The New Park Ranger. Winter 2012 Cedar County Conservation Board Volume 24 Issue 2. By: Sarah Subbert

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The New Park Ranger. Winter 2012 Cedar County Conservation Board Volume 24 Issue 2. By: Sarah Subbert"

Theodore Patrick
5 years ago
Views:

Winter 2012 Cedar County Conservation Board Volume 24 Issue 2 The New Park Ranger By: Sarah Subbert Well he s not new to Cedar County and he s been working for the Cedar County Conservation Board for

Lukas Gottschalk was our Park Technician for several years and then he became our Park Ranger when Noah Krob took a position with Linn County Conservation Board.

As a Park Technician and now as a Park Ranger, Lukas has been roped into assisting with a variety of programs through the years.

1 Winter 2012 Cedar County Conservation Board Volume 24 Issue 2 The New Park Ranger By: Sarah Subbert Well he s not new to Cedar County and he s been working for the Cedar County Conservation Board for quite some time, but he did change positions! Lukas Gottschalk was our Park Technician for several years and then he became our Park Ranger when Noah Krob took a position with Linn County Conservation Board. That left the Park Technician position open, which Kris Slutts recently filled. As a Park Technician and now as a Park Ranger, Lukas has been roped into assisting with a variety of programs through the years. This past summer, Lukas taught kids how to nock an arrow during our kids day camp and he always helps with our fishing events. He even builds bird houses during the winter! Although the bird houses aren t as nice as what Harry Denny made, Lukas still does a fine job! As a Park Technician and as a Ranger, Lukas has done far more than just assist with programs! He helps maintain the parks, which has many facets - from people management (enforcing our park rules and regulations...) to land management (doing prescribed prairie burns...). Lukas job entails much more than that, but I only have a page to write this article! If you catch Lukas off duty, you might see him with his wife Teresa or his black lab Klyde. Lukas can also be found deer or turkey hunting or even fishing on the river.

2 Page Two Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Park Improvement Projects By Kris Slutts, Park Technician The extremely dry summer of 2012 allowed both our permanent and seasonal staff an opportunity to focus on a variety of projects. This summer more focus was placed on projects that are usually sidelined due to the constant need for mowing and trimming. Starting in March, Director, Mike Dauber, and I began a new chapter on the prairie at Bennett Park. Most that have seen the park will remember how dense, woody vegetation had taken over most of the westside of the park. Using the County skidloader with a brush mower attachment, we were able to slowly work into the thick areas and open up areas for prairie reconstruction to occur. With the help of the local Pheasants Forever Chapter, Leopold 1 and Leopold 2 prairie seed mixes were purchased from Ion Exchange to be planted behind the campground. These seed mixes contain diversity in plant species and with time, will create a beautiful scene for park visitors. Later in the summer Park Ranger, Lukas Gottschalk, and I, began to brush mow another section of woody vegetation by Shelter 2 in hopes of creating more prairie and allowing visitors a view of the pond while picnicking. In addition to the prairie work, repairs were made to the pit restrooms located near Shelter 1. New plywood was placed on the interior walls and the roof was also replaced. Visitors will also notice the new pole building style shelter located where the old Shelter 2 stood. This shelter was designed by Conservation Board member, Leon Steinhagen, and constructed by Custom Builders in Tipton. The new Shelter 2 is the first of our shelters to be constructed from steel and will most likely be a model of what materials our shelters will be constructed from in the future. While grading was occurring for Shelter 2, the excavating company was able to remove trees along the campground as well as the dam. This will allow us to better maintain the land and also allow visitors a view of the pond. Progress on projects can also be seen at Cedar Valley Park. The Secondary Roads department has replaced culverts located near the little campground as well as leveling rock for the new boat ramp parking lot. The pit restrooms located near the back quarry at Cedar Valley Park also received some much needed attention with a fresh coat of paint and a new roof to bring it back into service. These restrooms were damaged in the flood of Progress can also be seen at West Rochester Sandpit where we have cleared brush in the understory and have repainted and replaced damaged signs. Many of the kiosks in our parks were in need of attention. This summer we were able to make repairs, paint and roof most of those kiosks. With the lack of mowing, we were also able to make repair, add new boards, and paint over 20 picnic tables. These tables will be able to service the public for many more years to come. We hope citizens enjoy the projects discussed in this article as well as the projects that are planned for the future.

Page Four Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Who are you? Well that depends on WHO you are asking!

Ask an adult if they can take you to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: http://www.allaboutbirds.

Did you know that NOT all owls live in tree hollows? Some live in the ground!

5 to almost 10 inches tall) comes from their long legs.

If they do not make their own hole, they use one made by other critters like a burrow from a skunk or prairie dog.

from mammals and spread it inside and around their burrows.

3 Page Four Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Who are you? Well that depends on WHO you are asking! Kids Corner Did you know that NOT all owls hoot? The barn owl lets out a loud screeching noise. Ask an adult if they can take you to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website: to listen to some barn owl noises. You can even color the barn owl picture to the right (picture from Birdorable). Did you know that NOT all owls live in tree hollows? Some live in the ground! The burrowing owl is one type of owl that lives in the ground and it can even be found in Iowa! Most of their height (a whopping 7.5 to almost 10 inches tall) comes from their long legs. They use their legs to catch prey (bugs, mice, and small reptiles) and to dig out their homes. If they do not make their own hole, they use one made by other critters like a burrow from a skunk or prairie dog. One cool fact that I learned from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is that burrowing owls take the scat (that is what scientists call poop) from mammals and spread it inside and around their burrows. Bugs, such as dung beetles, like scat so they come near the burrows and then CHOMP!!! The owl gets a tasty meal. Seed pod owl from 2 little hooligans. Try using natural items to create your owl crafts. I colored two acorns and a buckeye with a permanent marker. You can even make a tree hollow for your owls from a toilet paper roll, some paper towels, and cereal boxes. The owls I made even fit inside the tree hollow! Burrowing owl from the Owl Facebook page. Cupcake from Almost Unschoolers. This tasty treat was made with a frosted cupcake, two Oreos, and three M & M s.

Page Three Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 What s coming up... Treasure Hunt Friday, December 28 11:00 am Tipton City Park - shelter across from aquatic center Aarrrgghh, ye scurvy dogs!

No worries mateys, all ages welcome and no experience necessary.

Poles and grubs will be provided and our staff will also drill the ice holes! If you get tired of fishing there will also be a few other activities. Program is weather dependant.

4 Page Three Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 What s coming up... Treasure Hunt Friday, December 28 11:00 am Tipton City Park - shelter across from aquatic center Aarrrgghh, ye scurvy dogs! Come join a true Pirate and find the buried treasure. Me landlubber hearties will be using fancy Global Positioning System (GPS) units instead of trusty maps! No worries mateys, all ages welcome and no experience necessary. Ice Fishing Saturday, January 5 - tentative 10:00 am - noon Bennett Park, shelter two Come join the CCCB staff for a morning full of fun and hopefully fish! Poles and grubs will be provided and our staff will also drill the ice holes! If you get tired of fishing there will also be a few other activities. Program is weather dependant. Call the morning of this program to make sure the event has not been rescheduled. You MUST pre-register for this event. Snowshoeing Saturday, January 19 11:00 am Bennett Park shelter two Come play in the snow as we explore the park on snowshoes! Dress appropriately. The snow date will be January 26th, same time and place, if there is bad weather the 19th. Call the morning of this program to make sure the event has not been rescheduled. You MUST pre-register for this event. Birds Monday, January 28 11:00 am Cedar County Conservation Board Office This adult only program is to introduce participants to the wonderful world of birds. We will discuss various bird topics such as how to attract birds, how to improve the habitat in your yard, and much more! Nature Tails Monday, January 14 - snow Wednesday, January 16 - luau Monday, February 11 - owls Wednesday, February 13 - hibernation Monday, March 18 - trees Wednesday, March 20 - frogs 10:00 11:00 am CCCB Office For ages two and up, this morning program will focus on introducing your toddlers to nature. A game, book, craft, snack, and other activities will teach your child about the wonders of nature in a fun, relaxed setting. Attend one or both days. Registration required. $1 per child, per program. Free Room and Board Thursday, February 7 6:00 pm Cedar County Conservation Board Office Need a new bird or bat house? Call the office to place your order by February first and our staff will build them for you. Or come to our shop Thursday night and learn how to build your own Wren house. Materials will be provided. Registration required. If you are going to build your own bird house, you must register for this program by January 18th. A $5.00 donation per house is requested. For more information call or us at cedarccb@iowatelecom.net. Please contact us if you have barn boards to donate to this program. Snowshoeing Friday, February 8 4:00 pm Tipton City Park - shelter across from aquatic center Have you ever gone snowshoeing before? Well now is the time to try! All ages welcome. We have snowshoes that will fit some preschooler all the way to adult sizes. We even have a set of snowshoes that will fit a size 15 shoe! Dress appropriately (if you have winter boots - please wear them). You MUST register for this event. For more information on these programs, contact the Cedar County Conservation Board Office at (563)

5 Page Five Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Conservation Board Members Chairperson Jean Driscoll.....Mechanicsville Vice-Chairman Dick Maske..West Branch Secretary Teresa Reed...Tipton Board Members Craig Jackson Tipton Leon Steinhagen.....New Liberty Conservation Staff Executive Director...Mike Dauber Park Ranger....Lukas Gottschalk Naturalist.....Sarah Subbert Park Technician...Kris Slutts Cedar Valley Visions is provided free of charge to anyone who requests to be on the mailing list. If you would like to receive your own copy, please call the conservation office at (563) or send your name and address to: Cedar County Conservation Board 400 Cedar Street, Courthouse or at cedarccb@iowatelecom.net Web site: If anyone believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap, he or she may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Cedar County Conservation Board or the Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C Official Entry Form 2013 Cedar Wild Photography Contest Each photograph must be accompanied by a separate entry form. Photocopies or NEATLY handwritten copies of this form (name to signature information) are acceptable. The CCCB reserves the right to place pictures in appropriate categories. You can submit your photos at any time, but the deadline is 4:30 pm on FEBRUARY 20. Categories (Please circle one): People in Nature Wild Animals Nature s Beauty Name: Age if under 18: Photo Location: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone: (optional): I have read and understand all the rules listed. I understand my entry may be posted on the CCCB website and will be on display in public places. I certify this photo was taken in Cedar County, Iowa. I understand that my print will NOT be returned unless it is accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope, or arrangements are made to pick up the print. Signature: Date: Rules: For more information, call the Cedar County Conservation Board at Photos must be taken in Cedar County, Iowa. On the back of the photo you must have: the location of where the photo was taken, your name, and phone number. Photos are due BY FEBRUARY 20!!!!! 2. Each photograph must be accompanied by a separate, completed entry form. Copies are acceptable. 3. No more than eight entries per category. 4. Photos must be between 5 x 7 inches up to 8 x 10 inches. 5. PLEASE frame your photo!! If you do not frame your photo, they will be placed on white foam board by our staff at NO charge to you. We are NOT asking you to professionally frame your photos! You can purchase a frame for a dollar at a dollar store or be creative and MAKE your own picture frame!! We need the pictures framed so we can place the frame in a plate holder to display your pictures in public areas, such as libraries. 6. Pictures will be returned if YOU provide us with a self-addressed, stamped envelope or the pictures may be picked up at our office after the photo judging if you do not wish for the public to view them. 7. Members and employees of the Cedar County Conservation Board (CCCB) and their immediate families will not be eligible for this contest. 8. Individuals whose main source of income is photography are not eligible for this contest. 9. The CCCB reserves the right to display photographs in public areas, our newsletter and website, and in local newspapers. 10. The CCCB reserves the right to make any and all decisions regarding interpretation of rules. 11. The CCCB reserves the right to place pictures in appropriate categories. 12. Previous winning entries are not eligible. 13. Any contestant is eligible to win only once in each category. Please send prints to: HAVE FUN!!!! Cedar County Conservation Board Attn: Sarah Subbert 400 Cedar Street

Winter 2012 Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Cedar County Conservation Board 400 Cedar Street, Courthouse Phone 563-886-6930 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No.

6 Winter 2012 Cedar Valley Visions Volume 24 Issue 2 Cedar County Conservation Board 400 Cedar Street, Courthouse Phone NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No TIPTON, IA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Free Room and Board Name: Address: Phone: Mark the following items you would like to receive: Bat house Wren house Bluebird house Bird feeder Wood duck house Kestrel house Yes, I would like to make a house myself and will be able to attend the Thursday, February 7th program. Please limit your request to no more than two per category and no more than six per family. Thank you. : ) Please send your order form to: Cedar County Conservation Board or call us and tell us your order: Attn: Sarah Subbert 400 Cedar Street, Courthouse or us your order at: cedarccb@iowatelecom.net Requested Donation Amount - $5 per house/feeder. (Please include donation with this order form.) Your Total =

Signs in the Snow. Newsletter Line Up. Conservation Center Hours. Monday-Friday 8:00 AM 4:30 PM. A publication of the Sac County Conservation Board

Signs in the Snow. Newsletter Line Up. Conservation Center Hours. Monday-Friday 8:00 AM 4:30 PM. A publication of the Sac County Conservation Board A publication of the Sac County Conservation Board To initiate awareness and foster stewardship of nature s rewards. Newsletter Line Up 2.Fact Files 2.Eyes to the Skies 3.Upcoming Events Signs in the Snow