Calendar

Celebrate National Trails Day with a refreshing beverage, snacks, giveaways, and door prizes while learning about trails across the county! There's something for lovers of hiking, biking, water, and equestrian trails. Evening includes updates on local trails, future improvements, and free maps. Co-sponsors: Story County Conservation & Story County Trails Advisory Committee, Skunk River Paddlers, Ames Bicycle Coalition, Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Jax Outdoor Gear, and Torrent Brewing Company Participants under 21 years of age must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. No outside beverages allowed.

Campers will learn basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught.

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.

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.

Preschoolers explore what makes each animal special, whether they have fur, feathers, fliers, or fins. On the last day, we'll venture near the lake with nets, so be prepared to get wet and dirty!

Campers will enjoy plenty of creative activities while connecting to nature at McFarland Park. Activities include hiking, theater games, mask making, sketching, and nature journaling. Fee of $20 with registration is required by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5. Registration opens on Saturday, April 21 at 8am.

Explore the wild, muddy, squishy world of water. Campers will learn how water connects us all as they discover Story County ponds, wetlands, streams, and rivers through hands-on activities, art, stories, games, and journaling.

Bring your lunch, spread a blanket, and join a naturalist for a Friday picnic in the park! Monarch are magical in their movement and their migration. We will learn more about these mystical creatures and have a chance to go through a monarch migration obstacle course! These programs are appropriate for all ages and will be held inside in case of inclement weather. Adults are expected to remain with their children. Meet behind the conservation center.

Children discover what makes a habitat through exploration, games, and song. Campers connect to the world around them by investigating the five basic needs of all living things.

Explore the wild, muddy, squishy world of water. Campers will learn how water connects us all as they discover Story County ponds, wetlands, streams, and rivers through hands-on activities, art, stories, games, and journaling.

Children discover what makes a habitat through exploration, games, and song. Campers connect to the world around them by investigating the five basic needs of all living things.

Children discover what makes a habitat through exploration, games, and song. Campers connect to the world around them by investigating the five basic needs of all living things.

The yoga in the park craze has finally made it to Story County Conservation! Come ready to relax, release, and enjoy nature. Bring a mat or a towel and a full water bottle, and wear clothes you can move in. All experience levels and ages are welcome.

Campers will learn basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught.

This camp is for youth completing grades 9-12 in spring 2018. This is an inspiring seven-day backpacking adventure! Experience three nights back-country camping in what is considered the most diverse habitat in North America. Surround yourself with ancient mountains, waterfalls, and lush forest. Conclude your journey with a white water rafting trip down the Nantahala River. Challenge your mind, body, and spirit and make it a summer to remember! How do you earn a spot? Go to www.storycountyconservation.org, complete an application and letter of support, and deliver it to McFarland Park or email it to hhucka@storycountyiowa.gov by 4:00 p.m. on May 18. If selected, you will begin your journey with a training day on June 12 at McFarland Park. Scholarships available at: http://www.iowanaturalists.org/wilderness_trips.htm

Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended. Bring your camera for beautiful photographs! Doolittle Prairie is located 1.25 miles south of E-18 on 560th Avenue. This program is free and no registration is required.

Campers will learn basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught.

This camp is for youth completing grades 9-12 in spring 2018. This is an inspiring seven-day backpacking adventure! Experience three nights back-country camping in what is considered the most diverse habitat in North America. Surround yourself with ancient mountains, waterfalls, and lush forest. Conclude your journey with a white water rafting trip down the Nantahala River. Challenge your mind, body, and spirit and make it a summer to remember! How do you earn a spot? Go to www.storycountyconservation.org, complete an application and letter of support, and deliver it to McFarland Park or email it to hhucka@storycountyiowa.gov by 4:00 p.m. on May 18. If selected, you will begin your journey with a training day on June 12 at McFarland Park. Scholarships available at: http://www.iowanaturalists.org/wilderness_trips.htm