Calendar

Come and explore Story County in Spring. Woodland wildflowers are some of the best signs of the season. Find out the names and stories behind some of Iowa’s beautiful spring ephemerals. Discover the many changes nature is experiencing and learn about the restoration projects taking place in your parks. This is a moderate hike suitable for most families. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; you may also want to bring water. In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled. This is not a stroller friendly hike as we will be walking on uneven surfaces and off paved trails.

Since 1984, May 4 has been celebrated as Bird Day. It is like a pre-party for National Migratory Bird day on May 8. Come join one of Story County Conservation resident bird nerds for an hour of bird watching and ID around McFarland Park. Celebrate these amazing creatures and have some fun outside. No experience necessary; as it is also National Teacher Day we will all have the chance to learn something new. This is not a stroller friendly program as we will be walking off the paved trail. Bring your own binoculars or we will have some extras for use!

Take a break from your screen and go on a field trip with a naturalist! These are our favorite school field trips offered instead for families. While all ages are welcome, please note the suggested grades for each field trip. Programs will take place outdoors and will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult; no more than five children per adult. Bring a blanket for your group to sit physically distanced; masks are required. Registration and $5 per group is required by the Monday before each field trip. 5/5 Bird Nerds (designed for grade 1): Discover how adult bird behaviors help young birds survive and thrive. Students will design a safe nest, protect and feed their "nestlings," and hike to meet the birds in their habitats.

Take an afternoon walk in the woods with an Outdoor Alliance of Story County volunteer and enjoy finding the spring ephemeral wildflowers blooming before the trees leaf out and block the sun. This walk is free, but registration is required by 4pm on May 3.

Bring your water shoes and get ready to get wet and muddy! During this unstructured activity, we’ll provide scooping equipment and head to the pond to catch frogs, tadpoles, snails, and other fascinating pond creatures. Let the imagination, discoveries, and friendships unfold! Participants should wear clothes that can get wet and muddy and closed-toed shoes. Adults must remain present. After the designated pond time families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and continue the fun and explore the rest of the park on their own. This program is free, but registration is required. This activity is most appropriate for ages 5 and up, but all ages are welcome.

Take a break from your screen and go on a field trip with a naturalist! These are our favorite school field trips offered instead for families. While all ages are welcome, please note the suggested grades for each field trip. Programs will take place outdoors and will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult; no more than five children per adult. Bring a blanket for your group to sit physically distanced; masks are required. Registration and $5 per group is required by the Monday before each field trip. 5/12 Pond Study (designed for grades 2 & 3): A lake is an amazing habitat full of critters. Students will learn about the food chain and use nets to explore and discover pond life.

Who knew May 13th was Frog Jumping Day? Let’s celebrate by learning about these tiny, slimy creatures and spend the day outside exploring their world. We will try our hand at catching frogs, discovering some of their amazing adaptations, and perhaps even pretending to be one. Frogs are fascinating…come and see why! This program is free but registration is required by 4pm on Monday, May 10. Nets will be provided.

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. We will be walking through tall grasses so long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended. These walks are free, but registration is required by the day prior to each walk.

Nature is never too far away. In fact, it is just outside your door. There are even some incredible county parks right down the road from you. Come and explore some of these nearby places and enjoy a walk with one of your county naturalists. Discover nature all around. See and experience the outdoors right outside your door! These walks are free, but registration is required by 4pm the day prior to each walk. If poor weather conditions are present, this program will be canceled.

Take a break from your screen and go on a field trip with a naturalist! These are our favorite school field trips offered instead for families. While all ages are welcome, please note the suggested grades for each field trip. Programs will take place outdoors and will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult; no more than five children per adult. Bring a blanket for your group to sit physically distanced; masks are required. Registration and $5 per group is required by the Monday before each field trip. 5/19 Insectology (all grades): Learn the characteristics of insects and their survival strategies. Collect insects to observe and identify.

Come and discover McFarland park in the Spring! This is the time to uncover new beginnings and reconnect with nature. Join a naturalist on one or several of these guided walks. Who knows what we will discover! These hikes are free, but registration is required by 4pm the day prior to each hike. This is not a stroller friendly event as we will be walking on uneven surfaces. In the event of unfavorable weather, this event will be cancelled.

During this spring hike we will work together to discover and identify the local mushrooms found at McFarland Park, with knowledgeable enthusiasts as our guides. We will also discuss the possibility of forming a mushroom club, which will host local forays in the future. This is for newbies and experts alike.