"Spring is nature's way of saying
LET'S PARTY!"
— Robin Williams
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With the spring equinox taking place later this month and warmer temperatures on the horizon, we can't wait to see you all soon for a hike, cabin stay, or educational program. Check out some of the awesome things we have coming up and don't forget to make your shelter, cabin, and lodge reservations before they're gone!
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Spring Renewal Experience is March 26th
Looking to feel renewed this season? Look no further.
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As winter melts into spring, join naturalist and folk herbalist Dustin Clayton for a renewing hike focused on the spring, or vernal, equinox.
You’ll learn about medicines the forest offers this time of year, how to recognize ephemeral spring flora, and how migration patterns affected the way our ancestors thought about springtime. Depending on what’s available on the land, Dustin may also share how to make infused oil, tea or a salve for skin ailments.
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Get a program sneak peek and meet Dustin as he shares interesting folklore related to blackberries! |
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Summer Internships & Seasonal Work
We're looking to add some budding 🌱 conservationists to our team!
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Our Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend Park Park Ranger internships are perfect for students interested in learning the ins and outs of maintaining a park, working with the public, and enforcing park rules.
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Our Environmental Education internships are a wonderful fit for students looking to educate the public about conservation and wildlife, manage summer camps, lead programs, and create learning materials.
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Our Natural Areas Management internships and seasonal positions at Hitchcock Nature Center are a dream for students and individuals who enjoy working hard outdoors, managing invasive species, trimming/cutting, and other manual labor that keeps our parks beautiful.
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Our seasonal position at Narrows River Park is a home run for students and individuals who are comfortable with grounds, road, and trail maintenance and engaging with the public.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Connie |
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Connie may have traded the indoor classroom for the outdoor one, but that doesn't mean this retired elementary teacher of 30 years has stopped doing what she does best!
We want to take a moment to share how much Connie has taught us about generosity throughout her six years volunteering with Pottawattamie Conservation.
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Have You Heard About SF 2312?
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Senate File 2312 will soon be debated in the Iowa Senate - the exact date and time will likely be announced with less than 24 hours' notice.
The problem it poses for Iowa landowners? It would cap and significantly reduce the amount they can receive for the sale of their land for conservation and public use:
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Landowners looking to sell cropland to county conservation boards or the Iowa DNR could only receive 60 to 75 percent of their land's value.
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Even owners of timbered and non-tillable land could only receive 75 to 80 percent of what their land is worth.
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On top of that, sellers would not be able to leverage these forced reductions in price for tax benefit purposes.
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Help the DNR Monitor Frog & Toad Species
April 5th | 6:30 p.m. | Hitchcock Nature Center
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Did you know? Amphibians have been of concern to scientists all over the globe because these vulnerable critters appear to be declining.
But by joining the Frog & Toad Call Survey, you'll learn how to recognize 16 species of frogs and toads in Iowa and put your skills to work as a citizen scientist!
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Make Your Shelter, Cabin, & Lodge Reservations!
Perfect for graduation parties, birthdays, or overnight stays.
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Reserve the perfect spot for your next event with Pottawattamie Conservation!
Our parks offer several different types of indoor and outdoor facilities that are affordable for families.
Arrowhead Park has camping cabins with few amenities, modern cabins with the full gamut, shelters, and a lodge for rent.
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New T-shirts Available Now at Hitchcock
Congratulations to this year's design contest winners!
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Thanks to our Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator Dana for modeling these awesome designs submitted by local residents for this year's Hitchcock Nature Center T-shirt Design Contest!
🦉 Holly Whitcomb, "Saw-Whet Owl"
🥾 Robert Conn, "Iconic Hike"
🦌 Angela Griner, "Mammals of the Prairie"
Come visit us at Hitchcock Nature Center's Loess Hills Lodge and snag yours during our new gallery hours:
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Available sizes are Youth XL and Adult Small - Extra Large. $15.
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A Land Ethic Workshop: Waterfowl Identification
Hitchcock Nature Center | Saturday, March 19 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$15 per person | Best for ages 14+
Program participants will enjoy a full morning of instruction & learning led by celebrated educator Ron Cisar, including:
- Waterfowl identification study
- An introduction to Iowa's Loess Hills
- A reading & discussion of Aldo Leopold's essay "Geese Return"
- An introduction to nature journaling
- How to make a Leopold Bench
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Hunter Education Field Day
Hitchcock Nature Center
Saturday, March 26 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Free! (with $5 park entry) | Ages 12+
Join us for an Iowa DNR-certified Hunter Education Field Day course held in partnership with the Pottawattamie County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. Registration is required.
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Spring Renewal Experience
Hitchcock Nature Center
Saturday, March 26 | 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
$12 per person | Ages 16+
Inspire renewal and new beginnings in your life through this mindful spring equinox experience meant to strengthen your connection to the natural world.
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Frog & Toad Call Survey Workshop
Hitchcock Nature Center | Tuesday, April 5 | 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
$5 per person | Best for ages 13+
Become a citizen scientist, learn how to identify 16 different frog and toad species, and help the Iowa DNR monitor the status of frog and toad populations!
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“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
— Aldo Leopold
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"A Land Ethic Workshop" kicks off this month, and we'd love for you to join us!
Following in the footsteps of Iowa-born conservationist Aldo Leopold and his "Land Ethic," this program taught by Ron Cisar (pictured) will take you on a monthly journey where you'll learn how to recognize changes taking place in the natural world, why they matter, and the importance of treating the land as a part of us, not apart from us. Read our blog post below for more details and to get signed up for a program today!
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Special thanks to Brent Weber with WOWT for joining us for this year's "Introduction to A Land Ethic Workshop" program! Watch his story to learn more.
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Pictured: Pottawattamie Conservation volunteer Janice helps process and sort ironweed seed that will be used for native garden projects across the county. |
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We want YOU!
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community and the environment? Then join our awesome team of volunteers!
Explore all the opportunities we have for you to support your favorite parks:
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Stay in the loop. Click on an individual park below to follow its Facebook page.
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