Our team hopes that 2022 brings you health and happiness. Thank you for supporting local restoration and conservation efforts through Pottawattamie Conservation.
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Mt. Crescent Ski Area Transitions to Pottawattamie County
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We are very excited for this new adventure and looking forward to being a part of the future of Mt. Crescent! Thank you to the Iowa West Foundation for their support.
“This agreement not only supports 4-season recreational opportunities for the residents of our County and beyond, but also expands the preservation of one of the world’s most unique and fragile natural resources, the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. This project is an achievement on multiple levels.”
— Mark Shoemaker, Executive Director for the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board
Mt. Crescent will continue to be run and managed by the previous owners through the remaining 2022 ski season with the County assuming full responsibility in the summer of 2022.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Pat
AKA the Man with the Beard and the Pipe
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There are two things you’ll never see long-time Arrowhead Park camp host Pat without - his beard, or his pipe. Because of this, the saying around the park by campers and visitors alike is that if you need anything, just see the man with the beard and the pipe and he’ll take care of you. After 31 years of frequenting and volunteering at Arrowhead, you can best believe that Pat has your back if you’re in need.
Passionate, dedicated volunteers like Pat are what make our parks such special places to visit, and for that the Pottawattamie Conservation team is forever grateful!
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In case you missed it, in November we highlighted Dori who began volunteering at Hitchcock Nature Center in 2007 and is working on establishing a Little Free Library at the campgrounds.
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The Importance of Tree Thinning
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Meet our in-house deadpan comic and Natural Resource Technician, Aric, who shares why tree thinning is important for native plants and wildlife as our team works on a project along Hidden Valley trail at Hitchcock Nature Center.
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Try These Eco-Friendly Habits in 2022
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It's that time of year again - time for New Year resolutions! The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. What are some new skills you'd like to build, habits you'd like to make or break, or priorities you'd like to set?
Our Environmental Education team put together a few ideas that will help you make more sustainable and environmentally-responsible decisions in 2022.
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Thank You, T-Shirt Design Contest Entrants!
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We have so many great design submissions to look through this week and will be notifying up to 3 winners this Friday, January 7th. Winners will have their design featured on apparel for sale at Hitchcock Nature Center's Loess Hills Lodge later this year. Thank you to all who entered for sharing your time and talent with us!
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Explore Our 2020-2021 Annual Report
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With campground updates, park improvements, environmental education programming, and land management projects across the county, this past year has brought even better outdoor recreation and educational opportunities to Pottawattamie County residents and surrounding communities.
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Council Bluffs Public Library | Meeting Room B
Wednesday, January 12
6:30pm
Free! | Ages 14+ preferred
Join Naturalist Michelle Biodrowski and embark on a pollinator adventure! Learn what a pollinator is, why they are in trouble, and how you can help.
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Arrowhead Park
Saturday, January 15
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
$5 per person | Kids 4 & under are free | Equipment provided
Join avid fisherman Bob Hladik at Arrowhead Park to learn the basics of ice fishing, then try your hand at it yourself!
Ages 16+ must have a valid fishing license to participate.
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Join us for a 2022 learning series!
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Gardening for Diversity
Perfect for beginning gardeners and anyone who is interested in supporting native plantings in their outdoor spaces, Gardening for Diversity will give you the confidence and background knowledge you need to grow a beautiful native garden that supports local wildlife and provides other great benefits for you and your community.
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*Free* Intro to Pollinators - January 12th, 6:30 p.m. Register today!
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Part 1: Native Garden Basics - February 9th, 6:30 p.m. Register today!
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Part 2: Planning & Mapping Your Garden - March 9th, 6:30 p.m. Register today!
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Part 3: Selecting Native Species - April 13th, 6:30 p.m.
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Part 4: Garden Prep & Groundwork - May TBD (please check back for details)
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A Land Ethic Workshop
Do you have an interest in conservation and desire to feel more connected to the natural world? Then join educator Ron Cisar for "A Land Ethic Workshop" - a thoughtful program that will inspire you to stay curious and wild, and will help you better understand the responsibility we all carry to protect wildlife and the land.
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*Free* Intro to "A Land Ethic Workshop" - February 26th, 9:00 a.m. Register today!
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Waterfowl Identification - March 19th, 9:00 a.m. Register today!
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Woodland & Prairie Wildflowers - April 9th, 9:00 a.m.
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Morels, Fungi & Lichen - May 21st, 9:00 a.m.
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Freshwater Ecosystems - June 18th, 9:00 a.m.
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Butterfly Basics - July 9th, 9:00 a.m.
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A Chorus of Insects - August 13th, 9:00 a.m.
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Ornithology 101 - September 10th, 9:00 a.m.
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The Science of Fall - October 15th, 9:00 a.m.
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Nature's Recyclers - November 12th, 9:00 a.m.
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Winter Survival Secrets - December 3rd, 9:00 a.m.
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For Your (Conservation) Consideration
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Using Deicing Salts with Care
With more winter weather on its way, let's talk about the right way to use deicing salts.
Why's it matter? Because using too much or applying deicing salts incorrectly pollutes our groundwater, damages or kills plants and fish, and can actually be less effective at deicing areas. Below are some tips to keep in mind from the University of Minnesota:
- Whenever possible, avoid deicers altogether! Focus on shoveling or sweeping snow to prevent ice buildup in the first place.
- On warmer, sunnier days, skip the deicer and let good old solar energy melt it away.
- When needed, apply deicer correctly to critical areas only according to its label. To give you an idea, one coffee mug of deicer is all you need for 1,000 square feet (the equivalent of a 20-foot driveway).
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Stay in the loop. Click on an individual park below to follow its Facebook page.
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