Raccoon River
Greenbelt
Newsletter
Published by the Dallas County Conservation Board
SPRING EQUINOX EDITION 2013
Inside This Issue
Woodland/Prairie Perspectives
Planting of Seeds
Benefits of Prescribed
Fire
Iowa River Otters
Eclectic Pieces From
the Art Collection of
William J. Wagner
To Know an Owl
Keeper of the Owl
Calendar of Events
Summer Youth
Volunteer Program
A Reminder to
Tune In
Dallas Co. Facilities
Thank You
Raccoon River Valley
Trail Permits
Volunteers Needed
Planting of Seeds
By Mike Wallace, Director
Spring is usually the time we think about
planting seeds, trees, crops, etc. But there is a
different type of seed that is planted
sometimes and that is the “Planting of Seeds
of Thought or Seeds of Opportunities”. We
plant seeds of opportunities for several
diverse projects. Many times it takes a long
time for the seed (project) to grow. Land
acquisitions, for example, take a long time.
Constructing major trails takes a long time.
Constructing facilities like nature centers,
museums, etc., takes a long time. But they all
Family Fishing Program at
start with an idea, a thousand dollars here
Glissman Conservation Area
and there and then all of a sudden, even
though it took several years, you have
something to be proud of. We are an impatient society wanting instant results. Our social
communications network has spoiled us and made us restless when we do not get something
right away. When someone donates money to our department they sometimes think a
project should happen right away. It takes time for the seeds of opportunity to grow. The
return on our time or the growth opportunities of what our environmental education staff
are involved in are usually not seen for several years down the road. A student in school
may have picked up on one thing at a presentation by a naturalist, perhaps understanding
the value of wildlife habitat. Then 15-20 years later as an adult they help purchase or donate
a valuable piece of property to help protect our natural resources. Maybe someone once had
~ Continued on page 2
Email: [email protected] ♦ www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
Woodland/Prairie Perspectives
Planting of Seeds
~continued from pg 1
a very positive experience using our trail. Then they see we are trying to enhance or expand the trail opportunities and want
to help financially to assist in the trail providing a positive experience for others.
We have had several individuals in the past provide us with seeds of opportunities. Jerry Kuehn (Kuehn Conservation Area)
and his family have been good supporters of our programs, both financially and with general support. He is very much aware
and supportive of what we do and totally understands that things take time. A donation from him may not pay off for several
years down the road.
Harry Stine has been another supporter of our department’s efforts. With a similar interest in land protection and
conservation he has helped with several land protection projects. On his own he has literally planted seeds of opportunities for
habitat protection and recreation opportunities.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has been around for a long time and they are a consistent partner in everything we do.
Their logo in fact is similar to the theme of this article. They have an Acorn as their logo with the saying attached to it that
says “For Those Who Follow”. Planting the “Acorn” or seed, creates opportunities and is done “for those who follow”. Their
endeavors and projects take time, and with support like the above two mentioned individuals they too can continue doing
what they can for our environment, again, many times several
years down the road.
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Let’s not forget the members of our County Conservation Boards
(volunteers). They too assist in providing decisions and direction
for the future of our natural resources. Support of course is
needed from our government side as well, such as the Board of
Supervisors and the state legislature. The Dallas County Board of
Supervisors has been supportive of our RRVT addition and the
newly created Voas Wetland Mitigation Bank to name just a few
projects.
~ Continued on pg 15
2
Nature Lore
Benefits of Prescribed Fire
By Justin Smith, Deputy Director/Biologist
Fire has been a frequent visitor to Iowa’s prairies for thousands of years. Some of these fires may have been caused by
lightning strikes, others were set by Native Americans to reduce wildfire hazards around their villages, improve wildlife
habitat, or to make room for crops. As these fires burned through the prairie, they destroyed the trees and shrubs which
were constantly encroaching onto the prairie from the forest edges. In fact, native prairie plants have evolved over time
with the fires, and are invigorated by the disturbance that the fire creates.
As modern man moved onto the prairies, wildfires posed a great safety hazard
to humans, livestock, and crops. Ultimately fire was removed from the
ecosystem because of this. Today, however, prescribed fire has been
reintroduced to the prairies, as many agencies utilize fire as a management
tool on prairie remnants and manmade reconstructions.
Prescribed fire, may be best defined as a manmade fire which is used to
improve wildlife habitat or meet some other specific land management goal.
Fire can be both helpful and hurtful to a prairie ecosystem, and one should
carefully measure the pros and cons of your plans. If the benefits outweigh
the negative impacts which your fire may create, then perhaps a prescribed
fire is in order.
Fire can have many positive effects on a prairie. Prescribed fire can be used to control plant disease in a prairie,
encroaching woody vegetation, enhance seed production, improve wildlife habitat, improve plant diversity, and the
overall health of the prairie. After a prairie has burned, typically a blackened surface remains. This black surface absorbs
the heat of the sun much more readily than an unburned prairie. The warmer soils in turn increase microbial activity
which aids in breaking down the organic material in the soils for the plants to utilize. There is also an increase in light and
moisture available to the newly emerging plants which are no longer shaded by dead plant residue from the years before.
This increased light availability provides more energy for photosynthesis. Plants in newly burned prairies also produce
more flowers and seed production is increased. More flowers, attract more insects, which provide a food source for many
types of wildlife.
Fire can also have a negative effect. As fire passes over a prairie, those animals that cannot run, fly, or escape to an
underground den may be impacted. Many rodents, reptiles, and invertebrates can easily be overtaken by a fire. These
animals provide benefits to the prairie by creating disturbances, dispersing seeds, and pollinating the plants of the prairie.
While the historic prairie fires certainly consumed large areas effectively destroying many of these beneficial organisms,
many areas were left untouched by the fires. These remaining unburned areas allowed for eventual re-colonization into the
burned areas after the prairie re-establishes itself. Therefore it is important when burning your prairie to burn no more
than 1/3 of your prairie per season on a rotational basis.
The timing of a prescribed burn can often dictate the final effect which your burn may have. Carefully timing your burn
can help you control undesirable vegetation in your prairie. Fires spaced every 3-7 years can be very effective in
~ Continued on page 15
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Wildlife Management
Iowa River Otters
By Scott Doescher, Natural Resource Manager
A report by a concerned citizen this past January brought to my
attention the fact that several half eaten fish were seen on top of the ice
below the dam in Redfield, Iowa. During the winter months high
calorie sources of food such as fish become very sought after by many
species of animals. Some other sort of fish kill was also a possibility and
the feeding may have taken place after the fish were already dead. With
that in mind, a few different possibilities popped into my head. Upon
inspection however, it was pretty clear by the tracks and slide marks
left in the snow who was the culprit. River Otters!
It was easy to understand why the average person would show some
concern about the dead fish they saw. It was quite a sight to see all the
Photo taken of fish on the ice below
half eaten remains of small catfish and rough fish on the ice that day!
the dam at Redfield, Iowa
Rest assured, the fish population is in no danger and river otters have
long been a part of Iowa’s natural ecosystem. Below are some facts about river otters in Iowa from Iowa State University
that may help you better understand this beautiful creature’s part in our Midwestern landscape.
Like much of the rest of North America, river otter's (Lutra canadensis) were abundant in Iowa during European
settlement, but unregulated trapping and hunting, and loss of habitat caused them to be nearly eliminated in the state.
Reintroduction efforts since the 1970’s have helped otters make a come back in North America. Iowa’s river otter
reintroduction was initiated in 1985 at Red Rock Reservoir. Sixteen otters from Louisiana were released, initiating a pilot
project to determine the suitability of Iowa’s aquatic resource for otters. The Red Rock otters survived very well. Based on
the success of this study subsequent releases were continued until 2003. In total, 345 otter were released in Iowa between
1985 and 2005. This reintroduction coupled with wetland restoration and conservation contributed to the widespread
distribution of otters in Iowa at present.
Basic Ecology and Habitat Use
Otters are full grown at 3 or 4 years of age and by that time are 3-4.5 feet
in length with their tail accounting for 35-40% of their total body
length. Adult otters weight approximately 30 lbs. The river otter has
short, dense, soft fur which is protected by longer, stiff hairs that is still
held in high regard in the fur trade. River otters are primarily nocturnal
and are active year round. They are known to be social and playful
animals within the family group.
Otter home ranges vary considerably as a function of the distribution of
available habitat, food, weather severity, topography of the landscape
and season. In a habitat where resources are sparse and potential mates
are far apart, home ranges can exceed 75 miles, but home ranges might be
River Otters
as small as 30 miles in a more productive habitat. A study in Missouri
found that otters had home ranges of 7 to 48 miles long and
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reached an average density of one adult per 5 miles of shoreline.
Otters prefer riverine habitats which provide sufficient food
resources and shelter. Landscapes with a diversity of wetland types
including rivers with wooded shorelines and nearby wetlands are
the most ideal habitat. Prey remains found indicate that they eat
primarily carp and catfish but otters elsewhere have been
implicated as important predators of game fish.
~ Continued on page 15
4
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Museum News
Eclectic Pieces from the Art Collection of William J. Wagner
By Pete Malmberg, Museum Curator
Oscillating Bobsled
This winter marks a very significant achievement for
Conservation Staff at Forest Park. Two of our rarest and most
significant farm implements are now on display in Baldwin
Hall. For years museum staff wanted to exhibit these artifacts.
However, the many deteriorated and duplicated objects in the
Chicken Coop storage building prevented us from achieving
these goals. Once the artifacts were sorted and the many
duplicate and common objects were sold at a public auction, it
was possible to look at ways to display the rarest implements
that had been in storage.
A homemade Oscillating (turning) Bobsled from Dallas
County is one of our most unique objects. This great artifact
had not been seen by the public since the 1980s. Surprisingly,
it was in very good condition and only required a thorough
cleaning before being placed in Baldwin Hall.
The other artifact, a wooden dump rake, is also from Dallas
County. Wooden dump rakes are very rarely seen as they
usually deteriorate and don’t survive long term. Our rake
needed extensive repair work before it could be displayed. Staff
member Doug Menz did a great job restoring the rake and
making it displayable. We are very pleased with the results!
Wooden Dump Rake
Please come see both of these extremely rare implements! I think you will enjoy seeing them after a very long absence!
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515-465-2177
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5
Nature & the Naturalist
To Know an Owl
By Chris Adkins, Naturalist
“The teacher who is indeed wise, does not bid you to enter the house of
his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”
~ author unknown
If you have attended one of our owl programs over the past two years, you
have been blessed to learn from one of the best naturalists in the state, the
esteemed teacher– Strix varia, Dallas County Conservation’s Barred Owl.
Strix, or Barb, as she is also known, came to us from Kay Neuman, wildlife
rehabilitator and director of Saving Our Avian Resources, SOAR. Strix, this
name comes from the genus portion of her scientific name, was found
injured, due to a collision with a barbed wire fence– thus her other name,
Barb. (a suggestion from a Van Meter 3rd grade student) Strix’s flight
feathers on her right wing were damaged to the extent that she had lost her
capacity for powered flight. She could not resume her role as a nocturnal
predator in the wilds of Dallas County. Following her rehab with Kay, she
joined the interpretive staff at DCCB and became a wise teacher.
What can you learn from an owl? Your answer to this question depends on
which organ you intend Strix to educate, your heart or your head. Let’s start
Strix
top down and learn with your head. Strix has rocked the cerebrums of many
classrooms in Dallas County. If your elementary through high school student came home incessantly repeating an owl
based chorus of “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all” then Strix is to blame. This is her call in the wilds of Dallas
County. Spend some time in the woods at night and you will hear Strix’s wild cousins conversing. If your curiosity leads
you to this threshold, you might ask yourself what is being discussed? You might even try to join the conversation.
Minds have been bent by this feathered teacher as students explore the adaptations of an avian, nocturnal predator.
Learners are always surprised to find that even though owls have enormous eyes, adapted to the low light levels of the
night, it is their sense of hearing that serves as their principle sense for locating prey in the dark.
Examine Strix’s portrait here. Think Little Red Riding Hood – Grandma, what big eyes you have. Strix’s response – the
better to see you with, especially at night my dear. But wait a minute, where are the big ears? If hearing is the name of the
game for owls locating prey in the dark, shouldn’t they have enormous ears? Strix does. Look closely, can you see it? The
feathers that ring Strix’s face are not a fashion statement. These feathers, known as a facial disc, create a parabolic dish to
collect sound and funnel it into the owl’s ears. Strix’s ear, is as big as her whole face. The better to hear you with my dear!
Pretty heady stuff, eh? It gets even better. These nocturnal, avian predators boarder on magic with their next adaptation –
silent flight. We have the wing of a barred owl, not as viable as Strix following its collision with humans, that you would
swear is a magician’s prop. Fanned through the air, at break neck speed, it emits not a single swoosh. Thus the predator
that heard your footsteps in the dark, just flew in to capture you with its talons, without a single warning sound to send
you diving for cover.
Still talking to your head, go to this link and type owl in the search box to view a video (http://sciencefriday.com/). You
will be amazed at how owls can rotate their heads through a range of 2700 without twisting an artery and cutting off the
blood supply to their heads. We humans have a mere 1800 range.
The problem with the lesson to this point is that it has addressed your head, via the house of wisdom. Strix can do better
than this, she can climb into your heart and lead you to the threshold of your mind. Come meet this wild one, or just step
outside and connect to any Dallas County wilds. The true lesson from Strix, the wise teacher, comes when a student is face
to face with this wildness. I have witnessed it over and over again. A change occurs in the learner’s heart – not their head.
The boundary between us and them blurs. In the beauty and wonder of this wild face, the learner seems to find a
reflection of themselves. Across this threshold lies a connection to the wilds within their heart.
~ Continued on page 15
6
Nature & the Naturalist
Keeper of the Owl - Announcing a New DCCB Project for 2013
By Chris Adkins, Naturalist
How would you, or your group, like to gain the status of KEEPER OF THE OWL in 2013?
DCCB is launching a new project that will allow you through your donation to support Strix by
filling her dinner plate.
Strix, like her wild cousins in the woods of Dallas County, dines on a diet of small vertebrates.
Your donation will assist us in feeding Strix. In recognition of your donation you will be sent an
image of Strix to enjoy. Additionally, you will be given one of Strix’s pellets as a memento of fine
dining enjoyed by your wild friend. If you don’t know exactly what an owl pellet is we will be
glad to enlighten you. As a KEEPER OF THE OWL sponsor, you can proudly display Strix’s
photo for all of your friends to enjoy as a testament of your support of this wild teacher. DCCB will also provide you with
a certificate of sponsorship to record your generosity.
Through your participation in this project you will help not only to feed the beast, but to bring the wilds into the
classrooms of Dallas County. Your support will allow us to continue teaching the minds and hearts of learners through
out the county. Through your support, this wise teacher will continue to lead learners to the threshold of the wilds.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to assist us in feeding Strix, contact the DCCB office at 515-465-3577
to become a KEEPER OF THE OWL.
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7
Calendar of Events
Spring 2013
On Call & Webwatch Programs
On Call & Webwatch Programs
Prairie Fire – Nature on Call
~ continued
and get your name and number on our call list. When the
prairie fire stars all align, we’ll send out the notice, and the
flames will bring their good medicine to the wilds of Dallas
County, and to you. In addition to sharing the pageantry of a
prairie fire, we’ll discuss the ecological role of fire in the
creation, preservation and restoration of wildness in the form
of prairie. See you in the prairie when the “Red Buffalo
Bellows”.
Morel Mania Webwatch Program
Morels are easily identified and highly regarded mushrooms
that appear throughout the county every spring. These tasty
morsels are known to cause a seasonal condition of mushroom
mania. Due to the overwhelming response to this program the
past two years, we have revamped how it works. Bookmark
our website and check back daily starting in early March.
When the mushrooms are up throughout the county, we’ll
post the news and arrange a time and place for the group
gathering. At that time, a naturalist will talk to all who attend
about morel identification and offer a few hunting tips and
tricks before setting everyone loose for looking. Wear good
hiking shoes, bring buckets or net bags and a keen eye. Morels
are not guaranteed! If you do not have easy access to the
internet, call and we will make alternate arrangements to
keep you informed.
Raccoon River Paddle Trips – Nature on Call
April - May - June
North / Middle / South Raccoon Rivers
When the ‘Coon Fills her banks
As a naturalist in Dallas County, some of my favorite
classrooms have always been the three ‘Coon rivers that flow
through our county. Our Department’s goal is to host a river
float each month from April through October. The low water
levels of the past two years have really put a crimp in our plans.
NOTT* In My County! - Webwatch Program
(*Naturalist On The Trail)
Do you know which snake is sunning itself on the warm trail?
Which warblers are migrating through? Which flowers have
the pollen that is making you sneeze? One day a month April
through October a Dallas County Naturalist will be on a
section of the Raccoon River Valley Trail ready to talk with
you about the nature you are seeing as you enjoy our longest
park. Check our website for updates on dates, times and
trail sections. No registration required for this program.
To join us on a paddle, all you need do is contact our office and
provide your name and contact information. You will then be
on our Nature on Call list for paddling. When the ‘Coon rises,
we will again renew our friendships with one another and the
waters on a DCCB float.
March
Family Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30 ~ 1 – 2:30pm
Voas Nature Area, Minburn
Join us in starting a new tradition – a spring egg hunt! We’ll be
looking in bird boxes, under leaf piles, in rotting logs, wetlands
and dark corners for the eggs which wild animals (not the
Easter bunny) have produced. Learn more about when and why
animals lay eggs and how they develop as we explore the
prairies, woods and wetlands. Dress to be outdoors in clothes
that can get damp and dirty. Preregistration is required. Space
is limited. Program is weather dependant.
Spring Wildflowers – Nature on Call
March - April - May
DCCB Conservation Areas
When the flowers bloom!
Put your name on our Spring Wildflowers – Nature on Call
List and we will invite you to join us for a spring long
celebration of blooms. Starting with the first blooms of the
trillium and hepatica and carrying through to the mayapples
and jack in the pulpits, we will trek the woodlands of DCCB’s
conservation areas reveling in the parade of petals. Join us to
move through spring in a calendar measured in bloomings. See
you on the wildflower trails!
April
Prairie Fire – Nature on Call
March - April
DCCB Conservation Areas
When the “Red Buffalo Bellows”
For nearly two decades we have scheduled spring prairie
wildfires and crossed our fingers that a date pulled out of the
hat would actually have the dry, windless conditions necessary
for a prairie fire. Our prediction abilities have usually been
faulty. This spring, we’ll let nature make the decision. If you
enjoy a good prairie fire, contact our office
~ continued in next column
Dutch Oven Cooking
Sunday, April 28 ~ 2:00 - 5:30 pm
Kuehn Conservation Area, Near Earlham
There’s nothing that tastes better than a meal cooked
outdoors. Join us for a Dutch oven meal, which was the main
cook kit for the Lewis and Clark expedition. You will learn
Dutch oven basics and then we’ll prepare our Dutch oven
dinner & dessert together. Cost $8.
Registration is required for this program. Space is limited.
Program is weather permitting.
8
Calendar of Events
Spring 2013
April
June
What the Weather Dictates! Home School Series!
Time: 10 -11:30 am
Dates & Place:
Tuesday, April 30, Kuehn Conservation Area, Earlham
Tuesday, May 28, Voas Nature Area, Minburn
Cost: $2 per child
This series is designed for homeschooled kids ages 5 – 9 and
their parents to interact with each other and nature. The
possible topics for each session are listed, with the final
program determined by the weather of that day. We will
determine the program topic the day before each program and
post it on our website. Dress to spend the majority of the
time outdoors. Preregistration is required. Space is limited.
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Grand Opening-North Loop
Saturday, June 1 (National Trails Day) ~ Noon
Perry, Iowa
Join us to celebrate the opening of the North Loop of the
Raccoon River Valley Trail. This 33 mile addition creates a 72
mile loop, making the RRVT an 89 mile paved trail. This
loop trail is considered to be the: “Longest Paved Loop Trail
in the Nation.” Come ride the trail, join the Poker ride, and
enter the best costume and team bus contests. There will be
food, vendors, music and fun!
Wild Edibles
Saturday, June 8~ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Kuehn Conservation Area, Near Earlham
Participants will be guided on an exploratory journey to
forage for spring and summer wild edible plants growing at
the Kuehn. We will identify suitable plants, discuss what part
is edible, when to harvest, and how to prepare, as well as
safety factors and conservation. You will get to try a few of
these tasty edibles and go home with a some easy recipes.
Registration is required for this program. Space is limited.
April: Sunny-Basic Birding; Rainy-Skulls and Bones
May: Sunny-River Ramble; Rainy-Rock On!
Note: Parents are responsible for entertaining or otherwise
occupying any older and younger siblings that are attending
but who are not program participants.
May
Campfire Program - Ghosts of Dallas County
Friday, May 10 ~ 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Kuehn Conservation Area, Near Earlham
Everyone loves a campfire! This is another in a series of
campfire programs we’ll have throughout the year. Each of
the campfires will have an educational theme and the evenings
activities may include short hikes and games. Join us around a
campfire at the Kuehn Conservation Area’s upper camp site.
We’ll tell ghost stories around the campfire. These ghost
stories will be about animals that were once roaming Iowa’s
landscape and about animals that might be in danger of
becoming ghosts of Iowa. Please dress for the weather.
Registration is required for this program. This is a FREE
program and is weather permitting.
Fishing Fun
Sunday, June 9 ~ 4 - 6pm
Glissman Conservation Area, southwest of Adel
Have you always wanted to learn to fish or teach your kids
the joys of fishing? Join us at the Glissman Conservation Area
pond during Iowa’s free fishing weekend (no fishing license
required) for a Sunday afternoon of fishing fun. We’ll have
rods and reels you can borrow as well as bait and treats for the
kids. Seasoned volunteers and naturalists will be on hand to
assist new anglers with learning basics; including baiting a
hook, casting a line, landing a fish, identification,
measurement and release. A great opportunity for an
afternoon of outdoor family fun. Pre-registration is
required.
Market to Market Relay
Jefferson to Des Moines
Saturday, May 11
The Midwest’s most exciting day-long relay series is coming
to Iowa. Starting at sun up from the Bell Tower of Jefferson,
teams of seven runners and a van take on the diverse and
scenic course as they make their way along the Raccoon River
Valley Trail to the Downtown Des Moines finish line party
before sundown. You won’t want to miss this inaugural event
that combines running in beautiful central Iowa landscapes,
outrageous costumes, and a massive post-race shindig on
Market Street. Visit the website today for registration details,
course information, rules and contests. Hurry and sign up
before it sells out-limited to just 250 teams. Register online
at m2mrelay.com.
For more information or to register
for a program, contact:
Dallas County Conservation Board
14581 K Avenue
Perry, Iowa 50220
515-465-3577
Office Hours: M-F 8am - 4:30pm
[email protected]
www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
9
Naturalist
Summer Youth Volunteer Program
By Laura Zaugg, Assistant Youth Coordinator/Naturalist
Sign up has begun for Dallas County Conservation Board’s Summer Youth Volunteer Program. Youth ages 9 to 18 years
of age are invited to sign up to have fun while being good stewards of the land. Each Thursday, for 6 weeks, youth will
take part in an earth stewardship project at a different conservation area. Youth in the past have mulched trails, planted
trees at the arboretum, cut trees out of prairies, tested Dallas County’s water quality, planted our 3 Sisters Garden, painted
picnic tables and much, much more. Each day will have an educational component prior to getting to work. And, oh
yeah, did I mention FUN? We seem to find time for plenty of breaks, snacks, getting muddy and game playing.
Youth volunteers aged 9 to 18
will meet at
Forest Park Museum
in Perry—
or at work area if our project is
closer to your home—
Thursdays 8:00am to Noon
June 6 to July 11
Call (515) 465-3577 to register by May 24.
A volunteer/registration form & schedule will
be sent to you upon registration.
To guarantee your spot in the group, completed
forms need to be returned by May 29.
Volunteer shirts will be provided, so please
let us know youth’s t-shirt size.
Youth should bring/wear:
•
•
•
•
•
•
10
Leather work gloves
Long pants
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Water bottle
Tennis shoes or hiking/
Naturalist
A Reminder to Tune In
By Cindy Blobaum, Naturalist
Twice during the week of February 4 – 8, when I stepped outside in the morning, I heard a male
cardinal belting out his spring melody. I wasn’t surprised as I had been hearing the chickadees
whistling and chattering for over a week, and a male house finch’s song made me smile one afternoon.
No matter what the groundhog predicted or what the weather actually did, spring was on its way.
That gave me great hope that soon I would be able to crack open the bedroom window again. I sleep
better when I can hear the night. The sounds of wind, rain, snow, owls and insects (in season), mixed
in with the sighs, coughs, and blanket-flipping noises made by my husband and four kids are a lullaby
for my brain. If it is too quiet, I lay awake.
My kids think that’s strange, because I rarely listen to the radio or other music. It’s the rhythm
and heartbeat of the house, my family, and my neighborhood that wrap me in a cocoon of
serenity. I recognize the distinctive footfalls and strides of each family member, the shake of my
dog’s collar, the drip of a faucet, and the pattern of knocks each neighbor raps on the front door.
All these sounds let me know that I am far from alone. I am part of a community.
When I get outside, the movement of leaves, the gnawing sounds of squirrels chewing on nuts,
the laughing downy woodpecker and shrieking redtail hawk all make me look up and around.
The focus is no longer on me, but on what is happening in the larger world. If I had been worried or upset, the feelings
fade as I realize how much life is going on.
By the time you read this, the chorus and cricket frogs are likely loud in the ditches. Returning birds are singing to find a
mate and defend territories. Flies may buzz by, and the natural world will be almost exploding with new life. Make sure
you take the time to stop and tune in to the world around you.
HEARTLAND CO-OP
WAUKEE, IOWA
HEARTLAND CO-OP
WAUKEE, IOWA
1-866-616-8495
L.P., Diesel, Gas & Oil
11
Dallas County Facilities
12
Thank You
Donations — Thank You !
We appreciate your support !
RRVTrail
Bike World
DeeZee, Inc.
Ann H. Miller
Gaylord Victora
John & Lynee’ Casper
Louisa & Danny Kruzic
Jeff Miller
General Support
Boat Foundation Inc.
Grace W. Moore
Gene & Karen Kinney
Denise Van
Sarah J. Clark
Newsletter
Barry Lynch
Historic & Cultural Resources
Jean Dissinger
Forest Park Museum
Ruth Schuhardt
Craig DeHoet
Trails & Recreation
Tre Wilson
RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL PERMITS
Purchase your 2013 Raccoon River Valley Trail pass today and be ready to ride
the trail this spring. REMEMBER, an RRVT pass is a trail use permit and is required
for all trail users 18 and over who are walking, skiing, jogging, biking,
skateboarding, snowmobiling, etc. on the trail.
13
DCCB
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to assist with the care and maintenance of
the Antique Rose Garden at Forest Park Museum
Contact: Sherry at 515-465-3577
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DCCB
Planting of Seeds ~continued from pg 2
Is it time for a special funding source to assist the Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB). Perhaps a local option sales tax with
designated funding for the DCCB is appropriate. Perhaps a special bond for funding DCCB is appropriate. I am sure there are many ideas
out there and those Seeds of Thought or Opportunities need to be planted, again it takes time for these to sprout and get growing.
One thousand years ago, the Great Oasis people settled into the South Raccoon River Valley and began human partnership with the land
that is as unique and diverse as the land that provided their sustenance. Understanding the balance between the quality of human life and
the quality of environment includes an understanding of our human history.
In 1962, the people of Dallas County voted to authorize a Conservation Board with the purpose to acquire and develop museums, county
parks, preserves, forests, wildlife, and other conservation resources; and to provide environmental programming, to cultivate citizenship
and a conservation ethic. The Conservation Board sets policy and oversees the activities of the Conservation Department. The
Conservation Board is dedicated to the protection of natural resources for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public. We invite you
to visit and enjoy our natural resources and recreation areas. Volunteers are always needed to help plant the seeds of opportunities.
Perhaps in some way YOU can also step up and help us with our “Planting of Seeds”.
Benefits of Prescribed Fire ~ continued from pg 3
controlling unwanted woody vegetation. A timely fire can also be utilized to help control many species of introduced cool season grasses
such as Smooth Brome. Implementing an early spring burn while Brome is dormant will only invigorate the grass. However, if a fire is
used while the Brome is actively growing it will have a negative impact on the grass. Unfortunately, the nests of any ground nesting birds
will be destroyed and any desirable native plants which may be actively growing will be top killed and stressed. This negative effect may
be worthwhile however if your goal is to control Smooth Brome with fire. A prescribed fire conducted in the fall can be beneficial to the
forbs in the prairie, but this also reduces the amount of cover for wildlife in the winter months.
These are just a few examples of the tradeoffs which can occur with the use of prescribed fire. While prescribed fire is a useful tool in the
management of prairie, savanna, and even woodland, a prescribed fire will never be 100% beneficial. While certain goals can be achieved
with the use of fire, other negative impacts will occur. Therefore, it is important to create a long term management plan for your prairie.
Future planning can aid in timing and rotation of your prescribed fires and ultimately lessen the negative impacts which may occur.
The Dallas County Conservation Board manages approximately 730 acres of prairie on several different conservation areas throughout
the county. Prescribed burns are planned at the Kuehn Conservation Area, Big Bend Wildlife Area, Hanging Rock Conservation Area,
Voas Nature Area, and the Wagner Prairie for the Spring of 2013.
Iowa River Otters ~ continued from pg 4
Dispersal and Movement
Otters have been reported to move up to 26 miles in one day, although daily movements generally average 5-6 miles per day. The
telemetry tracking of the Red Rock otters showed male otters moved an average distance of 7 miles while females moved an average of 6
miles from the original release site. Adult males live along large stretches of river, often up to 40 to 50 miles in length and overlap the
ranges of a number of females. Females do not move nearly as much as males. Their home ranges are only 3 to 10 miles in length
depending on habitat quality and the time of year.
Otter Distributions
Otters have now been sighted in all counties in Iowa. Otter populations have made a substantial recovery from reintroductions and
subsequent expansions. Conserving watersheds with a diversity of wetlands and wooded areas along streams and rivers, as well as high
water quality that sustains fish populations is important to sustaining the otter population in Iowa. The goal of otter restoration in Iowa
has been successfully accomplished and has resulted in a wide-spread and slowly increasing population.
To Know an Owl ~continued from pg 6
Ask one of the Van Meter Cub Scouts that shared a cold, rainy, February night this winter with me calling owls in the woods at Kuehn.
When our queries were answered by one of Strix’s wild cousins, and these scouts had the opportunity to talk to a non-human being of
their place – I am sure they were hearing with their hearts, and not their heads. We naturalists at DCCB are learning. We beckon you not
to enter the Nature Center to find wisdom. Instead, taking our lead from Strix, we lead you out to the threshold of your mind in the
wilds. This blurring of the boundary for me happened almost 50 years ago now. My head would have long ago forgotten, but my heart
remembers. A young boy, in the night woods, experiencing the first answer to his question - “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all”
in the voice of the wilds. I was invited by this teacher to cross a threshold and I’m glad to say I have never looked back.
“The teacher who is indeed wise, does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your
mind.” What can you learn from an owl? Join us at one of our upcoming programs and we will explore this threshold together.
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Raccoon River Greenbelt Newsletter
Phone: (515) 465-3577
Fax: (515) 465-3579
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
Dallas County Board of Supervisors
Kim Chapman
Brad Golightly
Mark Hanson
Dallas County Conservation Board
Jim Miller - Chairman
Lorinda Inman - Vice Chairman
Shirley Kiefer - Secretary/Treasurer
Glenn Vondra
Mark Powell
No qualified individual with a disability will be excluded on the basis
of a disability from participation in meetings, hearings, programs,
activities or services conducted by the Dallas County Conservation
Board. To request information in an alternative format or request an
accommodation to participate in a meeting, hearing, program,
activity or service, contact the Dallas County Conservation Board,
Forest Park, 14581 K Avenue, Perry, Iowa, 50220, (515) 465-3577
Dallas County Conservation Board Staff
Mike Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director
Sherry James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant
Justin Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Director/Biologist
Pete Malmberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Museum Curator/Hist. & Cultural Resources Coord.
Chris Adkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental Education Coordinator/Naturalist
Laura Zaugg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Youth Coordinator/Naturalist
Cindy Blobaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Naturalist
Mike Beeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natural Resources Manager
Scott Doescher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Resources Manager
Connie Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Assistant
Doug Menz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Resource Technician
Jim Brauckman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natural Resource Technician
Jerry Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seasonal Maintenance Worker
Dan Archip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seasonal Maintenance Worker
John Chapman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Park Attendant