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A Green Iowa AmeriCorps crew recently provided assistance at the Rotary Reserve Lodge, scraping and staining the exterior of the building. Thanks GIA! Next for the Rotary: paving the parking lot and access lane.
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Black Hawk County Deer Management Information is now available for the controlled bow hunt authorized within George Wyth State Park, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and urban areas in Waterloo/Cedar Falls. Dates for Field Day, proficiency tests, and informational meetings, as well the DMZ zones are posted on this page at BlackHawkCountyParks.com.
Chronic Waste Disease BHC Conservation has invited Jason Auel, Wildlife Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to speak about Chronic Waste Disease in Iowa deer populations. Hunters, landowners, and interested urban residents are encouraged to attend the presentation on Sunday, September 26 at 2:00 PM in the Hartman Reserve Community Room. Jason will share the latest statistics, how to recognize symptoms, safety guidelines, testing after the hunt, laws, and other information about this disease that is deadly for deer.
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----- Big Woods Campground -----
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The rustic cabins at Big Woods Campground received an upgrade recently: canopies over the front concrete pads. The canopies will help keep the picnic area shaded and cool, and serve as shelter from rain. To rent these or other County Conservation cabins, visit BlackHawkCountyParks.com under the Facilities menu.
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----- Black Hawk Park -----
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Mark your calendars for August 8 at 2:00 PM at Black Hawk Park Riverview Shelter---here's your opportunity to learn about the important work performed by Black Hawk County Conservation! Conservation staff will talk about current projects, opportunities for the public, and staff responsibilities in the organization, ranging from law enforcement to natural resource management, and maintaining recreational venues to educational programming. Executive Director Mike Hendrickson will lead the discussion, followed by North Unit Ranger Karl Kozak, Naturalist Katie Klus, Wildlife Conservationist Jim Weimer, Ranger Olivia VanderHart, and South Unit Ranger Al Finke. Questions from the audience will be welcomed.
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----- Hartman Reserve Nature Center -----
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Though the heat is intense outside, Conservation staff is making great progress on Pollinator Parkway behind the West Wing of the Interpretive Center. There will be landscaping, seating, and the Bricks for Birds walk when the project wraps up in a few weeks.
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Yoga in the Park Join Steffany, an experienced registered yoga teacher and a mental health counselor for gentle movement, breath work, and meditation intended to reduce stress and increase relaxation, surrounded by the beauty of Hartman Reserve. No experience is required. We encourage you to bring your own mat; additional mats will be available. Several sessions and events are scheduled:
~ Yoga Wednesdays Session 1: 8-9:15 AM, 6 weeks, beginning Sept. 1 - $48
~ Yoga Wednesdays Session 2: 8-9:15 AM, 6 weeks, beginning Oct. 13 - $48
~ Yoga Mondays: 5:15-6:30 PM, 8 weeks, beginning Sept. 27 - $60
~ Fall Equinox Yoga Nidra: 7-8:30, Sept. 22 - $20
~ Winter Solstice Yoga Nidra: 4:30-5:15 PM, Dec. 21 - $20
~ Yoga + Forest Bathing 1: 8-11:30 AM, Aug. 22 - $35
~ Yoga + Forest Bathing 2: 8-11:30 AM, Sept. 26 - $35
For detailed descriptions and registration, visit BlackHawkCountyParks.com under the Events menu.
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Memory Cafe is a monthly program from the Friends of Hartman Reserve that supports leisure, fun, and friendship for people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, their caregivers, and all others interested. The Memory Cafe offers nature-related programs and activities the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11:00 AM at Hartman Reserve. Participants are asked to have a care partner, supportive friend, or family member accompany them. For details and to RSVP, call (319) 214-0711. Keep current on the Friends' Facebook page.
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To view a complete list of upcoming Hartman Reserve programs and events for kids & adults, check out the Hartman Happenings newsletter: click here.
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----- Hickory Hills Park -----
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Black Hawk Archers put on a 3D archery shoot July 24 and 25 at Hickory Hills with a great turnout of over 200 people. They also partnered with Scheels to host a youth 1-on-1 archery class for over 50 kids. This free class is held once a year in the month of July and is for kids ages 4-14. All archery supplies are provided and is a great opportunity for kids to get out there and try the sport. The Black Hawk Archers club has been around for over 60 years and has partnered with Scheels for 4 years. Scheels will sponsor events and donate supplies such as bows, arrows, and targets to the club. The next 3D archery shoot will be held September 11 and 12 from 7 AM-3 PM and 7 AM to 1 PM, respectfully. Find Black Hawk Archers on Facebook for more information about upcoming shoots!
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----- McFarlane Park -----
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Black Hawk County Conservation was one of several organizations to welcome and honor Warrior Expeditions combat veterans into Black Hawk County in late June. These combat veterans are bicycling their way across the country by way of the Great American Rail Trail. Read the full story below. Back row from left to right: Conservation staff Troy Petersen and Cherrie Northrup, Rick Calhoon, Gerry Jackson, Justin Kent, and cyclist Alan Garrigus. Front row kneeling: cyclist Allison Garrigus and Yolando Loveless.
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----- Cedar Valley Nature Trail -----
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Black Hawk County Conservation, Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs, La Porte City, and La Porte City American Legion Post 207 partnered to welcome and honor Warrior Expeditions combat veterans into Black Hawk County. These combat veterans are bicycling their way across the country by way of the Great American Rail Trail, from Washington D.C. to Washington State, for a grand total of 3,700 miles. The riders peddled into La Porte City on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail in late June after beginning their journey in Washington D.C. on May 26. They were greeted by welcoming committees at the McFarlane Park trailhead. It was a pleasure and distinct honor to have the Warrior Expedition veterans stop in Black Hawk County.
Warrior Expeditions is a 501(c)3 non-profit veteran outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. We are all truly grateful for the opportunity to meet these amazing people and to provide them with a meal, camaraderie and overnight accommodations during their stay with us. The first two riders enjoyed the comforts of Iowa’s countryside while they rested at the home of Rick and Terri Calhoon. The second set of riders enjoyed an overnight stay in McFarlane Park. Upon request, all of the veterans were treated to a famous “Iowa Tenderloin.” The La Porte City American Legion Post 207 and Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs hosted a “meet & greet,” which provided for good conversation, beverages, and camaraderie among fellow veterans.
These individuals have witnessed the worst of humanity and, through it all, have not let that define them. The courage and resilience that each of these individuals has shown is nothing short of amazing! It was an honor for each and every one of us to meet Allison Garrigus, Alan Garrigus, Paul Cook, and Jay Waters. Best wishes to all of you on the remainder of your journey and thank you for your service! In the photo, from left to right: Terri Calhoon, Rick Calhoon, Dick Hutton, cyclists Paul Cook and Jay Waters, Ed McFarland, Kristina McBurney, Yolando Loveless.
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