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News & Blog: News

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!

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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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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Pottawattamie County Conservation Looking for Public Input on Mt. Crescent Ski Area Development During Open House Events

Learn more about four-season development options at Mt. Crescent Ski Area and share your thoughts with Pottawattamie County Conservation.

9/26/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Mt. Crescent Ski Area, News

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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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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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Mt. Crescent Offers Free Ski & Snowboard Lessons in January

Get your ski legs and participate in a favorite winter pastime by taking advantage of free 1, 2, 3 Learn to Ski & Snowboard Lessons at Mt. Crescent later this month.

1/13/2023
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Events, Mt. Crescent Ski Area, News, Winter

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Mathiasen Family Fund Makes Bird Station Improvements

Special thanks to the Mathiasen family for their generous contributions to Hitchcock Nature Center over the years, including their recently donated bird feeders!

11/4/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Bird Watching, News

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Plan your next holiday gathering with Pottawattamie Conservation

Tis almost the season for family, friend, and co-worker gatherings at your favorite county parks!

10/24/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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Mt. Crescent prepares for ski season by expanding snowmaking pond

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

10/11/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Mt. Crescent Ski Area, News

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Explore your wild side at Mt. Crescent Ski Area this winter

Mt. Crescent Ski Area is set to open on December 17th. Snag your season pass for the lowest price of the season today!

10/3/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
News, Winter

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Mt. Crescent Ski Area Set to Open for 2022-23 Ski Season

Pottawattamie County is excited to announce the newly acquired Mt. Crescent Ski Area will be operational for the upcoming ski season with special benefits for county residents.

9/6/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Loess Hills, Mt. Crescent Ski Area, News

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Boy Scouts Troop 38 Installs Fencing at Arrowhead Park

Thank you to these troops for volunteering their time to improve our county parks.

8/19/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, News

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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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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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Dyke Family Donates Arrowhead Water Fountain in Memory of Jerry Dyke

A beloved father, sports fan, and outdoor enthusiast, today would have been Jerry Dyke’s 75th birthday.

5/23/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, 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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New Pedestrian Bridge Installed at Arrowhead Park

The bridge is set to be open for pedestrian use by early June.

5/4/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Arrowhead Park, News

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Level-Up Your Camping Skills with Intro to Backpacking

Learn the ins and outs of backpacking and put your skills to the test with a guided overnight adventure in the Loess Hills!

4/25/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Hiking, Hitchcock Nature Center, Loess Hills, 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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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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In the News: Walking the walk with nature lovers in the Loess Hills

Hitchcock Nature Center workshop evokes famed conservationists.

2/27/2022
Brent Weber, WOWT
Environmental Education, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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In the News: A love letter to devoted volunteers

Every volunteer has their own personal reasons for giving their time, and none of those include a desire to receive a love letter from me. Nonetheless, there are a few special someones in southwest Iowa that deserve a note of adoration. This valentine is for these kind-hearted folks mentioned, and also all the volunteers who are helping local nonprofits maximize the impact of their mission every day.

2/13/2022
Katie Fourney, Share Omaha
News, Volunteering

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We'd Like to Hear From You!

Share your thoughts about the county's acquisition of Mt. Crescent with us!

2/11/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
News

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Here are the Hitchcock T-Shirt Design Contest Winners!

5...4...3...2...1... It's time to announce the winners of our 2021 Hitchcock Nature Center T-Shirt Design Contest.

1/14/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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Pottawattamie County Conservation Board Appoints Kelly Dix, New Leadership Selected

The PCCB rang in 2022 with a new member and leadership.

1/14/2022
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
News

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Mt. Crescent Ski Area Transitions to Pottawattamie County

The transition of Mount Crescent Ski Area's ownership to Pottawattamie County was made official on December 30th, 2021. 

1/4/2022
Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors
News

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In the News: Pottawattamie Conservation looking for artists of all ages to create T-shirt design

Are you an artist? If so, the Pottawattamie Conservation and Hitchcock Nature Center need your help.

12/2/2021
Ashlee Coffey, The Omaha World-Herald
Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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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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In the News: New Improvements Made at Hitchcock Nature Center

Pottawattamie Conservation has recently made updates at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek to “enhance the visitor experience and protect the park’s rare Loess soil and ecosystems.”

10/26/2021
Emmalee Scheibe, The Daily Nonpareil
Hitchcock Nature Center, 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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In the News: Hitchcock Hawkwatch celebrates 30 years of tracking, protecting hawks and falcons

Volunteers started the organization in 1991

10/20/2021
Josh Gear, KETV NewsWatch 7
News

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HawkWatch Celebrates 30 Years of Raptor Conservation

The Hitchcock HawkWatch volunteer group has recorded the migration of hundreds of thousands of eagles, hawks, owls, vultures and falcons since 1991, and it’s time to celebrate their hard work!

10/5/2021
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Autumn, Bird Watching, Events, HawkWatch, Hitchcock Nature Center, News, Volunteering

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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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Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Invites Public to “Go Wild For Conservation” September 9th

Proceeds provide field trip scholarships for local schools.

9/3/2021
Kylie Jacott, Promotions & Outreach Coordinator
Events, News

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Pottawattamie Conservation Fees to Change March 1st

New entrance, camping, & membership fees will go into effect March 1st.

3/1/2021
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, News

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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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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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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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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

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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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Face Coverings Required in all County Owned Buildings

Per County Resolution 96-2020 face coverings are required for any person entering any county owned building which includes some facilities at your county parks.

11/17/2020
Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, News

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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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"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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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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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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Botna Bend Pancake Feed ... Social Distance Style!

Enjoy breakfast at Botna Bend Park with our annual Pancake Feed done Social Distance Style!

9/4/2020
Botna Bend Park, Events, Family Fun, News

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Help us Name our Cabins!

Our cabins need some great names & we need your help choosing them.

8/29/2020
Arrowhead Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, News

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Pottawattamie Conservation Statement on COVID-19

Pottawattamie Conservation and Pottawattamie County Public Health are working closely with federal, state, and local healthcare partners to plan for prevention and response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Public health efforts are focused on both containing the spread of the virus and mitigating its potential impact.

3/14/2020
News

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