winter 2014 prairie horizons

Prairie Horizons November 2014 - January 2015

In this issue...

Public Programs/EventsPages 2-3

2014 in ReviewPage 4

Conservation Updates Pages 5-8

New SCC Staff Pages 6-7

Map of SCC Areas Page 9

Calendar of Events 0

More information about the project can be

found here: http://bit.ly/dakinslake

www.facebook.com/storycounty

conservation

Follow the Dakins Lake Project

online!

Fall Prairie Seed HarvestBy: Amy Yoakum, Natural Resource Specialist

Joe Kookier, Vegetation Management Biologist

Prairie. We have lost a lot of prairie in Iowa, but in Story County we do our best to restore many acres each year. Prairie restoration requires a large investment of both time and money. Staff time is spent with site preparation, planting, and mowing during the fi rst several years to reduce weed competition and help seedlings become established. Many people are unaware of the tremendous amount of staff time that goes into prairie seed collection.

SCC staff do their best to plant only native, local ecotype prairie seed. What is local ecotype seed? The word ecotype describes a genetically specialized population or species that is adapted to specifi c environmental conditions. According to the Iowa Prairie Network, using the word local in conjunction with ecotype helps describe or identify plants

that originated in a local area under certain environmental and landscape conditions. For example, the grass big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is native in North America from the Rocky Mountains all the way east to the Atlantic Ocean and north into the Canadian provinces. Can you imagine all of the diff erent growing conditions found in 2/3 of the continent? Big bluestem in Iowa and in northern Canada may be genetically similar but have adaptations for very diff erent climates. Prairie seeds found locally, adapted to growing in our climate, will thrive here.

Beginning in June, staff begin hand harvesting prairie seed. To truly recreate the prairie environment, you need plants that fl ower throughout the growing season.

Con nued on page 8

Story County Conservation • 515-232-2516

Older Wiser Livelier Seniors (O.W.L.S.): Bird Nests - A Tour of Avian Architecture and Hidden TreasuresWednesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland ParkBruce Ehresman, Wildlife Diversity Bird Biologist

Learning how to carefully spot and identify nests is a challenge welcomed by a growing number of experienced and beginning birders alike. We will discuss nest sites, nest types, and nest materials of birds in Iowa and show how this information can help a keen observer determine the type of bird that made a given nest. In addition to photos, you’ll see various examples of nests fi rst-hand. Fee: $7 for optional lunch with registration required by October 31. Menu: Carved turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, dinner roll, and pumpkin pie.

WildTots: Birding Bonanza!Saturday, November 15, 10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Join Naturalist Jess Lancial to explore birds through a series of activities, crafts, and a snack. This program is for children ages 2-4 plus their adult. Fee: $5 (per child) with registration required by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13.

Programs & Events

Winter Programs and Events• Fees/registration are not required unless noted.• To register for a program, call 515-232-2516 or email [email protected]. • Refunds will not be issued after the registration deadline. If there isn’t a registration deadline, refunds will be issued up to one week prior to the program or event.• Programs and events may be cancelled if there are extreme weather conditions or if the minimum number of registered participants is not met.

Ames Area Amateur AstronomersSaturday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.: Binoculars in AstronomySaturday, December 20, 7:30 p.m.: Christmas party for membersSaturday, January 18, 7:30 p.m.: TBDMcFarland Park & Adams Observatory

For a complete description of monthly meetings, visit www.amesastronomers.com.

O.W.L.S.: A Photographic Safari to BotswanaTuesday, December 2, 11:00 a.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland ParkTy Smedes, photographer

If you would like to view some very intimate images of Africa, including birds and mammals with young and catching prey, please join us. You will learn about African wildlife and hear some incredible fi rst-hand stories. Many images were captured from boats plying the Chobe River and along the winding channels of Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta. Fee: $7 for optional lunch with registration required by November 26. Menu: Honey baked ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, and apple pie.

One of a Kind Leopold BenchTuesday, December 2, 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, December 16, 6:30 p.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Looking for a special gift for that outdoorsy person, gardener, or yourself? Learn the tools, basics, and tips of pyrography (wood burning) on December 2 and head home with a portion of your bench and a wood burning tool to create your unique design over the next two weeks. Return on December 16 to complete the assembly of your one of a kind Leopold bench! We ask that participants under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $45 with registration for both sessions required by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18. Fee covers bench materials.

Great Blue Heron on nest

Welcoming Winter WreathsThursday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Kick off the holiday season by creating an evergreen wreath for your front door with Naturalist Emily Herring. Participants will also learn about the history of wreaths, common types of evergreen found in Iowa, and how to properly harvest evergreen from trees. We ask that kids under the age of 12 have an adult present to help them complete the wreath. Fee: $15 (limit one wreath per person) with registration required by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24.

Geocache Elf HuntSaturday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Santa’s helpers have been playing in the park! Join Naturalist Jess Lancial to learn how to use a GPS, then go search the woods to fi nd some elves and their presents hidden in the park. Space is limited, so be sure to register early! Fee: $4 (per participant ages 3-14) with registration by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1.

O.W.L.S.: Geode Hunting in Keokuk, IowaTuesday, January 6, 11:00 a.m. Story County Conservation Center, McFarland ParkJess Lancial, SCC Naturalist

Iowa geodes have long been objects of curiosity. Their sparkling interiors contain some of the most beautiful crystals to be found anywhere in the Midwest. Although geodes can be found in many localities around the world, one of the most famous collecting regions is encompassed within a 35-mile radius of Keokuk, Iowa. For the past two years, Naturalist Jess Lancial has taken participants on a weekend hunting excursion to this area. Join us to hear about this fantastic trip. Fee: $7 for optional lunch with registration required by Friday, January 2. Menu: Chicken and biscuits, garden salad, fresh fruit, and a cookie.

Snow DaySaturday, January 17, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Explore the winter world during an afternoon of snow play with Naturalist Rebekah Beall. Bring your family to discover how animals survive the snow, build a snow critter, and see what other kinds of winter fun you can have in the park. If there is no snow, we’ll make our own! We will warm up with a fi re and hot cocoa. Dress warmly to be outside. Registration required by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13.

Environmental Literature ClubTuesday, January 27, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Arcadia Cafe (2712 Lincoln Way, Ames)

Join Naturalist Rebekah Beall and enjoy nature from your armchair this winter with a good book and a hot drink. Each month we will discuss a diff erent book focused on the human relationship with the environment, beginning with Red-Tails in Love by Marie Winn, followed by The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, and ending with Between Grass and Sky by Linda Hasselstrom. Fee: $10 with registration for all three sessions required by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8. Fee covers refreshments (fresh-made coff ee cake and coff ee). Participants can purchase the books at cost from Story County Conservation (available after December 22) or purchase books on their own.

To register for a program, call our offi ce at 515-232-2516 or email us at

[email protected].

Programs & Events

www.storycountyconservation.org

Conservation Updates


2014: A Year in ReviewBy: Michael Cox, Director

How would you like to have cleaner water in our streams and lakes? Healthier natural systems? Less fl ooding? And more profi table agriculture? I recently attended a farm fi eld day and heard Ray Arculetta, NRCS soil scientist, explain that all of these are possible by simply viewing and treating soil as a living breathing habitat. If taken care of, this living habitat will shed less soil, hold more water, and store more nutrients. In Story County, we have eight impaired water bodies and more which could or should be listed as impaired. These are impaired due to either excess nutrients, sediment, or bacteria. You may wonder what you as a professor, administrator, farmer, construction worker, retiree, retail worker, or concerned citizen can do to help clean our water. Perhaps the most important thing we can do is shift our mindset about our soil. Our soil is no diff erent than other habitats. We should steward our soils.

SCC has recently begun or continued many projects to improve our water quality, the health of our natural systems, and our associated outdoor recreation. We partnered with Story County Pheasants Forever and the Iowa DNR to purchase and construct a wetland near Roland (Roland Wildlife Area). The wetland construction began last year with the help of the NRCS and Ducks Unlimited. Our cold winter and wet summer have delayed completion, however, the site this year boasted signifi cant wildlife activity including waterfowl reproduction.

As part of our Dakins Lake expansion, we constructed a series of three wetlands to fi lter out sediments and nutrients from the water before it enters the new lake. We also embarked on a large project this year to improve the water quality at Hickory Grove Lake. The Watershed Management Plan, which was completed in 2013, called for many projects to reduce sedimentation and bacteria. SCC received funding this year to begin the process of cleaning the watershed and lake. The Iowa DNR, Iowa Watershed Improvement Review Board, and the Story County Soil and Water Conservation District provided funding to stabilize stream banks, exclude cattle from a stream, and assist with replacement of several unpermitted septic systems. This is the beginning of what will be a multi-year project.

Watershed work does not begin or end with on-the-ground improvements. Encouraging people to use, appreciate, and understand our outdoors is inextricably tied to improving our water quality. Like the new docks (highlighted in this newsletter), we have made many improvements in our parks. Some of these include paving the Touch-A-Life Trail, stair replacement at Hickory Grove Park, bridge installation on the Skunk River Greenbelt, various trail improvement projects, and the exciting new expansion of Dakins Lake Park. The park will include a new lake, campground, picnic shelter, playground, trails, and much more. We anticipate the park opening in the spring of 2015! Our expanding education program is allowing us to provide more opportunities for people to engage in the outdoors as well.

Looking forward, this year we are beginning to develop a comprehensive Story County Natural Resource Plan. This plan will include a county-wide trails plan, recreation plan, and natural resources plan. Please stay tuned for more on these and other projects being undertaken by SCC. And, remember to conserve the habitat...

SCC’s newest wetland, the Roland Wildlife Area



New Docks at West Peterson ParkBy: Ryan Weimold, Park Ranger

The ISU Design Build class and Story County Conservation (SCC) partnered again to add unique amenities to West Peterson Park. Last year’s eff orts resulted in a distinctive picnic pavilion on the northeast corner of the lake, complete with rammed-earth benches, grill, fi re ring, and a magnifi cent view.

This year we decided to work on a dock. After getting together and discussing ideas, we decided it was a great way to help meet SCC’s needs with the exceptional skill set of the ISU Design Build class. This class is part of the Masters of Architecture program at Iowa State and is led by Assistant Professor Rob Whitehead. The service learning class consists of 11 students and gives students an opportunity to apply the skills learned in their architectural education towards the service of others. “Students are told that their challenge is to design and construct a useful and beautiful project with only a modest budget within a brief time frame. The goal of the project is to exceed conventional expectations by using creative problem solving methods and professional aesthetic judgment” said Whitehead. Concepts were then put together by the class with SCC’s vision in mind.

With funding from both partners in this project, the class size, and SCC’s staff capabilities, two docks were planned to accommodate park users’ needs. West Peterson Park is a very popular place for various recreational activities, including fi shing, boating, and paddling. SCC wanted to off er a place to get fi sherman out on the water, as well as a spot to tie up for boaters and paddlers. The Design Build Class came up with concepts for two wide-ranging docks with fi shing stations where the user can stand or sit, place their fi shing tackle in a compartment, and places to hold their poles.

The large L-shaped dock (by the boat ramp on the north side of the lake) has a place to tie down a boat or canoe while you back your trailer or vehicle down

the ramp to the water. This dock also has an L-shaped bench that allows room for several users to sit and look out onto the water. The straight, smaller dock is south of the picnic pavilion. This dock off ers four separate seats for users to sit and store fi shing tackle.

New dock located on south side of the picnic pavilion at West Peterson Park.

New dock located by boat ramp on north side of the lake at West Peterson Park. Con nued on page 6

SCC also added a fourth, fulltime naturalist. With a growing need for environmental education and outdoor recreation programming in the county, Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys hopes that a fourth naturalist will help strengthen current programming and off er more opportunities for county citizens.

Rebekah Beall joined the staff in August after previously working for Polk County Conservation, the Boone YMCA Camp, and as a summer naturalist for SCC in 2011. She moved to Iowa in 2008 to complete

a MFA in Creative Writing and Environment at Iowa State University and liked the Ames area so much she stayed! Before coming to Iowa, she taught high school in North Carolina, educated elementary students about wetlands in New Hampshire, and worked as an interpretive intern at Badlands National Park. She looks forward to sharing her love of spiders and all the other mini-beasts as a naturalist at SCC.

In addition to welcoming several new staff members to SCC over the past year, we’ve also added two new positions to the Conservation department. Stop in and meet the new members of our team!

The new position of Conservation Technician II was fi lled by Daniel Simcox. This position was added to help manage the new Dakins Lake area. Danny is a native of Altoona, Iowa, and holds a B.S. in Animal Ecology

from Iowa State University. After graduation, Danny worked for the Iowa DNR’s wildlife bureau before becoming a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever. Away from work, Danny can be found fi shing in our local ponds, rivers, and lakes or taking advantage of Iowa’s deer and pheasant hunting opportunities. He particularly enjoys outdoor recreation with his kids and family.

There is also a railing along one side for users to lean on while fi shing or looking out onto the water. At the end of the dock, there is a small seat where you can sit and dangle your feet over the water.

The most diffi cult part of this project was to develop functional docks that could handle the large fl uctuation of water levels in the lake. When heavy rains occur, the lake fi lls quickly, and the river can fl ood and pour into the lake. We needed docks that can tie to shore without the footings being pulled out. We feel we accomplished this by having large hinging gangways that allow for vertical movement, and by tying down the docks with cable and anchors to slow lateral movement in the water. The majority

of the dock building was done off site by the Design Build Class and moved in place by a group eff ort of students and SCC staff . SCC staff then had to make some adjustments for the docks to be fi ne-tuned and complete the installation process. Overall, the project went well!

After some fi nishing touches, we are looking forward to seeing the docks used by park visitors. SCC staff will also sink brush and pallet structures around the two docks to improve fi sh habitat and provide the best opportunities for fi sherman. Grab your fi shing pole or your fi shing vessel of choice and head down to West Peterson Park to check out these two new amenities.

New Docks at West Peterson Park (continued from page 5)


SCC Welcomes Several New Staff




SCC Welcomes Several New Staff (continued from page 6)

Lucas Feilmeier took on the role of resident ranger at Hickory Grove Park in March 2014. Luke’s responsibilities include overseeing the operations and management of all SCC parks and natural areas in the eastern portion of the county. Luke graduated from Iowa State University in 2009 and served as a summer intern at SCC, worked for the ISU/Des Moines River Water Quality Network, and held positions with the Iowa DNR in both the fi sheries and wildlife bureaus. He has served as a member of the Iowa Air National Guard since 2010. In his free time, Luke enjoys hunting, fi shing, trapping and watching or playing sports.

Jarett Cook was brought on as a conservation technician in November 2013. Jarett grew up on a farm near Barnes City, Iowa, where he discovered his love of hunting, fi shing, and the great outdoors. After

three summers with Mahaska County Conservation and I.R.V.M, he moved to Ames, and in 2010 fi nished his B.S. in Forestry and Animal Ecology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining our team, Jarett served as an AmeriCorps natural resource aide with the Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery. As a conservation tech, Jarett works alongside other SCC fi eld staff stationed at McFarland Park helping to maintain facilities and equipment while also enhancing the natural resources of Story County.

Erica Eaves recently joined the team as the outreach coordinator. Erica received a B.S. in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University in 2011. Previous seasonal employment at SCC and the Boone YMCA Camp as well as AmeriCorps positions with the Iowa DNR’s parks, forestry, and wildlife bureaus have helped foster her great appreciation for all things outdoors. Outside of work, Erica enjoys hiking, birding, and expanding her knowledge of Iowa’s fl ora and fauna. Erica can’t wait to share her passion for natural resources with the volunteers of Story County!

New Categories Added for 2015 Partners Photo Contest!Due to the many beautiful photo entries, SCC and Partners have expanded the contest for the upcoming year. The 2015 Partners Photo Contest will feature categories including: A. Flora and Fungi, B. Fauna, C. Landscape, and D. Connecting People and Recreation. The categories should allow for a clearer distinction for participants to enter photos and provide a better basis for judging. Photos may be submitted beginning March 2015. Check our website for updates on submission dates and a full list of rules.


Getting seed from these early plants can be a challenge! When prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) seed is ripe and mature, it is expelled from the pod. Being at the right place at the right time is a trick. Phlox seed sells for around $130/ounce. Last summer, we harvested over $1,400 worth of phlox seed!

Beside harvesting seed by hand, we combine our prairie plantings and use the collected seed in restoration projects. The vintage pull-behind Allis Chalmers combine (circa 1960) is the equipment of choice for a mixed stand of prairie. In 2013 we combined 500 pounds of seed worth an estimated $7,500. Our combine-run seed mixes are diverse but still lack species that bloom early and lose their seed before our combines hit the fi elds in late September.

So – what’s the big deal with all of this seed collecting? Diverse seed mix purchased from a commercial dealer costs $1,000/acre. That can really add up if you are restoring a large area. SCC planted over 56 acres of prairie last year. You can do the math! If we had to rely on buying seed, there would not be much prairie planted in Story County.

Fall Prairie Seed Harvest (continued from page 1)

SCC Gets New SignsBy: Luke Kohut-Jackson, SCC Volunteer

The original idea for my Eagle Scout Project was suggested by Mr. Keys. He said that Story County Conservation was in need of signs to advertise events and direct visitors to events. After receiving approval from Boy Scout Troop 163, I began to plan the work for the project.

One of the fi rst steps was to go to Lowes with Mr. Keys to purchase 6 4’x8’ sheets of plywood. I brought the plywood home and fi rst made a prototype. After making a few modifi cations, I started cutting the wood. I fi gured out that I could make three total signs per sheet of plywood for a grand total of 18 signs. After I had cut them all out, I then cut handles, legs and sanded them. After that I had two group work days in which scouts from my troop helped to install

the hardware, prime the signs and then fi nally paint the signs.

I appreciate all of the help I had from others in completing the project, and I was glad to be of service to Story County Conservation. I hope the signs are useful!


SCC’s Allis Chalmers combine

Story County Conservation Map


Having trouble locating one of our parks or areas? Remember that you can view individual maps and 911 addresses online.

All information is listed under the “Parks & Trails” subpage. www.storycountyconservation.org


Calendar of Events

DP = Doolittle Prairie HGP = Hickory Grove Park McF = McFarland Park KM= Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh WP= West Peterson Park CFP= Christiansen Forest Preserve RVP= River Valley Park, Ames MMP= Moore Memorial Park

Date Time Event Location

NOVEMBER 2014Wednesday, Nov. 5 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Bird Nests- A Tour of Avian Architecture McFThursday, Nov. 6 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Partners Meeting McFMonday, Nov. 10 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board meeting McFTuesday, Nov. 11 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces ClosedSaturday, Nov. 15 10:00 a.m. WildTots: Birding Bonanza! McFSaturday, Nov. 15 7:30 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Binoculars in Astronomy McFThursday, Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McFThursday, Nov. 27 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces ClosedFriday, Nov. 28 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces Closed

DECEMBER 2014Monday, Dec. 1 5:30 p.m. Story County Conservation Board meeting McFTuesday, Dec. 2 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: A Photographic Safari to Botswana McFTuesday, Dec. 2 6:30 p.m. One of a Kind Leopold Bench, Session 1 McFThursday, Dec. 4 7:00 p.m. Welcoming Winter Wreaths McFSaturday, Dec. 6 1:00 p.m. Geocache Elf Hunt McFTuesday, Dec. 16 6:30 p.m. One of a Kind Leopold Bench, Session 2 McFSaturday, Dec. 20 7:30 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers: Christmas Party McFThursday, Dec. 25 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces Closed Friday, Dec. 26 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces Closed

JANUARY 2015Thursday, Jan. 1 Holiday Story County Conservation Offi ces Closed Tuesday, Jan. 6 11:00 a.m. O.W.L.S.: Geode Hunting in Keokuk, Iowa McFMonday, Jan. 12 7:00 p.m. Story County Conservation Board meeting McFSaturday, Jan. 17 2:30 p.m. Snow Day McFSaturday, Jan. 18 7:30 p.m. Ames Area Amateur Astronomers:TBD McFTuesday, Jan. 27 7:00 p.m. Environmental Literature Club, Session 1 Arcadia CafeThursday, Jan. 29 7:30 p.m. Story County Trails Advisory Committee Meeting McF

Sign up for the E-Version of the newsletter!

Help SCC save resources by requesting our e-version of Prairie Horizons! To change delivery method, email [email protected] with a current email address.

Stay Connected with SCC!

Volunteer with SCC!Contact Outreach Coordinator

Erica Eaves by email at [email protected]

or by phone at 515-598-4761

Goldfi nch - $70 to $124Otter (Family) - $35 to $69Great Horned Owl (Individual) - $30

Red-tailed Hawk - $1,000 or moreGreat Blue Heron - $275 to $999Red Fox - $125 to $274

Name__________________________________________________________________________________Address________________________________________City _________________State____ Zip________Phone _____________________ E-mail______________________________________________________Enclosed is my check for $ ______________. My membership level is ____________________________.Make checks payable and send to: Story County Conservation Partners, 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010-9451; Phone (515) 232-2516; Fax (515) 232-6989

With the gift of a Story County Conservation Partners membership, a family or individual can enjoy a year of involvement! Recipients will receive a nature themed magnet, free or discounted admission to select conservation and Partners events and programs, and the Prairie Horizons newsletter! The Goldfi nch membership level and above receive a token of appreciation (to be used for programs, merchandise, or SCC services) based on level of membership. The Red Fox membership level and above will be recognized for their support in the conservation center at McFarland Park.

Give a Gift that Will Last all Year!

This booklet is brought to you with support from Story County Conservation Partners. Partners was originally formed in 1996 to help produce the newsletter. Since then, Partners has expanded its support of Story County Conservation to include funding and support of various conservation projects, spring and fall festivals, and the Partners Photo Contest. Partners members are people who continue to make a diff erence with fi nancial, volunteer, and program support. Volume 18 Number 4


Cash donation in memory of Gary Swartz from John and Lynette

Pohlman

Garmin GPS receiver from Greg Vitale

Story County Conservation Board Joyce Hornstein, Huxley - Chair Ted Tedesco, Ames - Vice Chair

Craig Meyers, Nevada - SecretaryDr. James Pease, Ames

Allen Weber, AmesWayne Clinton, Ames - Ex Offi cio Member

Story County Conservation DirectorMichael Cox

The Story County Conservation Board meets monthly at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park

(56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames.

Thank You!Thank you to all those who support

Story County Conservation programs with donations of time, funding, and materials.

Thank you to the followingfor their generosity:


Winter is upon us, and many head outside to build snowmen, start a snowball fi ght, or take cover in a snow fort. All this chilly fun wouldn’t be possible without the tiny building blocks of snow-- snowfl akes.

When water vapor freezes onto a dust or pollen particle high in Earth’s atmosphere, a tiny ice crystal forms. As it begins to fall towards the ground, more water vapor freezes onto the surface. The water molecules naturally arrange themselves into a six-sided structure. This is why snowfl akes always have six arms or sides.

You’ve probably heard no two snowfl akes are alike. This is because several factors contribute to how the snowfl ake grows as it falls towards the ground.

Even a slight change in temperature or humidity could cause the arms to fork or change directions. But, whatever those snowfl akes look like, they are fun! So come out to McFarland Park this snow season and enjoy the winter wonderland.

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION56461 180th STREETAMES, IA 50010-9451

Nonprofi t Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDAmes, IowaPermit 301

Seasonal Spotlight: Snowfl akes

winter 2014 prairie horizons

Documents

local ecotype prairie

prairie restoration

prairie environment

lot of prairie

prairie horizons

prairie seeds

prairie seed harvestby

prairie seed collection