Pathways
To
Nature
Newsletter of the Webster
County Conservation Board
Winter-Spring 2005-2006
Contents
Electronic
Newsletter | From Our
Director | Conservation News | Partners In
Conservation | Public Programs | Wildlife News
| Conservation Clippings | General Info
by Matt Cosgrove, Director
As
I look back over the past year, one word comes to mind almost
immediately--“celebration”. The 2005
season was a banner year to celebrate milestones in the County Conservation
System.
In
1965 the Iowa Legislature passed the law that established the County
Conservation System. This law allowed
each county to establish a local Conservation Board to provide recreation and
resource conservation on a countywide basis.
The system started with humble beginnings, and now after fifty years has
developed into one of the greatest local conservation programs in the
nation. This system continues to grow
and provide a local voice for outdoor recreation, resource conservation,
environmental education, habitat establishment, and quality of life. A big “thank you” to the citizens of Webster
County and the State of Iowa for making this choice to have a local
conservation system that compliments the state and federal programs! I look forward to the promise of the next
fifty years in County Conservation!
The
County Conservation Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) also celebrated a 20th
Anniversary of providing law enforcement training and networking for over 120
County Conservation Officers throughout Iowa.
Webster County currently has four certified officers that belong to the
ranks of this professional law enforcement organization.
Locally,
Kennedy Memorial Park celebrated forty years of providing outdoor recreation
for citizens and visitors of Webster County.
The Conservation Board recognized the event with a series of free public
programs called “ A Season of Celebration”.
The programs included fishing tournaments; maple syrup festival,
wildlife 
programs, canoeing programs,
and a Des Moines River clean up. The
final event of the season was a birthday bash held on October 1st. The event consisted of free camping, live
raptor programs, trumpeter swans, chainsaw carving, canoeing, dragon boat
rides, Indian games, kids activities, and food. The event was a huge success that really captured the true
purpose of Kennedy Park – family outdoor recreation. Thank you to everyone that attended the celebration and donated
time and money to make the birthday a success!
With
2006 upon us there is no need to stop the celebration. The County Conservation System is alive and
well in the hearts and minds of citizens all over Iowa. Quality of life issues are becoming
increasingly more important as businesses and cities work to recruit and retain
a qualified workforce. County
Conservation will certainly play a major role in the next fifty years to make
Iowa communities a great place to live, play, and raise a family. We are up to the challenge!
WCCB
Update
Local news about the Webster County
Conservation Board
Thank you Board Members
Two
board members have recently retired from the Webster County Conservation
Board. Joan Harp served on the board
for 18 years and Dave Cramer served 7 years. The Webster County Conservation
staff and remaining board members would like to thank these two special people
for their dedication to conservation and interest in the environment. Their
time and commitment to the board’s mission is much appreciated.
“Volunteers
are not paid—–not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” Unknown
Invasive Species Control
If
you’ve hiked the trails at Kennedy Park, you may have noticed the piles of
trees and branches and wondered 
what we’re doing. The north
side of Badger Lake for decades has been overtaken by a couple of small tree
species in particular, namely Honeysuckle (Lonicera tartarica and maackii) and
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). These
trees change the makeup of our native woodlands by out-competing with the
native saplings in the under story. So, those little oaks and hickories that
should be growing under the canopy of the very tall trees NEVER see daylight.
In the end, the woodlands becomes a Honeysuckle/Buckthorn forest rather that an
Oak/Hickory forest that it should be. Just try walking through an area dominated
by Honeysuckles and Buckthorns….no one can!!!!
Neither can many animals.
Our
goal over several years is to cut out these invaders, pile them into huge brush
piles, treat the stumps with a herbicide, and burn the area to restore the
native species that were once present.
If this sounds like fun to you, please let us know. We are looking for
volunteers willing to work on a work crew or at their leisure individually. A
sturdy pair of loppers may be all one needs.
What
are we trying to preserve? Very little of Iowa’s native habitat remains since
presettlement. The authentic woodlands,
prairies, and wetlands with their unique features and diversity will be gone.
If we can regain control and keep it, we will have something to pass on to
future generations. Be a part of passing on some of Iowa’s REAL habitat. It’s
very rewarding!
REAP
REAP
(Resource Enhancement And Protection) is a way to invest in our outdoors, our
heritage, and our people. REAP could have legislative funding as high as $20
million per year, but has averaged far less. The need for REAP funding by local
communities throughout Iowa has been more than 3 times the available money.
REAP’s $20 million investment will enhance rural and urban economies and
quality of life; retain young people and expand our quality of work force;
diversify education for students of all ages; and provide stewardship of our
land and water. Attend the REAP public assembly on Thurs., March 16 at 7:00 pm
at Kennedy Park’s Heun shelter, located 5 miles north of Fort Dodge. Stay
informed! Be a voice!
Friends of Webster County
Conservation
Become
a Steward of the Land
Mission Statement
The mission of the Friends
of Webster County Conservation is to provide awareness, appreciation, and the
preservation of Webster County’s natural resources for future generations.
What is the Friends Group?
The
Friends of Webster County Conservation is a non-profit organization of people,
like you, who are concerned about providing opportunities for people to interact
and learn about our natural environment. The Friends group was established in
2005 by a group of concerned citizens who care about conservation and
recreation issues in Webster County. The group provides a valuable link between
local citizens and the conservation board.
The
general purpose of the Friends group is to provide an opportunity for local
citizens to participate in recreation and conservation issues in Webster
County. The group also provides an avenue to accept donations and gifts and conduct
fundraising activities.
Why should I become a Friend?
If
you are a person who:
·
Cares
about the natural environment and would like to help preserve it.
·
Cares
about expanding the educational & recreational programs for Webster County.
·
Wants
to develop a network of supporters and volunteers.
·
Wants
to secure supplemental finances to help support local recreation and
conservation programs.
What are the benefits of becoming a Friend?
·
You
will be part of shaping the recreation and conservation programs in Webster
County.
·
You
can participate in annual activities and programs for Friends.
·
You
will receive free admission to environmental programs and events.
·
You
will receive a newsletter on upcoming events.
·
You
will ensure a legacy of land stewardship for future generations.
Board of Directors Membership Levels
Kirk
Seltz – President Individual
$15.00
Brad
Luke – Vice President Family
$25.00
Laura
Gurnett – Secretary Business
$250.00
Jerry
Beck – Treasurer
If you are interested in becoming a Friend, or would
like additional information please contact the Conservation Office (515)
576-4258.
“A Friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of
Nature.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thank You
A warm and generous thank you to EVERYONE that helped with 2005’s
Birthday Bash, Maple Syrup Festival, & River Clean-up. And thank you to the
Friends Group members for their hard work. Many of these programs could NOT
happen without volunteers!!!
Environmental
Education Programs
Winter-Spring 2006
For more information, contact Karen at
576-4258 or khansen@webstercountyia.org
Nest Box Building
Sun., Feb. 5 Kennedy Park
2:00 pm Cost
listed below
Building
nest boxes for our wild birds and mammals is a fun and memorable pastime shared
with family. Because of habitat loss, nest boxes have become very important.
Call or e-mail your choice of boxes and a pre-cut nest box will be ready for
you to build.
The
choices are: Wren, Bluebird, Chickadee $7; Robin, Barn swallow
$10
Bat,
Screech Owl, Saw whet Owl, Kestrel $13 Flicker $16
Cross-Country Skiing
& Snowshoeing
Sat., Feb. 11 Kennedy
Park
10:00 am-3:00 pm Free
Cross-country
skiing is a great aerobic exercise and an environmentally friendly winter
activity. If you tend to hate winter, one of the best ways to make it go faster
is to bundle up and try to enjoy it. No charge for this program.
Rental
Info.: The public may rent the skis & snowshoes on
weekends upon availability. Equipment will be picked up no later that 4:00 pm
on Friday and returned no later than 4:00 pm the following Monday. Ski packages
and snowshoes rent for $10 per adult, and kids under 18 with a parent are FREE.
Damage deposit is $100 per set.
Night Hike
Sat., Feb. 25 6:00 pm Dolliver Park (watch for signs) Free
Sat., May 6 7:00 pm Dolliver Park (watch for signs) Free
Bring
the family and friends for an evening of tracking and owling. Learn about the
interesting characteristics of owls and then brave the elements for owl calling
and tracking with special effects. Dress warmly in hopes of seeing or hearing
some silent fliers and other nighttime wildlife. Flashlights welcome but not
necessary.
Afternoon with the
Whitetail
Sun., March 12 Kennedy Park’s Heun shelter
1:00 pm Free
Come
hear a whitetail deer program by the DNR deer biologist and bring your deer
rack to have it scored. Learn more facts about deer populations in Iowa and
management practices.
REAP Assembly
Thurs., March 16 Kennedy Park’s Heun shelter
7:00 pm Free
For
residents of: Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, Wright
counties.
REAP
is a legislative fund that provides soil and water quality protection; parks,
trails, and wildlife areas; conservation education; historic resource
protection; roadside beautification; and public land management. To learn more
about REAP and our county, go to www.iowareap.com
Maple Syrup Festival
Sat., March 18 Kennedy Park’s Heun shelter
1:00 pm Free
Enjoy
the sweet, simmering smell and taste of homemade maple syrup. Bring the family
to learn about how ancestors used sap long ago, how trees are tapped, how sap
is cooked, and how yummy it tastes. Bring the whole family for hands-on
activities and a tasty maple syrup treat.
O.W.L.S. (Older,
Wiser, Livelier Seniors) program
(3rd Tuesday of even numbered months—Feb., April, June)
Tuesdays—–Feb. 21 /
April 18 / June 20
11:00 am Kennedy Park’s
Heun shelter
This
program targets our active seniors. An environmental program will precede a
noon lunch. Weather permitting; the group will take part in an outdoor
activity. Always wear good walking shoes. Topics are yet to be determined.
Pre-registration for lunch is required by 4:30 pm the Friday before each
program. If interested, call or email Karen at 576-4258 or khansen@webstercountyia.org
Earth Day Cache In
-Trash Out
Sat., April 22 Brushy Creek SRA—meet at
the beach
10:00 am Free
Learn
how to geo-cache (find a prize hidden in nature using GPS units) and take out
the trash as you go. Bring a GPS unit, gloves, and a trash bag. Old clothes and
shoes are recommended. Some GPS units
will be available on loan from us; we’ll have some garbage sacks too.
Conservation Calendar
Sun., Feb. 5—–Nest Box Building
Workshop — Kennedy Park; 2:00 pm
Sat., Feb. 11—–Cross Country
Skiing — Kennedy Park; 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Tues., Feb. 21—–O.W.L.S. program —
Kennedy Park; 11:00 am
Sat., Feb. 25—–Night Hike —
Dolliver Park; 6:00 pm
Sun., March 12—–Afternoon with the
Whitetail — Kennedy Park; 1:00 pm
Thurs., March 16—–REAP Assembly —
Kennedy Park; 7:00 pm
Sat., March 18—–Maple Syrup
Festival — Kennedy Park; 1:00 pm
Tues., April 18—–O.W.L.S. program
— Kennedy Park; 11:00 am
Sat., April 22—–Earth Day Cache
In-Trash Out — Brushy Creek; 10:00 am
Sat., May 6—–Night Hike — Dolliver
Park; 7:00 pm
Tues., June 20—–O.W.L.S.
program—Kennedy Park; 11:00 am
The Trumpeter Swan “Roller Coaster”
Ride
by Patrick Shehan
Year
2005 has been an eventful, yet disappointing year for the trumpeter swans at
Moorland Pond. Our resident 
female swan died during the time
her eggs were hatching. We were able to get out to the nest early enough to
rescue two hatched cygnets and take the remaining three eggs to an incubator.
Happily, all five swans survived and are now part of the free-flying population
of trumpeter swans.
The
DNR placed a new female (H65) onto Moorland Pond in January. Our resident male
(2E0) took a quick liking to his new arrival and the courtship was underway.
After we removed the wintering swans in March, we moved the nest to the middle
of the pond. Time and care was taken to ensure a proper nesting platform
complete with willow branches and straw. But to our disappointment, the new
female was not impressed enough to use it. We figured there would be no
cygnets.
Just as our hopes of cygnets
were dashed, a surprising sighting was found. What appeared to be a large goose
nest or a muskrat hut near shore was actually a swan nest. This was very
exciting! Because of concerns about predators being more able to attack a nest
so close to shore, our staff actually had mixed emotions about this “authentic”
nest. I braved my way past leery and aggressive adult swans to count the eggs
and discovered 7 eggs on the nest! Our hopes were back up.
I
monitored the nest closely and as the “due date” came and went and no eggs
hatched, our hopes dashed once more. However, Dave Hoffman with the Iowa DNR
swan project had two orphaned cygnets needing foster care. Our hopes had risen
again!
Dave
and I attempted to place these young birds in the nest for the swans to adopt.
But after countless mosquito bites and numerous attempts to convince the adult
pair that this was a good idea, we decided to remove the cygnets for their own
safety. Our hopes had once more fallen for the last time.
We
have great expectations for the swans this upcoming spring. Maybe next year
there will be 6 or 7 more trumpeters flying around the state that originated in
Webster County.
Helping Hunters With Disabilities
Local
Eagle Scout Josh Lowery is making it possible for hunters with disabilities to
enjoy the great outdoors. Josh 
and a group of scout friends
recently constructed a hunting blind that is designed for people with
disabilities. The project is a partnership with the Webster County Conservation
Board that will allow people with disabilities to reserve the blind by calling
the conservation office. The blind is portable and will be used on county and
state hunting areas. Thanks Josh and friends!
Beisser’s
Lumber, Webster County Ducks Unlimited, and the Webster Co. Conservation
Foundation donated the material for the blind. Park Ranger, Dave Scherff,
helped with the design and construction. If you are interested in reserving the
blind, call the conservation office 576-4258.
Plant Some Shade
Residential Tree Program
In October 2004, MidAmerican
Energy, the Iowa DNR Bureau of Forestry, and the Webster County Conservation
Board conducted the Plant Some Shade Tree Program. This program was very successful and Webster County is fortunate
to be holding it again this spring.
Residential
MidAmerican Energy customers in Webster and surrounding counties can have the
opportunity to purchase trees that will help cut energy costs and spruce up
your home landscape. These trees will add greater diversity throughout the
community, which should reduce the risk of disease wiping out a whole
neighborhood with one main species.
The
potted 6 to 8 ft. trees will cost approximately $25, will be suitable to Iowa’s
climate, and will be purchased from local nurseries. The tree species for this
spring program are yet to be determined.
Trees will be available for
pickup on Saturday May 13, 2006 at John F. Kennedy Park, 1415 Nelson Ave, Fort
Dodge. There is a limit of 2 trees per person and are purchased on a first-come,
first-ordered basis. Any remaining trees will be sold at the end of the day.
Watch for upcoming information for this spring’s Plant Some Shade Residential
Tree Program.
Moorland Pond Improvements
by Pat Shehan
Last
winter, the WCCB was approved for a Fish Habitat Stamp Grant for a lakeshore- armoring
project. Since 
Moorland Pond is located in
a very windswept area of Webster County, the south and east shoreline has
sloughed away as waves pound the shore. Thus, it was decided to install riprap
on the south and east shoreline to reduce erosion and create a more gradual slope.
This
spring, the Webster County Conservation staff will be laying erosion-control fabric
on the shoreline. A private contractor will then haul limestone to be placed on
top of the fabric to absorb wave 
action.
Because
trumpeter swans reside on the pond, willow trees and deep-rooted native plants
will be planted on the remaining shoreline. This will create more diversity and
a more natural habitat for these endangered birds.
The Demise of Scots Pines
Pines
have established a niche in America’s landscape due to their diversity,
adaptability, and beauty. However, a disease called pine wilt has killed so
many Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) over the past 20 years that this species is
no longer being recommended in plantings.
This
disease has hit Kennedy Park and the clean-up work on dozens of dead pines will
linger for years. The Children’s Forest at Kennedy Park currently looks like a
tornado clean-up event.
Pine
wilt typically kills Scots pine within a few weeks to a few months. The needles
may turn shades of green, gray, and brown or turn brown all at once. Needles
usually remain on the dead tree for a year or more. A good website to learn
more is: http://www.forestry.iastate.edu/ext/woodland
In
the Midwest, more than 90% of the trees killed by pine wilt have been Scots
pine. Native pine species are usually not susceptible to pine wilt, so if
planning to plant an evergreen, choose a species besides Scots pine, preferably
a native species like white pine and red cedar.
1415 Nelson Ave.
Fort Dodge, IA. 50501
Phone: 515-576-4258
Fax: 515-574-3763
E-mail: conservation@webstercountyia.org
Webster County Web Page: http://www.webstercountyia.org/
Staff
|
Matt Cosgrove |
Director |
|
Dave Scherff |
Park Ranger |
|
Pat Shehan |
Park Ranger |
|
Andy Hockenson |
Park Ranger |
|
Karen Roosa Hansen |
Naturalist |
|
Erin Meehan |
Naturalist Aid |
|
Vacant |
Roadside Manager |
|
Cindy
Knickerbocker |
Secretary |
Board Members
|
Jim Eslick |
Gowrie |
|
Jim Kersten |
Fort Dodge |
|
Brad Luke |
Fort Dodge |
|
Orville
O’Connell |
Fort Dodge |
|
Mark A. Thompson |
Fort Dodge |
In order
to cut costs and save a few trees, the county would like to encourage the
public to receive the “Pathways to Nature” newsletter via e-mail
To subscribe,
send an email to: wccnewsletter@webstercountyia.org
Enter SUBSCRIBE
in the Subject line. Your email address will be added to our mailing list.
This newsletter
can also be downloaded and shared with others.
Tell those with internet
access to check the web at: www.webstercountyia.org
Five Year Plan
The
Webster County Conservation Board is currently working with Midas Council of Governments
to update the Capital Improvement Plan for county conservation facilities. The plan will help the conservation board
and staff focus on improvements and projects for the next five years. If you have any suggestions or comments
about future plans and ideas for the board, please contact the Conservation
Director or any of the board members.
We are interested in your input! (515) 576-4258 or
conservation@webstercountyia.org
"Within
the web, all forms of life are struggling, not only to survive, but to
expand." Unknown
THE WEBSTER COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD IN THE PROVISIONOF SERVICES AND
FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGIANS ANYONE ON THE BASIS OF
RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE OR HANDICAP. IF ANYONE BELIEVES HE OR SHE HAS BEEN
SUBJECT TO SUCH DISCRIMINATION, HE OR SHE MAY FILE A COMPLAINT ALLEDGING
DISCRIMINATION WITH EITHER THE WEBSTER COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD OR THE OFFICE
OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, U.S. DEPT. OF INTERIOR, WASHINGTION D.C. 20240
Electronic
Newsletter | From Our
Director | Conservation News | Partners In
Conservation | Public Programs | Wildlife News
| Conservation Clippings | General Info