(Click on the event for detailed information)

"Aliens" in Iowa
Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie's Edge Nature Center, Vernon Springs, IA

Have you heard about the aliens that have invaded Iowa and those on the brink of invasion? Aron Flickinger, Special Projects Forester for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will discuss the impacts garlic mustard is having on our native forest vegetation and management options that landowners have.

Aron will also let us know the status of the Emerald Ash Borer and if or when we will witness the invasion. Many invasive insects can be transported by firewood without really being aware of it. This allows invasive insects to move from continent to continent, and then from state to state faster than they could move on their own. This program is free and open to the public.

What Does the Future Hold?
Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie's Edge Nature Center, Vernon Springs, IA

Have you ever wondered what will happen to your land when you are no longer around to manage it as you see fit? Many landowners are faced with the dilemma of balancing the long term best interests of their land with their own most prudent financial interests. Darrel Mills, Blufflands Coordinator from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, will be here to discuss landowner options for the future of their land. Some of the options Darrel will discuss include keeping land privately owned while formalizing an existing conservation ethic through a permanent land protection agreement. This program is free and open to the public.

Spring Bird Hike
Sunday, May 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie's Edge Nature Center, Vernon Springs, IA

Enjoy an afternoon outdoors viewing migrating and nesting birds! Experienced birder, Dennis Carter, will lead us on the hike and help to identify the birds we encounter. Participants are asked to dress for the everchanging spring weather and to bring their binoculars. In case of inclement weather this program will still be held, but instead of going outdoors we will view our feathered friends that visit the feeders from inside. This program is free and open to the public.

Official Trail Dedication of the Wapsi-Great Western Line
Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Wapsi-Great Western Line Trailhead, Riceville, IA

Be a part of the official dedication of WGWL: The Interstate Trail Connector - Gateway to Iowa, Gateway to Minnesota!

Please check www.wgwltrail.com for the latest details of the event. Hope to see you there! Please check to see if there are any charges associated with this event.

Fishing Clinic & Derby
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vernon Springs Mill Pond, Vernon Springs, IA

Join the Howard County Conservation staff and volunteers at the VERNON SPRINGS MILL POND for The 7th Annual Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Derby! Watch for registration forms to be distributed to schools in May. Pre-registration is limited to the first 100 children who attend school in Howard County.

Prehistoric "Tools"
Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie's Edge Nature Center, Vernon Springs, IA

Join Merle Frommelt, Park Ranger at Effigy Mounds National Monument, as he presents a program on the “bone, stone, and stick” tools like hoes, diggers, points, blades, scrapers, drills and fire makers of the early Native Americans. Merle will share with us the ancient tools and demonstrate the drills, fire makers and the atlatl. There will be a charge of $1/person to attend this program.

Any comments, questions or suggestions? Just email us at howardccb@yahoo.com THANKS!

The Howard County Conservation Board in the provisions of services and facilities to the public does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or handicap. If anyone believes he or she has been subject to such discrimination, he or she may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Howard County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity, US Dept. of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.