the August 2018 LINN COUNTY CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT

The Oak Hickory News is published three times each year by the Linn County Conservation Department. Questions, comments, concerns can be directed to (319) 892-6450 or [email protected]. Linn County Conservation Board to Conservation receive first Linn County celebrates the opening of Wickiup’s Water and Land Legacy Bonds Wandering Woods —————— Linn County Conservation has taken the term “go outside and play” to the next level, bring- ing back the simple joys of playing in nature through unstructured play. After two years of staff construction, and opening a portion of the area late last fall, a spring celebration marked the completion of Wickiup’s Wandering Woods. Why a playscape? “We want to bring back the type of play and magic of past generations with nature play,” said Wickiup Hill Naturalist Sarah Wendt. “In nature, let the kids figure out how to play, build, create… instead of ‘here’s a slide, One project utilizing bond dollars would restore you go up, and you go down.’ ” hydrology in a historic oxbow of the Wapsipinicon River basin and reestablish a 4.2 acre wetland. >> Learn more on page 4. —————— Linn County Board of Supervisors issue over $5 million in bond funding The Linn County Conservation projects that use Linn County MAKE A PLAYDATE Board has launched efforts to Water and Land Legacy bonds WITH NATURE! utilize part of the $40 million that have also been reviewed by the the public entrusted with them to Linn County Bond Public Review invest in our water, land, habitat, Board, which was established parks, and trails. Several meetings by the Board of Supervisors. have taken place between the Linn The intent of the Conservation County Conservation Board and Board has been to best leverage staff with potential project part- dollars for maximum benefit with ners and stakeholders in determin- other funding opportunities, such ing the current best use of these as State and Federal grants when funds. This spring, the Linn County possible. The Board has been Board of Supervisors took action guided by county park and natural to sell $5.4 Million in bonds to help areas master plans, as well as a leverage these important projects strong desire to protect sensitive for our community. The initial and critical water areas. >> Learn more on page 2. LINN COUNTY WATER AND LAND LEGACY BONDS projects that use the initial bond funds include: 18WATER QUALITY AND Buffalo Creek Natural Area – Toms acquisition LAND PROTECTION: 6and wetland development. Acquisition of 15 acres adjacent to Buffalo Creek Natural Area that will allow Wickiup Hill Wetland Enhancements Reconstructing the size of a nearby wetland to double. the wetland southwest of the Learning Center by 1 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: excavating the existing wetland to enhance functionality, $58,000 BOND FUNDS: improve water quality, increase natural floodwater $10,000 storage and wildlife habitats. Pinicon Ridge Park – drinking water system and TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $395,000 7well closure. Connecting the Pinicon Ridge Park BOND FUNDS: $306,000 campgrounds, cabins, and ranger residence to a new water supply. Chain Lakes Natural Area – Bradley Acquisition. 51 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: acres of floodplain along the Cedar River southeast $500,000 2 BOND FUNDS: of Palo. This property has been purchased, but bond $380,000 dollars can be used to backfill Conservation Reserve Paris Natural Area – Kerr acquisition and wetland Fund dollars that were used to buy the property. 8enhancements. Acquisition of 87 acres of floodplain TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $240,000 property adjacent to Paris Natural Area and Wapsipini- BOND FUNDS: $100,000 con River with old oxbows and wetlands. Linn County Conservation is also submitting a REAP (Resource Pollinator plantings – various locations. Linn County Enhancement And Protection) program grant proposal. Conservation continues to partner with the Monarch 3 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: Research Project and local partners to develop monarch $425,000 BOND FUNDS: pollinator habitat at various county-owned properties. $425,000 (minus potential grant funds) TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $350,000 Morgan Creek Park – Lemon acquisition. BOND FUNDS: $25,000 9Acquisition of 35 acres as an addition to Morgan Creek Park. This property is immediately east of the Matsell Bridge Natural Area – north oxbow restor- proposed future park entrance off E-Avenue. ation. Restore hydrology in a historic oxbow of the 4 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: Wapsipinicon River basin. The project will also reestab- $1,050,050 BOND FUNDS: lish a 4.2-acre emergent/semi emergent wetland oxbow. $1,050,050 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $15,000 PARK IMPROVEMENTS BOND FUNDS: $3,000 AND DEVELOPMENTS: Buffalo Creek Natural Area – wetland construction/ Wickiup’s Wandering Woods – This children’s 5restoration. Restore hydrology in a historic oxbow 10outdoor nature playscape helps support the of a tributary stream to Buffalo Creek by reestablishing recreational activities at the Wickiup Hill Learning and creating small wetland basins in floodplain. Center. Bond funds will leverage contributions and TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $120,000 grants that funded this recently completed project. BOND FUNDS: $100,000 TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $140,000 BOND FUNDS: $30,000 Pinicon Ridge Park – playground and restroom. 11Current playground and restroom would be re- placed with modern, ADA compliant facilities at the Riverside day use area of the park. TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $500,000 ÍÍÍÍ BOND FUNDS: $200,000 Improving a wetland, like the one at Wickiup Hill (foreground) will control erosion, hold back flood waters, allow for groundwater recharge and discharge, as well as improve the habitat for various wildlife. 2 5 Linn County residents passed a $40 Million bond issue with 74% TROY MILLS 6 BUFFALO CREEK PARK 3 approval in November 2016 with funds to be invested in water quality, WALKER land protections, habitat improvements, and for parks and trails. COGGON Resolutions passed by the Linn County Conservation Board and Linn 8 PRAIRIEBURG County Board of Supervisors targets $22 Million dollars (55%) to be distributed over the life of the bond measure toward water quality 13 12 and land protection initiatives; $12 million (30%) toward park 3 PINICON RIDGE 11 7 CENTRAL CITY improvements and development, and $6 million (15%) for trails. PARK 14 17 CENTER POINT

CEDAR VALLEY Pinicon Ridge Park – campground shower house. 12Construction of new shower house to serve Plains ALBURNETT 4 NORTH CEDAR

NATURE TRAIL 3 and Group campgrounds. Equipped with new rest- NATURAL AREA MATSELL BRIDGE rooms, this building will also serve as a storm shelter. NATURAL AREA TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $750,000 WICKIUP HILL VIOLA 10 BOND FUNDS: $400,000 1 ROBINS HIAWATHA PALO 3 SPRINGVILLE Pinicon Ridge Park – scenic overlook. Construc- 2 13tion of a large, open-air shelter with attached deck 3 overlooking the Wapsipinicon River as part of an Iowa MARION 18 15 Great Places project. CEDAR RAPIDS 3 14SQUAW CREEK TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $1,500,000 PARK

BOND FUNDS: $620,000 9 3 MORGAN CREEK BERTRAM Squaw Creek Park and Pinicon Ridge Park – PARK 14Master Plan Signage Program implementation. HWY. 100 TRAIL MT. VERNON Fabrication and installation of new signs at Squaw FAIRFAX LISBON Creek and Pinicon Ridge Park to enhance aesthetics and wayfinding benefits for park visitors. ELY

TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $200,000 WALFORD BOND FUNDS: $150,000 16HOOVER TRAIL

TRAILS IMPROVEMENTS: More planning and discussions are taking place for the next Grant Wood Trail. Reconstruction and surfacing issuance of bond dollars. In particular, park improvements, 15of trail would occur from Highway 13 east 3.5 streambank improvements, and wetland development at miles. Concrete surface will occur from Highway 13 Morgan Creek Park just west of Cedar Rapids. to Waldo’s Rock Park, then limestone screenings east The Conservation Board continues to consider plans, to Oxley Road with future pavement opportunity. specifications, and cost estimates for further Linn County TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $1,200,000 Water and Land Legacy Bond initiatives. Visit the Linn County BOND FUNDS: $775,000 Water and Land Legacy page at www.linncountyparks.com for future updates. Conservation Board public meetings are Hoover Nature Trail. Hard surfacing the Hoover usually held the 4th Monday of every month at 12pm at the 16Nature Trail from Ely city limits to the Johnson Wickiup Hill Learning Center. To view meeting agendas, County line at Seven Sisters Road. Construction is minutes, and to receive alerts about Board meetings, complete with bond funds to back fill Conservation go to www.linncounty.org/agendacenter. Reserve Fund. TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $1,000,000 BOND FUNDS: $250,000 Linn County Water and Land Legacy ballot Cedar Valley Nature Trail – East Blue Creek bridge. “Shall the County of Linn, State of Iowa, issue its general obliga- 17 Removing and replacing the East Blue Creek Bridge north of Center Point on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. tion bonds in an amount not exceeding forty million dollars for the purposes of protecting sources of drinking water and the TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $830,000 BOND FUNDS: $250,000 water quality of rivers and streams, including the Cedar River and its tributaries; protecting and acquiring land to provide nat- Highway 100 Trail – Phase 1. Planning and con- ural floodwater storage, improve water quality, protect natural 18structing the Highway 100 trail from 42nd Street areas and reduce flooding; providing funds to improve parks; near Xavier High School through the Rock Island providing biking and walking trails; and protecting wildlife habi- Preserve to the Cedar River. tat and natural areas, to be managed by the Linn County Conser- TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE: $1,000,000 vation Board, with full public disclosure of all expenditures?” BOND FUNDS: $374,000 3 Frequently Asked Questions: What hours is Wickiup’s Wandering Woods open? Like our other outdoor areas, the nearly one acre playscape is open from sunrise to sunset, year round. (The nearby Learning Center is open Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm) What is the cost? Free What features make this playscape unique? There are natural building >> Continued from front page. materials, water play (including a Playscape mud kitchen), music and dramatic Nature play supports children in every way – intellectually, socially, play, climb and balance, zip-line, spiritually, physically, and it creates an emotional attachment to nature. and much more! We are now learning through research and experience how critical it is to reconnect kids (including us big kids) back to nature, not just occasionally, What ages can play at Wickiup’s but as a regular part of our lives. Wandering Woods? We have a younger and older children’s area, but with adult supervision, the playscape is for everybody and all abilities. What should I wear? We encourage IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. RECEIVE THE OAK HICKORY Bug spray and sunscreen are good ideas also. NEWSLETTER BY MAIL OR EMAIL… —————— May I pack a picnic? We do have some picnic tables nearby. However, Contact us at [email protected] we have a “carry in, carry out” policy and provide us with your email and you will be added to so take your trash with you please. our eNews list, which includes the Oak Hickory, published Is Wickiup’s Wandering Woods three times a year. You may also request the open even if it is raining? Of course! Oak Hickory to be delivered by mail. Who doesn’t like playing in the rain?

4 Meet Linn County Conservation’s new Deputy Director, Daniel Gibbins

system. During these years, our family also grew to four vibrant and energetic children who love life exploring the forests, streams and prairies of Iowa. Strong friendships in our church, com- munity and work have grown our roots deep, making Iowa a truly wonderful home. So you might be wondering, “Why the professional move to Linn County Conservation?” The simple answer is that Linn County Conservation is one of the very best conservation organizations Originally from Missouri, childhood moves to in the Midwest, and it was a Idaho, New Hampshire and back to Missouri made privilege to join a team that has me wonder whether I might be a migratory species. grown such a conservation legacy as a state and national leader. Yet, no matter where I called button until present day. Upon We are at a critical time for home, a love and fascination graduating from the University both environmental and human for natural things grew stronger of Missouri-Columbia in Forest health. We are learning how with each passing year. Many a Resource Management, my closely linked these two subjects summer day was given to the career began with unique oppor- are as the next generation has chasing of butterflies with my tunities in agro-forestry research, become more and more disen- sister, or the planting of little tree arboriculture and parks and gaged with our natural world. nurseries from seed at age 9. The natural resource management. County conservation is perfectly exploring of field, forest, pond In January of 2009, the Gibbins situated to leverage progress and stream was conducted with family relocated from central in both of these areas through utmost diligence in the pursuit Missouri to the Hawkeye State, partnership, education and of adventure and learning. You where I began my work in promoting the reconnection of see back then, we did not have Cedar Rapids as City Arborist and our community to healthy, active the constant presence of the soon after, Parks Superintendent living in nature based parks and “smart” phone, iPad and some- for the next 9 years. During this conservation areas. I truly look thing called Facebook…only the time, I grew professionally, en- forward to supporting the Linn birds “tweeted” about things gaging in teaching, spearheading County Conservation Board in its of significance, and kids simply natural resource partnerships, continuing efforts to grow com- went outside and played! and leading organizational health munity and conservation through The move back to Missouri in efforts. In 2016, I began serving protection, enhancement and time for my college years saw on the Benton County Conser- enjoyment of our Linn County what could only be described vation Board, becoming active natural resources and as the pressing of a fast-forward within the county conservation recreational areas.

5 Connecting OUR COMMUNITIES

expected to last through early November, weather per- Planning, design, and mitting. Click on “news” at www.linncountyparks.com construction underway which links to a map of the construction area. This bridge will be similar in appearance to the new for trail projects. bridge constructed over West Blue Creek in 2017. These The commitment remains strong to further improve replacements are crucial in ensuring the continuity of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail between the Cedar Rapids the trail. and Waterloo communities. In July, the trail just west of Center Point between North Center Point Road and Other trail updates: Main Street/Rolling Acres Road was closed for work GRANT WOOD TRAIL Enhancements to the associated with the bridge replacement project over Grant Wood trail are underway. The trail surface and East Blue Creek. drainage ditches will all be reconstructed throughout The 150 foot bridge, originally built in 1914, will be safer, this 3.25 mile segment. The stretch from Hwy 13 to wider, and sustainable. This closure along the trail is Waldo’s Rock Park will be paved with concrete provid- ing a connection to the park. The remaining segment easterly to Oxley Road will have a limestone granular surface and a wider turf shoulder along the north side. This area will experience intermittent closures over the next several months. We will continue to provide updates at www.linncountyparks.com HIGHWAY 100 TRAIL Engineering is underway for Phase 1 of the Highway 100 trail. This segment will begin at 42nd street near Xavier High School and will extend along an old railroad line in the Rock Island East Blue Creek Bridge Preserve to an area near the Cedar River. The goal is (constructed 1914) to eventually extend this trail over the Cedar River connecting to Morgan Creek Park.

6 Diane McAfee (left) accepts the Out- standing Service Award on behalf of the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center and Cedar Amateur Astronomers New shower house for campers coming soon at Pinicon Ridge Park. A new shower house and storm shelter will be coming to Pinicon Ridge Park’s Plains campground. The new 2,000 square foot addition will service about 40 areas and features flush-toilet restrooms and eight showers. Construction will continue through the summer. Eastern Iowa Observatory receives Outstanding Service Award from local Girl Scouts. Floorplan The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois recently awarded the Cedar Amateur Astronomers, who host public programs at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center, the Outstanding Service Award. The Observatory served well over 250 Brownies, Juniors, Leaders, and partners throughout the school year. Shower Building

“They are a great partner to work with and the girls love the programs,” said Amanda Kline, Older Girl Experience Specialist for the Girl Scouts. “Diane McAfee coordinates a dozen or more volunteers for each event so that the girls have a great experience.”

The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center is located at 1365 Ivanhoe Rd, Ely IA. Members of the Cedar Amateur Astronomers host several public viewing and private events at the Observatory throughout the year. Find out more at www.cedar-astronomers.org

7 Learning FALL PUBLIC PROGRAMS Classes and Events are at Wickiup Hill Learning Center unless stated otherwise 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville, IA 52341-9604

August Long Bow Building Workshop Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19, 8am – 4:30pm Learn the nearly lost art of bow building under the guid- ance of an experienced instructor during this special work- shop. See the article on page 12 for more information. Cost: $220 per person. Registration deadline is August 14.

Get involved in cooking, setting up shelters, and all of the other demonstrations we may do. Try your hand with some basic ropes and knots, very basic rescue for people and vehicles, tire repair on trail, communication, basic map and compass use and so on. The main thing we do is have fun! Get the family involved! Cost is $25/person, children under 15 free. Bring a lawn chair. Registration deadline: Monarch Conservation in Mexico August 22. Call Jenny at 319-892-6485 to register. Learn Saturday, August 18, 1pm more about Joe Hunt of Nomad Overlanding on page 12. Many people in the U.S. and Canada are passionate about protecting North America’s monarch butterfly migration, september but what happens once the monarchs reach their over- wintering grounds in Mexico? This talk will provide an Evening Voyager Canoe Paddle overview of Mexico’s official conservation efforts and the Friday, September 7, 5pm; 5:30pm; 6pm; 6:30pm at on-the-ground reality of what ordinary Mexicans are Pinicon Ridge Park, Eagle View Shelter, Central City doing to help this fragile phenomenon to survive. Voyagers were the transportation crew for the European Dr. Ellen Sharp is a cultural anthropologist who lives in fur industry in early North American history. Their birch a tiny town at the entry of the Cerro Pelon, a Monarch bark canoes are famous and ranged in size from short Butterfly Sanctuary where she and her husband run an river canoes to extra-long Great Lakes-crossing Montreal business. There is no cost for the program. canoes that were 36-foot long. Enjoy a half hour ride on Donations welcome. the Wapsipinicon River in a 29-foot reproduction. This event is free, but you must reserve a spot to crew a canoe Nomad Overlanding – for ages 5 and older. Please call 319-892-6485 and specify What is your adventure? which time you prefer and how many will be in your group. Saturday, August 25, 9am – 1pm at Pinicon Ridge Park, Eagle View Shelter, Central City Be prepared for your next adventure. This program is Basic Car Camping to full Overlanding. You can do this on a bicycle, a bus or on foot. Maybe in a Honda Civic or a highly modified off road 4X4. It is all about exploring to the best of your ability, budget, experience, and sense of adventure. Topics covered: destinations, length of the trip, terrain, possible dangers or problems that you might encounter, vehicle preparation and type, basic field medi- cine, fire building and safety. Proper packing for any type of vehicle for a weekend or a 60-day trip, camp cooking, with tasty treat samples that are easy to make and clean up.

68 They Came for Furs and Lead; Meskwaki Finger Weaving Voyager Reenactor & Canoe Paddles with David Brown Sunday, September 9, 2pm at Pinicon Ridge Park, Thursday, September 20, 6pm Eagle View Shelter, Central City Fingerweaving is an ancient form of Let your mind return to the free end braiding used by many cul- Mississippi River around tures throughout world history. Many the time of Julien Dubuque, Eastern Native American tribes used to experience the lifestyle, this technique to create belts, straps tools, clothing, and skills of and sashes. Join Meskwaki artist the early French explorers David Brown to learn about his tribe’s who came to trade furs and form of weaving. Create your own to mine lead in Iowa. Mark weaving to take home with you. Wagner, former Education There is a $10 fee for this program. Suggested ages are 12 Director from the National years old and up. Please register by September 18 by call- Mississippi River Museum ing 319-892-6485. This program made possible by a grant & Aquarium, will appear in from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. costume to relate history and demonstrate skills and lore of early river explora- tion along the Mississippi River and connecting waterways. Mark, a native of Dubuque, has made a study of the Mississippi River history and its resources. Following Mark’s reenactment, rides in the reproduction voyager canoes will take place at 3pm, 3:30pm and 4pm. This 25th Annual National Public Lands event is free, but you must reserve a time slot to crew a Day: Horse drawn tours of Matsell canoe. Must be 5 or older to be in canoe. Please register Bridge Natural Area by calling 319-892-6485 and specify the time you prefer Saturday, September 22, 2pm and how many will be in your group. Join Natural Resource Manager Dana Kellogg and Blue Moon Carriage for a short tour of the Matsell Bridge Monarch Tagging Natural Area. The tour will highlight recent prairie plant- Thursday, September 13, 6pm ings, wetland development, and other water quality Wickiup Hill continues its partnership with the Cedar Rapids improvements and habitat restoration through current Monarch Research Project, rearing and releasing hundreds management practices. FREE, all ages, but must register by of monarchs. You may assist in tagging monarchs ready to September 20 by calling 319-892-6458. Space is limited. be released from our biotents, and watch them take flight for their long, perilous journey to Mexico. This program is Hunter Education Class Series free and requires no reservation. Donations welcome. Tuesday, September 25, 6:30pm-10pm & Saturday, September 29, 9am-4pm Bird Banding Are you a youngster who is interested in doing some Saturday, September 15, 9am – Noon hunting? Are you an adult interested in heading west for Rob Bradley will a hunting trip? If your answer was “yes,” then you may continue his citizen be interested in attending these classes. If you want to science project of obtain an Iowa hunting license and you were born after banding birds caught January 1, 1972, it’s mandatory that you complete hunter at Wickiup Hill. Will education training. The class is free; the Iowa Department we continue our of Natural Resources provides all course materials. Atten- streak of capturing dance at both classes is necessary to receive certification. rare and unusual Participants must be 12 years old to use their certificates. birds? What will we To register for this training go to the Hunter Education see in the nets this fall? Always a guessing game, we usu- section and register on-line at https://register-ed.com/ ally have a large contingent of either downy woodpeckers programs/iowa and look under the Iowa Hunter Education or American goldfinches, plus those hoped-for rarer birds. Classroom Course and select View upcoming events, Cost is $2.50/adult, $1/child 16 and under, or $5/family. then follow directions.

9 Meskwaki Bead Working with Mary Young Bear Thursday, September 27, 6pm Well-known Meskwaki beading expert Mary Young Bear will share her art at Wickiup Hill. Mary will provide a history of the beading techniques used by the Meskwaki and then assist each participant in a small beading project. There is a $10 fee for this program. Suggested ages are 12 years old and up. Please register by Meskwaki Cultural Day: September 24 by calling 319-892-6485. This program made possible by a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Exploring Traditions Saturday, October 6, 10am – 2pm Community Foundation. You are invited to experience a celebration of exceptional Meskwaki cultural traditions. Members of the Meskwaki October Tribe will be performing traditional Meskwaki dances wearing vibrant regalia. There will be authentic Native Fall Leaf Kayak and Canoe Float American games and music, along with other activities and Saturday, October 6, 10am – 2pm displays that will give you an insight into the culture of the at Pinicon Ridge Park people who lived on this land long ago. We encourage the Join Naturalist Chuck Ungs and others on a scenic float entire family to come and immerse themselves in this cul- of the Wapsipinicon River. The float is scheduled near tural celebration. No registration is required. Cost: $5.00/ the peak of fall leaf color and we should have great views individual or $10/family. For more information, contact Gail of the river and the surrounding forest. Chuck will share at 319-892-6485. This program made possible by a grant information on leaves, along with how and why they from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. change colors and drop. You will also be treated to unique views of Pinicon Ridge Park as well as the Mary Lundby Bridge from the Wapsi and a chance to view a wide variety of wildlife from the river. Participants are responsible for their own boats, gear and lifejackets. Pack water, a lunch or snacks, and dress for the weather. Registration deadline is October 4, but the cost is free. Register and learn more by calling 319-892-6485.

7th Annual Wickiup Fall Fest! Saturday, October 20, 10am - Noon Kick off the fall season and enjoy a morning of family fun at Wickiup Hill! Come out and experience our friendly trick or treat hike through the woods, pumpkin bowling, straw scramble, creepy critters, and more! Aimed at ages 3-8, but younger and older siblings welcome. Costumes encouraged! Cost $3/child. No registration required.

10 Great Pumpkin Atlatl Hunt Saturday, October 27, 1pm – 4pm Come and try your hand at using an ancient hunting tool, the atlatl or spear thrower. For thousands of years before the bow and arrow arrived in the Midwest and began to be used about 1,000 years ago, hunters were masters with the atlatl. We will provide the spears, darts and pumpkins – plus other targets too. Also, watch as college teams and others compete in a sanctioned atlatl competition. For more information, contact Gail at 319-892-6485. This program is free and no registration is needed.

Meskwaki Maple Syrup Taps with Luke Kapayou Saturday, November 10, 9am – Noon Celebrate Native American Month by making your own traditional maple syrup taps from both sumac and elder- berry branches. Meskwaki woodcarver Luke Kapayou will provide demonstrations of his woodworking skills and teach participants how to make maple syrup spouts. If the weather cooperates, we will also hike to a traditional maple syrup camp at Wickiup Hill. There is a $10 fee for this program. Suggested ages are 12 years old and up. November Please preregister by November 7 by calling 319-892-6485. This program made possible by a grant from the Greater Wickiup’s Wandering Woods Club Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Wednesday, November 7, 10am – 11am The “Club” is a time set aside for play at Wickiup Hill Sprouts – Stomp and Crunch! where you know other children will be here to play and Thursday, November 15, 10am – 11am socialize with. There is no formal program, but a Naturalist Children will enjoy a story, craft, or activities based on will bring around a critter or two to meet while you are the theme. Join us to do some exploring as we stomp and here. You can play inside the Nature Center or outside at crunch through the leaves and make our own leaf animal! the Playscape. We have nearly an acre of outdoor unstruc- Ages 3-6, but younger and older siblings are welcome. tured play for children to enjoy! This program is FREE! Cost $2/child. Space is limited. Please call 892-6485 at No registration required. least 2 days prior to program to register.

Kayaking Session at Bender Pool, Cedar Rapids Parks and Rec. Sunday, November 18, 4:30pm – 6:30pm See article on page 13 for more information. Additional dates include: December 2 & 16; January 13 & 27; and February 24.

Snowshoe Building Class November 26 – 4pm sign up deadline. Classes will be December 6, 13, and 20, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Build your own functional traditional snowshoes. Classes are scheduled 7-10pm each evening at Wickiup Hill with varnishing at the Conservation Department shop. See article on page 13 for more information.

11 More Classes

NOMAD OVERLANDING Joe Hunt has been exploring the outdoors for over 45 years. One of his earliest adventures was at age 7 when his parents took a month off work and they all drove to Alaska in a pickup/truck camper. Never one to like being cooped up indoors, he has always spent his free time hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, etc. Joe has been a professional firefighter/EMT since joining the USAF in 1984, retir- ing in September 2017, from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. As his family grew, they enjoyed , , and camping in the mountains of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Once returning to civilian life they kept life exciting by finding new places to and new challenges in the outdoors. His personal/family experi- ences have taken him to Boundary Waters many times where he taught his sons to camp for many days at a time with nothing more than what they could carry on their backs. He has spent years learning many of the skills we all have lost over time from the early days of the pioneers. These are the good times and skills he likes to share with others. Joe and his family have literally travelled from coast to coast in this country, and there is still so much to see. After retirement, he started his own business, Nomad Overlanding. He has instructed a number of educational classes on multiple topics. It is a chance for him to share with others what he truly loves. It is his desire to get people excited about enjoying all the things nature has to offer. He wants families to get back to having fun together in the outdoors, and to show them how it can be done at a very low cost, if desired. You could blame his parents for instilling this need to seek out and explore, and blame him for doing the same for his family. It has all been a great adventure, and the learning continues today. Want to learn more from Joe and Nomad Overlanding? Check out August 25 in the program calendar to find out more, but hurry and Register by August 22. Bow Building Workshop Over time, many types of buildingbuildi skills have been lost to modern manufacturing. A skill that is still used today, as it has been for generations, is bow building. If you have an interest in building your own bow built from one piece of wood, also known as a selfbow, with the help of an experienced instructor, this is your chance. The style of bow is also called a longbow. Gene Winter has been building bows for many years and will be sharing his skill with workshop participants on Saturday and Sunday August 18-19 from 8am – 4:30pm at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center. Workshop cost is $220 per person which includes one stave. Additional staves may be purchased for an additional cost. Registration deadline is August 14. Class size is limited. Bow building typically requires the manual dexterity of someone high school age or older. For more information and to register, contact Chuck at 319-892-6485.

12 More Classes

Snowshoe Building Class Linn County Conservation will again offer the opportunity to build a pair of traditional snowshoes. Conservation Education Specialist Chuck Ungs will guide participants through the snowshoe-building process. These sets would make a unique gift, functional tools or can be used as a grand decoration. Participants should plan to attend the evening sessions on Thursdays, December 6, 13 and 20. With some time invested at home, kits can be completed around New Year’s. Additional evenings will be needed to varnish the shoes at the Conservation Department shop at 3173 Highway 13. For best results, a minimum of three to four of these evenings will be required to varnish the shoes properly. Registration and payment must be made by November 26 to the kits can be ordered. The $220 class fee includes the cost of a snowshoe kit, a binding set and varnish for each participant. To pre-register or for more details and options, call Chuck Ungs at 319-892-6485. Attendance at all three lacing sessions is highly recommended. Kit building typically requires the manual dexterity of someone high school age or older. Class size is limited. Kayak Practice – Pool time! As a place to practice for the open water season, a pool is a good substitute to the harsh conditions involved with boating in the winter. It also works well to refine skills under a controlled environ- ment rather than out on a river itself. This fall and winter, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation and Linn County Conservation are teaming up to invite you and to promote kayaking with pool time at Bender Pool in Cedar Rapids, located at 940 14th Ave SE. Drop in pool sessions for kayakers are being offered from 4:30-6:30 pm on November 18. Additional sessions will be held: December 2 & 16 January 13 & 27 February 24 The fee is $10 per person per time. Minimum age is 10 years and everyone will be required to be in swimwear and a life- jacket. A helmet is required for those practicing rolls. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Call Chuck at 319-892-6485 for more information.

*In case of inclement weather, the City of Cedar Rapids weather/events line is (319) 286-5700 – listen for the prompt on Bender Pool.

13 14 Board & Staff Conservation Board Hillary Hughes, President Steve Emerson, Vice President Cindy Burke, Secretary George Kanz, Member John Hanson, Member Linn Co Board of Supervisors Jim Houser, District 1 Stacey Walker, District 2 Ben Rogers, District 3 Brent Oleson, District 4 John Harris, District 5

Conservation Staff Dennis Goemaat, Executive Director PHOTO COURTESY Daniel Gibbins, Deputy Director OF DENNIS SCHLICHT Randy Burke, Planner Kurt Buckman, Project Coordinator Ryan Schlader, Community Outreach John Layton, Senior Account Clerk Mandy Bieber, Clerical Specialist Deanna Donovan, Senior Clerk Typist Conservation Education – Wickiup Hill Jenny Corbett, Lead Naturalist Gail Barels, Naturalist Chuck Ungs, Naturalist Center Point Depot listed Sarah Wendt, Naturalist Services on National Register of John Scott, Operations Manager Tom Oberbreckling, Construction Coordinator Historic Places David Kephart, Carpenter Chuck Bogard, Equipment Operator The historic train depot in Center Point, owned by Linn County Con- Mike Shoop, Equipment Operator servation, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Bill Perrin, Operations Technician The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission and the Center Tom Blythe, Mechanic Point Historical Society held a celebration in making the announce- North Cedar District Shaun Reilly, Resource Manager ment. The National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places Josh Fossum, Assistant Ranger is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and Gary Novotny, Resource Technician private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic Dawn Zimpfer, Resource Technician and archeological resources. This depot was acquired by Linn County Jared Van Hamme, Resource Technician Conservation in 1981 and has undergone two significant renovations. South Cedar District Jason Baumann, Resource Manager Built in 1914, the depot was a popular stop along the old Waterloo, Joe Reu, Assistant Ranger Cedar Falls and Northern (WCF&N) railroad with passenger service Chris Burian, Resource Technician until 1956. The rail line was abandoned in the 1970’s and eventually Landon Barnes, Resource Technician* developed into the Cedar Valley Wapsipinicon District Aaron Batchelder, Resource Manager Nature Trail. The building currently Steve Deaver, Assistant Ranger houses the Center Point Historical Nathan Allen, Resource Technician Society Museum, which is open Noah Krob, Resource Technician on Sundays 2-4pm through Natural Resources September 30. Dana Kellogg, Natural Resources Manager Andrew Huck, Conservation Ecologist Tony Nemmers, Natural Resources Specialist ÍÍÍÍ Josh Volz, Resource Technician *position shared with Natural Resources Teresa Scheeler, Center Point Historical Society; Dennis Goemaat, Linn County Conservation; Maura Pilcher, Linn County Historic Preservation Commission

Conservation Board Vision & Mission: To improve community through people, parks, trails & open space. To achieve this, we protect natural resources; promote health and wellness; strengthen safety and security; support economic development; increase environmental awareness; provide outdoor recreational experiences; foster human development; strengthen community image & sense of place. -- The Linn County Conservation Board intends to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and all other local, state and federal laws pertaining to equal treatment. If anyone believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability, they may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Linn County Conservation Board or the office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240 15 Linn County Conservation Nonprofit Organization 10260 Morris Hills Rd U.S.POSTAGE Toddville, Iowa 52341 PAID LINN Phone (319) 892-6450 Center Point, Iowa COUNTY Permit No. 4 CONseRvATION CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED