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O.W.L.S. programs are designed for "boomers" or older, but anyone can attend. No registration is required unless you would like to attend the optional luncheon that follows the program for just $7.50. If you would rather not register online, call our office at 515.232.2516. A good work animal is a good work animal but a gentled, good work animal is worth more. My dad told stories about plowing with mules on the "Old Home Place" near Story City. I listened, did some research, and began to tell about "My Dad and the Mules." Menu: Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches with homemade roll, potato salad, baked beans, apple crisp. Register and pay for lunch by September 27.

Collect prairie seed at Story County's hidden gem, Doolittle Prairie. We'll show you what to collect and provide information about the plants around you as you work. Registration is required two days prior. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Please bring a full water bottle. Family-friendly and a great opportunity to learn more about the prairie while lending a helping hand!

McFarland Park provides a perfect outdoor classroom for growing and developing toddlers and preschoolers. Come as a family and join Natalie Welter as we learn and grow together. Activities include child-lead hikes, digging in the mud, searching for nature treasures, climbing, books, songs, and an abundance of nature-inspired play. Programs are free! Registration is required the Tuesday prior to each program. These programs are intended for children 18 months to 5 years old plus their adult. Be dressed to be outside no matter the weather and be prepared to get messy! Older/younger siblings are welcome to attend.

The Story County Conservation Board invites the public to attend its monthly board meeting. Board agendas will be available at www.storycountyconservation.org the Friday prior to the meeting.

McFarland Park provides a perfect outdoor classroom for growing and developing toddlers and preschoolers. Come as a family and join Natalie Welter as we learn and grow together. Activities include child-lead hikes, digging in the mud, searching for nature treasures, climbing, books, songs, and an abundance of nature-inspired play. Programs are free! Registration is required the Tuesday prior to each program. These programs are intended for children 18 months to 5 years old plus their adult. Be dressed to be outside no matter the weather and be prepared to get messy! Older/younger siblings are welcome to attend.

McFarland Park provides a perfect outdoor classroom for growing and developing toddlers and preschoolers. Come as a family and join Natalie Welter as we learn and grow together. Activities include child-lead hikes, digging in the mud, searching for nature treasures, climbing, books, songs, and an abundance of nature-inspired play. Programs are free! Registration is required the Tuesday prior to each program. These programs are intended for children 18 months to 5 years old plus their adult. Be dressed to be outside no matter the weather and be prepared to get messy! Older/younger siblings are welcome to attend.

If you enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, or canoeing in Story County, consider joining the Story County Trails Advisory Committee. Come share your ideas or perhaps volunteer to improve SCC's trail system. Meetings are structured as follows: • January: Planning the year's trailwork events (held at McFarland Park Conservation Center) • April: "Tool Time" -- get the tools ready for the year (held at McFarland Park Shop) • October: trail visit and year in review (held at a different trail site each year)

Discover the mysteries of the dark at the park! Follow us on a journey to understand just what it takes to be a creature of the night. Test your senses and try your hand at talking with the owls. Capture this unique opportunity to see McFarland Park through lightless eyes. This hike is not intended to scare but to excite your imagination. If you wish to bring a flashlight, please cover it with red tissue paper. We will begin the hike at the conservation center.