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Warren County Conservation Board Spring 2016
Archery!
“I hit the bullseye! I did it, I hit the bullseye!” shouted a student from the end of the shooting lane. It was his first ever bullseye
and it was great to hear the excitement in his voice. I can vaguely remember the first time I got a bullseye during an outdoors camp I
attended in middle school. I can also remember how great it felt when I finally got my new hunting bow sighted in and started hitting
the bullseye consistently. We love passing these experiences on to others.
Naturalists Karen and Logan spent a week this winter teaching archery with Carlisle middle school PE classes, in line with the
concepts of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Students are instantly fascinated with the idea of shooting a bow
and arrow. They learn to identify the different types of bows, the parts of a compound bow, the parts of an arrow. We discuss eye
dominance, draw weight, stance and the shooting process. Most importantly, we stress safety. Then the exciting part comes: students
step up to the shooting line and prepare to shoot their first round of arrows.
For some of the students it is taking a risk, stepping out on a limb to try something completely new. Other students have tried
shooting archery once or twice and some have been archers most of their lives. Middle school age students experience everything
differently. For some, target shooting in archery is thrilling and exciting. For others it’s soothing and therapeutic. For some it’s about
setting new goals and achieving them. Certain students find themselves on a break from worrying about a challenge they face at home
or in another class. For 50 minutes, they can focus on something they enjoy. Competition makes it fun for some, as they can opt to do
a target scoring tournament with their friends. Some students make new friends as they give their shooting partner advice, cheer them
on, or high five when they hit a bullseye.
Archery is about fine tuning a skill, it’s about teamwork and building confidence, and it’s about keeping a tradition alive. Students
are learning to focus and analyze their shots, but they’re also having fun with it. By the end of the week, a handful of students tell us
they want a bow of their own now. I hope they have a chance to get one and that this classroom time will encourage some to take the
sport to the next step. I hope they continue to practice target shooting, try out a 3D archery course, become a bowhunter, or just tell
their friends and family how much they enjoyed trying archery. Although we are learning indoors, its a skill that may take them outside
and help them develop a connection to the great outdoors.
If you would like to try out archery, join us for Zombie Archery on Saturday,
March 12th. See the events page for details.
[email protected]
News
Conservation Spotlight: Meet the Interns
Jordan & Cassie
Jordan Perry is an Environmental Science major at
Simpson College and will be interning with the WCCB
through the spring semester. Originally from Ankeny, Iowa,
he has always loved the outdoors and wildlife. The concept
of species conservation and Leopold’s land ethic influenced
him early on and made him want to pursue a career to
incorporate these ethics. During his internship at the Annett
Nature Center, he hopes to learn what being a naturalist
is all about and expand his knowledge of what Iowa’s great
outdoors has to offer. He also wants to develop a better
understanding of Iowa’s wildlife.
“When I’m immersed in nature, I can feel all the stresses
melt away. Nature does not judge me for who I am, what I
look like, or where I’m from. Nature is always happy to greet
me when I walk into her embrace. I always look forward to
hearing the whistle of the wind, the chirping chickadees,
the sapphire sky, and the waving waters. Our planet is the
most beautifully orchestrated ensemble in our solar system. I
would have to be crazy not to get outside and enjoy it.”
In the future, Jordan would like to work as an
interpretive park ranger or naturalist, along with being a
volunteer wildlife rehabilitator. For now, he enjoys taking his
favorite classes at Simpson, such as Environmental Issues,
Freshwater Ecology, and Conservation Law. In his free time
you can find him hiking trails, paddling on the water crosscountry skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. He also has a
special place in his heart for Adelaide, Australia, where he
lived for four months (photographed above).
Cassie Nemmers is a Biology and Environmental Science
major at Simpson College and will be interning with the
WCCB through the spring semester. Originally from Des
Moines, Iowa, Cassie has always loved animals and especially
loved being outdoors.
“I think being outdoors is very calming. Whenever I’m
stressed out, I go outside. Breathing the fresh air and just
listening to the wind blow helps me focus.”
When she saw an internship posted to take care of
animals and help with educational nature programs, she
knew that she wanted to apply. She is very passionate
about taking care of our environment and welcomes any
opportunity to share that passion with others. During
her time here, Cassie would love to gain experience and
determine what career path she would like to take.
Cassie keeps busy with classes at Simpson, her favorites
including Field Botany, Plant Biology, and Genetics. In her
free time you can find her spending time outdoors or with
her six sisters and five brothers. Her favorite smell is freshly
raked leaves in the fall!
Help Us Get To 1,500 Facebook Likes!
By the 1st Day of Spring, March 20th,
Naturalists Karen & Logan will eat an
insect on video! Follow us today to be
part of this fun challenge! Our Facebook
is a great place to get the latest info on
program, park & trail updates.
Search for “Warren County Conservation
and the Annett Nature Center”
News
Geocaching Mammal Adventure
Thank You!
John & Kathy Krogmeier - Costume Donation
Ace & Judy Hendricks - Costume Donation
Nancy Johlas - Program materials
The Geocaching Adventure is back! 2016 will feature a
mammal adventure! 25 geocaches containing mammal cards
will be hidden in parks & trails around Warren County.
Try to collect them all! You can look for the animal on each
card while you’re at that park. This is a great way to get
outdoors and explore new areas. The adventure will launch
April 1st and run through the year. Visit www.warrenccb.org/
geocaching to get started.
Steve Walters - Wildlife Prints
Kyrea Kass - Front Desk Volunteer
Professor Ryan Rehmeier (Simpson College) Squirrel Mount Donation
Traffic Counter Results
Plant Some Shade
The Warren County Conservation Board is partnering
with the Iowa DNR, MidAmerican Energy, and the
Indianola Tree Committee again this year to offer the
Plant Some Shade Residential Tree Program. One hundred
fifty trees will be available for purchase at a reduced cost
to residential customers of MidAmerican Energy. Trees
purchases are limited to two per household.
Species available this year include: bur oak, pin oak,
northern pecan, Kentucky coffee tree, crab apple, redbud,
white pine and dawn redwood. Trees are $30 and must be
pre-ordered and pre-paid for by check. To order, please visit
warrenccb.org/plantsomeshade or visit the Annett Nature
Center to get an order form.
All trees must be picked up at the Annett Nature Center
st
on Saturday, May 21 between 9:00–11:00 a.m. We will
hold a planting demonstration at 10:00 a.m. that morning
for anyone interested.
Planting a tree can reduce future energy use, landscape
your home, provide wildlife habitat, improve air quality,
green up your community, and protect & replenish soil.
Thanks to a grant from Warren County Philanthropic
Partnership and funding from the Friends of Warren County
Conservation. WCCB was able to purchase traffic counting
units to place along our parks and trails. These small, digital
devices count individuals as they move past the sensor, and
gather data that can be uploaded into a software program.
Conservation Technician Doug Gaumer placed the
counters at Grant Park, Hickory Hills Park, and sites along
the Great Western Trail and Summerset Trail. We were
excited to see that in a five-month span Hickory Hills
Park had over 4,600 visitors and Grant Park had over
1,000. Saturdays were by far the busiest day for visitation
at Hickory Hills Park. Trail sites averaged from 79 to 200
people a day. June was a peak month for trail usage.
It’s great to see such a high volume of people getting
outdoors and using these areas. We are excited to use the
data for future planning and maintenance.
Events
March
Summer Day Camp Registration Opens
Wednesday, March 2nd | 8:00 a.m.
Camp dates listed at www.warrenccb.org/daycamp
Naturalists lead an annual set of summer camps that allow
children to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. The camps
are a week-long experience in conservation and nature.
Activities may include hiking & outdoor recreation, meeting
live animals, story time, nature arts & crafts, picnics, and science
activities. Older age groups will spend one night camping out.
Parents may register children beginning March 2nd at 8:00 a.m.
Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. To
register, call us at (515) 961-6169 or visit the Annett Nature
Center (no e-mail registrations will be accepted.) Camp
sessions fill up very quickly, and children may only attend each
camp once
Hunter Education
March 3rd & 5th | Izaak Walton League
Hunter education is designed to introduce students to lifelong skills important to the many different types of outdoor
recreation. The course teaches students basic survival and first
aid skills, water safety, wildlife identification, and the basics of
wildlife management, hunting laws, and firearm/archery safety.
Hunter education also stresses the importance of individual
responsibility and outdoor ethics. Iowa law requires that
anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter
education to purchase an Iowa hunting license. Please visit
iowadnr.gov to register.
Zombie Archery
Saturday, March 12th | 1:00 p.m. | Izaak Walton League
Do you love zombies? Join the naturalists to see if the zombies
survived the winter and try your hand at archery. We will
teach you archery basics, including parts of a bow, equipment,
eye dominance, stance, shooting and more! You will get free
time to shoot at all of our different archery targets. We
will meet at the Warren County Izaak Walton League (just
south of the Annett Nature Center) and use their range.
This program is designed for ages 10+. Please pre-register by
Wednesday, March 9th.
Geocaching Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 26th | 10:00 a.m. | Annett Nature Center
Join us for a high-tech outdoor Easter egg hunt. You will use
a GPS unit to find eggs (and candy!) hidden throughout the
park, geocaching style! This adds an extra challenge and a lot of
hiking fun to your typical egg hunt. We will have a simple egg
hunt set up in our butterfly garden for toddlers. Please preregister by Wednesday, March 23rd.
Osprey 5K
Saturday, April 9th | 9:00 a.m. | Annett Nature Center
Join Friends of Warren County Conservation for the Osprey
5K fun run/walk. The event will start and finish at Annett
Nature Center and wind through Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Registration sheet and more information found on page 7.
Evening Prairie Burn
Tuesday, April 12th | 8:00 p.m. | Annett Nature Center
Join the WCCB as we light up the night sky! Learn about
the valuable role fire plays in the prairie ecosystem, what
equipment is used and watch how a prairie burn is done.
This is quite a spectacular sight in the dark. The program is
dependent on weather conditions, please call for updates.
Cookies & Canvas
Friday, April 15th | 6:00 p.m. | Annett Nature Center
Join us for a fun night of painting at the nature center. Children
can eat cookies and paint a monarch butterfly canvas. All
materials and painting instruction will be provided. The cost is
$20 per painter and adult is welcome to stay for assistance.
Butterfly Garden Presentation
Thursday, April 2nd | 6:00 p.m. | Annett Nature Center
Join Warren County Conservation and guest speaker Jim
Kessler to learn how to design your own butterfly garden.
Butterfly and pollinator populations are dwindling as habitat
and food sources become scarce. These insects are vital to
our ecosystems and agriculture. Restoring native plants to
your land, no matter where you live will allow you to attract
and observe these insects and help butterflies and other
pollinators to continue to survive. Native plantings will also
benefit your vegetable garden.
In this hands on workshop, you will learn how to select native
plants for the garden, design a planting map for your butterfly
garden, and learn native plant garden management strategies.
A list of native trees and shrubs that are host plants that feed
butterfly larvae will be presented. We will also enjoy a video
“The Beauty of Pollination” and a video of a butterfly garden
planting in Grinnell.
Jim Kessler, the workshop presenter, has over 40 years of
experience restoring and managing native plantings. Jim and his
wife Kathy live on 30 acres of restored prairies, wetlands, oak
savannas, and woodland south of Grinnell. He teaches Biology
and Environmental Biology at Iowa Valley Community College
– Grinnell Campus.
Please register by Monday, April 18th.
To register for programs,
visit warrenccb.org/events
or call 515/961-6169
Wildflower Walk
Sunday, April 24th | 4:00 p.m. | Zo-El Annett Woods
Enjoy a spring evening hiking through a beautiful display
of spring woodland wildflowers and learn how to identify
them. This time of year at Zo-El Annett Woods we may see
snow trillium, spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches, trout lily,
bloodroot, violets ,and more. Pre-register by Friday, April 22nd.
StarLab Stargaze
Friday, April 29th | 8:00 p.m. | Annett Nature Center
Climb inside the StarLab and learn about Spring
Constellations! This is an inflatable planetarium that provides
an uninterrupted picture of the night sky. A naturalist will tell
you all about astronomy, constellations and mythology. When
we emerge from the StarLab, you can enjoy a s’more and
check out the real night sky to see if you can spot some of the
constellations we learned about. Please register by April 27th.
Wild Women of the Woods
May 6th & 7th | Annett Nature Center
Would you like to meet other women with similar interests,
attend classes to learn new skills and enhance older ones, or
just kick back in the great outdoors? If so, this is the event for
you. Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an exciting day
in the outdoors! With so many exciting sessions to choose
from, the hardest part will be deciding which to attend. The
registration fee is $45 and includes all activities, a free night of
camping, campfire dinner, breakfast, a noon meal, and a Wild
Women of the Woods gift! Visit warrenccb.org/wildwomen for
complete brochure and registration.
Bowfishing Clinic
Saturday, May 14th | 10:00 a.m. | Annett Nature Center
Bowfishing is a fun sport that combines the skill of archery and
the fun of fishing. Come find out how it’s done, learn about
the species you can bowfish, and try your hand at shooting
into the water! Location for this clinic may change as we are
hoping to find a location where there are fish to shoot this
time of year. Please register by Monday, May 9th.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 21st | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 22nd | 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Annett Nature Center
Come and see what’s growing at the ANC prairie and
butterfly garden and take some of it home with you. The
Friends of Warren County Conservation annual native plant
sale offers native Iowa perennials. You can purchase a variety
of plants, such as milkweed, purple coneflower, New England
aster, rattlesnake master, and more.
May
Nature Center StoryWalk® Begins
May 1st | Annett Nature Center Park
StoryWalk® is a fun idea to get communities outside and
reading. Each month, we will put new nature themed children’s
stories along trails in different parks. Stories will all be nature
themed and fun to read! Bring your whole family out to hike
and read a page of the story every few feet as you go along.
Please sign the guest book at the end of each StoryWalk®.
Yoga in the Park
Thursday, April 26th | 6:00 p.m. | Annett Nature Center
Yoga in the Park will combine the relaxation of yoga and the
serenity of nature. Join Warren County Conservation and
Molly Sivertsen-Bean of Fusion Fitness for an evening of yoga
(improves posture, strength, balance and attitude.) Participants
are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. This
class is for all levels of experience so come join us! Please preregister by Monday, May 23rd.
Glow-in-the-Dark Geocaching
Friday, May 27th | 8:00 p.m. | Hickory Hills Park
Join us for a fun night in the great outdoors. We will learn
about GPS technology and geocaching, then as it gets dark
we will head down the trail to search for glow-in-the-dark
hidden treasures. GPS units will be provided. Please register by
Monday, May 23rd.
PARKS
N SC
NORWALK
35
r
228TH AVE
Banner
Wildlife Area
DAKOTA
DELAWARE ST
DRAKE ST
HARTFORD
DUBUQUE ST
G24
M
MER SET
316
Red Rock
Wildlife Area
5
ELK HORN ST
SU
ST
RD
245TH AVE
r
Rive
dle
Mid
Lundy Acres
115TH AVE
G24
138TH AVE
Banner Lakes at
Summerset State Park
L
EP
QU
BU
DU
North River
Great Western Trail
ive
DGE RD
SCOTCH RI
Wilson Woods
Blue Flag
Marsh
sR
223RD AVE
G14
ine
Red Rock
Wildlife Area
H PL
RID
GE
69
165T
CUMMING
DES MOINES
Mo
CARLISLE
RD
65
28
Des
5
5
138TH AVE
Open 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Monday–Friday*
Open 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Sundays, March–October
WEST DES MOINES
OTCH
The Annett
Nature Center
Summerset Trail
GRIME
S
PL
HARDING ST
D PL
STEA
HEMP
Red Rock
Wildlife Area
125TH AVE
Zo-El Annett Woods
G36
IDAHO ST
55TH AVE
65
R57
SANDYVILLE
92
69
92
ACKWORTH
ut
INDIANOLA
168TH AVE
120TH AVE
Woodland Mounds Preserve
KIRKWOOD ST
MCKINLEY ST
158TH AVE
ek
KEOKUK ST
Bank Swallow Bend
S31
118TH AVE
Squaw Cre
ST. MARY’S
NEVADA ST
Annett Nature Center
PERSHING ST
er
Riv
65
143RD AVE
Hooper Wildlife Area 69
uth
G58
MILO
G58
140TH AVE
Lake Ahquabi State Park
R45
11 8 T H A V E
G50
POLK ST
POLK ST
S23
Ot
ter
Cr
ee
150TH AVE
k
So
*Duties sometimes require
all staff be out of the office,
calling ahead is advised.
Otter Creek Park
G64
G76
35
NEW VIRGINIA
90TH AVE
80TH AVE
Rolling Thunder Prairie
Medora Prairie
TYLER ST
UNION ST
LACONA
65
Hickory Hills Park
G76
te
hi
W
B
69
as
re
Location in County
Acreage
Community Room
Nature Center
Hunting
Fishing
Restrooms (modern)
Restrooms (pit)
Drinking Water
Shelter w/o electric
Shelter w/electric
Fire Pits
Camping (electric)
Camping (primitive)
Picnicking
Warren County
Parks &
Conservation
Areas
Hiking Trails
Looking for a beautiful, affordable site to
hold your wedding, family gathering or
other event?
Biking
Reserve Today!
ek
re
tC
(515) 961-6169
15565 118th Avenue
Indianola, IA 50125
So
92
Come visit to check out:
• Interpretive Exhibits
• Variety of live animals
• Butterfly Garden
• Trails through prairie, wetland, and forest
• Wildlife Viewing Blind
• Observation Tower
Ri
ve
r
MARTENSDALE
S23
R63
h
28
ST
Grant Nature Land
Berry Woods
SPRING HILL
ERBE
Annett Nature Center & Park √√ √√ √ √ √ √√ 160SW
Consider the community room at the
Annett Nature Center, the barn at
Hickory Hills, or the picnic shelters at
Hickory Hills, Grant Park, Otter Creek,
or the Great Western Trailhead. Call
(515) 961-6169 for details.
Bank Swallow Bend
√
√ 543SE
Blue Flag Marsh
√ 138NW
Grant Nature Land
√√ √ √ √ 150NE
Great Western Trail
√√√ √√√ √ 200NW
Hickory Hills Park
√√ √ √√ √ √ √ 160SW
Lundy Acres
√
√√
15NW
Otter Creek Park
√√ √ √ √ √ 80SE
Rolling Thunder Prairie
√ 282SW
Summerset Trail
√ √√ √√√√ √ Wilson Woods
212NE
12
NW
Woodland Mounds Preserve
√
√√√ 325NE
Zo-El Annett Woods
√
√
10NW
Osprey 5K
Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, April 9, 2016
9 AM
Annett Nature Center
The Event: 5K fun run/walk on Saturday, April 9,2016 at 9 AM All proceeds will be used towards
the new educational insect exhibit.
Awards & Refreshments: Medals for the top female and male 16+ and under 16. Refreshments
served immediately after the event.
Course: The 3.1 mile run/walk will start and finish at Annett Nature Center and wind through
Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Location: Annett Nature Center is located 5 miles south of Indianola. Travel 4 miles south on
Hwy 65/69 and look for Annett Nature Center signs. Turn west on G-58 to Lake Ahquabi and
then turn north on 118th Ave. ANC is on the East side of the road.
Register: Mail completed form or stop in to register
Friends of Warren County Conservation c/o Osprey 5K
15565 118th Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
Entry Fee: $30 by April 1,2016
$35 after April 1,2016 Payable to: FWCC
Race Packet Pickup: 8:00AM-8:45 AM on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Annett Nature Center
For more Information or to volunteer: Contact Karen at (515)961-6169
Sponsored by: Friends of Warren County Conservation
Osprey 5K Registration Form
Name: _____________________________Phone:___________________________________
Address:____________________________City, State, Zip_____________________________
Email:______________________________ Age on 4/9/16_____________________________
T-shirt size: (circle one) S M L XL Gender: (circle one) Male Female
Entry Fee: $30 before April 1 $35 after April 1
Signature & date:(parent of legal guardian if under 18)______________________________
I hereby, in consideration of myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive all rights and
claims for damages I may or hereafter have against individuals associated with the Osprey 5K,
their agencies, and representatives, for any injuries suffered by me in the this event. I certify that I
have full knowledge of the risks involved in this event and that I am physically fit to participate in
and have no medical conditions that prevent my participation. I consent to receive medical
treatment deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, or illness during this event. I
authorize the use of my name and picture to be used in any promotional material associated with
this event.
Spring 2016
Warren County
Conser vation Board
The Warren County Conservation Board
manages over 2,200 acres of land for the
benefit of its citizens.Visitors can enjoy a
variety of outdoor activities on areas being
conserved for this generation and generations
to come.
Subscribe to Three Rivers Journal via email!
Reduce waste and get frequent updates on
programs, parks, & projects:
subscribewccb
@warrenccb.org
BOARD MEMBERS
Mick Kreidler, President
Sue Boll,Vice-President
Joe Gavin, Secretary
Ace Hendricks
Ron Miller
STAFF
Doug Gaumer
Karen Johlas-Szalkowski
Jim Priebe
Logan Roberts
David Youngblut
Mark Wilson
Indianola
Carlisle
Martensdale
Ackworth
Milo
Conservation Technician
Naturalist II
Director
Naturalist I
Operation Coordinator
Natural Resource Specialist
The Warren County Conservation Board does not discriminate against anyone on the
basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap. If anyone believes he or
she has been subjected to such discrimination, he or she may file a complaint alleging
discrimination with either the Warren County Conservation Board of the Office of Equal
Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Printed on recycled paper
Warren County Conservation Board
15565 118th Avenue
Indianola, IA 50125–8852
(515) 961–6169
www.warrenccb.org