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Keep an Eye Out For These Future Programs!
Maps and Compass
Laura Friesell brings her outdoor expertise back to Hitchcock Nature Center with a new Maps and Compass class. In Maps and Compass, students will learn the basic principles of map and compass navigation in a 2-part series utilizing the classroom and hands-on in-the-field training. Registration opens in March.
Hitchcock Oak Inventory Project
Calling all outdoor volunteers! The Hitchcock Oak Invento
ry Project (HOIP) volunteer trainings are set for 2019. The HOIP team will hold training sessions in April, June, and September of 2019 to continue the progress made in 2018 and shed further l
ight on a mysterious disease afflicting one of Midwest's and Hitchcock Nature Center's most iconic tree species, the upland bur oak. Registration for the April 6th training session will open in a few weeks so keep an eye out. You can check out the progress made by volunteers in 2018 by following the online viewer
here
.
Master Conservationist Program
A partnership between Pottawattamie County Conservation, Golden Hills RC&D, the NRCS, and Iowa State's West Pottawattamie County Extension Office is bringing the Master Conservationist Program to Pottawattamie County. Master Conservationists are individuals that share an interest in the sustainability of Iowa's natural resources and in
becoming better stewards of those resources. This program alone will not make a person a "master", but this course is the first step in a journey and will provide individuals the knowledge to make informed decision based on accurate information. Master Conservationists are given the information necessary to make lifestyle changes that contribute to the betterment and sustainability of their communities. For more information and to register, call Pottawattamie County Conservation at 712-545-3283, or the Iowa State West Pottawattamie
County Extension Office at (712) 366-7070.
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A Pottawattamie County Almanac - Free Introductory Session, March 9th
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Experience nature in a new way as we combine nature, art, & exploration in our adult education series, "A Pottawattamie County Almanac", presented by Pottawattamie County Conservation & award winning instructor Ron Cisar.
Join us March 9th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Hitchcock Nature Center for a chance to explore this unique programming series. This free, introductory session will introduce participants to the curriculum and program structure of this inspired 10-month programming series.
Modeled after the classic work, "A Sand County Almanac" by naturalist & Iowa native Aldo Leopold this program series aims to follow the natural rhythms and timings of Pottawattamie County's Midwestern setting. Activities will provide students with a deeper understanding & appreciation of the natural world around them & include guided hikes, aquatic studies, guest lectures, sketching, journaling, and more.
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Give snowshoeing a try at Hitchcock Nature Center this winter!
Our brand new s
nowshoes
are available for guest rental throughout the season when conditions allow
and during Loess Hills Lodge hours of operation
.
Loess Hills Lodge Seasonal Hours of Operation
December through February
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March through November
Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Rental fees for all snowshoes are $6.00 per day. To rent snowshoes
,
please visit the welcome desk at the Loess Hills Lodge. Renters must read & complete a rental agreement/waiver, pay the rental fee
,
& leave an item for collateral. Accepted items are keys, photo ID, or a credit card.
- Snowshoes rented for the day must be returned BEFORE close of business & may not leave the park during the rental period
- Snowshoes rented for the weekend must be returned BEFORE close of business on Sunday & may be taken off the park property during the rental period
- You must be 18 or have a parent/guardian present to rent snowshoes
Snowshoes require a minimum of 4- to 6-inches of snow for use. Staff at the park will not rent snowshoes if there is less than 4
-
inches
of snow on the ground. If you would like to check snowshoe availability or have additional questions, give us a call at 712-545-3283.
Our new snowshoes are courtesy of the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the mission and goals of Pottawattamie County Conservation. Find out more at
www.pottawattamieconservationfoundation.com.
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In Memory of William Ralph Wright, Hitchcock Nature Center Volunteer
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Pottawattamie County Conservation staff & volunteers said goodbye to one of their own in January of 2019. William Ralph Wright passed away on January 14th, 2019.
Ralph's kind & supportive personality made him a perfect fit for the welcome desk & guest services at the Loess Hills Lodge welcome desk at Hitchcock Nature Center. For the past 12 years Ralph has been a constant presence for staff and visitors alike & his absence will be keenly felt by everyone who was lucky to know him.
We thank this dynamic man for his many years of volunteer service with Pottawattamie County Conservation & wish his family peace and comfort in this time of loss.
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Upcoming Programs
Bird Banding Demonstration
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 9
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Come get a "bird's eye" view of our fine-feathered friends as you join volunteers for a live songbird banding at Hitchcock Nature Center. Read More ...
Sweethearts Love Nature
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 9
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Join us for a sweet time at Hitchcock Nature Center as we get ready for Valentine's Day and find romance in Iowa's Loess Hills. Read More ...
Family Guided Snowshoe Hike (All Ages)
1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 16
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Bring your family to the park for a snowshoeing workshop and discover your own winter wonderland. Read More ...
Guided Snowshoe Hike (Ages 12 and Over)
3:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 16
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Participants 12 & over are invite to join us at the park to learn more about snowshoeing during this live demonstration & guided hike.
Read More ...
Homeschool in the Hills: Ecology
10:00 a.m. Morning Session
1:00 p.m. Afternoon Session
Tuesday, February 19
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Learn about food chains & webs then head outdoors for activities to designed to put learning in to action during this homeschool field trip. Read More ...
Maple Tree Tap
9:00, 10:00, & 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 2
Botna Bend Park, Hancock
Join us for our annual Maple Tree Tap event & learn more about the process of making maple syrup from tapping to bottling.
Read More ...
A Pottawattamie County Almanac: Free Introductory Session
9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 9th
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Join us for a free, introductory session designed to introduce participants to the curriculum and program structure of this inspired 10 month programming series. Read More ...
Bird Banding Demonstration
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 9
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Come get a "bird's eye" view of our fine-feathered friends as you join volunteers for a live songbird banding at Hitchcock Nature Center. Read More ...
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Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Pottawattamie County Conservation
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