Upcoming MCCB spring events

The Oskaloosa Herald

OSKALOOSA April 04, 2008 01:47 pm

— Mahaska County Conservation Events
Nighttime Prairie Burn
Russell Wildlife Area
Saturday, April 5, 8 to 9 p.m.
If you think a prairie fire is impressive then you should see one at night. Come out to enjoy this incredible display of natural pyrotechnics. We’ll learn about prairie management techniques and how to safely conduct a burn on your own prairie or CRP acres. All ages welcome. Note: This program will be rescheduled if conditions are too wet or too windy to burn. Call ahead (641) 673-9327 or check www.mahaskaconservation.com if the weather is questionable.

Hunter Education Course
Russell Wildlife Area
This Hunter Education Course will run for three days: April 7, 8 and 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Mahaska County Conservation Center, Russell Wildlife Area, north of Oskaloosa.
Contact Mahaska County Recorders Office at (641) 673-8187
Student handbook must be picked up at Oskaloosa courthouse and homework completed before the day of the class.

Shed Antler Hunting
Oskaloosa Elementary School
Tuesday, April 15, 4 to 5 p.m.
Shed hunting is a great way to stretch your legs in springtime. We’ll learn why elk and other deer lose their antlers each year. Discover the secrets of where to look for them and compete for prizes in our antler hunting contest. Meet in the school cafeteria. This program is for children ages 5-12.

Brown Bag Wildflower Walk
White Oak Conservation Area
Wednesday, April 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring your lunch or a snack for a picnic in the park. Then join the naturalist for a leisurely walk in search of spring wildflowers. Take a right turn as you enter the park and meet at the playground picnic area. This program is for all ages.

Women’s Outdoor Recreation Day
Russell Wildlife Area
Saturday, April 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the MCCB for a “girls only” event. Learn about wilderness survival, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting, turkey calling, canoeing, bowfishing, and other outdoor skills. All events will involve hands-on training, without any of the guys looking over your shoulder. Pre-registration required by April 11. Download a registration form at www.mahaskaconservation.com. Cost: $20 This program is for women 13 years and older. Mothers and daughters are encouraged to attend together.
Sponsored by Mahaska Pheasants Forever, Mahaska County Izaak Walton League, Mahaska NWTF Fan Club, Bowfishing Association of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau, and the MCCB.

Spring Wildflower Hike
Cedar Bluffs State Preserve
Sunday, April 20, 2 to 3 p.m.
Join the MCCB Naturalist for a hike in the woods. We’ll search for spring beauties, trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches and many other wildflowers as we hike the trail up and down the steep sandstone canyons. We may even find morel mushrooms. This program is for all ages.

Lake Water Quality Testing
White Oak Conservation Area
Friday, April 25, 1 to 2 p.m.
Have you ever wondered just what’s in your local lake water? Is it OK to swim in? Should I eat the fish from the lake? What problems do our local waters have and where are they coming from? See first hand what the NRCS and the MCCB are doing to protect the water quality of White Oak Lake and learn how to test the waters in your own backyard. This program is for all ages.

North Skunk River Paddle
North Skunk River - Wagaman Mill to Robertson Access
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join us for a day on the North Skunk River. We’ll be paddling 10 miles through thick forests and under scenic bridges. Be sure to bring a lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen and your mushroom hunting sacks. We’ll meet at the take out point at Robertson Access (3 miles north of New Sharon) where we’ll ride a shuttle bus to the launch point at Wagaman Mill in Lynnville. Pre-register by calling the MCCB at (641) 673-9327. Cost $5 per person. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. All canoes must have at least two paddlers over age 12.

Snakes of Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah Campground
Saturday, May 3, 7 to 8 p.m.
Ever wonder why Lake Keomah has such huge snakes around the shore? Join us ‘round the campfire to learn all about these swimming serpents and why they are so aggressive. We’ll show you the proper techniques for catching and releasing these snakes safely. Remember this is the DNR’s free camping weekend, so you can stay overnight at the lake for free. All ages welcome.

Stewards of the Beautiful Land
Mahaska County Secondary Roads Office
Tuesday, May 13, 6 to 9 p.m.
Learn how to beautify and enhance parks, community entryways, roadsides, schools, backyards or farms by planting native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs. Participants will plant a prairie area and butterfly garden. Four classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. May 13, June 10, July 8 and Aug. 12.
You may register on-line at www.treesforever.org or by phone at 1-800-369-1269. The deadline for registration is May 15.