 | Calendar of Events |
Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board  | | Phone: 7122957200 |
| Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047  | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
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Starts: April 28, 2013
Ends: May 4, 2013
Time: (Ends at: 11:00pm) |
) For the fifth year, Iowa Native Plant Society is celebrating wildflowers in a special way at the end of April and the beginning of May. Iowa Wildflower Week was created by and is coordinated by INPS. Flowers are an ideal attraction to help introduce people to native plants and natural areas. Let’s look at wildflowers per se and the history of the celebrations.
Defining “wildflower” is not straightforward. We immediately think of flowers growing in an undisturbed natural area – not seeded or planted – naturally growing there. We all know the delight of finding wildflowers and admiring them. They are native plants in
bloom.
Increasingly, we treasure wildflowers that are blooming in a restoration or econstruction as we seek to heal land that had been neglected, abused, or converted to other uses. We are encouraged by success of these native plants in their role of ecosystem repair.
Wildflowers can also be native plants, not cultivars or hybrids, that have been seeded or planted into gardens.
This is quite different from the wildflower seed mixtures that are sold to grow anywhere. These packets often include species that are not native to or appropriate for the area where they are to be planted. They frequently include naturalized exotic species that some now treat as natives.
Iowa Wildflower Week (IWW) celebrates native wildflowers in their natural surroundings. It celebrates those that have been sown or planted in restorations, reconstructions, and gardens. Indeed, the use of wildflowers and other native plants in landscaping is important to reduce or eliminate the need for mowing, fertilizing, and watering; to provide wildlife habitat for birds, butterflies, and other fauna; and to prevent soil erosion.
Celebrate IWW by organizing or attending a field trip, visiting a native garden, planning a garden or addition to your existing landscaping, or help others to learn more about native plants and our natural areas. Stay tuned to your local media and the O'Brien County Conservation Board and Prairie Heritage Center's websites and social media to find out the great activities that are available to help in celebrating Iowa Wildflower Week.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: Liz Birkel-Leddy | | Phone: 712-482-3029 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
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| Date: May 1, 2013 (5:00pm - 7:00pm) |
) The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway will be hosting their 4th Annual Stakeholders Meeting May 1, 2013 at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, Iowa beginning at 5:00 P.M.
What is a stakeholder?
Stakeholder includes anyone who has an interest or stake in the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. This could include, but not limited to the following:
• Landowners adjacent or near to the byway, their property would be part of the viewshed of the byway.
• Businesses that could see an increase in tourism-based dollars as a result of promoting the byway.
• Private individuals can also be considered stakeholders, if they are simply interested in promoting the byway.
What is a Stakeholder’s Role?
• Stakeholders can attend meetings at their convenience and will occasionally be asked to promote the byway on the local level, if they are interested in doing so.
• Stakeholders may be asked to provide letters of support for projects, etc.
How do you become a Stakeholder?
• The byway actively selects folks who would automatically be considered a stakeholder, like an adjacent landowner or local business owner.
• Individuals who attend meetings and fill out the sign in sheet become a stakeholder.
What are the benefits to becoming a Stakeholder?
• The benefit of being a stakeholder is access to information about the byway and byway related activities.
• Increase the long-term stability of the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.
Are you interested in becoming a stakeholder of the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway? If so, join us at 5 P.M. on Wednesday, May 1 at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, Iowa 51047. Do you have more questions? Contact Liz Birkel-Leddy at 712-482-3029 or Liz@goldenhillsrcd.org
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Public Library |
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| Date: May 2, 2013 (Starts at: 3:00pm) |
| The Archer Public Library will hold Craft Day on Thursday, May 2nd starting at 3:00 P.M. Participants will be making something for mothers and all ages are welcome! |
| Contact: Western Iowa Tourism Region | | Phone: 888-623-4232 |
| | Address: 720 Orchard Hills Drive, Norwalk, IA | | Location: St John‘s Catholic Church |
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| Date: May 3, 2013 (10:00am - 3:00pm) |
) Do you have a Scenic Byway, an orchard, local food business, agri-tourism idea, farmers market, or cultural event? Then this is a workshop to increase your knowledge.
Make Your Business Bloom with Culinary Tourism, a “How to” workshop
from the Ontario Culinary Alliance, from Ontario Canada to Norwalk Iowa on Friday, May 3, 2013 with registration beginning at 9:30 A.M. and the workshop to take place from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. |
| Contact: Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau | | Phone: 712-580-TOUR |
| | Address: IA |
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| Date: May 4, 2013 (8:30am - 5:30am) |
) The Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a “Cruisin’ Clay” bus tour of Clay County and its surrounding treasures on Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. This includes lunch and a visit to the Prairie Heritage Center near Peterson, Iowa on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.
Tourism Director, Jill Toft, said “this is a great opportunity for anyone in the area to experience the hidden treasures, located in our backyards. The sites booked on this tour are just a few of the attractions we have to offer.”
Visit http://www.exploreclaycounty.org/events.php and scroll down to Cruisin’ Clay Tour for more details about this GREAT Event. Pre-Registration is required with a $25 fee and includes transportation, admission to museums, lunch, snacks, driver tip, and guides. If interested, you may sign up by calling 712-580-TOUR (8687) or by visiting the Clay County CVB office. Payment is due upon reservation.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: Archer Public Library | | Phone: 712-723-5629 |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Public Library |
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| Date: May 7, 2013 (Starts at: 3:00pm) |
| The Archer Public Library will hold their May Book Club meeting on Tuesday, the 7th at 3:00 p.m. Members will be discussing the book, "I Still Dream About You" by Fannie Flagg. |
| Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board | | Phone: 712-295-7200 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
|
) The Annual Wings and Wetlands Festival is scheduled for a Saturday, May 11, 2013. Welcome the coming of spring, celebrate National Wetland Month, and explore the unique prairie pothole region of Northwest Iowa.
This festival is coordinated over a six county region in Northwest Iowa - Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, O’Brien and Palo Alto. The Wings & Wetlands Festival offers a wide selection of programs and activities for people of all ages and interests throughout the region.
Most of the events for the festival in O’Brien County will be held on Saturday, May 11. The Trumpeter Swan program will be the exception. Plans are underway to bring LIVE swans to the county for programming. Details on times and locations are still to be determined. Watch for the opportunity to take part in this special program. Learn about these awesome birds and the wetland habitat in which they live. You will even have an opportunity to feel the silky softness of a juvenile bird as you enjoy a personal encounter!
On Saturday morning, May 11, at 7:30 a.m. join in the search for migrating songbirds. Meet for breakfast at the Prairie Heritage Center. In past years, a short hike down the path has netted over 30 species in less than 1/2 hour! We will also carpool to Wanata State Park in Peterson. Join the group for an early morning birding treat.
At 1:00 P.M. enjoy a program highlighting the work of Ding Darling – one of Iowa’s most prominent conservation heroes! Also enjoy a traveling exhibit of his conservation cartoons that will be on display at the Prairie Heritage Center through mid-June.
Meet at the Prairie Heritage Center at 3:30 P.M. to carpool to nearby Bertam Park to celebrate "Iowa’s Wildflower Week" with a spring wildflower walk through the woods and the prairie.
Then it’s back to the center at 7:00 p.m. for the wrap up of the weekend. Enjoy the movie “The Big Year,” sure to include some birding laughs and excitement. Popcorn will be provided!
We encourage you, your friends, and your family to join in one or all of the free events throughout O’Brien County Conservation Board’s Wings & Wetlands Celebration.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: Archer Public Library | | Phone: 712-723-5629 |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Public Library |
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| Date: May 11, 2013 (Starts at: 10:00am) |
| The Archer Public Library will hold a Story Hour on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m. Participants will read about mothers and make a Mother's Day card. |
| Contact: Wendy Ewoldt, Archer City Clerk |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Community Center |
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| Date: May 13, 2013 (Starts at: 7:00pm) |
| The Archer City Council will meet May 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center. The mailing address for the City of Archer is P.O. Box 541, Primghar, Iowa 51245. |
| Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board | | Phone: 712-295-7200 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
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| Date: May 15, 2013 (6:30pm - 8:30pm) |
) What’s that NOISE!!! When spring finally arrives and the sun warms up the landscape the racket put up by our local amphibians can create quite a chorus.
Join the naturalist for this family friendly event to learn more about those amazing creatures in our own backyard. The evening will include a game, craft, story, hike, and maybe more!
Come out for a “hopping” good time!!
Meet at the Prairie Heritage Center at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. Make plans to attend!
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: Archer Public Library | | Phone: 712-723-5629 |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Public Library |
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| Date: May 16, 2013 (Starts at: 3:00pm) |
| The Card Club will meet at the Archer Public Library on Thursday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. |
| Contact: O'Brien County Tourism | | Phone: 712-957-1313 |
| | Address: 220 W. Southern Street, Sutherland, IA 51058 | | Location: Bogenrief Studios |
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| Date: May 16, 2013 (5:30pm - 7:30pm) |
Listen…Can you hear it? The Walls are talking to you.
O’Brien County Tourism is hosting another opportunity for you to explore O’Brien County.
Join us for “If These Walls Could Talk” A tour created to showcase buildings in O’Brien County that have been recycled from their original use.
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Place: Bogenrief Studios, Sutherland, Iowa
Cost: $20.00
Preregister by: May 14
Registration includes a catered dinner, presentation, book and pre-event scavenger hunt with the opportunity to win a unique door prize.
To register please contact:
O’Brien County Economic Development/Tourism
160 S. Hayes
Primghar, IA 51245
712-957-1313
ocedc@tcaexpress.net |
| Contact: Wendy Ewoldt, Archer City Clerk |
| | Address: Archer, IA |
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| The Archer Spring Clean Up Day will be held Wednesday, May 22. The City of Archer will not be picking up appliances. Please see the Archer Clipboard for more details. Regular garbage pick up will be Monday, May 20th. |
| Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board | | Phone: 712-295-7200 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
|
| Date: May 27, 2013 (8:00am - 4:30pm) |
) The O'Brien County Conservation Board's Offices and the Prairie Heritage Center will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day.
If you have an emergency at Our O'Brien County Parks, please call 911 & the O'Brien County Emergency Services will be able to assist you.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board | | Phone: 712-295-7200 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
|
| Date: May 27, 2013 (8:00am - 4:30pm) |
) The O'Brien County Conservation Board's Offices and the Prairie Heritage Center will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day.
If you have an emergency at Our O'Brien County Parks, please call 911 & the O'Brien County Emergency Services will be able to assist you.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: Archer Public Library | | Phone: 712-723-5629 |
| | Address: 203 Sanford Street, Archer, IA 51231 | | Location: Archer Public Library |
|
| Date: May 28, 2013 (Starts at: 3:00pm) |
| The Library Yarns will meet at the Archer Public Library on May 28th at 3:00 p.m. They will be sharing patriotic patterns. |
| Contact: Northwest AEA - Gloria Kistner | | Phone: 712-222-6080 |
| | Address: 178th St. & Oak Ave., Castana, IA 51010 | | Location: Loess Hills |
|
Starts: May 31, 2013
Ends: June 2, 2013
Time: (6:15pm - 12:00pm) |
) The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, sponsored annually by the Northwest Area Education Agency, is in its 37th year and will take place May 31 through June 2, 2013. It brings together dozens of facilitators and hundreds of participants of all ages, with diverse interests that relate to natural and cultural history, the Loess Hills, and prairie. Many field sessions teach about plants and birds, some explore nature writing or photography, others feature Native Americans, and more.
This year's theme is the "Loess Hills and Iowa: Past and Present." Duke Addicks, prairie historian and ethno-musician, offers sessions at this seminar for the first time. His four sessions are all situated at camp: ghost stories at the campfire on Friday evening, and three daytime sessions that include stories and music with instruments such as the Native American flute, bagpipe, and drum. "Lonesome Ron" will entertain with cowboy songs on Saturday evening at the campfire.
The public is invited to attend any or all sessions and programs of interest - more than forty sessions are offered! There is no registration fee and pre-registration is necessary only for those ordering meals or desiring to take an ecology boat tour on the Missouri River. (Space on the tours is limited.) A popular seminar meal is offered at the Methodist Church in Onawa on Saturday, late afternoon. There will be a few tickets available at the seminar, but to be sure of seating, pre-order them.
People of all ages are invited. There are special programs for children, families, and adults and older students. Some field sessions are walks or hikes, some are held at camp and there are several tours by auto: to an orchard, a prairie cemetery, birding hotspots, a wetland, the Turin Man Archaeological Site and State Preserve, a geology tour, and a natural history tour.
Educators are able to register for credit through the Northwest AEA.
There are also many exhibits and a silent auction at the high school on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The seminar is sponsored by Northwest AEA with much help from the Iowa DNR and Monona County Conservation Board. Major supporters are the Iowa Prairie Network, Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy of Iowa. The complete list of supporters, the detailed program, and much more information can be found on the Northwest AEA website listed below.
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
| Contact: O'Brien County Conservation Board | | Phone: 712-295-7200 |
| | Address: 4931 Yellow Avenue, Peterson, IA 51047 | | Location: Prairie Heritage Center |
|
| Date: May 31, 2013 (7:00pm - 9:00pm) |
) Spring Prairie Prowl starts at The Prairie Heritage Center. Mark your calendars & stop back to learn more about this event!
Provided by the O'Brien County Conservation Board |
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