Fayette County Conservation Board

Hunter Education Safety Class

2012-02-14T15:28:00.002-06:00

Gilbertson Nature Center
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
and
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Participants must Pre-Register by March 16, 2012 to be able to participate in the class.

Hunter Safety Education Class is required according to Iowa law; any one born after January 1, 1972 is required to complete and pass a Hunter Education Safety Class to be able to purchase an Iowa Hunting License. This certification will also meet the requirements of other states.

Participants must be a minimum of 11 years of age.

This is a Regular Classroom Hunter Education Safety Class NOT an Internet Field Test.

Attendance is required for each of the full two days!

To pre-register or for more information call Dawn at the Gilbertson Nature Center at 563-426-5740 or e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net. If the answering machine answers please leave the first and last name(s) of the person(s) who what to be in the class, phone number for contacting them so I can confirm they are signed up and to make arrangement on how the student can get a study guide to do the required chapter reviews for the first day of class.

Board Meeting and Board Member Changes

2012-02-06T16:13:00.003-06:00

2012 marks changes in the Fayette County Conservation Board.

Frank Olson, West Union retired from the board at the end of his term. We thank Frank for his years of service to the Fayette County Conservation Board.

Deb Dessel, West Union has been appointed as the Fayette County Conservation Board new Board Member. We welcome Deb to our Board and look forward to her being part of the Fayette County Conservation Board.

Board Meeting Day and Time change.

The Fayette County Conservation Board voted at the February Meeting to move the regular board meetings from the First Wednesday of the Month to the Second Tuesday of the Month. The meetings will still be held at 7 PM and at the Wildwood Nature Center.

The Fayette County Conservation Board regular monthly board meetings will now be held on the Second Tuesday of the Month at 7 PM at the Wildwood Nature Center.

Fayette County Conservation Boards 2012 Camping Season Fee's

2012-01-17T13:34:00.001-06:00

Season Passes for 2012
$350.00 for the 2012 Camping Season

Camping Season Coupon Book 2012
$150.00 for 11 nights of camping for the 2012 Camping Season

Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
Gouldsburg Park
$15.00/night with electricity
$10.00/night without electricity
$10.00/night Equestrian Camping at Gilbertson

Dutton’s Cave Park
$8.00/night with electricity
$5.00/night without electricity

Goeken Park
Twin Bridges Park
Echo Valley State Park
$5.00/night

Whitetail: Treasure, Trophy or Trouble? - A History of Deer in Iowa

2012-01-05T09:21:00.000-06:00

Photo By: Dawn L. Amundson

Oelwein Public Library

Thursday, January 12, 6:30 PM

Hunters, farmers, homeowners, motorists, and wildlife watchers each may have their own opinions of deer – but it’s no exaggeration to say that Iowa’s prolific deer herd affects nearly every person in the state.

Larry A. Stone of Elkader, author of Whitetail: Treasure, Trophy or Trouble? – A History of Deer in Iowa, will speak at the Oelwein Library at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 12. Stone worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on the deer history project.

Stone’s program, which is adapted from the book, traces the fascinating saga of an animal that had nearly vanished a century ago, but whose population has exploded in recent years. It’s a testimony to the incredible adaptability of deer, as well as to a century of conservation and restoration efforts – and the challenges of managing a prolific herd.

It’s a story with broad appeal to anyone interested in Iowa’s outdoors. The program includes striking photos by Larry and premier wildlife photographer Roger Hill, of Roland, IA. The program lasts about 40 minutes, and will be followed by an open discussion and questions.

The event is sponsored by Humanities Iowa.

For details, call 563-245-1517 or 319-283-1515

Family Snow Fun

2011-12-20T09:42:00.001-06:00

Cross-country Skiing Clinics and / or Sledding

The Fayette County Conservation Board will be offering some snow fun at several locations this year. Sledding fun and / or Cross-country Skiing are being offered at different locations.

For locations where there will be sledding fun please bring your own sled and try the slopes. Participants are asked to pre-register for one or both of the sledding times.

For the Cross-country Skiing participants will learn about cross-country ski equipment, helpful recovery techniques and the kick and glide method. Participants can either use the FCCB’s equipment for a $1.00 fee or bring their own equipment. Approximately 35 people can use FCCB equipment per clinic. Participants must pre-register in order to participate in the clinic(s) of their choice. The following information is required about each person participating: which season(s) you would like to participate in, First and Last Name, Contact Phone Number and Shoe Size (please indicate men's, women's, or children's).

Please call the Gilbertson Nature Center for more information or to pre-register at 563-426-5740 or e-mail gncfccb@alpinecom.net for the Sledding and / or Cross-country Skiing Clinics.

DATES, TIMES and LOCATIONS:

Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Wings Park Elementary School, Oelwein, Iowa
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Gilbertson Nature Center, Elgin, Iowa
10:00 AM – Noon
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Cross-country Skiing Clinics and Sledding
Saturday, February 18, 2012
West Union Elementary School, West Union, Iowa
10:00 AM – Noon

Fayette County Conservation Board is also doing programs with

Clayton County Conservation Board

Snowfest

Clayton County Conservation Board

Osborn Nature Center
Saturday, January 28, 2012
10 am - Noon
1 - 3 PM

Reservations Required call 563-245-1516 or e-mail cccb@alpinecom.net
Equipment Fee: $1 per Clinic
Learn how to cross-country ski, snowshoe or try our sledding hill

Celebrate Recycling and Composting

2011-12-02T10:57:00.001-06:00

Come celebrate Recycling and/or Composting by hosting a recycling and/or composting program or programs. These program or programs can be presented to any youth group, organization, family, classroom, school, and more. This is only a partial listing of programs available. If you do not see one that quiet fits your groups needs an existing program can be changed or modified or a new one created. Thank you for taking time to read this list, the Fayette County Conservation Board (FCCB) staff looks forward to hearing from you.

All videos can be checked out by teachers or group leaders and used without having any program presented.

If you have question, would like to check out a video or set up program(s) contact: Dawn L. Amundson, Environmental Education Coordinator, Gilbertson Nature Center, 22850 A Ave, Elgin, Iowa 52141, 563-426-5740, gncfccb@alpinecom.net

Bucket Composting
30 min. - 1 hr. = Preschool-Up.
Participants will learn what materials can be composted and how to compost them properly. Some of the participant’s will help make a composting bucket that will stay in the classroom (if the teacher wants it). This bucket will let participants see first hand how composting works.

Elliott Mess and The Case of the Household Hazardous Wastes
12:41 min. Video = 6th Grade-Up
This video explores household hazardous waste “suspects” lurking in Iowa homes and the environmental damaging results of their improper disposal.

Elliott Mess and The Case of the Household Hazardous Wastes Program
30-45 min. = 6th Grade-Up
This program includes the “Elliott Mess and The Case of the Household Hazardous Wastes” video. The presenter will talk to the participants about the video and help them discover how they can help their families be more responsible in managing their house hold hazardous materials.

Home Composting Turning Your Spoils into Soil
17:30 min. Video
This video talks about how easy it is to transform your yard and food waste into soil enriching compost. Participants will learn how to make “hot” piles, mulch with compost, trouble shoot problems, how to build a low cost bin and more.

Home Composting Turning Your Spoils into Soil Program
30 - 45 min.
This program includes “Home Composting Turning Your Spoils into Soil” video. The presenter will talk to the participants about the video, answer any questions, show them first hand what finished compost looks like and more. {This program can be done alone or along with one or more of the other composting programs available as a pre program and/or a post program.}

Home Made Paper - Recycled Paper– "Slurry Time"
45 min. - 1 hr. = Preschool-Up
Participants will learn first hand the fundamentals of how old paper is made into new paper. They will make their own piece of recycled paper to take home. The program covers the shredding, pulping, pressing and drying procedures that produce new paper from old. Participants will also learn some fun facts about recycled paper. (Time needed will depend on the size of the group.)

Home Trash Survey
3rd Grade-Up
This can be done as a follow up or before a “Recycling Up Date” or composting program. It can be talked about by the teacher or the presenter at another program.

Home Trash Survey Program
45 min. - 1 hr. = 3rd Grade-Up
The students will do the “Home Trash Survey” at home and bring their results in before the program. The overall results will be talked about. Participants will look at what good things are being done in their homes currently to reduce waste and even more things they could easily do to help reduce their waste even more.

Less Means More . . . For the Future
17:07 min. = Adults
This video illustrates waste reduction accomplishments of Iowa companies, and reviews the pollution prevention principles and free professional services promoted by both the Waste Reduction Assistance Program and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center. It will help your business or industry start to think about creating a waste and toxic waste reduction program and more.

Less Means More . . . For the Future Program
30 min.-1 hr. = Adults
This program will include the “Less Means More . . . For the Future” Video and help from the presenter with setting up and implementing a waste reduction program with your business or industry.

Recycle Rachel
8:20 min. = 6th-12th Grade
This video takes the waste reduction and recycling theme into the everyday life of an Iowa teenager. This upbeat video demonstrates the power one person can have on our environment.

Recycle Rachel Program
30 min.-1 hr. = 6th-12th Grade
This program will include the “Recycle Rachel” video. The presenter will talk to participants about the video, about what materials can be recycled in Fayette County and more.

Recycling Goes to the Bird's
30 min.-1 hr. = Preschool-Up
Participants will discover how using their imagination can help them make bird feeders from everyday recyclable items found around their home. They will also find out what birds might eat from their homemade feeders.

Recycling Up Date
30-45 min. = Preschool-Up
Participants will learn what materials can be recycled in Fayette County and how they need to be prepared to be acceptable at Fayette County recycling. Participants will also discover some of the many different products that are produced out of recycled materials.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
9:12 min. = Post secondary audiences
This video looks at practical and simple methods of reducing and recycling waste. It also encourages consumers to “close the loop” by purchasing products and packaging made with recycled materials.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Program
30 min.-1 hr. = Post secondary audiences
This program includes the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” video. The presenter will talk to the participants about the video, simple things they can do to reduce and recycle their waste and ways to “close the loop.”

Sarah’s Tree
10:47 min. = Kindergarten-5th Grade
This video looks at where garbage goes and what it mean’s to throw something away and introduces the concepts of recycling.

Sarah’s Tree Program
30-45 min. = Kindergarten-5th Grade
This program will include the “Sarah’s Tree” video. The presenter will talk to the participants about the video and help them discover why reducing their waste is important. They will also discover how simple it is to recycle materials in Fayette County.

Worm Composting
30 min.-1 hr. = 3rd Grade-Up
Participants will learn about red wiggler worms and what types of waste they eat. They will get to make or see a worm composting bin. Then if the teacher would like, the worm bin can stay in the classroom and the participants can watch the worms go to work composting food waste. Participants will also learn what they can do with the finished composted materials from the worm bin.

Worm Composting Column
30 min.-1 hr. = Kindergarten-Up
Participants will learn about red wiggler worms and what types of waste they eat. They will get to make or see a worm composting column. Then if the teacher would like, the worm column(s) can stay in the classroom and the participant can watch the worms go to work composting food waste. Participants will also learn what they can do with their finished composted materials from the worm bin.

Wormania!
26:10 min. = 8 Years-Up
This video features close up scenes of live earthworms in their natural habitat. See a night crawler drag a leaf, the rhythmic beating of a worms five pairs of hearts, a baby worm hatching, worms at work composting, and more.

Wormania! Program
1 hr. = 8 Years-Up
This program win include the “Wormania!” video. The presenter will talk to the participants about the video and then help them put together either a worm composting habitat(s) or a worm watching habitat that they can take care of and watch worms at work first hand in their classroom.

Fall Frenzy!

2011-11-23T11:30:00.001-06:00

With harvest season winding down to an end farmers are busy getting fields ready for next year’s planting.

Yard owners are doing final fall clean ups and more to ready their yards for winter time.

Others are busy getting their homes and more ready for the snow to fly.

Mean while all around us nature has been preparing for winter too.

As fall progresses into winter the natural world around us slowly changes, though many do not notice the change as they busily go though their own daily lives.

I notice and I marvel at how nature gets ready for winter.

Many birds spent the fall weeks eating and gaining weight so they could migrate south for the winter. Song birds like Robins, Orioles, Blue Birds and more are now down where it is warmer and they have food to eat all winter long. Some people even go south for winter time too. Other song bird come to Iowa for winter like Junco’s and more they do not mind our milder winter for they live farther North where winter is often colder and longer.

Other birds that say here have gained lots of downy warm feathers and some weight as they prepare to eat a lot and shiver though the day, then sleep a special torpor type sleep at night so they can survive winter. Many people will help our feather friends by placing bird feeders out and open water for them to drink making it a little easier for them to survive winter. Though nature has lots of food for them to eat in the wild it is always helpful to lend a hand to a wild neighbor. It is also fun to watch the different birds that visits bird feeders placed them.

If you look closely you will notice the insects and spiders are gone outside. Most have died leaving behind eggs that will hatch in the spring or some hatch in the fall and will survive as babies all winter long. Some will winter over as nymphs (baby insects) under ground or in the water. Some will winter over as cocoons that will emerge as adults in the spring. One insect has migrated south; the Monarch Butterfly is the only migrating insect in the U.S.A. It is amazing to think they fly all the way to Mexico to rainforest areas to survive winter.

Other animals are missing too, like snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, toads, and salamanders. They have all gone into a deep sleep for winter call Hibernation. In this state they will hardly breathe their heart hardly beats and they do not move. They slowly live off the weight they gained all summer and into fall. They will emerge in spring thinner and hungry when spring warm temperatures wake them up from their deep underground or even underwater / underground sleeping place.

Some mammals are missing too like the Bat they have migrated to caves in Southern Iowa and are now Hibernating. Groundhogs / Woodchuck’s are also deep into a hibernating state to survive winter.

Other mammals say active all winter long with the exception of extreme cold days or nights then they take a special winter nap. They are called winter sleepers for they grow fat, furry and stay active though most of the winter time. Raccoons, Opossums, Coyote, Fox, Skunk, White-trail Deer and more sleep a special winter sleep on nights that are “nasty” but are very actively out looking for food on nice winter nights. Have you ever seen tracks and then a whole where it looked like an animal “pounced” on something? That is exactly what they did. Mice, voles and more are active below the snow and animals who hunt them pounce or land on them, catching them even though the snow. Birds of pray are active all winter too like owls, hawks and more. They will eat dead animals but they also hunt catching their food that runs around under the snow. Diving down out of the air and grabbing them from under the snow. Birds of prey have excellent sight and hearing especially Owls who can hear a mouse scratch a half a mile away.

Beavers and squirrels are a lot alike in that they both harvest and store food for winter time meals. Beavers store their food in a deep whole dug in the mud in the bottom of their pond. They swim under the ice from their lodge that has a whole into the water to gather from the pile of stored food to feed their hungry beaver family.

The squirrel spent the fall gathering and bearing nuts or even storing them in hollow tree branches or trunks so they would have food to eat though the winter too.

Many other animals store food for winter, I know my family and I do. We have a nice garden and we can, freeze, dry and more many of the foods we harvest so we can enjoy eating them though the winter months.

Others will do harvesting of a different kind as they go out and hunt. Hunting has been a long time way and tradition of harvesting food to feed one’s family for the long winter months to come. I wish everyone who hunts a safe, successful and bountiful hunt.

I hope this gives you a little more knowledge about the Fall Frenzy that is now wrapping up and I hope you enjoy the winter wonderland that approaches.

If you get a chance get out yet this fall go and explore nature, notice the changes that are and have happed around you as nature prepared for winter.

Have a Great Fall Everyone!

Haunted Maize Maze 2011

2011-10-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

Friday, October 28, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
6:30 - 9 PM

Cost for all ages $5.00

The ghosts are in the cornfield they will be "shocking"!

Hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee available and roast hot dogs over an open fire

Postville Jr. Class Prom Fund Raiser

Location: East of Elgin, Iowa on B64 or Agate Road turn down A Avenue and you will find the Haunted Maize Maze across the street from the Gilbertson Nature Center

Contact: Laverne Swenson 563-419-1133

Project AWARE on the Turkey River!

2011-07-13T12:45:00.004-05:00

Iowa DNR Project AWARE kicked off cleaning up the Turkey River on Sunday, July 10, 2011 up at Gouldsburg Park on the Little Turkey. They spent Sat. and Sunday staying at Gouldsburg Park and then Monday and Tuesday at Gilbretson. Today Wed. July 13, 2011 they are headed into Clayton County and down to Motor Mill.

Today was the big official Ribon Cutting for the Turkey River Corridor and what a beautiful day!

I can say officially that the Turkey River is a Great River to Canoe. I can also say the Project AWARE is an OUTSTANDING event.

I participated Tuesday in the clean up from River Access #71 down to Gilbertson with a portage in Clermont around the Dam. I "drug" my two kids my oldest a daughter who will soon be 14 and my son who is 10 along. They were not overly happy with me their Mother for "volunteering" them. Though they did read and sign the paper work that I sent in for registration. IN the end my daughter kept telling me she could not wait to tell one of her best friends about the day. My son, I am still not sure, though I know he did have fun helping clean up, meeting new friends and more. It is fun to share new outdoor adventures with your kids, getting them outdoors and intouch with nature helps them to learn and you to learn.

I also enjoyed doing an Owl Program on Monday evening. Thank you to all whom attended!

Pictures took Wed., July 13, 2011:

Canoes all ready to Go Down the Turkey River on Project AWARE!

Awards before Ribbon Cutting

Ribbon Cutting

They are off on another day of River Cleaning!

Thank you to all of the Volunteers, Sponsors, Communities and More!

For more information about Project AWARE! Check out the web site: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/ProjectAWARE.aspx

Cache The Treausre of Fayette County

2011-06-09T13:33:00.006-05:00

Klock’s Island Park
1000 W. Water Street

Fayette Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Schedule as follows:

10:30 - 11:00 - Sign in
11:00 - 12:00 - Lunch
12:15 - Group Picture
12:30 - Temporary Caches Available to Find
12:30 - 1:00 - GeoCaching 101 Class
1:30 - Check out GPS units and go out Caching
4:00 - Return to base
4:15 - Door Prizes & Refreshments

Bring Your Own Picnic Lunch Grills Available

Sponsored by Fayette County Tourism Council and Fayette County Conservation Board

For more information call or email:
Dawn - 563-426-5740 - gncfccb@alpinecom.net
Carol - 800-798-4447 - fctourism@alpinecom.net

Temporary Geocache Location Information:
GSKA File: http://www.box.net/shared/b8zhrgb5d846girhpl8h
Map:

Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building, Hart Dummermuth Historical House and Petting Zoo OPEN for the Season

2011-05-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

The Gilbertson Conservation Education Area’s Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building and Hart Dummermuth Historical House and Petting Zoo will OPEN to the general pubic Saturday, May 28, 2011.

They will be OPEN: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM or by appointment.

They will be open Monday, May 30, 2011 and Monday, September 5, 2011, 11 AM - 7 PM.

Date and Times subject to change by management.

The petting zoo’s last day open to the general public will be September 5, 2011. The petting zoo will not be open during inclement weather.

Starting on September 6, 2011 the building will only be open when the Maize Maze opens them or by appointment.

If you have a group that would like to visit please make an appointment one to two weeks in advance of the visit by calling the Nature Center at 563-426-5740 or E-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net.

Fayette County Conservation Board’s Calendar of Events for 2011

2011-04-27T09:04:00.005-05:00

For more information about the events listed below contact: Dawn L. Amundson, Environmental Education Coordinator, Gilbertson Nature Center, 22580 A Avenue, Elgin, Iowa 52141, 563 – 426 – 5740, E-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net

May 2011:
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 = Petting Zoo, Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building and Hart Dummermuth Historical House Open for scheduled field trip groups only.

Saturday, May 28, 2011 = Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building, Hart Dummermuth Historical House, and Petting Zoo open for the summer season, Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Monday, May 30, 2011 = Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building, Hart Dummermuth Historical House, and Petting Zoo open for the summer season, Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

June 2011:
Friday, June 3, Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, 2011 = Free Fishing Weekend, Iowa Residents Only

Saturday, June 4, 2011 = Fishing with TAKO, Volga River State Park, 10 AM – 2 PM

Saturday, June 11, 2011 = Cache the Treasure’s of Fayette County, Klock’s Island, Fayette, Iowa, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

July 2011:
Monday, July 4, 2011 = Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building, Hart Dummermuth Historical House, and Petting Zoo open for the summer season, Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

July 9 - 16, 2011, Project A.W.A.R.E. Volunteer River Clean Up, Turkey River Watershed

Monday, July 11, 2011, Night Hike / Owl Prowl, Gilbertson Conservation Education Area, meet at the Campground Shelter House, 8:30 PM

Saturday, July 16, 2011, Country Heritage Maize Maze Opens, Times to be announced, Contact: 563-419-1133

September 2011:
Monday, September 5, 2011 = The last day the Petting Zoo is open for the season.

The Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building and Hart Dummermuth Historical House buildings will now be open when the Maize Maze opens the buildings or appointment only.

October 2011:
Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2011, Haunted Maize Maze, Times to be announced, contact: 563-419-1133

Fayette County Conservation Boards 2011 Camping Season Fee's

2011-04-11T11:02:00.000-05:00

Season Pass 2011
$250.00 for the 2011 Camping Season

Gilbertson Conservation Education area
Gouldsburg Park
$12.00/nigth with electricity
$7.00/night without electricity
$7.00/night Equestrain Camping at Gilbertson Conservation Education Area only

Dutton's Cave Park
$8.00/night with electricty
$5.00/night without electricity

Goeken Park
Twin Bridges Park
Echo Valley State Park
$5.00/night

The Gilbertson Conservation Education Area and Gouldsburg Park Campgrounds are now open for the season.

Decorah, Iowa, American Bald Eagle’s Web Cam

2011-03-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

It’s one of the hottest and heaviest hit site on the net right now, the live stream of the Decorah, Iowa, American Bald Eagle’s Web Cam.

If you have gone on line to see it than you should, it is memorizing to watch the parents sitting waiting for the first egg to hatch.

The first egg out of three eggs total is to hatch soon. They say around April 1st or soon after.

So if you would like to see more and learn more check out this web site: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

If you look down the page there is a lot of information posted about the Eagles and more. So take some time to read down the page from the live stream web cam.

This is all part of the Raptor Resource Project. Here is a web site for the Raptor Resource Project: http://www.raptorresource.org/

Enjoy learning and watching.

Hunter Education Safety Class

2011-03-01T11:03:00.001-06:00

Gilbertson Nature Center
Saturday, April 2, 2011, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
and
Sunday, April 3, 2011, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Participants must Pre-Register by March 25, 2011 to be able to participate in the class.

Hunter Safety Education Class is required according to Iowa law; any one born after January 1, 1972 is required to complete and pass a Hunter Education Safety Class to be able to purchase an Iowa Hunting License. This certification will also meet the requirements of other states.

Participants must be a minimum of 11 years of age. Attendance is required during each of the sessions.

To pre-register or for more information call Dawn at the Gilbertson Nature Center at 563-426-5740 or e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net. If the answering machine answers please leave the first and last name(s) of the person(s) who what to be in the class, phone number for contacting them, their school location and grade, so the student can get a study guide to do the required chapter reviews.

Osborn Snow Fest

2011-01-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

A fun day in the snow at Osborne Park.
February 5th, 10a.m.-3p.m.

Enjoy many fun activities throughout the day or bring your sled and try out our sledding hill at the Osborne Pond.

At 10:00 AM -12:00 PM and/or 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Learn to Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe with our Naturalists during teaching clinics.

Equipment rental fees will be $1.00 for each session.

Sponsored by Fayette County Conservation and Clayton County Conservation Boards

Up Date on Family Snow Fun

2011-01-18T15:15:00.000-06:00

The Fayette County Conservation Board and TAKO (Take A Kid Outdoors) will be offering some snow fun at several locations this year. Sledding fun and / or Cross-country Skiing are being offered at different locations. Lunch will be provided for participants by TAKO from noon to 1 PM at all of the events.

For locations where there will be sledding fun please bring your own sled and try the slopes. Participants are asked to pre-register for one or both of the sledding times.

For the Cross-country Skiing participants will learn about cross-country ski equipment, helpful recovery techniques and the kick and glide method. Participants can either use the FCCB’s equipment or bring their own equipment. TAKO will be paying the normal $1.00 per person fee. Approximately 35 people can use FCCB equipment per clinic. Participants must pre-register in order to participate in the clinic(s) of their choice. The following information is required about each person participating: which season(s) you would like to participate in, First and Last Name, Contact Phone Number and Shoe Size (please indicate men's, women's, or children's).

Please call the Gilbertson Nature Center for more information or to pre-register at 563-426-5740 or e-mail gncfccb@alpinecom.net for the Sledding and / or Cross-country Skiing Clinics.

DATES, TIMES and LOCATIONS:

Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Gilbertson Nature Center, Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Sledding Fun and Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wings Park Elementary School, Oewlein
10:00 AM – Noon and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Family Snow Fun

2010-12-21T13:54:00.000-06:00

Sledding and / or Cross-country Skiing Clinics!
The Fayette County Conservation Board and TAKO (Take A Kid Outdoors) will be offering some snow fun at several locations this year. Sledding fun and / or Cross-country Skiing are being offered at different locations. Lunch will be provided for participants by TAKO from noon to 1 PM at all of the events.
For locations where there will be sledding fun please bring your own sled and try the slopes. Participants are asked to pre-register for one or both of the sledding times.
For the Cross-country Skiing participants will learn about cross-country ski equipment, helpful recovery techniques and the kick and glide method. Participants can either use the FCCB’s equipment or bring their own equipment. TAKO will be paying the normal $1.00 per person fee. Approximately 35 people can use FCCB equipment per clinic. Participants must pre-register in order to participate in the clinic(s) of their choice. The following information is required about each person participating: which season(s) you would like to participate in, First and Last Name, Contact Phone Number and Shoe Size (please indicate men's, women's, or children's).
Please call the Gilbertson Nature Center for more information or to pre-register at 563-426-5740 or e-mail gncfccb@alpinecom.net for the Sledding and / or Cross-country Skiing Clinics.

DATES, TIMES and LOCATIONS:
Sledding Fun and Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, January 8, 2011, West Union Elementary School, West Union
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Gilbertson Nature Center, Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Sledding Fun and Cross-country Skiing Clinics
Saturday, February TBA, 2011
Location TBA, Oelwein
10:00 AM – Noon and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Christmas Gift Idea’s = Part II

2010-12-15T16:09:00.000-06:00

Here are some unique and some practical ideas for that someone on your list of any age you are still looking to get a gift for.

Donation:
Why not get that special someone a gift of a donation to a worthy cause they believe in and /or support. Make the donation to the organization in that person’s name, see of the organization will send out a special card or give you one to give to that speical someone. If they do not provide a spiecal card you can make one your self letting that person know they have received a gift of a donation to [for example – The Fayette County Conservation Board’s Environmental Education Program] given in their name.

Reusable Shopping Bags:
Everyone loves to and needs to shop. But not everyone has reusable shopping bags.
So why not purchase that special someone some reusable shopping bags and a gift card maybe too.
One year I purchased some plan colored canvas shopping bags. I also purchased t-shirt transfer papers that I could print onto from my color printer and some fabric paint. I then had some fun I made each person in the family a special personal reusable cloth shopping bag. It was our daughters first Christmas, so I made sure I had pictures of everyone with our daughter. Then I took the photos, scanned them into my computer because I did not have a digital camera and then using the photo programming that came with our printer/scanner I made up special pictures with words and more. Then I printed each one off onto the t-shirt iron on transfer paper and ironed them onto the shopping bags. Now for those I could not or did not have photos of them with our daughter I placed a picture of her on the bag and then decorated the bag with fabric paint. Everyone loved them and still us them today.

Gift Cards:
Gift Cards are always easy to get and give. It allows that special someone to pick out just what they want. There are even special gift cards to help them get music, down loadable books and more.

Wrapping:
Wrapping up that special gift can be challenging. I love newspaper. It is easy to wrap with, I have lots of it around and I can reuse it or recycle it when I am done.
I also love reusable gift bags or boxes that make life easy and simple. We have gift bags and boxes we pass around and around in our family.
One year I made reusable gift bags from material. I just sewed them together with scraps of Christmas material I purchased at the store. They were a hit and have been used over and over and gone many miles from one family to the next and back to me. It has been fun to see them used over and over. The nice thing has been when they have gotten soiled I just wash them. Once one of them had a loose spot so I just sewed it up and on it went being used again and again.
We also like to open gifts in our house carefully and reusue the wrapping paper over and over. It is fun to see how many differnt gifts can be wrapped over the years with the same wrapping paper. We also reuse bows and ribbon too.
You can also wrap in your speical homeade reusable shopping bags.

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my two part Christmas Gift Ideas. The gift ideas I have listed are all gifts that I would love to get. Also, do remember that sometimes when one gives a gift they mean well when giving but sometime the recipient does not understand the reason behind the gift. So if you do give a different and unique gift do include an explanation so that you do not offend the recipient.

From the Fayette County Conservation Board We Wish Each and Everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Gift Idea’s = Part I

2010-12-06T10:37:00.000-06:00

Ideas that Kids with help or alone depending on their age can make for that Special Someone on Their List.
With Christmas fast approaching many people are scurrying around to find gifts for friend and family. Sometimes it is hard to figure out just what to get a certain person on your list. So in this blog spot I want to give you a few unique Christmas gift ideas that children of all ages can give at Christmas time or any time of the year. I will warn you some are not as traditional as many you may have giving in the past, but for a moment please hang in there with me and think outside the box of tradition.
If you have a child in your house you know how badly they want to give a special gift to their Parents, Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, friends, family, or other relative. Here are some simple gift ideas that are over all easy to make and fairly cheep.
Cook or Bake:
Depending on the age of the child kids love to make homemade treats.It could be a simple as rice crispy treats, no bake or bake cookies, help an older child make homemade bread, candy, or other cool kitchen creations.
Picture Frame Ideas:
In any of these frames you could put a picture of the child or children, their family, a pet, a drawing the child has made, their hand and/or foot prints or anything the child would like to put into the frame to give to that special person. These are great fun to make and give away.
You can help a child make simple picture frame out of craft sticks and glue. Have them decorate the frame with what you have on had to make it look cool. Then take the item that is going in the frame and glue it into the frame, attached a heavy card stark behind the item and a magnet and you have a simple, quick person picture frame/refrigerator magnet. Or put a simple loop of yarn on the back so the photo could be hung on the wall.
Make a tree stick / branch frame and decorate it and do the same as you did with the craft stick frame.
Pick up a cheep wooden picture frame at Goodwill, consignment store, or a dollar type store that may not be the coolest looking and have the child decorate the frame with buttons, paint, or what ever you have on had. Then put what every the child want to put into the inside of the frame.
Recycling Goes to the Birds:
This is a fun way to make a cheep bird feeder and all it takes is help imagination, help from adult or older sibling, scissors or other cutting tools, twin or string, and containers that can be recycled into a bird feeder.
Kids love arts and crafts and a simple bird feeder can be made out of a milk jug, pop bottle, bleach bottle, laundry soap bottle and more.
Once the bird feeder is made you can add in a bag of seed and there you have it a homemade bird feeder.
Here is a link to a hand out you can print off that will have lots of great ideas and more on “Recycling Goes to the Birds”. Link: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B2nP-A1YgpBTY2Y2ODQ0NDMtMTdmYS00MTJhLTljMjUtNWQ1NjQ0NmYxY2Rk&hl=en&authkey=CNeMlMwD
Placemats:
Help the kids in your family make special placemats.
You will need tag board cut into the size of a placemat.
Clear shelf paper or lament paper that will cover the card stock on both sides and stuff to decorate the placemat with.
You can use anything flat; try pressed dried leaves, or flowers. Use photos of the child, their pets, family, photos the child has taken of their world from their eyes.
Have the child draw or paint a special picture.
Have them put their hand prints and / or foot prints with a current picture of them on one side.
The child could put together a collage of memories of a special event, day or time they had with the person for whom the placemat is for.
Decorate both sides to the tag board placemat this makes it reversible and even more fun because it can be flipped over and over all year long.
A Treasures Box:
Find a cool sturdy box that can be used over and over again to store treasure in.
Cover the box in white paper and then have the child decorate the box.
Have them put simple special treasure to give to their special friend. They could put in a picture of them self with their friend. A picture of just the child, a picture of the friend and the child together, or a picture of the friend and the child doing something fun and exciting together.
You could put in something you and the child cooked or bakes together to share with the friend.
Play Dough Ornaments:
Who did not love and still does not love to play with Play Dough!
You can purchase Play Dough or even find many recipes to make your own homemade Play Dough on line.
Then all you have to do is gather up you Christmas cookie cutters, come yarn, ribbon or string, a rolling pin, a cookie tray and get busy making play do Christmas Tree decorations. They could be Easter, Holloween or what ever shape or type of cookie cuters you have.
You can even roll out the do and have the child put their hand or foot print into it. Then make sure you have a whole in the item so yarn, ribbon or string can be attached to hand the new ornament onto the tree. Kids love to make them and family love to get them.
I have lots of other ideas but these are just a few of the more fun ones I enjoyed doing as a child or with my children.
From the Fayette County Conservation Board We Wish Each and Everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2010 Camping Season Drawing to a close

2010-11-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

Fall seems to be “flying by” and winter just around the corner and the Fayette County Conservation Board Camping season is slowly coming to a close.

Both Gouldsburg Park and Gilbertson Conservation Education Area Campground bathhouse are now closed for the season. The electricity is still on and will remain on until the first significant snow fall. There are pit toilets at both locations to use so you are welcome to come and camp, cost are still the same $12.00 / night for electrical hook up sites and $7.00 / night for non-electrical hook up sites.

The “Electrifying” Maize Maze is now closed for the season.

The Petting Zoo, Mavis Conner Dummermuth Historical Building and Hart Dummermuth Historical House and area also closed for the season.

The Gilbertson Nature Center is now Open only by appointment contact: 563-426-5740 or e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net

Just a reminder to though who come to walk or ride the trails at the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area a large part of the park is open to public hunting and people also hunt on the neighbors ground as well. So please take a little precaution and wear a blaze orange hat, vest or both if possible so hunters can see you.

If you are hunting on park ground please do not forget there maybe others out walking or riding horses or non-motorized bikes on the trails so please before you take a shot double check what your target is and what is beyond it. Do not forget there is a 200 yard no shoot zone around any building that is occupied by people or has live stock living within it.

Fall Events at the Maize Maze!

2010-10-19T15:23:00.000-05:00

If you are out exploring the Fall colors and are looking for some fun come and “Get Lost” at the Country Heritage Comunity Maize Maze located East of Elgin, Iowa across from the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area’s Nature Center. Follow the Yellow with Green Letter Maze signs and your will find your way to “Getting Lost” at the Maze.

The Maize Maze will provide you, your family or group with and “Electrifying” experience. This years design is CFL Charlie, the energy efficiency mascot for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

Open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 4 PM or by appointment

The cost is $6 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 6-11 and free for ages 5 and under

Contacting LaVern Swenson at 563-419-1133

The Maze Maize is also open for Groups by appointment, like the scouts, 4-H, Schools, Church groups and more. If your group has 10 or more the cost will be $3 per person for all ages. Contact LaVern at 563-419-1133 to schedule your group’s field trip. Field trip dates are limited though, because, the last day that groups are able to visit will be Oct 29 during the day.

Why you ask are the group field trip and weekend visit only occurring until Oct. 29?
That is a good question. It is because the Maize maze will soon be “Haunted”.

Once again the Haunted Halloween Maize Maze will occur!

Friday, October 29

Saturday, October 30

6:30 – 9 PM Each Night

$5.00 per person for all ages

The Postville Jr. Class and the Valley CEW SODA Students will be helping to make this year's Maize Maze an “Electrifyingly Spooky!” experience.

So come out “Get LOST” and “Get Scarred”!

Hazardous Household Waste Days

2010-09-02T09:34:00.001-05:00

The Fayette County Solid Waste Managment Commission will be hosting -

Hazardous Household Waste Days

Fayette County residents may dispose of your hazardous household liquids free of charge.

Friday, October 1, 2010
3:00 - 6:00 PM
West Union, City Shop Parking Lot

Saturday, October 2, 2010
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oelwein, City Hall Parking Lot

Accepted: gasolin and diesel additives, degreasers, waxes and polishes, solvents, paints (no latex-based paint), lacquers and thinners, caustic household cleaners, spot and stain removers (with petroleum base) and pesticides.

For more information contact:
Fayette County Recycling Center 563-422-3712
Fayette County Transfer Station 563-425-3037

Last Big Weekend 2010!

2010-08-30T13:51:00.003-05:00

Petting Zoo
If you want to visit the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area’s Petting Zoo then you better come for a visit, for its last day open will be Monday, September 6, 2010 from 11 AM – 7 PM. Then it will close until next year on Memorial Day Weekend.

The Petting Zoo will be Open: September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6th from 11 AM – 7 PM.

Gilbertson Nature Center
Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building
Hart Dummermuth Historical House

These buildings will be Open:
September 1 from 11 AM – 4:30 PM
September 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 from 11 AM – 7 PM

The hours for being open will then change on September 7 to by appointment only or when the Maize Maze has them open.

So come out and enjoy exploring the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area!

If you have any questions please call: 563-426-5740 or e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net

Shade Tree Program

2010-08-10T14:23:00.001-05:00

ISU Extension Program
Saturday, August 28, 2010
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Gilbertson Nature Center
22580 A Avenue
Elgin, Iowa

To register call the Fayette County Extension Office at 563-425-3331
Cost: $5.00
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 27, 2010

Shade Tree Program
Participants will learn about shade trees selection, planting and care. Be prepared when it is time to replace your ash tree.

While the Emerald Ash Borer has not been found in most of Northeast Iowa, it is coming. Since ash is one of the major species in our landscapes, now is the time to start looking at replacements. Proper selection, planting and care of new trees is essential if you want a tree that will add beauty, shade and value to your property. It can be a considerable investment, but provide decades of dividends if done right.

Extension Horticulturist, Bob Hauer, will talk about the pros and cons of the usual shade trees available in Northeast Iowa along with a few of less commonly seen species. He will also talk about the essentials of planting and caring for the trees. Since there are no “perfect” trees, Bob can also answer your questions on the advantages and drawbacks of most common shade trees.

The program costs $5 and pre-registration is required by calling Fayette County Extension at 563-425-3331 by Friday Aug. 27th.

"The fees for service will be used to off-set direct expenses and to support the County Extension Program.”

New and Updated Pages

2010-06-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

As you explore the Fayette County Conservation Board (FCCB) Google Blog Spot you may notice that just below the informational box at the top there are now some tabs.

One tab says Home, one says Environmental Educational Programs, and the final one says 2010 Maize Maze – “Electrifying”. If you click on each of these tabs they will take you to the pages.

The Home tab is where you are now reading this blog entry.

The Environmental Educational Programs tab will provide you with information about the Environmental Educational Program and a link to a listing of Environmental Educational Programs and Resources available.

The 2010 Maize Maze – “Electrifying” tab will provide you with information about this year Maize Maze, cost, time’s it open, links to a Field Trip Planning Guide, the Maize Maze Flyer and more.

So check out our NEW and Updated Pages to learn more about what is happening.

If you have questions or comments please contact the FCCB.

Thank you, enjoy reading and have fun exploring the great outdoors!

Emerald Ash Borer

2010-06-18T15:36:00.005-05:00

On May 15, 2010 it was confirmed by the Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Team that the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in Iowa, in Allamakee County along the Mississippi River. The EAB is an invasive pest that kills ash trees.

What does an EAB look like?

To learn more about the EAB check on the Iowa DNR Web Page: http://www.iowadnr.gov/forestry/index.html It is full of information and additional links to learn more about the EAB. An EAB kit is avaible: http://www.iowadnr.gov/forestry/eab/index.html, this link is full of helpful information.

Fire Wood in Fayette County Conservation Board Parks?
How will this effect fire wood in Fayette County Conservation Board parks? At this time we are following the suggestions of the Iowa DNR and other regulating government groups. We are asking all campers not to move firewood and instead buy wood where they are staying and burn all of that wood completely.

BURN IT WHERE YOU BYE IT!
Stop the Emerald Ash Borer
Don't Move Firewood! StopTheBeetle.info

Purple Things?

As you travel throughout Iowa and even other states you may have seen some purple things hanging in the trees. These are EAB traps. They are designed to attract the adult beetle if it is in the area. If the beetle is attracted to the trap it will get stuck in the non-toxic glue and stay there until the EAB Team check the traps. Do not panic though the traps will not attract the EAB into our area, they will only catch EAB if they are all ready in the area near the trap. These traps will be up all summer long if you should find on the ground please call the USDA-APHIS-PPQ at 515-251-4083 and describe the location of the trap.

Open for the Season!

2010-05-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

The Gilbertson Nature Center, Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building, Hart Dummermuth Historical House and Petting Zoo OPEN for the Season to the general pubic Saturday, May 29, 2010.

They will be OPEN: Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM or by appointment.

They will be open Monday, May 31, 2010 and Monday, September 6, 2010, 11 AM - 7 PM. Date and Times subject to change by management.

The petting zoo’s last day open to the general public will be September 6, 2010. The petting zoo will not be open during inclement weather.

Starting on September 7, 2010 the building will only be open when the Maize Maze opens them or by appointment.

If you have a group that would like to visit the Petting Zoo please make an appointment one to two weeks in advance of the visit by calling the Nature Center at 563-426-5740 or E-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net.

Dutton's Cave Park OPEN But Dutton's Cave is CLOSED!

2010-05-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

A rapid spreading bat disease closes state owned cave used for hibernation and the Fayette County Conservation Board, Dutton’s Cave Park Cave where many bats live during the summer.

The disease known as white-nose syndrome is killing bats across the eastern half of the United States and now has shown up in Missouri.

Dutton’s Cave and others have been closed following recommendations by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to the rapid spread of the white-nose syndrome into the Midwest. Indiana and Illinois have already closed state owned and some county caves.

The closing is a precaution to help slow the spread of the disease. It is know the disease spreads from bat to bat. But it may also be spread by people carrying it on the clothing, cave exploring equipment or foot wear from cave to cave as they explore.

The disease was found in New York Cave in February 2006 and has killed more than a million hibernating bats of six different species in thirteen different states. Now it has been found in Missouri near St. Louis the second to the last week of April 2010.

It is not known how long white-nose syndrome will remain a threat. Currently and sadly there are more unknowns than known’s.

So please respect the cave closed signs, look from a distance, to help protect Iowa Bats from white-nose syndrome. Thank you!

Read the following story found on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources web page entitled: “Rapid Spreading Disease Prompts Closure of Cave Where Bats Hibernate”.
Link: http://www.iowadnr.gov/news/10apr/whitenose.html

More information on White-nose syndrome in Bats:
http://www.batcon.org/index.php/what-we-do/white-nose-syndrome.html
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/white-nosefaqs.pdf
http://www.caves.org/WNS/

Dutton’s Cave Park is open you are welcome to come visit, camp, picnic, hike down to the end of where the trail is close to see the cave opening, play on the play ground or just enjoy the park. But please do not go into the cave so that we can keep Iowa Bats healthy.

If you have questions or comments please contact the Fayette County Conservation Board at 563-426-5740, e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net or leave a comment on the blog site.

Celebrate Arbor Day on April 30, 2010

2010-04-29T16:14:00.000-05:00

What is Arbor Day?
A formal Holiday to celebrate trees and all the wonderful things tree's provide us with. It is also a day to encourage people of all ages to plant and care for trees.
The first Arbor Day was observed in 1872, in Nebraska.
But trees have been a part of literature and history as a symbol of life.
J. Sterling Morton a journalist in Nebraska encouraged everyone to set a side a special day to plant trees.
In 1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted this idea and delcared April 10 as Arbor day. They offered prizes to be give to the county or person(s) who correctly planted the biggest number of trees on that day. Over one million trees were planted in Nebraska on their first Arbor Day.
By 1920 over 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day.
Today it is celebrated in all fifty states.
At one time Arbor Day was moved to April 22, J. Sterling Morton's birthday.
Today April 22 is now known as Earth Day World Wide.
Today Arbor Day is celbrated on the last Friday in April in all fifty states and Puerto Rico and some U.S. territories. This year the last Friday in April is April 30, 2010!
To learn more about Arobr Day check out the Arbor Day Foundations web page: http://www.arborday.org/

Happy Arbor Day!!!!

Lots of Dirt Turning Fun at the Horse Plowing Event at the Maze Maize

2010-04-19T12:24:00.001-05:00

A fun time was had by all who visit, watched, plowed and more on April 17, 2010 at the Maize Maze site located within the Gilbertson Conservation Educaiton Area.

There were 8 teams who came to plow the maze field. At just over 4 acres total to plow the teams had a fun work out turning the black soil.

Many came out to see and even try their hand with the help of the owner at driving a team as they plowed the fields. A good time was had by all. Thank you to everyone one who plowed and who came to watch and learn.

REC to Sponsor "Electrifying" Maize Maze

2010-04-19T09:18:00.003-05:00

Treat your family to some "electryfying" fun this summer at the 2010 Country Heritage Community Maize Maze. This year's maze is sponsored by Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative.

The maze pattern is based on Compact Florescent Lighting (CFL) Charlie, the energy efficiency mascot for all Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Harold Waterman, a grafic design student at Upper Iowa University, is the 2010 maze designer. In addition to learning about electritcy and energy efficiency, visitors to the maze will have opportunty to pick popcorn and Indian corn, visit the nearby nature center, petting zoo, farm and home antiques museum and an old time farm hosue.

Country Heritage Community (CHC's) Maize Maze is located at the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area, just east of Elgin on Agate Road or County B64. Last year over 3,000 people visited the site including families, school and church groups, young adults and visitors from other states.

The maze is open from July 17 to October 31, 2010.

Hours are 1 - 5 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and open by appointment any time, day or night.

Admission is free for childeren under 5 years old; $4.00 for ages 5 - 11; and $6.00 for 12 and Up.

Educational group rages are $3.00 per person with a minimum of 10 pople in the group.
For a real adventure, try solving the maze at night (must be 18 or older).

Contact Lavern Swenson fo rmore information and scheduling: cell 563-419-1133 or e-mail: lagracie@acegroup.cc.

Explore Fayette County Conservation Board Recreational Area's!

2010-04-16T13:20:00.001-05:00

Attention!!!!
The Fayette County Conservation Boards Recreation Area’s are open for the 2010 Season, the electricity where avaible is on, the water where avaible is on, and the entrances are open for you and your family to go explore, hike, camp, enjoy the spring flowers, singing songbirds and more.

The Recreational Areas that are open for all to explore are:

1. Wildwood Nature Center - 18673 Lane Road

A seven acre area located four miles north of fayette on State HWY 150, or Lincoln Road, then 1 mile west on County Road C14 or 190th Street and then left onto Lane Road. This area featuers a live animal and raptor exhibit. The nature center contains a variety of mounted native animals and birds. A staff naturalist is on hand to welcome visitors and field questions. Wildwood Nature Center is also the main office of the Fayette County Conservation Board, the location of the County Parks Program, and the Roadside Management Program. Public restrooms and drinking water are avaible at this location.

2. Twin Bridges Park - 13112 O Ave. and 14650 130 Street
A 17 ½ acre park located on County Road W 25 three miles north of Maynard at the confluence of the south and west branches of the Volga River. This park contains a shelter house, play ground, primitive camping area and pit toilets.

3. Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
Campground - 1810 Agate Road
Gilbertson Nature Center - 22580 A Ave
Located east of Elgin Iowa on county Road B 64 or Agate Road features a modern campground, primitive camping, horse camping, over 5 miles of trails to hike or ride on horse back or non-motorized bikes, fishing in the Turkey River or the Pond and one can come and explore the Petting Zoo, Nature Center, two historical Building, and the Maize Maze when they open for the season, watch this Blog for up dates on Opening dates and times.

4. Echo Valley State Park - 9672 Echo Valley Road & 9680 Echo Vally Road
A one hundred acre natural area that contains historical structures hand-build by the Civilian Conservation Corps such as a dam, keystone archway, lime kiln, and shelter house. The EVENT Trail and other hiking trails lead though this historical park. The park also provides visitors with picnicking areas, primitive camping, and trout fishing in two streams.

4. Glovers Creek Fishing and Wildlife Area
A 187 acre area next to Echo Valley State Park that is accessible though the Glover’s Creek side of Echo Valley. This area is open for public fishing and hunting. Both park entrances are located two miles east of West Union north of State Highway 56.

5. Goeken Park - 28191 Lincoln Road / State Hwy. 150
Is 5 miles north of West Union on U.S. Highway 150. It is a 6 ½ acre road side park. It has a wonderful panoramic view of many miles of the Turkey River Valley. The park also features one electrical hook up camping site, many non-electric sites, two shelter houses, a playground, pit toilets and water when it is turned on.

6. Gouldsburg Park - 18649 Sunset Road
Located 5 miles north of Hawkeye or 3 miles north of the intersection of U.S. HWY 18 and county Road W14 or Rose Road, the turn onto Sunset Road and follow until you come to the park on your left side. This park is a 64 acre area at the confluence of the Little Turkey River and Crane Creek. These water ways provide good fishing, tubing and canoeing. The park has a modern campground with dump station, showers, flush toilets, and electrical hook ups. The park also has pit toilets, primitive camp sites, a playground, shelter house and hiking trails.

7. Thelman Wildlife Area
A 310 acre public hunting area featuring grass plantings, a wetland, timber area, and crop ground for wildlife. Located just of State HWY 18 on County Road V68 or W Ave.

8. Dutton’s Cave Park
Campground - 25218 Iornwood Road
Shelter House Access - 9082 35th Street
Located 2 ½ miles northeast of West Union on U.S. HWY 18, and ½ mile north on Ironwood Road is a 46 acre heavily timbered, deep ravine ending in a wall directly above the cave opening. This park contains two electrical hook up sites, several non-electrical sites, shelter house, hiking trail, water when on, pit toilets, and a playground. It is a great park to see spring wildflowers and hear song birds in the early morning.

9. Downing Park - 23008 78th Street
Located 2 miles north of State HWY 3, turn going north onto V 68 or W Ave. This quiet 40 acre park offers a shelter house, playground and pit toilets. It is a great bird watching park.

10. Valley Canoe Access - 3306 Diamond Road
A 3 acre area that features access to the Turkey River and a beautiful native prairie planting.

Gouldsburg Park Open for the 2010 Season

2010-04-13T10:51:00.002-05:00

Gouldsburg Park is Officially Open for the 2010 Season.
The Bathhouse is open and the Electricity is on.

Located 3 miles north of the intersection of U.S. HWY 18 or 230th Street and county Road W14 or Rose Road. Turn onto Sunset Road and follows until you come to the park on your left side (18649 Sunset Road)

Gouldsburg Park consists of 64 acres at the confluence of the Little Turkey River and Crane Creek. These water ways provide good fishing, tubing and canoeing.

The topography is rolling to hilly with desirable picnicking areas.

The park features a modern campground with dump station, showers, flush toilets, and electrical hook ups.

The park also has pit toilets, primitive camp sites, a playground, shelter house and hiking trails.

This park also features an historic mill stone that was once inside of the Gouldsburg Mill build in 1860/70’s. Because of the chinch bugs that destroyed the wheat crop the mill closed in 1881.

"Evening Chorur" - Frogs & Toads

2010-04-08T16:37:00.001-05:00

With spring here an evening chorus is starting to sing as water’s warm and sleeping frogs and toads awake.

They sing to find a mate, they sing to let us know rain is coming and they sing to warn of danger near by. But in the spring their main reason for singing is to mate.

The Field Guided to Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid has great information about all of the Frogs, Toads, Salamanders Snakes, Turtles and Lizards that live in Iowa.

If you click on the Frogs and Toads section http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=48 you will get to learn about all the different species that can be found in Iowa. Now not all can be found in Northeast Iowa but many of them can be. You will get to see pictures of the frogs and toads and some even have a video you can see and hear them crocking.

If you really want to have fun with frogs and toads and have some extra time on your hands, love to stay up late or get up early than the Iowa DNR is looking for you! You could join the ranks of the Iowa Frog and Toad survey people. To find out more check out this link: http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/diversity/frog_toad.html

Horse Plowing at the Maize Maze Fields

2010-04-07T09:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday, April 17, 2010
Rain Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Gilbertson Conservation Education Area

Go East out of Elgin on Agate Road or County Road B64 then turn onto A Ave. and you will soon see the Gilbertson Nature Center on you right and the Maize Maze site on your left.

The State Line Plowing Association of Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa, plus others will once again plow the Maize Maze Fields with their horses, Mules, and Plows.

For the last 5 years they have come to help tell the story how our ancestors plowed the fields and in doing so preserving our agricultural history.

So grab you camera, some shoes you can get dirty and join in the fun of some old fashion plowing.

For more information contact: Laverne Swenson at 563-419-1133 or e-mail: lagracia@acegroup.cc

Gilbertson Conservation Education Area Campground Season Starts!!!!

2010-03-31T13:12:00.005-05:00

The Gilbertson Conservation Education Area Campground is Officially Open for the 2010 Season.
The Bathhouse is open and the Electricity is on.

Located along the Banks of the Turkey River on the East side of Elgin, Iowa at 1810 Agate Road.

This unique area offers something for everyone with a canoe access, pave ¼ mile trail that is wheelchair accessible, playground, shelter house, modern campground with dump station, a bathhouse with sinks, flush toilets, showers, 28 electrical hook up sites and several non electrical camping sites. A Primitive Equestrian Camping area is also availbe by appointment.

The campground is only one part of the 345 acre Gilbertson Conservation Education Area. The area also features over 5 miles of trails available for hikers, non-motorized bikes, horseback riders', and in the wintertime cross-country skiing. Parts of the park are open to public hunting. One can even fish in the pond or the Turkey River.

The petting zoo is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM or by Appointment May 1 to Labor Day.

The Gilbertson Nature Center at 22580 A Ave. features interpretive and educational displays about Northeast Iowa, the Mavis & Conner Dummermuth Historical Building contain farm and home antiques and memorabilia and the Hart Dummermuth Historical Home depicts a farm home from between 1890 – 1920’s. The buildings are open to the public from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM or by appointment.

For more information: check out the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area Web Page:
http://www.elginiowa.org/GILBERTSON.html, call: 563-426-5740 or e-mail: gncfccb@alpinecom.net

2010 Camping Fees for Gilbertson Conservatoion Education Area:
Season Pass = $250.00 for the 2010 Camping Season
$12.00 / night with electricity
$7.00 / night without electricity
$7.00 / night Equestrian Camping

"Dawn Chorus"- Song Birds

2010-03-29T11:29:00.007-05:00

Spring has arrived and with it come a "Dawn Chorus". That chorus consists of many different animals sinigng their “love songs”. The birds normaly are the first one to “sence, or feel” spring has arrived. They get excited to establish a home, attract a mate to help their species continue to survive. As local resident birds grear up and sing for spring, migents slowly arrive adding to the dawn chorus. It is beautiful in the early morning as they all “chime” in. To some it is a muttled mess of sounds, but to other’s a beautiful chorse.

In this blog I have listed some of the more common "Dawn Chorus" birds you might hear around you.

I have also attached a PDF document listing Bird Songs or Calls. This guide will help you identify bird songs by using human words to help you remember and recognize many of the birds that sing around you. To open the document click on the "Dawn Chorus" - Song Birds tital, it will open a google document you will be ablet to download, save and / or print off the docement. Then you can use it to help you identify many of the singing Birds in the "Dawn Chorus".

Birds and their Songs:
Black-capped Chickadee = "Chick-a-dee-dee-dee" or "Phoe-be"

White-breasted Nuthatch = "Hank Hank" or "Nurt Nurt"

American Goldfinch = "Potato chip, Potato chip-chip" [done in flight] or "Per-chickory, Per-chickory"

Eastern Meadowlark = "Iowa is beautiful" or "Spring of the Year"

Red-winged Blackbird = "Conk-Lar-REE!" or "Oak-a-REE!" Call note a harsh "CHECK!"

Northern Cardinal = "Wa-cheer Wa-cheer, Birdy-Birdy-Birdy, Wheat, Wheat, Wheat"

Blue Jay = "JAY, JAY, JAY"

Scarlet Tanager = robin like notes slower and with a slight bur "Chip-bur, Chip-bur"
Brown Thrasher = each part of the song is repeated 2 or 3 times

Eastern Bluebird = soft single or double notes a "Cha-we" or "Chawe-we"
American Robin = "Cheerily, Cheer-UP-CHEERlo" or "Cheerily, Cheerily, Cheer-UP-CHEERAlee"
Killdeer = "Killdee, Killdee"

Indigo Bunting = "Sweet Sweet, Chew Chew, Feet, Feet"
Mourning Dove = "WhoooOooo-who-who-who"
White-throated Sparrow = "Sweet Canada Canada Canada" or "Poor Sam Peabody Peabody"
Ruby-crowned Kinglet = "See See See, To, To, To, Think of Me, Think of Me" very loud for a small bird
Rufous-sided Towhee = “Drink Your Tee"

Tufted Titmouse = "Peat, Peat, Peat" or "Peter, Peter, Peter"
Bobwhite = "Bob White or toot-sweet!"
Yellow Warbler = "Chit chit chit Chit CHit-Tweet" or "Sweet Sweet SWEET I'm so Sweet"
Common Yellowthroat = "Wichity, Whichity, Whichity, Which"
Ovenbird = "Tea-Cher, Tea-Cher, Tea-Cher"
Eastern Phoebe = "FEE-bee"
American Crow = "CAW, CAW, CAW"
Northern Oriole = here, here, come right here, dear OR flute-like, disjointed series of notes
Cedar Waxwing = trill (hp, rapid) always flocks OR zeee-zeee-zeee… (hp trilled)
Chimney Swift = chit-chit-chit-chit... (rapid staccato) OR twittering (rapid)
Chipping Sparrow = chipping trill (mechanical, dry, rapid)
Common Nighthawk = Pee-eet (nasal) OR beeer
Gray Catbird = meeeee-ew or maaaaaanh (nasal) OR varied mocker-like phrases (seldom repeated)
House Finch = zreee! (included in varied, warbling song)
House Sparrow = chiddik, chiddik (dry, non-musical)
House Wren = stuttering, gurgling, musical, i at end
Purple Finch = Warbling – varied phrases, fast, lively, brief
Rose-breasted Grosbeak = cheer-up, cheer-a-lee, cheer-ee-o (malodic) AND chink
Song Sparrow = Maids, maids, maids-put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle OR Hip, hip, hip hurrah boys, pring is here! OR Madge, Madge, Madge pick beetles off, the water’s hot

Here is a link to the Field Checklist of Iowa Birds:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B2nP-A1YgpBTZjU0Njg1YTQtNTVlMy00OTI5LTljNzctNzMyZWUxOTYwNTI0&hl=en

Guide to Early WIldflowers

2010-03-26T13:38:00.004-05:00

If you click on the title of this blog post it will open a Google Document.
This document is a PDF copy of the Guide to Early WIldflowers Fayette County Conservation Board. You will be able to save this document and / or print it off so you can take it with you when you go hiking to help you identify many of the early spring wildflowers found in Fayette County. Happy Wildflower Hiking!

Guide to Early Wildflowers

Fayette County Conservation Board

Early Spring Wildflowers have adapted to be small in size to survive adverse weather conditions.

Exchanges of information were common between the Native Americans and the Pioneers when food and medicine were scarce.

HEPATICA - (liverleaf, liverwort) Buttercup family
Round-lobed Hepatica - Hepatica amricana
Blooms March - May. Leaves and stem: rounded lobes of 3 lobed leaves. Stalks hairy. Flowers white, pink, lavender, or blue. The 6 to 10 “petals” are really sepals. There are three bracts below each flower. 4 - 6” in height. Found in leafy woods.
Sharp-lobed Hepatica - Hepatica acutiloba
Blooms March - April. Similar leaves and stems to the round-lobed hepatica but the lobes of the leaves are pointed, occasionally 5 to 7 lobes. Hybridizes. 4 - 9” in height. Found in upland woods.
During Middle Ages Hepatica was used to treat liver ailments, “Doctrine of Signatures” held that if a plant in some way resembled an organ of the human body that the plant could cure ailments of the organ. Contains tannin which is a mild astringent; Chippewas made a tea of the root for children with convulsions.

TRILLIUM - (Birthwort) Lily family
Snow or Dwarf White Trillium - Trillium nivale
Blooms March - May. Smallest and earliest blooming trillium with less than 1” long petals and narrow 1 - 2” leaves. 2 - 6” in height. Found rich woods.

Nodding Trillium - Trillium cernuum

Blooms April - June. The flower dangles below the leaves, petals are 1” long, may be white or rarely pink. Leaves had short petioles. 6 - 24” in height. Found in acid or peat woods.

Trillium from Latin tres meaning “three” and lilium for lily., has petals, 3 sepals, 3 leaves.

Pioneers say the Native Americans used the plant to induce labor and treat other childbirth problems; Native Americans used the root to make an antiseptic for open wounds, sore eyes, ear drops, and internal bleeding.

BLOODROOT – Sanguinaria canadensis - Poppy family
Blooms March-May. The flower has 8 - 10 pedals, 6 - 12” heigh, and is white colored. The leaf unfurls after the flower appears. The root is poisonous (poppy characteristic) contains alkaloids related to morphine.
A red juice oozes from broken stem and was used as war paint; pioneers for fabric dye also mixed it with oak bark (containing tannin to set color). The Chippewas drank tea made from the root for stomach cramps; some made a tea to bathe burns; sore throat lozenge was made by squeezing juice on a lump of maple sugar; Early medical practice was used for asthma, warts, ringworm, eczema, and fungal infections.

ANEMONE – Buttercup family

Rue-Anemone - Anemonella thalictroides

Blooms March - May. A delicate plant with 2 or 3 flowers on a slender stalk above a whorl of small 3 lobed leaves. The 5 - 10 petals like sepals are usually whitish in color, but sometimes are shaded to a magenta pink. 4 - 8” in heights.

No medicinal uses by the Native Americans or pioneers. But the clusters of tubers have been harvested for food by both. Some times the tubers are called “wild potato”.
False Rue-Anemone - Isopyrum biternatum
Blooms April - May. Growing 1 1/2 feet tall, with its erect stem and branches having a distinct green color, False rue anemone has a fibrous root system with many scattered tubers. There are 3 to 9 leaflets per leaf and each leaflet is somewhat rounded in shape, with three lobes that are more deeply cut than those of the true anemone. The flowers are among the earliest of spring and are hard to distinguish from those of true rue anemone and woodland anemone. The flowers occur in loose clusters and have 5 white petal like sepals, but no true petals.
No medicinal or food uses of this plant by Native Americans or pioneers.
Woodland Anemone - Anemone quinquefolia
Blooms April - June. Is the earliest and smallest woodland anemone. The flowering stem growing 9” tall with three deeply cut leaves about halfway up the stem. Each stem is topped with a solitary flower that can be up to 1” across, with four to nine with to purplish pedals.
The Meskwaki Indians made tee of anemone roots for headache, dizziness and even for refocusing of crossed eyes.

SPRING BEAUTY – Claytonia virginica - Purslane family
Blooms March-May. Has a pair of smooth linear leaves midway up the stem. The petals are white or pink with darker pink veins. 6 - 12” in heights. Found in moist woods.
This is an important food source for wildlife. Native Americans and pioneers ate the tubers raw or boiled in place of potatoes; the tuber or bulb tastes like chestnuts. Leaves were eaten fresh in salads and as greens. Grizzly bears like the tubers, as do rodents. Grazing animals browse the greens.

CUT-LEAVED TOOTHWORT – Dentaria laciniata - Mustard family
Blooms April - June. Noted for its whorl of 3 leaves, each divided into 3 narrow, sharply toothed segments. 8 - 15” in height. Found in moist woods and bottoms. The flower has four white petals which take on a pinkish cast as they get older.
Tuber eaten raw tastes like a radish. Pioneers as an important seasoning ingredient in soups, stews, and other dishes used the tuber.

DUTCHMAN’S BREECHES – Dicentra cucullaria - Poppy family
Blooms April-May. Smooth slender stems come from a common point at around ground level to a height of 4 - 12”. Each stem is a leaf petiole that is topped with a smooth three-divided leaf. Each of these leaves is more deeply cut into linear segments. The perennial root system has a small divided bulb that is covered with scales. The flower stalks arch higher than the leaves carrying 4 - 10 flowers hanging in a one-sided cluster. The flowers are well described by their common name. The flowers are white but will sometimes be tinged with pink. There will also be a bit of yellow color where the petals of the breeches (flower) flare apart.
Native Americans did not make use of this plant this attractive and destructive plant. Early pioneers used the plant to treat urinary problems and as a poultice for treating skin diseases. This plant contains toxic alkaloids; it is sometimes eaten accidentally y cattle resulting in sickness.

SQUIRREL CORN – Dicentra candensis - Poppy family
Blooms April-May. Found growing in with Dutchman’s Breeches. The leaves closely resemble Dutchman’s breeches except they are finer, delicate, compact and more grayish in color. The flowers are more heart shaped and lack the spreading spur that Dutchman's breeches have. The flowers closely resemble the bleeding heart flower.
This plant is also poisonous, but less than Dutchman’s breeches. Tuber is the size of a kernel of corn is often eaten by mice that seem unaffected by the toxicity. In early European medicine this plant was used to treat menstrual complaints, skin problems, and syphilis.

WHITE TROUT-LILY – Erythromium albidum - (Dog-toothed violet) Lily family
Blooms April-June. Has only 1 small leaf for the first 2 -3 years, than the next 2 - 3 years it will have a 1 larger leaf, then after that two leaves are formed. The plant may not flower until it is 6 - 7 years old and only after it has two leaves. Leaves are mottled resembling a trout.
Native Americans ate the bulbs raw, boiled or roasted. Was used to treat gout.

WILD GINGER – Asarum canadens - (Indian ginger) Birthwort family
Blooms April-May. Two large leaves growing on hairy petioles up to 6” long. At the base of the two leaf petioles, a single flower will drop. A bell shaped flower that is maroon to rich brown in color inside and lighter outside. The outside is dull, rather than shinny and covered with stiff white hairs.
Pioneers used this plant as a substitute for Jamaica ginger. Roots can be made into a hard candy. Medicinally it was used for whooping cough, upset stomach, fever, and chest complaints. Native Americans made a contraceptive tea; a poultice was made with wild ginger and plantain for skin inflammations. An antibiotic substance has been found in this plant. For Meskwaki it was the most important seasoning, they also mixed it with meat of unknown death to eliminate danger of poisoning.

JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT – Ariseama triphyllum - (Indian turnip) Arum family
Blooms April-June. One to two leaves each with three pointed oval leaflets. This leaflets growing up to 7” long. A separate stalk carries the club-like spadix (commonly called the preacher or the jack). It is usually 2 - 3” long and covered with minute yellow flowers. A leaf-like spathe wraps around the lower part of the spadix but opens to expose the upper part. The open part extends up above the spadix and curves over it to form the “pulpit”. This spathe may be green, purplish-brown or striped. The fruit is a showy cluster of scarlet berries.
Corm was eaten after it was baked or boiled, peeled and powdered, then heated again, this was done to inactivate the calcium oxalate concentrations which when eaten raw create a severe stinging sensation in the mouth. Chippewas used this plant to treat sore eyes; others used the powdered root for headaches. Also it was used for snake bites, asthma, and rheumatism. Meskwaki's mixed the fresh roots with cooked meat in hopes that opposing warriors would eat it and become ill.

MAYAPPLE – Barberry family
Blooms May. Growing up to 18” high from large horizontal rootstock, this plant can have one or two large leaves per plant. Each leaf is broadly circular in shape and up to a foot across, has 5 - 9 deeply cut lobes. Each lob is veined and coarsely toothed. Single leafed plants do not bloom. The flower appears on a short stout stalk from the crotch of the stem. It has 6 - 9 waxy white petals.
The fruit is toxic until ripe (greenish-yellow) when it can be made into preserves or eaten raw. Native American used this plant to treat snakebites, syphilis, warts, urinary and bowel problems. The plant was boiled and the liquid poured onto potato plants as an insecticide.
I hope you are able to get out and enjoy spring and its beauty.

2010 Camping Season Fee's

2010-03-26T09:18:00.000-05:00

Season Passes for 2010
$250.00 for the 2010 Camping Season Camping Season

Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
Gouldsburg Park
$12.00/night with electricity
$7.00/night without electricity
$7.00/night Equestrian Camping at Gilbertson

Dutton’s Cave Park
$8.00/night with electricity
$5.00/night without electricity

Goeken Park
Twin Bridges Park
Echo Valley State Park
$5.00/night

Fayette County Conservation Board

2010-03-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

Fayette County Conservation Board – 2010 Board Members
Frank Olson, West Union
Donald Bunn, Maynard
Blake Gamm, Fayette
Jack Swanson, Arlington
Eric Boehm, Wadena

Full Time Staff 2010:
Rod Marlatt, Executive Director
Lonnie Robbins, Maintenance Supervisor
Dustin Schott, Park Ranger
Matt Ellis, Park Ranger - Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
Dawn L. Amundson, Environmental Education Coordinator
Sue Lueder, Office Manager/Naturalist
Jon Steege, Roadside Vegetation Manager
Jon Saboe, Assistant Roadside Vegetation Manager
Dan Harrington, Assistant Roadside Vegetation Manager

Main Office:
Wildwood Nature Center
18673 Lane Road
Fayette, Iowa 52142
563-422-5146
563-425-3613
fayetteccb@hawkeyetel.com

Environmental Educaiton Program Headquarters:
Gilbertson Nature Center
22580 A Ave
Elgin, Iowa 52141
563-426-5740
gncfccb@alpinecom.net

Welcome to the Fayette County Conservation Board's new Blog page!

2010-03-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

This blog has been set up to help people of all ages learn more about the Fayette County Conservation Board; Recreational Areas that the Fayette County Conservation Board owns and / or manages; and Environmental Education Programs and materials avaible to the general public, schools, civic and youth groups and more.

To announce up coming events, public programs, fun things to see and / or do in the counties recreational, and more!

The blog may feature a Fayette County Conservation Board Recreational Area, an up coming event or program, staff information, board member information, and more.

The Fayette County Conservation Board encourages you to visit this blog at least once a week. The goal of the Fayette County Conservation Board staff is to list at least one new post a week if not more. So check back when you can!