Calendar

The first of the FLOATs (Fun-Loving Outdoor Adventure Team) teaches campers basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught. This camp is only for children that are completing 3rd or 4th grade in the spring of 2019. Children may only be registered for one FLOAT I camp. Registration begins on Saturday, April 13 at 8:00 a.m.

The first of the FLOATs (Fun-Loving Outdoor Adventure Team) teaches campers basic outdoor skills while preparing for the higher level FLOATs. Fishing, canoeing, map reading, cooking, and other skills will be taught. This camp is only for children that are completing 3rd or 4th grade in the spring of 2019. Children may only be registered for one FLOAT I camp. Registration begins on Saturday, April 13 at 8:00 a.m.

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.

Your parks need your help! Litter and discarded fishing line/tackle can cause major problems for our local wildlife. Come make a difference and participate in a lake cleanup! We will focus on McFarland Park and Peterson Park giving special attention to retrieving snagged fishing line and lures. We will meet at McFarland Park to coordinate and disperse. If you have them, bring a canoe/kayak or waders in order to get to hard-to-reach snags. Bring pliers, a small saw, a knife, loppers, or trash grabbers if you have them. We will have some tools available for use as well. If you don't want to get in the water we will also be walking the shoreline. Bring a pair of work gloves and a FULL water bottle.

Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg on monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare and common prairie flora that change each month and learn about the history and ecology of central Iowa prairies. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended. Walks are family-friendly but not stroller-friendly. Walks will be canceled in the event of inclement weather (thunderstorms). These walks are free, and no registration is required.

Join a naturalist and discover the amazing survival strategies of camouflage. We will search the woods and prairie for camouflaged animals and create and hide some critters of our own! This program is for children ages 5 and up plus their adult. Participants must be dressed to go and explore. Feel free to bring snacks and water if desired.