New North Unit Ranger
Karl Kozak has been named North Unit Ranger. The North Unit Ranger position is responsible for oversight & management of all Black Hawk County Conservation areas north of Highway 20.

Karl received an AAS degree in Natural Resource Management from Hawkeye Community College and a BS degree in Animal Ecology (Wildlife Management) from Iowa State University. He started out his career working seasonal positions throughout the state. After college Karl managed the Waterloo/Lost Island KOA before being hired as a Park Ranger with Black Hawk County Conservation. In his free time Karl enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and basically anything outdoors!

Hartman Reserve
Maple Syrup Festival
Reserved seating Friday, March 6 from 4-7:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, anytime from 7 AM - 1 PM each day. Adults (13 years +): $10; Youth (3-12 years): $5; kids 2 and under: no cost. Save $1 per ticket before March 5. Special price for Seniors: $9 before and at the door. Call 319-277-2187 to purchase tickets. Enjoy pancakes and sausage; milk, cream, and butter from Hansen’s Dairy; and coffee from Sidecar Coffee Roasters. Please park at Cedar Heights Elementary or River Hills School and a shuttle will take you down the hill to Hartman’s door. Two griddles and extra seating means very little waiting in line!

West Wing Exhibits
Staff have been working to construct a new entrance to the room that houses our two largest aquariums. This "boat house" is being built out of wood that was reclaimed from an old barn. The next phase will be to continue the boat house look throughout the aquarium room! If anyone would like to donate barn wood, please call the Nature Center at 319-277-2187 and let them know! 

2nd Sunday Speaker Series
On March 15th at 2:00 PM Bob Thurman, a local resident, will tell stories and share photos about his adventures as he hiked the Grand Canyon, from rim to rim. Bob grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa and always enjoyed being outdoors. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to visit 48 states, five Canadian provinces, Mexico, and Singapore. In addition to Grand Canyon National Park, Bob has hiked many other well-known parks including; Badlands, Yellowstone, Banff, and Grand Teton. Bob will be available to answer questions after the presentation. Registration is not required and the event is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated.

Hartman Programs
See below for the upcoming Hartman programs!

Hickory Hills Park
The fishing on Casey Lake at Hickory Hills Park has been good. The early morning bite over structures has been productive for many anglers. Please use caution with the temperatures fluctuating this time of year. Always have the proper equipment and check the ice regularly.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Reconstruction of a quarter mile section of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail just north of McFarlane Park is currently scheduled to occur between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. This section of trail will be closed for about 1 month (weather dependent) from the date the contractor starts working.  If the contractor cannot place the seeding prior to May 31, there may be some seeding occurring in the fall of 2020. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail will be closed from Spruce Street in La Porte City to King Road near the entrance of McFarlane Park during construction.

The construction on Wolf Creek Bridge has been moving along. Please remember to stay out of the construction zone at all times. This is important for the safety of everyone.

Thank You all for your patience and cooperation as we work to repair and improve the Cedar Valley Nature Trail.