snowy owls in iowa?the sight of a snowy owl! p winter is a great time to get outside and explore!...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Newsletter Line Up
2….Fact Files
2….Director’s Notes
3….Upcoming Events
4….Special Events
7….Nature News
8….At-A-Glance Calendar
Conservation Center Hours
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Snowy Owls in Iowa?
Birders and unsuspecting non-birders are being treated to sights of Snowy Owls visitors from the Arctic tundra! There have been over 50 sightings in the state of Iowa already this winter. It is predicted that more will show up as the winter goes on.
Snow Owls are large birds, with bright white plumage flecked with black and have piercing yellow eyes. Individuals stand 20-27 inches tall and are typically seen perching in crop fields, on hay bales, fence posts, or even atop utility poles and buildings. Much like the year round owl residents of Iowa, these are meat-eating birds. On the tundra the main source of food are lemmings, here in Iowa mostly mice and other small mammals.
Most large migrations of Snowy Owls such as what is being seen this year is called an irruption. The reason is thought that a crash in the food supply of lemmings pushes the younger or more inexperienced birds south. To keep track of where Snowy Owls are being seen in Iowa this winter go to http://iowabirds.org/ . Before the snow comes to stay keep your eyes out as you drive along for white objects. Many plastic buckets and bags may fool you but grab the binoculars and take a closer look because you may be treated to the sight of a Snowy Owl!
Winter is a great time to get outside and explore! Participate in CBC or check page 3 for details on other winter programming.
Come for a snowshoe, ice fishing clinic, winter day camp and more!
A publication of the Sac County Conservation Board
“To initiate awareness and foster stewardship of nature’s rewards.”
Please observe owls from a distance. If you
suspect an owl or other raptor is injured contact SOAR at (712)-830-6116.
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Director’s Notes With the holidays now upon us and 2018 just around the corner, I am reminded of some the happenings over the past year here at the SCCB. Several projects and staff changes have led to an eventful 2017.
The Sauk Rail Trail once again benefitted by the continuing work of the Saul Rail Trail Association (SRTA). With donations and grant dollars the SRTA was able to assist in the paving of 3 bridges. This brings the total bridges paved in Sac County to 4. We certainly hope the remaining 5 bridges can be paved within the next couple of years. The Renze Foundation, Sac County Endowment Foundation and Sac County Conservation Foundation all contributed as well to this paving project. Another trail shelter was constructed along the trail at the intersection of 350th Street and Perkins Avenue. This shelter was made possible with donations from the Meredith family and SRTA. In addition, next to the shelter a beautiful Memorial Rock was installed by the John and Monica Healy family.
We were also able to replace another hiking trail bridge and do trail construction Hagge Park with the help of the Iowa Conservation Corps (ICC). This was the 4th year the ICC has been involved in trail repair and construction. It is our plan that the ICC will be able to replace the remaining 2 bridges next year, thus completing all trail step reconstruction as well as replacing all 5 of the bridges.
Reiff Park got an electrical update in the campground at the end of this year’s camping season. Next year campers will be greeted to new 50 Amp service to all 7 campsites. After experiencing electrical problems this past summer the SCCB decided to upgrade the entire service to the campground to avoid further issues. Along with the electrical update at the campground, the shelter house received some cosmetic work with a new steel roof and paint on the outside. We hope to add a sink and counter space as well as repaint the inside next year.
In closing, after 32 years as office secretary, Sandi Huster left the SCCB to pursue another opportunity within Sac County. Sandi’s was often the voice or face that many of you first heard or seen whenever you contacted our office. We wish Sandi the best of luck in her new endeavor and more importantly thank her for all her years of service to the SCCB.
From all of us here at the SCCB we would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. If you get a chance this winter season, venture out and explore your county parks. We know you will be glad you did!
Fact Files!
Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)
A winter visitor from the Arctic tundra to Iowa.
“Rough-legged” refers to the feathering that extends down the legs to the base of the toes.
Eat and hunt mainly rodents but will eat birds, frogs, insects and carrion.
Lays 3-5 eggs and incubates for one month.
Best way to see in winter is to look at the top of fence posts and utility poles. They also will be hovering over open grasslands and at woodland edges to hunt.
Have an idea for a future file? Email me at [email protected] and it could be next!
Conservation Center Volunteer: Barb Bloom
Use of enclosed trailer to transport exhibit: Tim Huser Donation of Swamp Milkweed Seed: Chuck Strain Donation of plywood: Brent Wilhelm
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*Find us on Facebook for the most up to date information.
* To register for a program, email [email protected] or call 712-662-4530. *Events may be cancelled if there are extreme weather conditions or if the minimum number of registered participants is not met.
SCCB Upcoming Events
December 2017
*Tall Grass Prairie Exhibit in Conservation Center until 12/29/2017, see next page for details.*
Wednesday the 20th Knee High Naturalists: Tall Grass Prairie Exploration- 10:00-10:45 AM OR 5:00-5:45 PM
Knee High Naturalists are children ages 2-4 and have an accompanying adult attend the program. This month we will be exploring the Tall Grass Prairie traveling exhibit and participating in related activities, crafts, and snack! Program is free of charge but registration is REQUIRED.
Wednesday the 27th Winter Camp - 9:00-11:00 AM [5-7 year olds] & 1:00-3:00 PM [8-10 year olds]
Calling all students on winter break!! This is the chance for you to get outside during the break from school. During this free camp at the Sac County Conservation Center children will learn about nature in winter, participate in activities, go on a winter hike or snowshoe, and enjoy a snack at the end of the camp. Space is limited to the first 10 children in each age group; reserve your child’s spot today!
Saturday the 30th Christmas Bird Count- 8:00 AM
Join us while we conduct a bird survey in Sac County to help the National Audubon Society collect data on bird populations. We will meet at the nature center and take it from there! Binoculars and field guides available.
C
January 2018
Wednesday the 17th Knee High Naturalists: Birds in Winter - 10:00-10:45 AM OR 5:00-5:45 PM
Knee High Naturalists are children ages 2-4 and have an accompanying adult attend the program. This month we will be learning about birds in winter and participating in related activities, crafts, and snack! Program is free of charge but registration is REQUIRED.
Wednesday the 31st Full Moon Night Trek- 6:30-8:30 PM
This year January is host to TWO full moon phases, on the last one come out to explore nature at night in the winter! The path will be lit by luminaries and the full moon. Snowshoes and hot cocoa will be available. Registration appreciated due to limited snowshoe numbers and personal snowshoeing equipment is welcomed!
February 2018
Wednesday the 21stKnee High Naturalists: Signs in the Snow - 10:00-10:45 AM OR 5:00-5:45 PM
Knee High Naturalists are children ages 2-4 and have an accompanying adult attend the program. This month we will be learning about animal signs in the snow! As well as participating in related activities, crafts, and snack! Program is free of charge but registration is REQUIRED.
Saturday the 17thYouth Ice Fishing Clinic- 9:00-12:00 @ Black Hawk Lake
During this free event co-hosted by SCCB, ISU Extension and the Iowa DNR we will learn about ice fishing and try our luck with some fishing. Stay tuned for more details.
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Special Event!
Sac County Conservation Board
Presents A Traveling Exhibit!
Open for public viewing at the Conservation Center in Hagge Park:
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Extended Hours: Sunday, November 5th 1:00-3:00 PM
Tuesday, November 21st 4:30-7:00 PM Sunday, December 3rd 1:00-3:00 PM
Thursday, December 28th 4:30-7:00 PM
Closed for holidays on November 10th, 23rd, 24th & December 22nd, 25th.
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Special Event!
Sac and Carroll County Conservation Boards have once again teamed up to host a fun birding trip to Northern Minnesota and the world famous Sax-Zim Bog and Duluth area. We are very
excited about this opportunity and look forward to guiding folks to amazing birds, winter scenery, culture and charm of Northern Minnesota!
Trip Information
Date: Friday, February 9, 2018 - Monday, February 12, 2018 Cost: Single Room: $650 Double Occupancy: $435/person ($870 couple) *$200/person deposit is required upon registration. Full payment is due by January 10, 2018.* Registration fee covers bus transportation, 3 nights of lodging, trip guides, breakfasts at hotels, 2 lunches, and snacks/refreshments aboard the bus.
*Contact Megan for registration forms and tentative itineraries or for more information.* Email: [email protected] or at the office: 712-662-4530
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Hagge Park Trail Improvements by
Iowa Conservation Corps 2017
This fall a crew from the Iowa Conservation Corps made trail
improvements to the Hagge Park system.
This year and in the past 3 years the crews have constructed stairs and
bridges to make the trails more stable and safe; come check them out. Trails
are open year-round!
Meet Jessica!
Meet our new office manager, Jessica Meredith! Her and her husband, Jason, live in Lake View and recently welcomed baby Mason to their family.
She began working at SCCB in late October and we are excited to have her with us for years to come. Next time you stop out at the conservation center say hi!
Special Meeting
Join us at the Sac County Conservation Center for a meeting regarding the Raccoon River!
Wednesday, January 17th @ 7:00 PM
Do you paddle often, fish, enjoy the scenery or visit parks that have the river running through it and want to help keep it clean and enjoyable for others?
The overall goal of this meeting is to provide a space for all those interested (individuals or members of existing river related groups) in caring for the local area of the river to connect and maybe even organize a local friends of the Raccoon River group.
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Nature News- Fall Program Review
Knee High Naturalists
A monthly program for children ages 2-4 and an attending adult. Each month is a different topic!
September-Monarchs October-Bats November-Pumpkins
School Programs
Odebolt 1st grade mammals, Odebolt Preschool bat visit to Hagge Park, ESC 3rd creepy crawlies,
Public Programs
Iowa Honey Queen Visits Hagge, Halloween Geocache in the park, and library visits!
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Events At A Glance
Sac County Conservation Board
Board Members
Chairperson Andy Meredith, Lake View
Vice Chairperson
Rich Feilmeier, Early
Secretary Liz Partridge, Auburn
Member
Dean Stock, Lake View
Member Kenny Bentsen, Sac City
Staff
Executive Director Chris Bass
Office Manager
Jessica Meredith
Naturalist Megan Cook
Meetings
Board meetings are held monthly at the Sac County Conservation Center. These meetings are open to the public, contact the office for time and date if interested in attending.
Contact Information
Hagge Park Office
(712) 662-4530
Email: [email protected]
The Sac County Conservation Board in the provisions of services and facilities to the public does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap. If anyone believes he or she has been subjected to such discrimination, he or she may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Sac County Conservation Board Office of the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington D.C. 20240
Date Time Event December 2017 Wednesday the 20th 10:00-10:45 AM or 5:00-5:45 PM KHN: Tall Grass Prairie Wednesday the 27th 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM Winter Day Camp Thursday the 28th 4:30-7:00 PM TGP Extended Hours Saturday the 30th 8:00 AM -4:30 PM Christmas Bird Count
January 2018 Wednesday the 17th 10:00-10:45 AM or 5:00-5:45 PM KHN: Birds in Winter Wednesday the 17th 7:00 PM Raccoon River Meeting Wednesday the 31st 6:30 – 8:30 PM Full Moon Night Trek
February 2018 Saturday the 17th 9:00 AM – Noon Youth Ice Fishing Clinic Wednesday the 21st 10:00-10:45 AM or 5:00-5:45 PM KHN: Signs in the Snow
**Minnesota Avian Adventure Bus Trip February 9th – 12th **
Conservation Center Notes
*Classroom/Kitchen & Library are available to rent for your winter gathering! Call the office for details and availability.
*The center will be closed in observance of holidays on the following days:
Friday, December 22nd Monday, December 25th
Monday, January 1st Monday, January 15th
Monday, February 19th *When visiting the conservation center, calling ahead is advised as duties sometimes require all staff to be out of the office.
*Reservations for 2018 calendar year (classroom, library, sleep cabin, and shelter houses) will be taken on a first come first serve basis beginning January 1st.