MCCB Events

The Oskaloosa Herald

OSKALOOSA May 02, 2008 09:49 am

— Snakes of Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah Campground
Saturday, May 3, 7 - 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. All ages welcome.

Stewards of the Beautiful Land
Mahaska County Secondary Roads Office
Tuesday, May 13, 6–9 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. on 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.

Iowa Prairie Network - Hawthorn Hikes
Hawthorn Lake
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Join the Iowa Prairie Network for prairie hikes at Hawthorn Wildlife Management Area, every third Thursday from May through September. While Hawthorn Lake may be well known for its fishing, the land surrounding the lake holds some of the best native prairie remnants in the area. Come check out what’s blooming each month. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the boat ramp parking area on the east side of the lake. For more information contact Pam White at (641) 673-3508.

River Clean Up
Des Moines River
Saturday, May 17, 1–5 p.m.
Join the Mahaska County Izaak Walton League for a day of hands–on conservation. We’ll meet at the MCCB’s Eveland Access on the Des Moines River and take boats up and down the river to pick up trash. Wear old clothes and work gloves. Bring your boat if you can. For more information, contact Bill Binns at 672-1965. This event is for adults and kids over 10.

Kid’s Fishing Derby
Russell Wildlife Area
Saturday, May 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Catch the big one and win a prize at the Russell Wildlife ponds. Bring your own pole or borrow one from the MCCB. Be sure to register in the nature center before heading down to the ponds. There will be prizes for everyone who enters. All ages welcome.

Ike’s Conservation Club: Frog Hunting
Oskaloosa Elementary School
Tuesday, May 20, 4–5 p.m.
The elementary school pond is full of bullfrogs, leopard frogs and American toads. Join the MCCB Naturalist for a wet and muddy after school adventure. Wear your mud boots or old shoes to catch some of these slimy critters. We may even capture salamander larvae and turtles. Bring your own net or borrow one of ours. Meet in the school cafeteria. This program is for children ages 5-12.

Sand Dune Snake Hunt
Eddyville Dunes Sand Prairie
Saturday, May 24, 4–5 p.m.
Join us at the Eddyville Dunes to explore one of Iowa’s most incredible areas of reptile diversity. Will comb the sandy hills and wetlands in search of bullsnakes, blue racers, hognose snakes, prairie ring-necked snakes and more.
Meet at the north parking area - it's just off of the new on-ramp to Highway 163 on the north side of Eddyville.

Campfire Program: Turtle Trapping
Eveland Access Campground
Saturday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join us ‘round the campfire for tales of turtle trapping. Come learn why the Des Moines River’s largest reptile is also the fiercest, easiest to catch and best tasting.