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SPRING BREAK AT LIME CREEK

ALL ABOUT OWLS!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1-3 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of owls.  This program is for elementary age children accompanied by an adult.  It will include a presentation on these amazing birds of prey followed by various hands-on activities.  Registration is required by Monday, March 15 - please call 423-5309 to register or for more information.

FOR SENIORS ONLY - PROJECT AWARE!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 10 AM-NOON

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Project Aware enlists DNR employeees and volunteers who are dedicated to cleaning up waterways and who enjoy canoeing or kayaking.  Every year participants float a river for a week to pick up and haul away trash.  Project Aware was held in Mason City on the Winnebago River in 2008.  Learn all about this amazing program that over the past seven years has enlisted more than 1,200 participants to clean up nearly 500 miles of Iowa rivers!  The program will be followed by a catered lunch and social time.  Cost is $5.00 for nature center members and $7.00 for non-members.  Please call 423-5309 to register.

WALK THE DOG!

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 6 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Dog lovers unite!  Take a brisk evening walk with man's best friend.  You and your dog will enjoy early signs of spring in the Lime Creek woods.  All dogs must be non-aggressive, be on a 6-foot leash (maximum), and have proof of current rabies vaccination.  Please call 423-5309 to register for this program.

EARTH DAY EVENT

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 9 AM-NOON

MASON CITY

Roll up your sleeves and help us clean up Mason City streets, parks, and trails.  Your business, organizations, youth group, etc. may form a team, or you may come on your own or with your family.  Call 423-5724 to enter your team or family, and we will assign you an area to clean up.  A post clean-up rally will be held at East Park (Prairie Playground Area) from 10 am-Noon with prize drawings, kid's activities, and refreshments.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE PHEASANTS GONE?

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 7 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

It has been a brutal winter for Iowa's struggling pheasant population.  But issues more daunting than adverse weather are threatening the future of Iowa's number one game bird.  Guest speaker Todd Bogenshutz, upland biologist for the Iowa DNR, will discuss the downfall of pheasant and quail populations in Iowa, what factors most affect them and what it will take to bring those populations back.

AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL

GEOCACHING CHALLENGE!

MONDAY, MAY 10, 4-5:30 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Join us for a geocaching challenge at Lime Creek Nature Center.  This program is for children in third grade and up accompanied by an adult.  Participants will utilize handheld GPS units (provided) to find clues in the woods and complete a puzzle.  There is no charge for this program, but please call 423-5309 to register.

ONEOTA FLOW

MONDAY, MAY 17, 7 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Guest speaker David Faldet (Jones Professor of English, Luther College) will provide a presentation on his book Oneota Flow:  The Upper Iowa River & Its People.  Faldet will discuss the story of Upper Iowa River including it's geologic origin, the Native Americans who inhabited the region, the American colonists who settled there, and today's modern era and the importance of maintaining the river through stewardship of the biological communities that connect to it.

TINY TOT NATURE CAMP

JUNE 8-10, 9-10:15 AM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Children ages 4-6 will get to know the creatures of the pond, woods, and prairie through stories, crafts, and more!  Fee is $20 which includes a daily snack.  Sponsored by the Lime Creek Nature Center and Mason City Recreation Department.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  Registation required - call 421-3673.

INSECTIGATIONS!

JUNE 8-10, 10:30-11:45 AM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Insectigations!:  Children ages 7 & 8 will learn all about the fascinating world of bugs and their amazing behaviors at this hands-on camp.  Fee is $20 which includes a daily snack.  Sponsored by the Lime Creek Nature Center and Mason City Recreation Department.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  Registration required - call 421-3673.

DAY CAMP - THOSE AMAZING ANIMALS!

JUNE 21-25, 9-11:30 AM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Each day will focus on a different animal group.  Children entering the third and fourth grades will enjoy a variety of educational outdoor activities, and will be provided with a snack each day.  Cost for the camp is $15 per child for members of Lime Creek Nature Center, and $20 per child for non-members.  Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, June 3.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  Call 641-423-5309 to register or for more information.

DAY CAMP - OUTDOOR ADVENTURES!

JUNE 28-JULY 2, 9 AM-1 PM

LIME CREEK NATURE CENTER

Children entering the fifth and sixth grades will enjoy various outdoor activities and improve their outdoor skills.  Examples of activities planned include canoeing, fishing, backpacking, edible plants, and orienteering.  Lunch is provided each day.  The fee for the camp is $15 per participant for Lime Creek Nature Center members, and $20 per participant for non-members.  Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, June 10.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  To register, or for more information, call 641-423-5309.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVENTURES

JULY 20, 9 AM-1 PM

FLOATING & FISHING!

QUARRY LAKE-LIME CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Children entering 7th & 8th grade can enjoy a morning of canoeing and fishing on the Lime Creek Nature Center's scenic Quarry Lake.  All canoeing equipment will be provided; as will fishing equipment for those that need it.  The cost is $5.00 for members and $10 for non-members, which includes lunch.  Registration is required by Friday, July 16.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  Please call 423-5309 to register or for more information.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVENTURES

JULY 22, 9 AM-1 PM

BIKING & GPS CHALLENGE!

WILKINSON PIONEER PARK

Children entering 7th & 8th grade can enjoy a morning of biking and geocaching fun at Wilkinson Park.  Activities include a 6 mile bike ride along the Shellrock River Greenbelt; and a "treasure hunt" utilizing handheld GPS units (provided).  A lunch of campfire roasted hot dogs and s'mores will be provided.  The cost is $5.00 for members and $10 for non-members, which includes lunch.  Registration is required by Friday, July 16.  Space is limited so reserve your spot early!  Please call 423-5309 to register or for more information.

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.