Conservator
March, 2020
2020 Summer Camps: Walk on the Wild Side!
Registration Now Open!
Registration for Pottawattamie Conservation's 2020 Summer Nature Camps is now open! 

With a focus on outdoor skills our 2020 Summer Nature Camp Series is sure to be a "WILD" time! Campers will learn valuable skills at each of our camps, from archery to shelter building, canoeing to plant & animal identification, these are the skills that are going to transform outdoor experiences into outdoor adventures. 

Camps are available for children age 3 through 8th grade so there's something for everyone. 

A Land Ethic Workshop:
Following in the Footsteps of Aldo Leopold with Ron Cisar
Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for our 2020 programming series, "A Land Ethic Workshop". Join instructor Ron Cisar as we celebrate the life & legacy of famous naturalist & philosopher Aldo Leopold through a series of monthly programs. Each monthly program will feature a different work of Leopold's coupled with nature exploration & learning.

Each month participants will explore a new work by Leopold coupled with hands on activities such as guided hikes, aquatic studies, plant & animal identification, nature photography, guest lectures, & more.

Interested? We invite you to join us & learn more about this exciting program first hand during our free, introductory session "A Good Oak" on March 7th.  This free program will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Hitchcock Nature Center & will offer an introduction to the program, its philosophies & goals, & give you the chance to meet our instructor & fellow nature enthusiasts.  Registration is required for this free event, click here for details. 

These programs are intended for participants age 14 & over with an interest in the natural world, no experience or prior knowledge is required to participate. Participants may choose to attend all 10 program sessions for a discounted rate of $75.00 or register for individual sessions that interest you for $15.00 each.  Each session stands alone so participants do not need to attend all programming sessions to enjoy these events. 

"A Land Ethic Workshop" programs are held at Hitchcock Nature Center, from 9:00 a.m. to noon once a month. 

Saturday, March 7th - A Good Oak *Free Introductory Session
Saturday, March 21st - The Geese Return
Saturday, April 11th - Woodland Wildflower
Saturday, May 9th - Morels, Lichens, & Fungi
Sunday, June 7th - Freshwater Ecosystems & Invasive Species
Saturday, July 11th - Prairie vs. Woodland
Saturday, August 15th - Monarch Migration
Saturday, September 12th - Ornithology 101
Saturday, October 10th - The Science of Fall
Saturday, November 14th - Nature's Recyclers
Saturday, December 5th - Winter Bird Feeding & the Science of Snow

Participants should note that classes will be held at Hitchcock Nature Center & will at times require pedestrian travel over difficult terrain; some sessions may be physically challenging. Portions of each session will occur outdoors, students should come prepared for the weather & the elements.
Loess Hills Lodge Returns to Regular Season Hours

Warm weather is just around the corner & the Loess Hills Lodge Exhibit Gallery & Welcome Desk at Hitchcock Nature Center has returned to regular season hours. 

Loess Hills Lodge Hours - March through November

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday though Saturday

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

CLOSED Mondays & Federal Holidays

Upcoming Programs

A Good Oak: A Land Ethic Workshop
9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 7th
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Discover Aldo Leopold during this free, introductory session of our 2020 programming series "A Land Ethic Workshop" with instructor Ron Cisar. Read More ...

Maple Tree Tap
1:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 7th
Botna Bend Park, Hancock
Learn more about the process of tapping maple trees during this hands-on, all-ages program. Read More ...

Twilight on the Trails
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7th
Botna Bend Park, Hancock
Visit with our resident bison & elk herds at dusk then explore Botna Bend Park after dark on this naturalist led guided hike. Read More ...

Backyard Butterflies
10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 21st
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
J oin Pheasants Forever Biologist Jason Andersen as he introduces you to common butterfly species you are likely to spot in your own backyards.  Read More ...

The Geese Return: A Land Ethic Workshop
9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 21st
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Join instructor Ron Cisar & explore nature through the work of Aldo Leopold during our first session of our 2020 programming series "A Land Ethic Workshop".  Read More ...

Homeschool in the Hills: Journey North
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Morning Session
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Session
Tuesday, April 7th
Arrowhead Park, Neola
Area homeschool students are invited to join us as we explore the 17 acre lake, check for water quality, study water samples, & learn to identify frogs. Read More ...


Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Pottawattamie Conservation
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