to be easily assembled in minutes. The completed assembly is lightweight and easy to anchor under water.

To order a Fish-Hab, send 75 UPC codes from Berkley line spools or packages or $75 to:

Berkley Fish-Hab 1900 18th Street Spirit Lake, IA 51360

In the future, we plan to install fishing line recycling tubes at Green Castle Recreation Area, with hopes to place one at every boat ramp MCCB manages. Please, if you are out fish-ing, pick up your discarded fishing line and use the provided fishing line recycling tubes. Our wildlife will appreciate it!

For more information on the Berkeley fishing line recycling program, please visit: http://www.berkley-fishing.com/Berkley-recycling.html

Fishing Line Recycling By Tyler Renze, Maintenance Technician

Volunteers are being sought to adopt small sections of flowerbeds at the GrimesFarm and Conservation Center and Green Castle Recre-ation Area. If you have a green thumb with no place to use it, consider giving the MCCB

a call to put it to use. Native flowers and grasses similar to ornamentals will be used not only to beautify the area but serve as a teaching tool for gardeners throughout the state. The beds in front of the Conservation Center have been adopted, renovated and are now a showcase for visitors. The native prairie plants are every bit as beautiful as introduced flowers yet non-invasive. If interested in this project please call the Conservation office at 641-752-5490.

Healthy & Happy Outdoors!

When is the last time you visited one of our many county parks? Did you know that you could possibly win a prize for your outdoor activities at the parks?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a program called Healthy & Happy Outdoors (H2O). The program is simple:

1. Register online and get started. (www.iowadnr.gov/h2o)

2. Visit one of the many county or state parks.

3. Get outside and log your activities.

4. Enter prize drawings with every logged activity.

Here’s How It Works: Each time you record an outdoor activity, your name will be entered into a drawing for one of many great recreational prizes – from bikes to binoculars to a vacation getaway. The more outdoor activities you regis-ter, the more chances you have to win. Log in today to get started!

Get connected to Iowa outdoor destinations and recreational activities for a healthier life! H2O supports the Governor’s Healthiest State Initiative, helping Iowans improve mental and physical health through outdoor recreation.

SEASONS Marshall County Conservation Board 2349 - 233rd Street Marshalltown, IA 50158

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

Marshalltown, IA

Permit No. 159

Printed on Recycled Paper

MARSHALL COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD

2349 - 233rd Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 752-5490

mccb@co.marshall.ia.us www.co.marshall.ia.us/departments/conservation

Conservation Center Hours Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Board Members Jeffrey Mathis

Julie Stahl Pam Paone

Ray Helland Tom Mack

Staff

Mike Stegmann Director Diane Hall Naturalist Jeremiah Manken Maint. Sup./Park Ranger Tyler Renze Maint.Technician Tami Krough Administrative Assistant Katie Cope Summer Field Intern Tanner Thompson Summer Field Intern Editor, Diane Hall

Thank You!

Newsletter Collation: Kay Russell, Kenny & Patricia Long, Ivadeen Proffitt,

Paul & Darlene Maytag, Dena Graff, Micki Stanley, Dianna Freiboth, Marvis

Drew, Irene Williams, Sharon Depew, Bob Dunham, Kayann Lowry, Charlotte

McGinty, Kristi Cameron

Reception Desk: Linnette Tuttle, Sheila Geraghty, Janet Johnson, Margaret

Kroener, Kristi Cameron, Melissa Nelson, Clay Leonard, Mary & Lawrence

Stewart, Jack & Linda Mackin, Rob & Joyce Christensen

Programming: Dave, Rachel, Silva, & Willow Schmidt, Marvis Drew, Janey

Swartz, Jolene Jebsen, Brandon & Brock Drew, Melissa Nelson, Pam Blake,

Shan Mooney

Iowater: Gary Fulton, Don Maze, Bill & Irlanda Helgen, Dena Graff, Kristi

Cameron, Ti & Sara House, Sue Blaisdell

Monarch Waystation Planting: Lenihan Junior Conservationists

Flower Bed Maintenance: Gary Fulton, Larry Duffy

Trout Release: Ray Helland, K-mart, Dean Elder Jr., Theisens, Walmart, ISU

Extension, Shan Mooney, Mark Hayes, Sally Wilson

Park maintenance: Zachary Sills, Boy Scout Troop 308

Bluebird House Maintenance: Jim & Bren Lee, Melissa Nelson, Clay Leonard

Donations: Allen Vodochodsky, Charlotte Pyle, Keith & Diane Oleson, Peggy

Buchwald, Richard Brown, Charles Nichols, John & Mildred Stubbs, Sharon &

Glenn Depew, Morning Optimist Club, Community Foundation, Ollie E Reno

Memorial, James Hemphill, Tom Ford Memorial

If we inadvertently missed someone, our thanks to you also.

QR code for MCCB website.

Help us keep costs down and save resources. If you would like to receive the newsletter electron-ically rather than having it mailed, please send an email to mccb@co.marshall.ia.us. Also the elec-tronic version is in color!

VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2 Page 3

June 1 & 15 10:00a.m.- 11:00a.m.

July 6 & 20

August 3 & 17

Sept 7 & 21

GrimesFarm & Conservation Center

2359 233rd St

Preschoolers and their adult(s) are invited to listen to fun nature stories, take a walk and explore nature's wonders. Join us on the first and third Wednesdays each month. Why not pack a picnic

lunch to enjoy after story hour?

Nature Story HourNature Story HourNature Story HourNature Story Hour

Brown Bag BunchBrown Bag BunchBrown Bag BunchBrown Bag Bunch Wednesday, June 15 6:30-8:00 p.m.

GrimesFarm and Conservation Center

2359 233rd St

Create a unique stepping stone with leaf imprint for your backyard or garden. Cost: $5. Pre-register by Friday

June 10 by calling 641-752-5490. Class size is limited.

Leaf Stepping StonesLeaf Stepping StonesLeaf Stepping StonesLeaf Stepping Stones

Bring a snack/lunch and join the naturalist for an enjoyable outing. Wednesday, June 29 Prairie Pondering

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Marietta Sand Prairie

1744 Knapp Ave

Explore the prairie wildflowers and enjoy some creative verse. Bring a lawn chair and wear long pants.

Tuesday, August 2 Edible Landscaping &

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Food Preservation

Marshalltown Community College

Farm Facility

3700 S Center St.

Introduction to growing and preserving your own food! Dress for the weather as most parts of the tour at MCC are out-doors. Pre-register by Thursday, July 28 by

calling 752-5490.

FREE FISHING DAYS June 3, 4, & 5

The Iowa DNR is once again offering a free fishing weekend for Iowa residents on June 3 - 5.

No fishing license is required on June 3, 4. or 5 but all size and catch limits apply.

Star GazingStar GazingStar GazingStar Gazing

Dean Memorial Observatory

Green Castle Recreation Area

1 mi. S of Ferguson Saturday, June 18

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Annual Solar Picnic @ Gander Lookout Shelter Friday, July 8 8:45 p.m. “Night of the Planets” Friday, August 12 8:15 p.m. “Meteors (Perseid)” Friday, September 23 8:30 p.m. “Deep Sky Objects” The Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa invite the public for a telescopic view of the night sky. For more information contact Jim Bonser at (641)751-8744 or visit their website www.amateurastronomersofcentraliowa.org.

Hunter Safety CoursesHunter Safety CoursesHunter Safety CoursesHunter Safety Courses June Class

June 16 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

June 18 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

August Class

August 18 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

August 20 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Izaak Walton League grounds

2 miles south of Iowa Ave on 12th Ave/Smith Ave

Completion of a hunter safety course is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972 who wishes to buy a hunting license. Must be 12 or older. Must attend both sessions.

Register on line at http://www.iowadnr.gov/huntered .

Attention Photo Contest Entrants: Your photo entries for the 2016 Photo Contest may be picked up at

Grimes Farm and Conservation Center.

Page 4 SEASONS

Concert in the ParkConcert in the ParkConcert in the ParkConcert in the Park

Grimes Farm RunGrimes Farm RunGrimes Farm RunGrimes Farm Run Saturday, July 9 8:00 a.m.

GrimesFarm & Conservation Center

Something for the whole family! 5k trail run/walk, 1.6 mi. trail run/walk & kids’ races. Check in: 7 a.m. For more information contact Carrie Barr at (641)750-2890, email grimesbarr@gmail.com, or visit their website www.grimesfarm.org. Trails are open year round for anyone to walk or run.

Tuesday, July 19 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Grimes Farm Shelter 2359 233rd St.

Join Iowa musician Will Schmitt for a free, one hour concert of original and

folk songs during his “Spirit of Chautau-qua” rural Iowa music adventure. Bring the family, lawn chairs, and a picnic bas-ket to enjoy some live music! For more information about Will Schmitt and his music go to http://spiritofchautauqua.weebly.com/

FIELDSTONE NEEDED

Fieldstone is needed for our Na-ture Playscape, if you have any you would like to donate, please

call (641)752-5490. Also, volunteers are needed to collect the fieldstone, if

interested please call (641)752-5490.

Canoe/Kayak and CookCanoe/Kayak and CookCanoe/Kayak and CookCanoe/Kayak and Cook

Saturday, July 30 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Forest Reserve to Timmons Grove

Enjoy a short float on the Iowa River by canoe or kayak fol-lowed by an outdoor cooking demonstration lunch at Timmons Grove South. Pre-registration is required by Friday, July

22 by calling 641-752-5490. Bring your own canoe/kayak. Cost for cooking demo is $6/person. Bring your own reusable table service. Shuttle service is provided.

Prairie Heritage DayPrairie Heritage DayPrairie Heritage DayPrairie Heritage Day Saturday, September 24 2-5 p.m.

Grimes Farm

2359 233rd St.

Celebrate Oktemberfest and participate in pioneer crafts and skills: candle dipping, rope making, ci-der pressing, and more! If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please contact MCCB at 641-752-5490 ASAP.

Discovery Packs AvailableDiscovery Packs AvailableDiscovery Packs AvailableDiscovery Packs Available It’s time to get outside and explore! What if there was a convenient backpack with handy exploration tools and tips to bring along? Now there is!

MCCB will have five Discovery Packs available for free checkout to families and individuals to use as they explore nature on their own. The Discovery Packs are filled with tools, activities, and tips on what to do and look for, but allow users to be guided and directed by their own curiosity. The packs can be checked out at the GrimesFarm and Conservation Center for use while at the Grimes Farm. Themes for the backpacks in-clude: Birds, Insects, Senses, Tracks, and Trees.

Follow us!Follow us!Follow us!Follow us!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-

County-Conservation-Board/109009422522580

marshallcou0157

@MarshallMCCB

Food Preservation 101 Class

Tuesday, August 2 6:00-7:30 pm

Marshall County Extension Office 2608 South 2nd Street, Marshalltown

Learn how to preserve your fruits and vegetables safely! “Food Preservation 101” is a fun overview of drying, freezing, pickling, hot-water bath canning, and pressure can-ning. Find out about the equipment, time and money each method requires. Learn how to avoid common food preservation mistakes. No food preparation or actual food preservation will be done in class. The purpose of the class, taught by Iowa State University Extension Nutrition and Health program specialist Holly Van Heel is to help beginners decide which type of food preservation would be practical for them and to remind experienced canners of new food safety procedures.

Class fee: $10. Spaces are limited. Light refreshments will be served!

Call 641-752-1551 or e-mail apieper@iastate.edu to register.