Wild River Ramblings

Wild River
Ramblings
Des Moines County Conservation’s Newsletter
Spring 2015
Where does the rain go?
By Jeremy Yost, Natural Resource Manager
Have you ever wondered where the rain that falls on your home, yard or driveway
goes? Well, most of the time it runs off and flows directly to the street where it will
empty into a storm drain and into our lakes and rivers. This runoff is untreated and
carries many pollutants like oil, salt, fertilizers, and sediments and many other things
that should not be in our freshwater.
So what can you do? You can build a rain garden! What is a rain garden, you may ask?
A rain garden is a shallow basin that is created at a source of runoff in your yard, such
as near a downspout. The water is held in the basin until the water, and the pollutants it carries, infiltrates into the soil. Native grasses and flowers are planted in the
rain garden. Native plants are used because they are adapted to the local environment,
soil and water conditions, have extensive root systems that break up compaction and
allow for better infiltration and provide habitat for many native pollinators. Native
plants that are adapted to wetter environments such as, prairie cord grass, swamp
milkweed, cardinal flower, a variety of sedges etc., should be planted in the lowest
areas. Native plants that are adapted to upland areas such as, little blue stem, side
oats grama, purple and yellow coneflowers etc., should be used in the high areas of
the garden and can be used as a buffer around the depression where water will collect. It is also a good idea to pick a variety of flowers that are different colors and
bloom at different times of the year to provide pollen to a variety of pollinators. By
planting a rain garden you can reduce the amount of runoff from your yard by 30% to
80%. Imagine if each person on your block or neighborhood or entire town built a
rain garden.
What if you don’t have room in your yard for a rain garden or would rather collect
that water for your vegetable garden? You can install a rain barrel. A rain barrel collects the rain fall off your roof and stores it for later use. This water is clean and renewable and can cut down on your watering costs of your yard or garden. Rain barrels are available for purchase at the Des Moines County Soil and Water Conservation District office as well as a variety of other business. You can even make your own!
Information on how to build a rain garden and what plants should be used can be
found on the following websites;
http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/raingarden_design/whatisaraingarden.htm
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/
See back page for more examples .
Inside this Issue
Calendar of Activities
.....page 2
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Update
…..page3
Volunteer Appreciation
Dinner
.....page 4
Spring Public Programs
& Concerts/Events
.....page 5
Summer Day Camps
…..page 6, 7
Rain Garden Examples
.....Back Page
Spring Calendar of Activities
1st Wednesday each month at
5:30 pm, County Conservation
Board meetings are held at DMCC
main office in West Burlington
1st & 3rd Friday night each month,
Witte Observatory is open free to the
public for stargazing.
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 pm
Fly & Jig Tying class Starts
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Friday, March 13, 7:30 pm
The Truck Stop Honeymoon concert,
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Monday, March 23, 5 pm
Hunter Safety begins, Starr’s Cave
Nature Center
Saturday, March 31, 6 pm
Shooting Range Certification Course,
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Saturday, April 4
Starr’s Cave Nature Center now open
on Saturdays through the spring and
summer season
Saturday, April 18, 8 am
Keep Burlington Beautiful Earth
Day Cleanup, Port of Burlington
Des Moines County
Conservation
Board Members
James E. Steer, Chair
Jim Garnjobst, Vice-Chair
LaVon Worley, Secretary/Treasurer
Angela Vaughan
Cathy Ziglar
Conservation Staff
Chris Lee, Executive Director
Joel Behne, Office Manager
Alex Buhmeyer, Operations Supervisor
Pat Rogge, Park Ranger - Technician
John Mercer, Park Ranger- Technician
Jeremy Yost, Natural Resource Manager
Kent Rector, EE Coordinator
Katherine Brakeville, Interpretive Naturalist
Friday, April 10, 7:30 pm
Mullet River Boys concert, Starr’s Cave
Nature Center
Saturday, April 25, 9 am
Iowa Young Birders Program, Starr’s Cave
Park and Preserve
Tuesday, April 28, 5 pm
Summer Camp Signup Night, Starr’s Cave
Nature Center
Saturday, May 2, 9 am
Ranger Fun Run,
Saturday, May 9, 9 am
Outdoor Youth Jamboree, Big Hollow Recreation Area
Saturday, May 16, 9am
DMCC Fishing Clinic, Gahn Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, May 23, 10 am
Critter Catch, Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day, Main office and Starr’s
Cave Nature Center closed
Saturday, May 30, 2 pm
Shooting Range Certification Course, Starr’s
Cave Nature Center
Our Mission...
Des Moines County Conservation is dedicated to the sustainability of
natural resources through land stewardship, conservation education
and by providing quality outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wild River Ramblings
Spring 2015
Volume XXXIII, Number 1
Wild River Ramblings is a quarterly publication distributed free of charge
by Des Moines County Conservation. Everyone is entitled to full and
equal enjoyment of the opportunities, privileges, and advantages available in the conservation areas within Des Moines County. For those
who can not read the size of the print in this publication, a large print
version is available by contacting Starr’s Cave Nature Center, 11627
Starr’s Cave Road, Burlington, IA 52601, (319) 753-5808. Edited by
Kent Rector. Visit us Online: www.dmcconservation.com.
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Des Moines County Conservation • 13700 Washington Road • West Burlington, Iowa 52655 • (319) 753-8260
Starr’S Cave Nature CeNter update
Des Moines County Conservation would once again like to thank
the Harry and Virginia Murray Foundation for supporting our
efforts to renovate Starr’s Cave Nature Center. This last year our
education staff presented more programs to more people than
ever before and the nature center saw record visitation.
Currently we are in the midst of our first wave of renovations at
the nature center. We have installed new flooring in the lower
level and have just finished demolition and insulation on the east
and south walls. Sean Eno, a drafting student from SCC has created CAD drawings of our renovations, and
a local contractor has laid out and started constructing the new office space. We will also upgrade the electrical service to the building and are planning to completely gut and rework the bathroom facilities. This
first phase of renovations will be our most expensive and labor intensive. We plan to wrap up construction
in April to avoid our busy fieldtrip and camp schedules. We will plan to start the second phase of renovations next which will primarily focus on the second level flooring and walls.
Starr’s Cave Nature Center will remain open during all of the renovation work, however we do ask that you
be patient with us as we work through any inconvenience. Our work to modernize, clean, and update the
nature center will garner more attention from visitors and result in increased visitation and better service
to our community members. Many of our visitors share stories of their first visit to Starr’s Cave as a child.
Renovating the Nature Center will not only help us perpetuate this legacy, it will help us develop and pass
along a land ethic to our local and surrounding communities for generations to come. If you would like to
contribute to the renovation efforts please contact Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319) 753-5808.
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E-MAIL dmcconbd@dmcounty.com • WEB SITE www.dmcconservation.com
DMCC Volunteers Honored at Annual
Appreciation Dinner
By Kent Rector, EE coordinator
Des Moines County Conservation recognized the many volunteers that donated time and labor to their many outdoor programs at an annual Volunteer Dinner. Nearly seventy volunteers were in attendance; each enjoyed a catered meal and a
program highlighting the department’s achievements over the
past year.
Conservation’s Executive Director Chris Lee presented the
department’s 2014 annual report and recounted many of the
year’s highlights. “By virtually all measures, fiscal year 20132014 was a great success,” Lee stated. “Many of these successes would not be possible without the continued dedication
and support of our volunteers and donors.”
The presentation highlighted several achievements including
the purchase of the Leopold Recreation Area, timber stand improvements and cabin rentals at the Big Hollow Recreation Area, several grants, and the start of renovations at
Starr’s Cave Nature Center.
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual volunteer awards. George Gruenther was recognized as
Volunteer of the Year for his continued commitment to the Conservation field crew. Gruenther started volunteering regularly in 2013 and shows up every Friday for an entire eight hour shift. Lee told the packed room, “George
has helped in some way with practically every field project this last year.” Lee also stated, “He is willing to do any
task, even the dirty ones.” Some notable projects that Gruenther has been involved with include the Flint River
Trail bench, the new Big Hollow sign, and weekly rounds.
The Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to the Youth Jamboree Committee for organizing and hosting what
has become the county’s single largest annual outdoor event. The Jamboree committee has over a dozen active
members working year round raising donations, and organizing the free public event. Rick and Renee Baker accepted the award on behalf of the committee. “This event is free and requires over 100 volunteers and countless
hours to pull it off,” Lee said. “The Youth Jamboree’s budget exceeds $10,000 annually, and is paid entirely through
donations.” The Youth Jamboree is always held on the second Saturday in May and continues to attract a large
crowd. This year’s event falls on May 9th and will once again be held at Big Hollow Recreation Area.
DMCC welcomes the continued helping hands of existing volunteers as well as the addition of new ones. Those
interested in volunteering for us may call (319) 753-5808 or
send an e-mail to: starrscave@dmcounty.com
Above: George Gruenther on the Flint River Trail Bench.
George was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for his
continued commitment to the Conservation field crew.
Right: Rick Baker at the Youth Jamboree. The Youth
Jamboree Committee was recognized as Volunteer Group
of the Year for organizing and hosting what has become
the county’s single largest annual outdoor event.
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Des Moines County Conservation • 13700 Washington Road • West Burlington, Iowa 52655 • (319) 753-8260
Spring Concert Series & Public Programs
All concerts are held on a Friday at Starr’s Cave Nature
Center with doors opening at 7 pm and concerts
beginning at 7:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and
$2 for those under 18. Refreshments are served at
intermission.
All programs can be made fully accessible for the
disabled. Please call (319) 753-5808 so we may
accommodate your special needs or if you would like to
register for a program.
Truck Stop Honeymoon
Wednesday Nights Starting February 25th from 6pm-7:30pm
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Registration required $50.00
Warm water fish fly and jig tying class, instructed by
Steve Bellrichard.
March 13
Hollering with all their hearts over a
five string banjo and a doghouse bass,
Truckstop Honeymoon live the life
they sing about. Touring across three
continents with four kids and a truck load of songs, Katie and
Mike West tell stories about the strangeness of everyday life.
Their music combines elements of bluegrass, music hall jazz and
straight up rock’n’roll.
Mullet River Boys
April 10
A fast-paced dynamic band
full of original gypsy hokum,
and ragtime. Songs are performed with old-school vocals.
This group of musicians features the banjo, ukulele, guitar, bass, trumpet, and harmonica. They also feature
unique homemade instruments such as washboards, kazoos,
combs, tuned bicycle horns, slide whistles, harmonicas, washtubs, and more. A unique element that The Mullet River Band
adds to their show is “vaudeville in miniature” as well as sight
gags and comedy. They say their goal is to “corrupt an audience
with pleasure.”
Galactic Cowboy Orchestra
www.warnersongs.com
May: TBA
Self-defined as JAZZGRASS
ART-ROCK the Galactic
Cowboy Orchestra sounds like
Bela Fleck meets Rush, goes
out to breakfast with John
Coltrane, and gets home in time to go golfing with Jeff
Beck. It’s quite an accurate description of the band. The
band is primarily made up of Lisi Wright – Violin/Vocals,
Dan Neale – Guitars/Vocals, John Wright – Bass/Vocals,
and Billy Thommes – Drums/Percussion/Vocals.
Fly & Jig Tying Class
15th Annual Earth Day Clean-up
Saturday April 18, from 8 am - 12 pm
Port of Burlington, registration begins at 8 am. Earth day T-shirts
and lunch provided for volunteers.
Get out and celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter
and trash around Burlington.
Iowa Young Birders Field Trip
Saturday, April 25, 9 am
Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve
Iowa young birders promotes nature exploration through
birding. Field trips are open to young birders ages 8-18.
No cost to attend the event but registration is required by
visiting the Iowa Young Birders web site:
www.iowayoungbirders.org
Outdoor Youth Jamboree
Saturday, May 9, 9 am Big Hollow Recreation Area
The Outdoor Youth Jamboree has quickly become our
area’s premier outdoor youth event. This event is free and
open to the public. This year’s event includes, Fishing,
Instructor-led shooting, outdoor programs and activities,
free lunch, and much more!
Ranger Fun Run
Saturday, May 2, 9 am
Location TBA
Explore our trails and parks with DMCC staff and
friends on a Ranger Fun Run.
DMCC Fishing Clinic
Saturday, May 16, fishing from 9 am - 12 pm
Gahn Wildlife Refuge
Have a fun filled day fishing with DMCC staff at Gahn
Wildlife Refuge, equipment will be available for loan.
Programs continued on next page
E-MAIL dmcconbd@dmcounty.com • WEB SITE www.dmcconservation.com
5
Programs
Continued from previous page
Critter Catch
Saturday, May 23, 10 am - 11 am
Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve
Come catch critters in Flint Creek! Bring your own
net if you have one, otherwise we have some to lend.
We’ll help you identify the critters you catch.
Hunter Safety & Shooting Range Classes
To use the Big Hollow ranges, you must attend our
Shooting Range Certification Course. To purchase an
Iowa hunting license, most people must take a hunter
safety course. Register online at www.iowadnr.gov/
training.
For questions call our main office
(319) 753-8260.
Shooting Range Certification (1 day course)
Tues, March 31, 6 - 9 pm OR Sat, May 30th, 2 - 5 pm
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
No pre-registration required; cost for range membership
$25/individual, $30/family.
Hunter Safety (4 day course)
Mon, Wed, Thurs, March 23, 25, 26, 5 - 9 pm
Starr’s Cave Nature Center
Saturday, March 28, 8 am - 12 pm
Big Hollow Shooting Range
Visit www.iowadnr.gov/huntered to register
PARTNERS FOR CONSERVATION
Look around Des Moines County’s
Conservation areas and you’ll see Partners for
Conservation at work.
This nonprofit,
tax-exempt foundation helps DMCC with
funds to enhance environmental education,
outdoor recreation, and conservation projects.
To lend your support to conservation efforts in
Des Moines County, you can send your
tax-deductible contributions to:
Partners for Conservation
P.O. Box 714
Burlington, IA 52601
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Summer Day Camps
at Starr’s Cave
Park & Preserve
Camps are designed to be fun and active and to
provide high quality environmental learning experiences through games, crafts, stories, and in-depth nature exploration. Kids love coming to our camps and
look forward to them each summer. Parents love our
camps too because they know their kids are having
fun AND are learning at the same time! All camps
include a mid-morning snack.
Summer Camp Sign Up/Registration
Registration for all camps at Starr’s Cave Nature Center will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:00 7:00 pm No registrations will be accepted prior. After Summer Camp Signup Night, walk-in registrations will be accepted at the Starr’s Cave office and
forms will become available online at
www.dmcconservation.com and may be mailed in.
Registrations are not confirmed until payment is received.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. If the
camp fees are a financial hardship, please call (319)
753-5808 to inquire about assistance.
Volunteers
Most camps need one parent volunteer to help our
staff. If you would like to be the volunteer for the
week of your child’s camp, the regular fee will be
waived. Parents may only volunteer for one camp.
Disabilities
If a disability prevents you from attending the April
30 registration night, please call (319) 753-5808 to
discuss other arrangements. Camp activities can be
designed to accommodate children of different
abilities; please let us know your child’s special needs
when you register.
Refunds
Full refunds will be given for cancellations made one
full week before the start of the camp. Cancellations
made less than a week before camp starts will not
receive a refund (with the exception of medical emergencies).
Summer Camp continued on next page
Des Moines County Conservation • 13700 Washington Road • West Burlington, Iowa 52655 • (319) 753-8260
Summer Camp
Continued from previous page
2015 CAMP SCHEDULE
June 8-12
June 8-12
June 15-18
June 15-19
June 22-25
June 22-26
June 23-25
June 30-31
July 1-2
July 6-9
July 6-10
July 13-16
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 21-24
July 27-31
Caterpillar #1
Discovery #1
Dark Wings #1
Discovery #2
Firefly #1
Caterpillar #2
Nature Art
Polliwog #1
Polliwog #2
Dark Wings #2
Discovery #3
Firefly #2
Caterpillar #3
Discovery #4
Caterpillar #4
Adventure Camp
POLLIWOG
Ages 3-4 with ADULT accompaniment
9:30 am - 11:30 am
$10
Parents can introduce their child to the wonders of nature
during this camp. Each day there will be a hike, craft, story,
and hands-on nature learning that parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) and children will get to experience
together.
CATERPILLAR
Ages 5-6
Monday - Friday
9 am - noon
$30
DISCOVERY
Ages 7-9
Monday - Friday
9 am - noon
$30
Explore the prairie, forest, and creek as we focus on
habitat. We’ll look closely at where things live and
what they need to survive.
Nature Art Camp
Ages 8-13
Tuesday - Thursday
1 pm - 3 pm
$25
Nature is one of the most common sources of inspiration throughout the world. Join us as we investigate the
wonders of Nature through natural Art.
Adventure Camp
Ages 10-13
Monday - Friday
9 am - noon
$30
Students will learn about the natural and human history
of the land and acquire valuable outdoor-living and safety skills. Campers will learn to work together to accomplish goals and challenges, building confidence and
trust both in themselves and in others. This camp includes one or more days at Big Hollow Recreation Area
near Sperry.
FIREFLY
Ages 7-9
Monday - Thursday
7 pm - 10:00 pm
$30
Learn about what comes out in nature during the night!
As the sun sets, we’ll see bugs that light up, bats that eat
them, and extraordinary birds with night vision.
In this fun camp, young children explore the outdoor
world. Activities include a different art project each day,
stories, games in the woods, insect netting, and much
more!
DARK WINGS
Ages 10-13
Monday - Thursday
7 pm - 10:00 pm
$30
What goes on in the natural world at night? We’ll go
hootin’ for owls, listening for bats, and peering through
a telescope at the night skies. This camp includes one
evening at Big Hollow Recreation Area near Sperry.
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E-MAIL dmcconbd@dmcounty.com • WEB SITE www.dmcconservation.com
Des Moines County Conservation
13700 Washington Road
West Burlington, IA 52655
PRSTD STD
US POST PD
BURLINGTON, IA
PERMIT 688
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