Calendar

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. University Museum's staff will talk about several works of art on ISU's campus and the aesthetic campus tradition, beginning with art by Grant Wood and Christian Petersen and including some of the newest additions to the collection by nationally and internationally recognized artists. You'll receive a map to take a self-guided art walk around campus to experience the public art collection for yourself. Menu: Chicken Marsala, red potatoes, salad, dinner roll, and cheesecake. Register and pay for lunch by March 29.

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.

The AAAA host monthly educational programs for the public on the 3rd Saturday of each month, except December, starting at 7:00 PM. We congregate at 7 PM for a Meet and Greet with the meeting starting at 7:30. All programs will be held at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park unless noted otherwise in the program for that month. Afterwards, weather and sunset permitting, we will move to the club's Observatory located just East of the Story County Conservation Center for astronomical observing. Telescopes and binoculars will be available for your viewing pleasure. On August 17th, 2017, the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory registered tiny ripples in spacetime, produced by a pair of frantically orbiting neutron stars right before they collided (GW170817). A Gamma Ray Burst was observed at the same time from the same region of the sky. The unprecedented physics, astronomy, and cosmology coming out of these observations will be presented.

Celebrate Earth Day by attending a park dedication! Carroll Prairie is a 49-acre property bisected by West Indian Creek. The site includes remnant prairie, pasture, and oxbow wetlands. Explore this beautiful chunk of habitat north of Nevada. SCC naturalists will be on site to help you make a seed ball - a fun way to plant new prairie! Staff from ISU Extension and Outreach - Story County will also be there to talk about the Native Bee Challenge. This program teaches youth about the importance of native bees for pollination of food crops (hint: native bees are different from honey bees). Youth explore solutions for increasing habitat for native bees and other pollinators, and make bee nests to take home.

Sensational cooking is not just done in the kitchen! Discover the delicious world of Dutch oven cooking in the outdoors. Learn the basics while working in small groups to prepare a variety of dishes. We will explore diverse recipes covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Enjoy a community meal after trying your hand at baking with fire. This program is intended for ages 16 and up. Fee of $10 with registration is required by Friday, April 19.

Be a part of our TEAM and help make improvements to county trail systems. All volunteers are asked to wear long sleeves, pants, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. Registration is required the Thursday prior to ensure enough tools and refreshments for everyone. This TEAM Day will involve rebuilding a collapsed trail along the South Skunk River.

Take a spring walk in the woods and learn to stop and small (and identify) the flowers with former SCC Director Steve Lekwa. Be dressed to spend time in the woods and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting wet or muddy. Bring a full water bottle. This walk is co-sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County and is free. Registration is not required.