Conservator - August, 2021 |
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We can't believe how quickly the summer season is flying past! As we get closer to fall there should be some really wonderful weather for hiking, camping, fishing and more this month. Find an upcoming event that piques your interest or just come out to see us at one of our county's beautiful parks and reconnect with nature, learn something new and explore the outdoors.
Thank you for supporting Pottawattamie Conservation!
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Go WILD For Conservation Tickets Available Support Pottawattamie Parks September 1st-9th
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Love your local parks, beer and good company? Then show your support during Go WILD 2021! |
September 1-9: Online Auction Runs
September 9: In-Person Celebration, Live Auction, Beer Tasting & Local Bites
- Starts at 5:30 p.m.
- Located at: The Plaza courtyard, Mid-America Center Entertainment District
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Looking for a virtual option where you can still support local recreation and conservation efforts? Then join us online and register for free for our online auction running September 1-9. Then tune-in to a livestream of our in-person event on September 9th! |
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If you've enjoyed any of Pottawattamie Conservation's parks, habitat areas, or educational programs this year, this is the perfect opportunity to support land stewardship, environmental education & low-impact recreation opportunities in the county. Mark your calendars today and we'll see you on the Wild Side!
Every dollar you give goes back to making Pottawattamie Conservation's parks and programs THE outdoor destinations for the people of Pottawattamie County and its surrounding communities.
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Construction At Hitchcock Nature Center
Park Will Be Closed Starting August 9th
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During the week of July 12th we broke ground on several improvements at the park to increase safety and to improve the visitor experience for our guests. Since that time, we’ve made great progress expanding parking and redefining the Loess Hills Lodge front entrance. These updates are coming along well and we’re excited to be have these improvements ready for you to enjoy soon!
To ensure the safety of guests and construction workers, the park's main/south entrance will need to be closed temporarily. Please see details below:
Starting August 9th, we’re expecting the main park entrance to close and to remain closed for approximately two weeks, after which, the park will be fully open with all planned roadway and parking updates completed.
During this time:
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Trail access is still available via the park's north entrance at the campgrounds, but parking is limited. Please consider calling us before making your way out: 712-328-5638
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The Loess Hills Lodge welcome center will be closed starting August 9th, but restrooms will remain open.
Please check our Facebook page or website for the latest details on how construction is coming along. As always, we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work to make Hitchcock Nature Center a safer and more enjoyable place to visit!
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Try Botna Bend's Homemade Maple Syrup! Dig In During Our Pancake Feed on August 14th
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Every year in early spring, Park Ranger Jon Fenner and his staff tap the silver maple trees that call Botna Bend Park home and collect their sweet sap to make their own special maple syrup.
- Time: 8:30 to 11 a.m.
- Includes: Grilled pancakes, sausage, Botna Bend maple syrup, coffee, OJ
- Cost: Free with $3.00 park admission or membership; Free will donations are gratefully accepted and will help fund projects & improvements at the park
Pre-registration is not required for this event. For questions not answered online please call Botna Bend Park at 712-741-5465. *Due to COVID-19 the format of this program may be adjusted. Please check back for updates.
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Hitchcock Closed For Perseid Meteor Shower |
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Due to construction at Hitchcock Nature Center, we will not be able to host a viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower this year, which will peak between August 11th and August 13th.
Happy star-gazing!
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Help Us Welcome Dana Kruse
Pottawattamie Conservation's Newest Team Member!
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Please help us welcome the newest member of our team, Dana Kruse! As our Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator he will manage volunteer efforts, the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center, facilities reservations and support volunteer programming, including: the Welcome Desk at Hitchcock, HawkWatch, Loess Hills Nordic Patrol, Camp Hosts and more.
Dana built his career with Frito Lay where he led sales and trained teams across the country, and for the past 20 years has also passionately coordinated the Knights of Columbus annual Wild Game Feed. He is a high school football official and him and his wife Sue have three sons, three grandsons and three dogs. His favorite quote is: “Excellence is a gradual result of always striving to be better.” Welcome, Dana!
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Little Tike Hike
Saturday, August 7 to Tuesday, August 31
6:00am to 10:00pm
Free With Park Admission | Ages 3 to 5
August 7 to August 16 - Hitchcock Nature Center: Learn More
August 7 to August 31 - Botna Bend Park: Learn More
Young learners will experience nature first-hand during this self-guided hike full of fun.
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A Chorus of Insects | Online
Saturday, August 7, 2021
9:00am to 12:00pm
$15 Per Session or $75 For the Full Series | Ages 14+
Join celebrated educator Ron Cisar for another session of "A Land Ethic Workshop," an immersive program blending nature and philosophy. This program will be held entirely online & is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation & a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door...Learn More & Register
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Speaker Series: Magical Time on Nebraska's "Crane River"
Council Bluffs Public Library
Thursday, August 12, 2021
7:00pm
Free | Ages 14 +
Join Ron Cisar as he explores the biology and ecology of the sandhill cranes that have been a part of our Midwestern fauna for thousands of years...Learn More & Register
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Botna Bend Pancake Feed | Botna Bend Park
Saturday, August 14, 2021
8:30am to 11:00am
Free with Park Admission, Free Will Donation at Pickup | All Ages
Grab a tasty breakfast at Botna Bend & enjoy the taste of real maple syrup! Event Information
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August Hitch Hike | Hitchcock Nature Center
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
7:00pm
Free with Park Admission | All Ages
Experience the ever changing landscape of the Loess Hills on a guided hike through Hitchcock Nature Center...Event Information
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Butterflies Through Binoculars | Hitchcock Nature Center
Saturday, August 28, 2021
1:00pm
$10 | Ages 14 +
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This program starts with a classroom session to learn how to identify our late summer butterflies, then prepared with your new knowledge, venture out into the hills on a guided hike to find them! Event Information
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Stay in the loop. Click on an individual park below to follow its Facebook page.
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