Kids Kayaking Day at Diamond Lake

Do you have elementary aged kids who might like to try kayaking, but you haven't made it out to one of our evening or weekend kayaking programs? This is for you! We'll try boats out on dry land, fit everyone with life jackets, and launch into a shallow area of the lake, We'll have plenty of adults on hand, and gear for towing younger kids while they ride in their own boat. We'll also have other lake themed activities available on shore to keep kids busy when they aren't on the water. 

Grown ups are welcome to kayak or they can stay on shore with younger siblings if needed. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, snacks, or anything else you need to make it a pleasant time for grown ups and kids! 

RSVP required. Call Amy to RSVP or with any questions at 319-213-5607.

For More Information
Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin
(319) 213-5607
adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov

Posted by: Conservation

Kids Kayaking Day at Diamond lake

Do you have elementary aged kids who might like to try kayaking, but you haven't made it out to one of our evening or weekend kayaking programs? This is for you! We'll try boats out on dry land, fit everyone with life jackets, and launch into a shallow area of the lake, We'll have plenty of adults on hand, and gear for towing younger kids while they ride in their own boat. We'll also have other lake themed activities available on shore to keep kids busy when they aren't on the water. 

Grown ups are welcome to kayak or they can stay on shore with younger siblings if needed. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, snacks, or anything else you need to make it a pleasant time for grown ups and kids! 

RSVP required. Call Amy to RSVP or with any questions at 319-213-5607.

For More Information
Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin
(319) 213-5607
adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov

Posted by: Conservation

Prairie Walk at Drake Community Library

This library prairie "walk" series is more prairie, less walking, as the Drake Community Library prairie is locatied just off the library's south patio. We'll look at what's in bloom, and talk about using native plants in an urban landscape. This is a great way to get to know some of the plant species that have been growing in Iowa for thousands of years. 

Join us in June, July, and August to watch the prairie transform through the summer!

For More Information
Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin
(319) 213-5607
adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov

Posted by: Conservation

Kayaking at Hawthorne Lake

RSVPs are required for kayaking. To RSVP, call Amy at 319-213-5607.

Enjoy a morning on the water! We'll explore the lake at the DNR's Hawthorn Lake Wildlife Management Area, just 15 minutes southeast of Diamond Lake in Barnes City. We'll meet at the west boat ramp. Amy can help give you directions when you call to RSVP. 

For More Information
Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin
(319) 213-5607
Website

Posted by: Conservation

Bat Presentation and Bat Netting

Join us for a special guest program! Central College Professor and bat biologist Russ Benedict will be joining us on Friday July 11th. 

Come on out to the Foster Center at 7:00 for a presentation all about bats indoors at the Foster Center. Then at 8:30 we'll meet across the road at the northeast parking area for Fox Forest Wildlife Area (1171 Diamond Trail Rd) to see how Dr. Benedict uses mist nets to catch bats. Come see for yourself that meeting bats in their natural habitat with an experienced researcher is a totally different experienct than meeting them indoors! 

Kids and adults are welcome for one or both portions of the night! If you plan to join us for netting at Fox Forest please bring a flashlight, a water bottle and prepare for bugs.  You may also want to bring lawn charis or blankets to sit on if you plan to stick around awhile. If you'd like to hike down the trail and see the net set up (optional) long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

RSVPS are not required, but they are appreciated! If needed any weather related updates will be posted on the Poweshiek County Conservation website, and on our Facebook page. 

Quiz Time: How many kinds of bats are found worldwide and how many live in Iowa?  Why are bats declining in populations in Iowa, with two species listed as endangered with another one being considered for listing.  What is the estimated economic value of bats in the U.S.?  And just how precise is the echolocation (or "sonar") of bats?  The answers to these questions and more await people at this fun and interactive talk on some of the most fascinating animals living in our state.  

Russ Benedict has studied bats for over 35 years, mostly focusing on the general biology of species in the Midwest.  He has published several articles in the scientific literature on bats and has given many talks to the public and other researchers.  Dr. Benedict earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a Ph.D. from University of Nebraska Lincoln.  He has been a professor at Central College for 23 years and also conducts research on prairie conservation and ecology. 

For More Information
Contact: Amy Andrews Durbin
(319) 213-5607
adurbin@poweshiekcountyiowa.gov

Posted by: Conservation