Cerro Gordo County online

FALL FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

The Lime Creek Nature Center and Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board are hosting a Fall Festival on Sunday, September 12 at the nature center located just north of Mason City off Highway 65.  A variety of activities will be held throughout the day for the public to enjoy.

Activities include a morning bird walk, canoeing, air rifles, archery, trail tram rides, alternative energy tour, pond fishing for kids (equipment provided), geocaching with GPS, laser shot, reptile and amphibian presentation, seed harvest demo, scavenger hunt, craft activity, and monarch butterfly tagging.  An "on the spot" photo contest will be held until 1 p.m. - photos must be taken at Lime Creek on September 12 and will be printed during the celebration for judging (for more info on the contest call 641-423-5309).

A lunch of grilled burgers and brats will be served from 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.  A drawing for door prizes will be held at the end of the event at 3 p.m.

LCNC naturalist Todd Von Ehwegen said the event should appeal to people of all ages.  "Our goal was to provide a wide variety of recreational activities, so there is something for everyone who attends," he said.  "People can choose specific activities that appeal to them, or stay for the whole day and enjoy them all."

There is no cost to attend the celebration but registration is required.  Please call 641-423-5309 by Wednesday, September 8 to register or for more information.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

Sunrise - 1 p.m. "on the spot" photo contest

7:30 a.m. - bird walk

8 a.m. - canoeing Quarry Lake

9:00 a.m. - air rifle & archery shooting

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (ongoing) - craft activity, scavenger hunt, GPS activity

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (hourly) - trail tram rides

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - lunch (burgers & brats)

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - seed harvest demos

12:30 p.m. - Alternative Energy Tour

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - pond fishing for kid's (equipment provided)

1 p.m. - canoeing Quarry Lake

12 - 3 p.m. - "Laser Shot" hunting simulator

1 - 3 p.m. - monarch butterfly tagging

2:30 p.m. - reptiles and amphibians presentation

3 p.m. - door prize drawing

A NATURALIST'S TRIP TO ECUDOR AND

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

BY DR. STEPHEN DINSMORE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 7:00 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Ecudor is a country rich in biodiversity with more than 1500 species of birds and many other unique organisms.  Dr. Dinsmore will share his experiences from a two and a half week trip to Ecudor in 2008, including a week exploring the Galapagos Islands.  His talk will emphasize the more than 400 species of birds seen, and will also include observations of other wildlife.  Andean Condors high in the Andes, more than 20 species of hummingbirds, and nesting Galapagos Penguins and other seabirds in the Galapagos Islands were some of the many trip highlights.

LIME CREEK TRAIL RUN/WALK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 9:00 AM

LIME CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Enjoy a run or walk among the beautiful fall colors of the Lime Creek Nature Center trails.  This event is for everyone from those who enjoy competing against others to those who just want to take a leisurely stroll or jog for some great scenery and exercise.  Registration is required - please call 641-423-5309.  Entry fee is $15 which includes snacks and a T-shirt.

HALLOWEEN HIKE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 6:30-8:30 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

It's almost Halloween, and the woods at Lime Creek will come alive with all kinds of interesting creatures with environmental messages to tell.  Groups will be led by a trail guide, and refreshments will follow the hike.  Youngsters age 10 and under are invited to participate in a costume contest.  Registrations are required. Lime Creek Nature Center members only can make reservations beginning but not before Monday, October 18, at 8 a.m.  Non-members can make reservations beginning but not before Tuesday, October 19 at 8 a.m.  Cost is $3.00 per person.  Call 423-5309 to register.

FOR SENIORS ONLY

DEEP NATURE: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM IOWA

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 10 AM - NOON

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Guest speakers Linda and Robert Scarth will provide this presentation on their recently published book Deep Nature: Photographs from Iowa.  The Scarths have an incredible eye for that magic moment when small becomes beautiful.  Matched with patience and skill, their eye for magic produces dazzling images of Iowa nature up close.  Revealing the miniature beauties hidden among the patches of prairie, woodland, and wetland that remain in Iowa's sadly overdeveloped landscape, they have created a sparkling jewelbox of images that will make us look at the small world around us with renewed appreciation.  The program will be followed by a catered lunch and social time.  Cost is $5.00 for nature center members and $7.00 for nonmembers.  Please call 423-5309 by November 1st to register.

AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL

OH DEER!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 4:00-5:00 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

The whitetail deer is one of the most visible and charismatic species of wildlife in Iowa.  These amazing critters become highly visible in November during the peak of the rutting season.  Learn all about the life of the whitetail deer at this fun program designed for children accompanied by an adult.  A short presentation will be followed by a hike in search of deer signs, and a craft activity.  There is no charge for this program, but please call 423-5309 to register.

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURE

LAST STAND OF THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7:00 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Sit back and enjoy a scientific and historical overview of the natural workings of the Tallgrass Prairie, North America's most endangered ecosystem and the source of the soil that created America's breadbasket.  The surprising heroes for this important and imperiled ecosystem are modern-day ranchers following the lead of the Plains Indians, who used fire and grazing animals to maintain the prairie's ecological balance.

CHRISTMAS BREAK AT LIME CREEK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1:00-3:00 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

It's time to get the kids out of the house for some fresh air!  All ages are invited to join us for a snowshoe hike in search of wildlife signs, followed by an animal tracks activity in the nature center.  If there is no snow we'll take the hike without snowshoes.  There will be a warm fire burning and hot chocolate will be served!  There is no charge but registration is required - please call 423-5309.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

IOWA JUNIOR NATURALIST PROGRAM

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: TODD VON EHWEGEN, NATURALIST

Looking for something fun for the kids this summer? Then this is it! The Iowa Junior Naturalist Program is a great way to get children ages 6 - 12 involved in nature and their community. This unique program promotes awareness of the natural and cultural resources of Iowa through conservation programs.

Requirements to become a Junior Naturalist include attending three public programs conducted by state, county or local agencies, nature centers, libraries or any other programs aimed at nature. In addition, participants also complete two independent activities, such as reading a nature book, fishing, hunting, camping, or backpacking. Upon completion of the requirements, participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a colorful embroidered Iowa Junior Naturalist patch. Pick up an informational pamphlet and record sheet at the Lime Creek Nature Center, located just north of Mason City off Highway 65, or download the pamphlet at here (pdf). It’s time to get kids back outside to explore new places and learn all about the plants and animals in our area!

Please call 641-423-5309 for more information.