The Otter Creek Quarterly Spring, 2019

Vol. 34 No. 1

A Newsletter of the Buchanan County Conservation Board

25th Anniversary Banquet and Ding Darling (Pages 4-5)!

Nature Center Anniversary Banquet – a lot to Celebrate!Dan Cohen, Director

In August 1991, Buchanan County Conservation Board (BCCB) and Board of Supevisors members met in the two-desk county office located in the basement of the Director’s home. They were huddled over a final set of plans for a nature center building at Fontana Park. Ground-breaking would be held April 20, 1992, with construction phased over a two-year period. On Earth Day – April 22, 1994 – the Fontana Interpretive Nature Center officially opened its doors to the public.

The nature center was not built upon a dream and whim. It was rather a logical step in the maturing vision of county-wide environmental education and outreach. For decades, the BCCB made some attempts to reach out to groups. During the early 1980s, a priority for a more full-scale education program took root. Then, in 1986, the first fulltime naturalist was hired. Soon, every school district in the county was engaged to some degree with education programs, most of which were held as field trips to Fontana Park. Civic clubs, youth camps, and attendees at public programs came to Fontana Park for “naturalist programs”. By 1990, the Conservation Board was recognized with two statewide Education Program awards.

Demand for education programs justified investment in facilities to address staff needs, display exhibits, provide classrooms, and house equipment and materials. The nature center quickly became the recognizable “center” for public outreach and program attendance. Local volunteers became

engaged as nature center receptionists. The nature center display floor interprets

“making our home in a living environment”, with some fixture displays, such as the crawl-through log, hands-in pond, light-up parks map, dioramas, and more. Other displays change throughout the year. Some large traveling displays have been featured in the nature on topics including prairies, turtles, snakes, "Hunters lead the way", and now – Ding Darling (see page 5). The sign-in guestbook indicates about a quarter-million visitor trips to the display floor since the nature center opened, including people from all 50 states and some 80

foreign countries.A few of the many

major nature center improvements and increased capacity for education programming during the past quarter-

Support Conservation and Education! Purchase your banquet tickets today by clicking here. Call 319-636-2617 for questions. See page 4 for more information.

Continued on page 2...

Architect Steve Usher presents a nature center floor plan design during a 1991 joint meeting of the Buchanan County Conservation Board and Board of Supervisors.

Page 2 The Otter Creek Quarterly - News

century included: • 1999: Floods impacted the nature center and led to repairs and changes to the landmark dam and main shelter house. • 2004: The Conservation Board again recieved an Outstanding Environmental Education Award. Friends of Fontana Park was created as a fundraising group for education programs. • 2006: Paved parking and a trail connecting the nature center to the town of Hazleton were completed.• 2007: An additional 800 square feet of display area and storage was added to the nature center. • 2008: A second naturalist position was added to Conservation Board staff to help meet demands of the growing education program. • 2009: Program attendance grew beyond 15,000, and number of programs surpassed 750. • 2015: Total attendance surpassed 20,000 with more than 1,000 programs offered.

For 25 years, the nature center has served its purpose. You can help recognize the value of local conservation and education programs by attending the April 22 Anniversary Banquet. The nonprofit group Friends of Fontana Park organizes the Banquet just once every five years, so take this opportunity to show your support by purchasing tickets today (see page 4).

...continued from page 1

In 2007, then Conservation Board President Roger Johnson addresed a crowd gathered for an Open House to view the new Nature Center Addition.

Misconceptions – Why do vultures circle?Michael Maas, Naturalist

During my time working for Buchanan County Conservation Board, I have come to realize there are a lot of ways people think about nature. Some are correct, but some are wrong. Let's consider the facts about turkey vultures.

Have you seen a movie in which vultures circle above people or animals? Movies often portray vultures waiting around for their next meal to die, when in reality that is not the case.

Circling has to do with flying, not with waiting for something or someone to die. Vultures go with the flow of the warm air currents. The birds actually ride the air thermals that rise from the ground. They will flap their wings about three to five times and then glide for a while.

The wings are not held straight across, but rather more V- shaped – "V is for Vulture". The wing shape and soaring on thermal currents reduce energy use in flight. While riding air currents, they may be smelling and looking for delicious carrion (dead animals).

Vultures are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals. If it is stinky, rotten, and disgusting, they thoroughly enjoy it. They are Nature’s true recyclers. Attacking live animals is not the "vulture way". Their feet, unlike those of raptors, are unable to strongly grasp, which would limit the effectiveness of an attack.

The next time a vulture is flying in the sky (which will hopefully be soon, since vultures will be migrating north this spring) look at the way they hold their wings. When you see the birds circling, you no longer have to wonder, "What is going to die." Naturalist Michael handling a vulture while demonstrating

the way vultures hold their wings, in a V-shape

Page 3 The Otter Creek Quarterly - News

Make Reservations Online Now!Bookings for cabins, campsites, and shelters

at Fontana Park fill quickly. To get your first choice of dates and sites, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com and click on Cabins, Campsites, and Shelters to check availability and make reservations. Reservable campsites at Fontana Park are located along the east side of the campground – nicely tucked in along the pine trees.

Non-reservable sites are available on a first-come basis. The online system also is used to register for public programs, outings, camps, and classes. Simply click here to make reservations. Fill out your information and make payment with a credit or debit card. It is that simple.

Monarch Habitat Plant Sale Plants that are

especially good at attracting monarch butterflies will be for sale in late May (date TBD). Follow the Fontana Park Facebook page and local media for more exact dates. If you have questions, please call Fontana Nature Center at 319-636-2617.

Conservation ScholarshipsApplication Deadline: March 11!

The Buchanan County Area Conservation and Natural Resources Scholarship Committee will award a limited number of scholarships to area residents currently enrolled as seniors in high school, or at accredited colleges or universities. The top scholarship award will be $1,500. Scholarship recipients also will receive complimentary tickets to the Buchanan County Pheasants Forever Banquet held on April 6. Preference will be given to applicants who:• Will major in a conservation or natural resources-related field;• Have a demonstrated interest in conservation and natural resources;• Have been active in their communities;• Have academic records that indicate a likelihood of success at their chosen schools.

Applicants must reside in one of the following School Districts: East Buchanan, Jesup, Independence, North Linn, Oelwein, Starmont, or Wapsie Valley. All applicants must complete an application form which must be received prior to the March 11 deadline. Application forms may be downloaded by clicking here. For more information, call or email Dan Cohen at 319-636-2617/dcohen@co.buchanan.ia.us.

Sponsors of the Conservation and Natural

Resources Scholarship

• Buchanan County Pheasants Forever• Buchanan County Wildlife Association• Brandon Fish & Game Club• Friends of Fontana Park• Littleton Hookanliners• Tri-Rivers Waterfowlers• Wapsi Flyway

Meadow Blazingstar

Fontana Herb Society Program & Plant Sale

The April 4th meeting of the Herb Society will be a program by Andrea and Roger Bean. Andrea does fantastic gourd carvings and Roger is a Master Woodcarver. They will be sharing their crafts with us. This meeting is open to the public and starts at 7 PM.

The Fontana Herb Society will conduct their annual plant sale May 4, 8-11 a.m., with some of the proceeds going to Friends of Fontana Park.

The Otter Creek Quarterly - EducationPage 4 The Otter Creek Quarterly - Page 5Page 6 The Otter Creek Quarterly - News

Fontana Interpretive Nature Center

Anniversary BanquetMonday, April 22 – Heartland Acres, Independence, Iowa

• Featured Speaker – "Ding" Darling• Doors Open at 5 p.m. for Social• Enjoy a Great Meal• RaffleandSilentAuction

Tom Milligan as Jay N. “Ding” Darling visits with the audience, as an old friend, in his office at The Des Moines Register. Considered one of the most important members of the conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, his impact is still felt today.

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Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Fontana Interpretive Nature Center. Enjoy a fantastic meal, followed by a keynote presentation by Historical Re-enactor Tom Milligan as the famous conservationist Ding Darling (see cover article). The presentation is provided through a grant from Humanities Iowa, a private, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa brings humanities programs into the heart of Iowa communities.

The banquet is for anyone wishing to show support for the nature center, education programs, school field trips, live animal displays, and other programs and projects associated with Fontana Park. All proceeds help fund these efforts through the nonprofit Friends of Fontana Park (FFP).

To reserve banquet tickets and raffle packages, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com and click on events. Raffle packages include 50 raffle tickets and a 6" x 9" bamboo cutting board for $25. Order as many raffle packages as you like (must be present to win). Individual raffle tickets during the Banquet will cost $1 each. On the website you will be able to choose from four event options (there is no extra charge for the Ding Darling program): Click on the 'Option #' to get registered.

Option 1: $75 Couples Package (includes two meals and one raffle package)Option 2: $50 Single Package (includes one meal and one raffle package)Option 3: $30 Single Banquet ticket (includes one meal - no raffle package)Option 4: $25 Extra raffle packages (order as many as you like - can be ordered with any of the three other options)

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, if you have special dietary needs, or for answers to questions, please call 319-636-2617 in advance. Those who are unable to attend the Banquet, but would like to donate to the cause, may make a check payable to FFP and mail to: FFP Banquet, 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641.

Page 5 The Otter Creek Quarterly - Education

Nationally Renowned Ding Darling Exhibit at Nature Center!On display now until May 31, 2019 Grand opening celebration Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.Fontana Interpretive Nature Center

Learn about an Iowan who became one the 20th century's most influencial conservationisits. “This exhibit includes some of my favorite personal artifacts and rarely seen artwork celebrating 'the man who never forgot that he once was a boy' and illuminates the visionary who clearly

demonstrated that we are at our best when we work together,” says Curator Sam Koltinski, director and curator on the Jay N. Darling Center in Des Moines. The Exhibit, which is titled Darling: One Man, Many Visions, is dedicated to Darling’s grandson "Kip" Koss, his wife Andrea, and to the fine folks in Buchanan County. It is made possible through a grant from the Northeast Iowa Charitable Foundation.

The exhibit is open now for general public viewing. However, to get the full story, plan also to attend the grand opening celebration on March 14. Hear Koltinski's story behind the exhibit, the extraordinary collection of personal memorabilia at the Center, and his unique involvement with Darling's family. As a special part of the evening, Koltinski will bring treasures seldom seen by the public.

Nature KidsFontana Nature Center Monday, March 11 - 10 a.m. Bison - Click here to registerMonday, April 8 – 10 a.m. Vultures - Click here to registerMonday, May 13 – 10 a.m. Frogs - Click here to registerAges 3-5;

Bring a child to the Fontana Park to learn about and experience different Iowa animals each month. The program will start with a story, include an up-close encounter with a live animal,

and end with time spent outside exploring (dress for the weather). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

OWLS - HikeOlder Wiser Livelier SoulsMonday, March 18, 5 p.m.Crumbacher Wildlife Area1490 240th St., Independence (NW Lot); Click here to register

Join a naturalist and explore Buchanan County Conservation Board's largest park, Crumbacher Wildlife Area, during this featured program for "Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls" (OWLS). Enjoy about a mile of walking on a mowed path surrounded by prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. There is a chance it could be wet so be sure to dress with the correct footwear. OWLS is specifically designed for adults to learn and explore nature in and around Buchanan County. Several programs are offered each quarter.

Nature Kids enjoying the outdoors

Darling drawing

Darling w/ president of National Wiuldlife Federation

Darling at press

Last summer's OWLS particpants explore Bearbower Sand Prairie

Page 6 The Otter Creek Quarterly - Education

April Photography Workshop Saturday, April 13 10 am – 2:30 pmFontana Nature CenterCost: Fee $8/person or $12 per familyClick here to register

Improve your nature photography skills with reliable tips and tricks presented by Kip Ladage. The program will begin with a classroom presentation, and then take participants outside to try some of the techniques learned. Animals in the Fontana Park displays will be available as subjects, along with whatever spring has sprung. Following lunch (bring your own) there will be

some individual and group critiquing, followed by a brief overview of photo editing. Participants need to bring a camera, and if possible a laptop or other editing device.

To register for programs, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com. Click on Public Events.

OWLS - Signs of Spring Tour Older Wiser Livelier SoulsMonday, April 15, 10 a.m. at Ham Marsh 1747 Indiana Ave., Independence9:45 a.m. carpool from Fontana Park Click here to register

OWLS is a program specifically designed for adults to learn and explore nature in and around Buchanan County. The group will go to Ham Marsh, Three Elms, and end at Boies Bend. Participants will

search for signs of spring, likely including waterfowl, meadowlarks, bluebirds, robins, vultures, bloodroot, bluebells, frogs, and more! Most walks will be short

distances, however there will be a stop that is a little longer. Trails may be uneven and wet.

A carpool will leave Fontana Park at 9:45 a.m. Limited seating is availble in the Conservation Board van.Please note when registering if you would like a ride.

Energy Games Friday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Fontana Nature Center Click here to register

The Conservation Board hosts Energy Games competitions (solar car races, wind turbine competition, and solar oven competition) each spring for students from area schools. Teachers and student advisors need to contact Conservation Board Naturalist Sondra Cabell (scabell@co.buchanan.ia.us) for information about how students may compete in the 2019 Energy Games.

Through their design, assembly, and testing of solar cars, wind turbine blades, and solar ovens, students learn skills in engineering, problem solving, and renewable energy concepts. UNI's Fabulous Resources for Energy Education (FREE) has materials for model design and construction available to area schools at no cost to compete in the energy games. Teachers can reserve a kit(s) at https://stemed.uni.edu/free and click on FREE loans.

Geocaching Egg Hunt Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.Fontana Nature Center Age 3-14; Cost $5 per child (children age 3-14 years old)Click here to register before April 16

Your family will love this new way of searching for eggs. Learn how to use a GPS unit, then go search in Fontana Park for hidden treasures and treats. Keep your eyes open for the golden egg, earning you a special prize!

Space is limited! Family size is unlimited, but there will be one GPS per family group. Families that are planning to bring eight or more individuals may wish to register as two groups.

Spring Peeper

Boys trying solar cars

Bloodroot

Bluebird

Page 7 The Otter Creek Quarterly - Education

To register for programs, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com. Click on Public Events.

Natural Dyes on Silk Scarves Saturday, May 11 -10 -11:30 am Fontana Nature CenterCost: $8 or $12 per scarfClick here to register

Spring leaves and flowers are soft and full of colorful pigments. Try your hand at using them to create an artistic image, or images, for this supple silk scarf. Participants choose the size scarf they wish. Material are ready to dye. Samples and practice/test materials will be available, and participants will be able to select their preferred colors.

Morning Paddle Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Wapsi Access Ages: 10 - adult; Cost: $5 per personClick here to register

Learn kayak basics and join Naturalist Michael Maas for a guided tour of the backwaters of the Wapsipincon River. Kayaks and life jackets will be provided. This is a great time to try a kayak if you have been thinking about purchasing one! The minimum age is ten, and youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants and parents must complete a waiver form at registration.

OWLS - Wildflower WalkOlder Wiser Livelier SoulsMonday, May 20, 5 p.m.Putty Root Preserve2408-2 262nd St., Independence Click here to register

Enjoy the beauty of spring wildflowers, during this featured program for "Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls" (OWLS), while exploring Putty Root Preserve near Quasqueton. Participants will see and learn about many wildflowers in bloom. There are no defined trails and, although relatively flat, there will be uneven ground, Wear shoes or boots that are able to get a bit wet and muddy. OWLS is a program specifically designed for adults to learn and explore nature in and around Buchanan County. Several programs are offered each quarter.

Old Time MealsWednesday, May 22 and Sept. 4, 5:00 p.m.Richardson-Jakway House, Jakway Forest$20 per person - registration is limited to 26 peopleClick here to register

The May 22 Old Time Meal will feature old fashioned pork chops, lettuce salad, baked potato, creamed carrots, Amish bread with jam, and a home made rhubarb dessert. A representative from Seed Saver Exchange will be coming to talk to the group about heirloom seeds . Old Time Meals are sponsored by the Richardson-Jakway Foundation and Conservation Board, and raise funds for restoration of the Historic Site.

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Virginia Bluebells

Above right: Conservation Board Office Manger Elaine Walker wears a natural dye scarf.

The Otter Creek Quarterly - EducationPage 8

Young Naturalists Tuesdays, June 11 – July 23 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. register here Wednesday July 31, 12 p.m. Picnic and AwardsFontana Nature Center ClassroomAges: 9-12 yrs; Cost: $30; Registration limited to 20/class

Children will discover the world in which they live, and their relationships with plants and other animals. All new activities will bring participants face to face with environmental issues, problems, and solutions.

Summer Programs for Kids Ages 3 to 18It is time to register for the Conservation Board's popular series of summer youth programs.

Registration is limited on all camps. Visit www.buchanancountyparks.com and click on Public Events to get your child registered.

Wee Nature TalesTuesdays, June 11 – July 30 10 a.m.-11 a.m. register here ORThursdays June 13 – Aug 1 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. register hereFontana Nature Center ClassroomAges: 3-5 yrs; Cost: $30; Registration limited to 15/class

This hour-long session combines all new age-appropriate nature stories with simple nature projects and explorations. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Nature ExplorersWednesdays, June 12 – July 24 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. register here ORThursdays June 13 – July 25 1 p.m. -2:30 p.m. register hereWednesday July 31, 12 p.m. Picnic and Awards Fontana Nature Center ClassroomAges: 6-8 yrs; Cost: $30; Registration limited to 20/class

This all-new program encourages an early interest in science and nature through hands-on exploration of the Fontana Park environment. Adults are welcome to attend.

To register for programs, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com. Click on Public Events.

Rain Garden Design & ConstructionJune 13, 6-7:30 pm & June 22, 9 am – 2 pmIndependenceCost; $15 fee includes several perennial plantsClick here to register

Participants will visit several rain gardens and discuss design, function, site selection, size, plant selection, and logistics of functional rain

gardens. Registrants will have the opportunity to have their site selected for construction on June 22. Participants will then construct the rain garden on the selected site to have the opportunity to experience all aspects of what it takes to complete a project on their own site.

Jakway Adventure CampJune 13, 9 am - 3 pmJakway ForestAge: 9-12;Cost; $15 per child; Registration limited to 15Click here to register

Come out and enjoy a day filled with fun activities. The kids will learn about the history and importance of the Jakway Forest. There will be plenty of time to discover the woodlands, creek and hopefully there will be time for a delicious dessert. Campers are asked to pack a

lunch and try to have it be as zero waste as possible (prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, place). In partnership with Buchanan County Iowa State Extension.

Page 9The Otter Creek Quarterly - Education

River Raiders Program – Kendallville to Decorah, IAFontana Training Day: July 15, 5-7 p.m.Upper Iowa River: July 22-24 ; Age: 11-13 Cost: $90; Registration limited to 12 participants; Click here to register

Adventure awaits around every bend! Explore the Upper Iowa River from Kendallville to Decorah. Campers will canoe, camp, cook outdoors, and learn wilderness skills on

this two-night, three-day excursion. Participants will paddle their way around winding bends, rapids, scenic waterfalls, cold springs, and 200-foot chimney bluffs. The trip fee includes tents, food, canoes, life jackets, paddles and transportation. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. Participants must attend the training day on July 15. The training will include camping and paddling basics, menu for the trip itinerary, and what to pack.

Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe TrekFontana Training Day: Date TBDAugust 3 – 10; Boundry Waters Canoe AreaAges 14-18; Cost TBD; Registration limited to 6

This trip takes youth to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northeast Minesota – the most vast wilderness in the lower 48 states, and home to loon, moose, wolves, and black bear. If you have some canoeing experience, and the strength and spirit to explore, this trip may be for you! Participants will paddle across wilderness lakes, portage canoes and packs, fish for fun and food, read maps, use compasses, live in tents without leaving a trace, cook meals in wilderness areas, and learn about the ecology of this magnificent area. Tents, backpacks, canoes, cooking gear, food, and transportation from Fontana Interpretive Nature Center are provided. Some stipends and scholarships opportunities are listed below. For more information, call 319-636-2617.

To register for programs, visit www.buchanancountyparks.com. Click on Public Events.

2018 River Raiders Trip

Paddling the Upper Iowa River

• Chris Holt Scholarship Iowa Conservation Education Coalition www.iowaee.org; click Scholarships• Iowa Assoc of Naturalists www.iowanaturalists.org; click Programs• Friends of Fontana Park Available to who those who participated in past Conservation Board overnight Upper Iowa Canoe Trips (such as River Raiders, above) • Benton County Conservation Foundation

Edith Biddinger..................227 hoursRuby Bodeker......................174 hoursJames Bond........................27 hoursSally Bond...........................24hoursJoye Bowers......................165 hoursMargaret Damge................64 hoursBreanna Ellis..........................9 hoursJan Franks..........................21 hoursEllen Gaffney.....................257 hoursHelen Hoefer....................871 hoursElanie Hughes...................422 hoursMarybeth Jaggard........... 929 hoursRita Knutson.........................10 hoursFrancis King.....................263 hoursBob Miehe...........................223 hoursDuane Olsen.........................61 hoursPatti Olmstead.................. 300 hoursShirley Rozendaal............. 339 hoursFaith Rulapaugh.............. 513 hoursLorene Shonka.................. 223 hoursDavid Voigts..................... 544 hoursJane Watson.......................374 hoursClark Willoughby...............257 hours

Nature Center Volunteer Receptionists Hours

(as of 2/15/19)

Page 10 The Otter Creek Quarterly - Volunteers

Volunteer WorkshopSaturday, March 9, 9 a.m.Click here to register

This workshop is for everyone, from seasoned volunteers who would like a refresher, to newcomers who need an orientation to do volunteer work. All are welcome! Conservation Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of activities, including serving as nature center hosts and campground hosts, monitoring nest boxes, helping with park maintenance, pulling invasive plants, working on special projects, and more!

The Volunteer Workshop will provide an opportunity to meet other volunteers, learn about opportunities, and begin to

receive volunteer training. The workshop will begin with drinks and donuts in the Nature Center. If you have questions, call Diane at 319-636-2617. Preregister at www.buchanancountyparks.com (click on "public events").

Yes, I want to donate to the Friends of Fontana Park! Enclosed is my donation. I am glad to be able to contribute at the level shown below.

Donor ($1-99) Supporter ($250-499) Sponsor ($1,000-4,999) Contributor ($100-249) Patron ($500-999) Founder ($5,000 or more)

Amount Enclosed: $

Names) as you wish them to read on recognition: Date:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: ( ) Email:

Make checks payable to: Friends of Fontana Park and Mail to: Fontana Interpretive Nature Center, 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Please contact me regarding making a donation as a gift in the name of a friend or relative.

Please contact me regarding making a donation as a memorial to a friend or relative.

Campground Hosts Wanted!The Conservation Department thrives with help from volunteers.

Volunteer campground hosts are especially in need to greet and provide information to visitors. Campground hosts are needed at Fontana Park, Jakway Park, and Lime Creek Park. While camp hosting, the site is free and you get to enjoy the beauty of Buchanan County Conservations wonderful parks. Other volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. For more information, call 319-636-2617!

Conservation Calendar!

The Otter Creek Quarterly - Calendar Page 11

March 9 Volunteer Workshop Fontana Nature Center, 9 a.m. (P. 10).

March 11 Nature Kids - Bison Fontana Nature Center 10 a.m. (P. 5).

March 14 Darling: One Man, Many Visions Fontana Nature Center 7 p.m. (P. 5).

March 11 Conservation Scholarship Deadline (P. 3).

March 16 Conservation Board Meeting Nature Center, 10:15 a.m. (subject to change).

March 18 OWLS - Hike Crumbacher Wildlife Area, 5 p.m. (P. 5).

March 24-26 Sandhill Crane Trip (Full)

April 4 Fontana Herb Society Program Fontana Nature Center, 7 p.m. (P. 3).

April 6 Pheasants Forever Membership Banquet Independence; call 319-334-0255 for tickets.

April 8 Nature Kids - Vultures Fontana Nature Center 10 a.m. (P. 5).

April 13 April Photography Workshop Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 6).

April 15 OWLS - Signs of Spring Tour Ham Marsh, 10 a.m. (P. 6).

April 16 Conservation Board Meeting Nature Center, 6 p.m. (subject to change).

April 20 Geocaching Egg Hunt Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 6).

April 20 Tri-Rivers Waterfowlers Banquet Quasqueton; call 319-350-9260 for tickets.

April 26 Energy Games Fontana Nature Center, 9:30 a.m. (P. 6).

May 4 Fontana Herb Society Plant Sale Fontana Nature Center, 8 a.m. (P. 7).

May 11 Natural Dyes on Silk Scarves Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 7).

May 12 Mother's Day

2018 Overall Winner by Danyce Zegarac-Jasper

May 13 Nature Kids - Frogs Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 5).

May 14 Conservation Board Meeting Nature Center, 6 p.m. (subject to change)

May 18 Morning Paddle Wapsi River Access, 9 a.m. (P. 7).

May 20 OWLS - Wildflower Walk Putty Root Preserve, 10 a.m. (P. 7).

May 22 Old Time Meal Jakway Park, 5 p.m. (P. 7).

May 27 Memorial Day (Nature Center Closed).

June 11 Wee Nature Tales on Tuesdays begins Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 8).

June 11 Young Naturalists on Tuesdays begins Fontana Nature Center, 1 p.m. (P. 8).

June 12 Nature Explorers Wednesdays begins Fontana Nature Center, 9:30 a.m. (P. 8).

June 13 Jakway Adventure Camp Jakway Park, 9 a.m. (P. 8).

June 13 Wee Nature Tales on Thursdays begins Fontana Nature Center, 10 a.m. (P. 8).

June 13 Nature Explorers on Thursdays begins Fontana Nature Center, 1 p.m. (P. 8).

June 13 Rain Garden Design & Construction Fontana Nature Center 6 p.m. (P. 8).

July 15 River Raiders Training Day Fontana Nature Center, 5 p.m. (P. 9).

July 22-24 River Raiders Upper Iowa River, 8 a.m. (P. 9).

Aug. 3-10 Wilderness Canoe Trek Boundary Waters Canoe Area (P. 9).

Sept. 4 Old Time Meal Jakway Park, 5 p.m. (P. 7).

Oct. 1 Photo Contest Deadline (P. 11).

Buchanan County Natural Areas Photo Contest Entries can be e-mailed to bccbscheduling@gmail.com or mail to 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Keep your camera handy as you visit Buchanan County’s natural areas this spring and summer and keep in mind the 4 categories for our 29th Annual Photography Contest: Landscapes, Wildlife, Plants & Wildflowers, & People Enjoying Nature. Entries are limited to 8 per photographer, and are free. Amateurs of all ages are welcome to enter and cash prizes are awarded. This year, preliminary judging will be done by Buchanan County Conservation staff, and final selection of winners will be done online. Mark the deadline date on your calendar and start (or continue) snapping pictures for the October contest. For more information on the contest or for a copy of the official rules, visit our website at www.buchanancountyparks.com and click on photo contest or call 319-636-2617.

For more information about Conservation Board programs, projects, and activities, call 319-636-2617 or visit www.buchanancountyparks.com.

The Otter Creek Quarterly

Above: May apples in bloom at Putty Root Preserve. Register for the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls) Program on May 20 to experience the blooming forest (Page 7).

The Otter Creek Quarterly is printed on Exact Offset paper manufactured by Wausau. This is a Green Seal paper - a mark of environmental responsibility. The newsletter is edited by Michael Maas and Dan Cohen. Contact the Conservation Department (319-636-2617/dcohen@co.buchanan.ia.us) for more information.The Buchanan County Conservation Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or handicap. If anyone believes he or she has been subject to discrimination, he or she may file a complaint with the Buchanan County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

Board Members Loren Hamilton....................................... PresidentRonnie Wolfe................................... Vice PresidentKaren Stephenson.................................... SecretaryAnita Miller................................................ MemberAndy Crump.............................................. Member

Conservation Staff Dan Cohen................................. Executive DirectorSondra Cabell..................... Interpretive NaturalistMichael Maas..................... Interpretive NaturalistMike Van Raden.................................. Park RangerJeremy Whittle.................................... Park RangerChris Hansen.................. Conservation TechnicianSteve Sauer..................... Conservation TechnicianElaine Walker................................. Office ManagerDiane Johnson............. Secretary/volunteer coord.

Buchanan County Conservation BoardBuchanan County Parks (acres)1. Fontana Park and Jarrett Slater Addition (134)................... Hazleton2. Jakway Forest (315)........................................,......................... Aurora3. Lime Creek Area (45)............................................................. Brandon4. Boies Bend Area (26)........................................................ Quasqueton5. Buffalo Creek Area (81.5)..................................................... Winthrop6. Otter Creek Roadside Park (13)............................................. HazletonBuchanan County Natural Areas (acres)7. Mickey Fox Area and Anderson Addition (118)......................... Jesup8. VanLaningham Area (3)............................................... Independence9. Otter Creek Wildlife Area (100)............................................ Hazleton10. Hoover Area (20)............................................................... Troy Mills11. Sand Creek Area (80)...................................................... Quasqueton12. Niebeck Nature Preserve (40)............................................. Hazleton13. Pine Creek Area (40)........................................................Quasqueton14. Buffalo Creek Wildlife Area (60).................................... ....Winthrop15. Rowley Fen (43)..................................................................... Rowley16. Koutny Pond/Hoffman Woods (106).................................. Brandon17. Putty Root Preserve (17)............................................. ....Quasqueton18. Blazing-Star Prairie (7.5)....................................................... Rowley19. Crumbacher Wildlife Area (368)................................ Independence20. Bearbower Sand Prairie (40)............................................ ..Brandon21. Swartz Preserve (4)............................................................. ...Aurora22. Bryantsburg Prairie Preserve (1.5)................................. ....Hazleton23. Frogville Access (135).................................................... ...Troy Mills24. Schneider-Heinick-Rowe Area (20).................................Troy Mills25. Newton Township Natural Area (158)....................... ...Quasqueton26. Patton Prairie (45)................................................................ .Aurora27. Hodges and North Wildlife Area (67)..................................... Jesup28. Fairbank Fen (40)............................................................... Fairbank29. Anderson Addition to Cutshall (24)..........................................Jesup30. Ham Marsh (54).......................................................... Independence31. Wehner Woods (30)................................................................Lamont32. Guy Grover Timber and Tree Plantings (201)................Quasqueton33. Quigley-Slattery Heritage Prairie (33)...............................Winthrop34. Roberts Wildlife Area/Cutshall Addition (109)..................FairbankBuchanan County River Accesses (acres)35. Iron Bridge Woodland (34).............................................Quasqueton36. Troy Mills Wapsi Access (63)............................................ Troy Mills37. Wapsi River Access (51).............................................. Independence38. Three Elms Area (75)....................................................Independence39. Cutshall Area (72)..................................................................... Jesup40. Cortright Wildlife Area (189)............................................... Littleton41. Robert "Chic" McGlauighlin Access (6)................................ Littleton