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News & Blog: Conservation

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and blog entries from Pottawattamie Conservation! For even more news and updates, sign up for our e-Newsletter!

What's the Best Way to Welcome Spring? Get Moving Outdoors!

Learn about parks’ powerful role in public health in our series, “Healing Home.”

3/12/2024
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Healing Home, Health, Spring

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Volunteer Spotlight: Glenn Pollock, the Man In Plaid

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie County Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

3/8/2024
Dana Kruse, Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Conservation, Volunteering

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Signs of Spring: Turkey Vultures

Spring is in the air! One of the first signs that warmer weather and greener days are on the way? The return of the turkey vulture.

3/6/2024
Dorie Stone, Pottawattamie Conservation Volunteer & Nebraska Master Naturalist
Bird Watching, Conservation, Spring

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The History of the Hills at Mt. Crescent

Mt. Crescent’s history is one of people and their relationship with the land. Humans have directly shaped the biological communities, their systemic ecological drivers, and even the physical topography of these hills themselves since their formation.

2/12/2024
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Land Management, Mt. Crescent Ski Area

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Pottawattamie Conservation Now Hiring Summer Interns

We're looking to add some budding conservationists to our team this summer.

12/26/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, Land Management, News

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Valley of the Hawk

I learned a valuable lesson about humanity, hope, and stewardship from a Red-tailed Hawk, and think you can, too. Join me this holiday season in pushing the pause button and take a moment to reflect on how you interact with and appreciate the natural world around you.

11/29/2023
Dustin Clayton, Naturalist
Conservation, Environmental Education, Hitchcock Nature Center, Holidays

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Pottawattamie Conservation Receives $450,000 REAP Grant to Expand Hitchcock Nature Center

Pottawattamie County Conservation is proud to announce the receipt of $450,000 from Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program.

10/25/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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Bulldozed

10/13/2023
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Health, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center

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Potawattamie Conservation Rejoices Impact Created in First Year of Operating Mt. Crescent Ski Area

Pottawattamie County Conservation is celebrating what it called “an incredibly successful” first year of operating Mt. Crescent Ski Area.  

7/18/2023
Craig Carlsen, Public Relations Manager, Pottawattamie County
Conservation

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Volunteer Spotlight: Westy Inspires Visitors to Reconnect with Nature

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

7/13/2023
Westy Nelson, Pottawattamie Conservation Volunteer
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, Volunteering

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What Is It Wednesday: Sunfish

Learn a little more about the fun and feisty sunfish from our summer Environmental Education Intern, Joseph.

7/5/2023
Environmental Education Intern, Joseph Goltl
Conservation, Environmental Education, Native Animals

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Saving America One Invasive Species at a Time

For many of us, this time of year is for family vacations, poolside hangouts, backyard fun, and Fourth of July celebrations. For our Natural Areas Management team and interns, it marks the season for battling some of our area’s toughest invasive species.

6/29/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Land Management, Summer

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Volunteer Spotlight: Shawn Gives Back by Getting His Hands Dirty

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

6/5/2023
Dana Kruse, Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Conservation, Land Management, Volunteering

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What Is It Wednesday: Barn Swallow Nest

Learn how barn swallows construct their hearty mud nests and why they sparked the beginning of federal bird protections and conservation efforts in the U.S.

6/1/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Bird Watching, Conservation, Narrows River Park, Spring

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Randi Shares Her Experience As a Teacher Extern

We were so happy to host local Treynor educator Randi last summer for a teacher externship sponsored by STEM Iowa. Learn more about her experience:

5/24/2023
Randi Endriss, Talented and Gifted Instructor with Treynor Community School District
Conservation, Environmental Education, Land Management, Summer

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Do you doo(doo) your environmental doody?

Deer and other wildlife poop at your county parks and habitat areas, but your dog shouldn't. Here's why!

5/7/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, Health

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Help Us Welcome Cattle Grazers to Hitchcock Nature Center

Grazing...it's a mooood. We recently introduced local cattle grazers into Hitchcock Nature Center! Learn more about why these important workers are here from one of our Natural Resource Technicians, Aric.

4/18/2023
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Healing Home, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Spring

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Volunteer Spotlight: Francis Rolls Up His Sleeves for Conservation

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

4/12/2023
Dana Kruse, Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Conservation, Land Management, Loess Hills, Volunteering

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Camp with Pottawattamie Conservation this Spring

Itching to camp and explore the outdoors? Get familiar with Pottawattamie County park campground reopenings and construction updates for 2023.

4/10/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Family Fun, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, News

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Oh Dam, it's International Beaver Day!

Celebrate International Beaver Day by learning fun facts about this magnificent mammal with Pottawattamie Conservation's Environmental Education Coordinator, Amy.

4/7/2023
Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, Spring

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Farm Creek Improvements Support Local Wildlife, Benefit Hunters

Natural Resource Technician Jeremy shares how prairie restoration, edge feathering, and invasive species management are creating an oasis for wildlife and humans alike at Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area.

3/28/2023
Jeremy Yost, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Healing Home, Hunting, Land Management, Pheasants Forever

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Oppose Senate File 516 & Protect Public Land for Future Generations

Your voice is needed TODAY to oppose Iowa legislation that is intended to hurt conservation efforts and decrease public land access for future generations.

3/22/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Healing Home

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Pottawattamie Conservation Now Hiring Summer Interns & Park Aides

We're looking to add some budding conservationists to our team this summer!

1/31/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Environmental Education, Habitat Areas, Hitchcock Nature Center, Land Management, Narrows River Park, News, Our Staff, Summer

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Some New Year’s Resolutions You Haven’t Thought Of

Are you a little tired of making the same resolution year after year or feeling uninspired by changes you’d like to make? Join us below to learn how humans have been shaped by the New Year and consider a different type of resolution you can make for 2023 and beyond.

12/30/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Healing Home, Holidays

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Volunteer Spotlight: Monte Monitors Migration & More

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

12/28/2022
Dana Kruse, Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Conservation, HawkWatch, Volunteering

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Volunteer Spotlight: Supporting Raptor Conservation with Ann

Join us as we shine a light on Pottawattamie Conservation volunteers to thank them for their time and talents and recognize the difference they make in our community. Our volunteers ROCK!

12/28/2022
Dana Kruse, Volunteer & Facilities Coordinator
Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Volunteering

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Tips for a Meaningful Holiday Season: Saving Energy Around the House

Looking for ways to cut back this year, or simply interested in learning how you can make your holiday season more special for you or your family? Pottawattamie Conservation has your back.

12/5/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Healing Home, Holidays, Winter, Zero Waste

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Prairie High Tide

Iowa is speckled with tide pools of prairie. Pool to pool, reconnecting these stubborn droplets of prairie is one of the most important things the Pottawattamie Conservation Natural Areas Management department does. Learn why:

11/30/2022
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Healing Home, Hitchcock Nature Center, Our Staff

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Tips for a Meaningful Holiday Season: Gift-Giving

Looking for ways to cut back this year, or simply interested in learning how you can make your holiday season more special for you or your family? Pottawattamie Conservation has your back.

11/18/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Winter, Zero Waste

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Happy #BatWeek! Your Bat Questions, Answered

Celebrate Bat Week by learning something new about the often misunderstood and sometimes feared bat with our Environmental Educator Coordinator and in-house wildlife expert, Amy Campagna.

10/28/2022
Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation, Native Animals

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Don't Hate on Bees & Wasps

Bees and wasps just want to do their own sting—sometimes we just get in the way of their important work!

8/17/2022
Ashley Jonas, Environmental Education Intern
Conservation

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Join us for Go Wild for Conservation on 9/29!

Support conservation efforts in Pottawattamie County during the 19th Annual Go Wild For Conservation fundraiser and auction.

7/25/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Events, News

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Burning Bridges

Sometimes burning bridges is just what the land doctor ordered! Learn about the benefits that growing season prescribed fire can provide and how it helps manage invasive species like sweet clover.

7/5/2022
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Environmental Education, Land Management, Loess Hills

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Here are Iowa's Junior Duck Stamp winners

Conservation through the arts.

7/5/2022
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Conservation, Environmental Education

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Red, White, and Blue…And Sweet Clover

For many of us, this time of year is for family vacations, poolside hangouts, backyard fun, and Fourth of July celebrations. For our Natural Areas Management team and interns, it marks the season for battling one of our area’s toughest invasive species to manage: yellow and white sweet clover.

6/28/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Land Management, Summer

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What Are Oak Tatters?

This year oak leaves seem to be thriving, and it might be thanks to a rainy May.

6/2/2022
Jeremy Yost, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Land Management, Spring

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Don't Miss Free, Family-Friendly Loess Hills Prairie Seminar Coming Up June 3rd-5th!

Families are invited to explore, learn, and relax in the heart of the Loess Hills.

5/24/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Loess Hills, News

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Tri-Center High School Students Celebrate End of School Year By Planting Trees

Pottawattamie Conservation joined 30 students from Tri-Center High School in planting 14 trees on school grounds.

5/20/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, News

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Support Our Pollinator Friends at Butterflies & Beer on 5/17

Supporting native pollinators is more important than ever, which is why the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation is encouraging you to plant native plants like butterfly milkweed in your yards!

5/10/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, News

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In the News: Council Bluffs named Bee City USA for conservation efforts

Council Bluffs has joined more than 150 cities and towns across the country in being named a Bee City USA affiliate by the Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit organization.

5/5/2022
David Golbitz, The Daily Nonpareil
Conservation, Environmental Education, Native Plants, News

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Cattle: A Double-edged Sward…

We recently introduced local cattle grazers into Hitchcock Nature Center! Learn more about why these important workers are here from one of our Natural Resource Technicians, Aric.

4/20/2022
Aric Ping, Natural Resource Technician
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, Land Management, News

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Residential Tree Program for Iowa Residents Launches

Beautify your yard and save energy through this residential tree distribution. Trees retail for $75 or more, but Iowa residents can purchase them for just $25* each!

4/19/2022
Conservation, News

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April 23rd is Free Entry Fee Day at Pottawattamie Conservation Parks!

Celebrate Earth Day with Pottawattamie Conservation.

4/1/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Events, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, News, Volunteering

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What is a Land Ethic?

Join us for this year's "A Land Ethic Workshop" program series where you'll follow in the footsteps of praised conservationist and author Aldo Leopold and his "Land Ethic."

3/10/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Environmental Education, News

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Help Iowa DNR Track Frog and Toad Populations!

By joining the Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program you can be a citizen scientist and help the DNR monitor amphibian species across the state.

3/8/2022
Stephanie Shepherd, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Conservation, Environmental Education, Training

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Iowans: Your Private Property Rights Are Under Attack (Again) with SF 2312

History repeats itself as Senate File 2312 awaits debate.

3/7/2022
Jeff Franco, Deputy Director
Conservation, News

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Try These Eco-Friendly Habits In 2022

Here are some suggested sustainability actions for the New Year and beyond!

1/4/2022
Environmental Education Team
Conservation, Environmental Education, Zero Waste

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Giving Tuesday Donations Go 20% Further Thanks to the PCCF

Donations made to the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation through Share Omaha will be matched 20% by the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation.

11/29/2021
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, News

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In the News: First ever Bison Fest to be held at Botna Bend

To celebrate National Bison Day, Pottawattamie County Conservation will hold its first ever Bison Fest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Botna Bend Park in Hancock.

11/4/2021
Emmalee Scheibe, The Daily Nonpareil
Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Events, Family Fun, News

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That’s a Wrap! Road and Parking Construction is Complete at Hitchcock

Visitors to Hitchcock Nature Center now have additional parking options and can more safely navigate through the park, enhancing their experience and protecting the park’s rare Loess soil and ecosystems.

10/21/2021
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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Hunting’s Important Role in Conservation

Deer hunting has been practiced at Hitchcock Nature Center since 1991 and is an important conservation method. Read on to learn more about why building connections with hunters is important for preserving and managing land.

9/27/2021
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, Hunting, News

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Getting to Know Kathy Fiscus Our July Speaker

Get to know our July speaker, Kathy Fiscus & get ready for "Loess Hills & Scenic Byway Art" on July 8th!

6/28/2021
with Kathy Fiscus
Conservation, Environmental Education, Loess Hills, Speaker Series

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Join us for a Hitch Hike this Summer

Want to learn more about the trails at Hitchcock Nature Center? Join us for a Hitch Hike this summer & get the guided experience.

4/29/2021
Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Family Fun, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants, Summer

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Getting to Know Benjamin Vogt

Pottawattamie Conservation is excited to announce the next Speaker Series program this May 13th. This online program is held in partnership with the Council Bluffs Public Library & supported by a grant from Humanities Iowa, a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

4/27/2021
with Benjamin Vogt
Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Native Plants, Speaker Series

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Thank You Volunteers!

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week! A huge thanks to all our volunteers for everything you do.

4/23/2021
Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Environmental Education, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, Volunteering

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Litter Busters!

Learn the intrepid tale of the Dump Busters and continue the legacy by busting some litter at Hitchcock Nature Center for Earth Day!

4/16/2021
Rene Stroud, Naturalist
Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Family Fun, Green Thumbs, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Holidays, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants, Our Staff, Spring, Volunteering, Zero Waste

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Fauna Feature: Eastern Cottontail

Get to know the Eastern Cottontail, Iowa's native rabbit!

4/2/2021
Conservation, Environmental Education, Native Animals

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Get Outdoors on a Little Tike Hike this April

Spring has sprung so get outdoors & enjoy some time in nature at Hitchcock Nature Center & Botna Bend Park during this special, self-guided event designed for our youngest nature lovers.

3/25/2021
Rene Stroud, Naturalist and Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Family Fun, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Homeschool, Spring, Summer

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Get to Know: Bluegill

Learn more about Iowa's favorite sunfish, the bluegill!

3/11/2021
Conservation, Habitat Areas, Native Animals

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Building Better Birders Workshops Coming March 25th!

Interested in improving your birding skills, learning more about common bird species, or joining in on community science projects in your area? Check out Building Better Birders!

3/4/2021
Bird Watching, Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Family Fun, HawkWatch, Hiking, Native Animals

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Winter Days & Squirrel Dreys

2/26/2021
Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation, Land Management, Native Animals

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Monarchs, Apples & the Law

Thistles have an important part to play in the life of a monarch butterfly.

2/19/2021
Jeff Franco, Deputy Director
Conservation, Environmental Education, Habitat Areas, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants

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Nature Documentaries for Wintertime Viewing

Want to bring the beauty of nature indoors this winter? We can help!

2/19/2021
Conservation, Environmental Education, Family Fun, Homeschool

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Explore the Rhythm of Nature with A Land Ethic Workshop in 2021

Anyone with a passion for the great outdoors is in for a treat with A Land Ethic Workshop.

2/16/2021
Conservation, Environmental Education, Events, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants

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Winter Tree Identification: Part 1

Trees are easiest to identify by their leaves. So how do you identify a tree species in winter? We have the answer!

2/5/2021
Rene Stroud, Naturalist
Conservation, Family Fun, Hiking, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Plants

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2020 HawkWatch Season Report

Our 2020 HawkWatch season has wrapped up, find out what was flying in our season report.

1/15/2021
Earl Johnson, Hawk Counter
Autumn, Bird Watching, Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Board of Supervisors Appoints Mathiasen to Pottawattamie County Conservation Board

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board.

1/13/2021
Conservation, News, Our Staff

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What's on the Menu for Winter Wildlife

What do animals eat during the cold winter months? Find out what's on the menu!

1/8/2021
Conservation, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants

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Nature is More Awesome than a Video Game

No matter how great video games are they can't beat the great outdoors!

12/24/2020
Conservation, Family Fun, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants

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Bid Notice: Narrows River Park Boat Ramp Replacement & Flood Protection Project

Pottawattamie Conservation is accepting bids for a park improvement project at Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

12/18/2020
Jeff Franco, Deputy Director and Ryan Penney, Narrows River Park Ranger
Bid Notice, Conservation, Narrows River Park, News

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Following Coyote

Follow Rene as she spends a morning on the trail of a coyote.

12/18/2020
Rene Stroud, Naturalist
Conservation, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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November 2020 HawkWatch Report

Find out what was flying during our last full month of the 2020 HawkWatch season.

12/11/2020
Earl Johnson, Hawk Counter
Bird Watching, Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, News

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Nature Lover

Looking for some last minute gift ideas for the nature lover in your life?

12/7/2020
Bird Watching, Conservation, Hiking, Holidays, Native Animals, Native Plants

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Bid Notice: Hitchcock Nature Center Front Entrance and Parking Improvements

Pottawattamie Conservation is accepting bids for a park improvement project at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa.

12/4/2020
Jeff Franco, Deputy Director
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

Read More  

Hikin' With a Nature Nerd Kicks Off in January, 2021!

Get ready to explore the unexplored at your county parks & habitat areas in 2021.

12/3/2020
Conservation, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, News

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When a Tree Falls in the Woods

Take a walk with Naturalist Michelle Biodrowski & find out what actually happens when a tree falls in the woods.

11/25/2020
Conservation, Hiking, Land Management, Native Plants

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Fauna Feature: Wild Turkeys

How much do you know about the wild turkey?

11/19/2020
Environmental Education Staff
Autumn, Bird Watching, Conservation, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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October 2020 HawkWatch Report

Catch up with the Hitchcock HawkWatch during October & see what's flying past the tower.

11/16/2020
Earl Johnson, Hawk Counter
Bird Watching, Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, News

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Fauna Feature: Virginia Opossum

Opossums are North America's only marsupial. Learn more about these often misunderstood animals.

11/4/2020
Environmental Education Staff
Conservation, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Celebrate National Bat Week October 24th - 31st!

Get to know these amazing flying mammals as we kick off Bat Week 2020!

10/22/2020
Kristen Bieret, Sac County Conservation Naturalist
Autumn, Conservation, Homeschool, Native Animals

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"Bats of Iowa" with Lauren Darnold Coming November 12th!

Get to know our first speaker, Lauren Darnold, Education & Public Outreach Coordinator with Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. & get ready for "Bats of Iowa" on November 12th!

10/16/2020
Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Conservation, Events, Native Animals, News, Speaker Series

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Get to Know: Earl Johnson, Hawk Counter

Autumn at Hitchcock Nature Center brings the return of our Hitchcock HawkWatch team. This year we are welcoming back Earl Johnson as our lead HawkWatch Counter.

10/13/2020
Bird Watching, Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, Native Animals, News, Our Staff

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September 2020 HawkWatch Report

Catch up on the latest HawkWatch news with our September activity report.

10/8/2020
Earl Johnson, Hawk Counter
Autumn, Bird Watching, Conservation, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, Native Animals, News

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Enjoy a Virtual Fieldtrip!

Take a virtual field trip & explore biodiversity in the Loess Hills with Pottawattamie Conservation.

10/2/2020
Rene Stroud, Naturalist and Kate Simmons, Community Relations Coordinator
Conservation, Family Fun, Hitchcock Nature Center, Homeschool, Loess Hills

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Blackbird Marsh Experiences Fish Kill

A perfect storm of conditions leads to large fish kill event at Blackbird Marsh.

9/30/2020
Conservation, Land Management, News

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Fauna Feature: Little Wood-Satyr

These soft brown butterflies might not be the most showy insects but they have a beauty all their own, get to know the Little Wood-Satyr.

9/18/2020
Malena Brotherson, Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Hiking, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Go Wild For Conservation in 2020!

Join in the fun September 17th through October 1st & show your support for the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation & Pottawattamie Conservation.

9/14/2020
Conservation, Events, Land Management, Native Animals, Native Plants, News

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Plant Family Focus: Asteraceae

Get to know the Asteraceae family, the largest flowering plant family.

9/10/2020
Malena Brotherson & Kristen Yost, Environmental Education Interns
Conservation, Green Thumbs, Hiking, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Plants

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Milkweed & Monarchs

Milkweed is essential for monarch butterfly survival. Learn more about this amazing plant & ways you can help support monarch populations.

9/1/2020
Malena Brotherson, Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Green Thumbs, Homeschool, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals, Native Plants

Read More  

Busy Bumble Bees

Bumble Bees are a fuzzy friend on our summer flowers each year. Learn more about these social insects & ways you can help protect them.

8/27/2020
Kristen Yost, 2020 Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Cicada Summer

Cicadas provide the background music for summer days and nights but how much do you know about these unique insects?

8/18/2020
Kristen Yost, 2020 Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Flora Feature: Ironweed

Pretty in purple, Ironweed is a common late summer flower in southwest Iowa.

8/13/2020
Kristen Yost, 2020 Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Green Thumbs, Hiking, Land Management, Loess Hills, Native Plants

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Head Outdoors for a Birding Scavenger Hunt

Head outdoors on your own birding scavenger hunt, perfect for some weekend fun.

7/28/2020
Kristen Yost, 2020 Environmental Education Intern
Arrowhead Park, Bird Watching, Botna Bend Park, Conservation, Family Fun, Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Homeschool, Loess Hills, Narrows River Park, Native Animals

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Turtles of Iowa

7/7/2020
Kristen Yost, 2020 Environmental Education Intern
Conservation, Homeschool, Loess Hills, Native Animals

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Trail Maintenance with the Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol

UPDATE 5/19/2020 LHNSP personnel & Hitchcock Nature Center staff have made the decision to cancel our Third Annual Trails Day event originally scheduled for May 30th. We hope to bring you another volunteer work day in the future. Thank you for your support.

5/1/2020
Conservation, Events, Hitchcock Nature Center, Land Management, Loess Hills, Volunteering

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Beautiful Spring Bloodroot

4/16/2020
Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation, Hiking, Loess Hills, Native Plants

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Environmental Education at Home

4/10/2020
Rene Stroud, Naturalist and Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator
Conservation, Family Fun, Homeschool

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Get to Know: Amy Campagna, Environmental Education Coordinator

We are delighted to announce that our Environmental Education team is growing! We would like to welcome our new teammate, Amy Campagna, & introduce you to this terrific educator. Amy will be taking on the daunting task of assisting our Naturalists in presenting educational programming as well as assisting in program development, overseeing the department schedules, and so much more. We are so excited to have her on board and look forward to all the experience she brings with her.

10/30/2019
Our Staff, Conservation

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The Fiery Hues of the Prairie Grasses in Autumn

I don’t think enough people give our native grasses the fame they deserve.

10/30/2019
Native Plants, Autumn, Conservation

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Get to Know: Erin Scott, Hawk Counter

It is autumn again at Hitchcock Nature Center & while that may mean slowing down for other parks in our area it means a whole new flurry of activity for our staff & guests with the return of the Hitchcock HawkWatch. Each year from September 1st through the end of December our observation tower is staffed daily by a team of volunteer raptor enthusiasts, the HawkWatchers, headed by their fearless leader, the seasonal Hawk Counter.  This team spends the fall scanning the skies of the Missouri River Valley spotting and cataloging migrating raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. 

10/10/2019
HawkWatch, Bird Watching, Hitchcock Nature Center, Our Staff, Native Animals, Conservation, Autumn

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Nesting Owls & Barn Owl Restoration with Bruce Ehresman

Join us for the September installment of the 2019 Speaker Series on Saturday, October 12th at Hitchcock Nature Center as we welcome Bruce Ehresman, recently retired avian ecologist for the Iowa Dept. or Natural Resources Wildlife Diversity Program as he discusses owl conservation programs. Participants will get an up-close look at a live screech owl during this informative presentation.  This event is free with park admission or an annual membership & it is open to anyone age 14 & over. 

9/25/2019
Speaker Series, Hitchcock Nature Center, Conservation, Native Animals

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Join us for the September installment of the 2019 Speaker Series on Saturday, August 10th at Hitchcock Nature Center as we welcome Jennifer Hopwood, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Jennifer will be sharing information about the amazing monarch butterfly, its epic migration & current efforts to support & conserve this fascinating insect.  This event is free with park admission or an annual membership & it is open to anyone age 14 & over. 

8/31/2019
Conservation, Hitchcock Nature Center, Speaker Series

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Go Wild for Conservation On September 12th!

The Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation is a part of nearly everything we do at your county parks. From funding free & low cost public programming, to supporting park improvements, to assisting with land acquisition this non-profit organization makes it possible for us to continue offering amazing experiences to all of our park visitors. Each year this amazing organization holds a terrific fundraiser to raise funds to continue this important mission. Attendees enjoy a beer tasting along with a live & silent auction during this fun evening.

8/30/2019
Conservation, Events

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Discover "Sacred Seed: an Indigenous Heirloom Seed Journey" with Taylor Keen at Hitchcock Nature Center

Join us for the fourth installment of the 2019 Speaker Series on Saturday, August 10th at Hitchcock Nature Center as we welcome Taylor Keen founder of Sacred Seed, a project with the goal of preserving Native American heritage & history through collecting, growing, & spreading the seeds of corn & other traditional Native American foods. Taylor will be sharing his personal story of reuniting with his tribal roots & reconnecting with the 4 Sisters (corn, beans, squash, & sunflower). The ensuing journey has connections to an ancient & deep cosmology & history of how Indigenous corn was appropriated into commercial use & is now being revived by tribal seed keepers.  This event is free with park admission or an annual membership & it is open to anyone age 14 & over.

8/2/2019
Speaker Series, Hitchcock Nature Center, Conservation, Native Plants

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Experience Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet with Jean Eells at Hitchcock Nature Center

Join Pottawattamie County Conservation in welcoming Jean Eells Ph.D., founder of the eResource Group for her interesting & informative presentation "Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet" coming up on July 13th at 4:00 p.m. at Hitchcock Nature Center. This event is free with park admission or an annual membership & it is open to anyone age 14 & over.  

7/10/2019
Speaker Series, Hitchcock Nature Center, Conservation, Green Thumbs

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Loess Hills Cooperative Burn Week 2019

This spring 81 participants from 34 agencies and organizations took part in the Loess Hills Cooperative Burn Week April 29th - May 3rd.

6/19/2019
Our Staff, Land Management, Conservation, Loess Hills

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Discover Prairies, People, & Place with Doug Ladd at Hitchcock Nature Center

Join Pottawattamie County Conservation in welcoming Doug Ladd, recently retired Director of Conservation Science for the Missouri Chapter of The Nature Conservancy as he discusses the hows & whys of our prairie heritage during “Prairies, People, & Place” coming up on June 8th at 4:00 p.m. at Hitchcock Nature Center. This event is free with park admission or an annual membership & it is open to anyone age 14 & over.  

5/16/2019
Speaker Series, Hitchcock Nature Center, Native Plants, Conservation

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Become a Nature MVP During our Earth Day Championship

Join us at Hitchcock Nature Center on Saturday, April 20th at 9:00 a.m. for a unique volunteer project.  This fun, all ages event combines learning, volunteering, & competition all in one terrific package.

3/27/2019
Hitchcock Nature Center, Volunteering, Events, Conservation

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Book Review: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

I read and re-read Douglas Tallamy’s book “Bringing Nature Home: How you can sustain wildlife with native plants” the updated and expanded version. This book covers the importance of native plants in the ecosystem and how they are foundational for sustaining our wildlife populations in natural areas and the ever spreading suburbia. Doug covers everything from “what is a native plant” to giving us practical advice on how to re-incorporate native plants into your property’s landscape.

3/8/2019
Native Plants, Book Reviews, Conservation, Green Thumbs

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PUBLIC CALL TO ACTION: Oppose HF 542 & SSB 1221

Rarely does Pottawattamie County Conservation wade so deeply into the political sphere. However, at this time we feel we have no choice. We need your help. This is a public call to action.

3/1/2019
Conservation

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Get to Know: Michelle Biodrowski, Naturalist

Pottawattamie County Conservation is excited to introduce you to the newest member of our Environmental Education Department, Michelle Biodrowski. Michelle is taking on the title of Naturalist for our county and will not only be assisting with all types of different programs she will also be designing & creating new adult education opportunities for area residents. Get to know the newest member of the team and make sure to say hello the next time you see her at one of your county parks.

10/31/2018
Our Staff, Native Animals, Conservation

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Get to Know: Bethany Thornton, Hawk Counter

Every autumn the observation tower at Hitchcock Nature Center becomes a hub of activity with the return of our annual HawkWatch. This seasonal project begins September 1st & continues through the week of the Christmas Holiday and is an amazing research project that we are proud to be a part of.  During the HawkWatch a team comprised of volunteers and a seasonal full time supervisor scan the skies of the Missouri River Valley spotting and cataloging migrating raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls.

9/28/2018
HawkWatch, Bird Watching, Hitchcock Nature Center, Our Staff, Native Animals, Conservation

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Love the Land During our Introduction to Land Management Program

Do you have a passion for conservation and a desire to learn more about sustainable land management practices & conservation? Well we have a great program for you! All members of the public including students of all ages, land owners, conservation enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone interested in learning responsible land management practices are invited to join us at Hitchcock Nature Center for our 2018 Introduction to Land Management program. All experience levels are encouraged to attend this 6 session programming series.

5/24/2018
Hitchcock Nature Center, Events, Conservation, Land Management, Training

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Exploring the World of Zero Waste Living

Americans throw away about 251 million tons of garbage a year. This means the average household is throwing away about 1,600 pounds of garbage. That number might seem pretty daunting. It adds up to about 4 pounds of garbage a day. So what can we do to help cut out the rubbish?

3/28/2018
Kristen Bieret, PCC Naturalist
Conservation, Zero Waste

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Citizen Science & Volunteering Combine at Hitchcock Nature Center

The oak tree is a symbol as much as it is a tree. Dotting the landscape of the Midwest, oak trees have been a common sight since before European settlement. But a newly recognized disease has taken aim at these mighty trees and we want to know why. 

1/30/2018
Native Plants, Hitchcock Nature Center, Volunteering, Conservation, Events, Training

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