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Maple Syrup Fest is back!! (With a few changes, due to the current COVID climate.) Here is what you need to know about this popular fundraiser for Black Hawk County Conservation:
~ ONLINE RESERVATIONS ONLY. Paper tickets will NOT be sold before or during the Fest. No walk-ins will be accepted.
~ You can only be seated at the time for which you have reservations.
~ Make reservations at www.BlackHawkCountyParks.com for:
Friday, March 11: at 5:00 or 6:30
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Saturday, March 12: at 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, or 11:30
or
Sunday, March 13: at 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, or 11:30
~ All registrations must be done online. If you need assistance in registering for programs online, please call the nature center 319-277-2187 and we will help you.
~ Reservation prices are Adults: $10, Youth 3 - 15 years old: $5, and no cost for children 2 years old and under.
~ NO REFUNDS as this is a fundraiser.
~ Fewer seats will be set up for dining in the Community room.
~ Park in the Hartman parking lot and walk down the sidewalk to the building. There will be no shuttle this year.
We hope these adjustments to this year's Festival will help you have an enjoyable, relaxed dining experience. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit educational and recreational programs and management of your Black Hawk County Parks—thank you for your support!
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Are you or someone you know looking for work in the conservation field this summer? We are currently hiring seasonal park maintenance workers for the 2022 season. For job description and to apply online:
https://www.blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov/316/Job-Openings
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A Garden in Every Lot A new program aims to help people to start gardens in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area. A Garden in Every Lot (GEL), organized by VISTA AmeriCorps members and operated out of UNI's Center for Energy & Environmental Education, offers garden site assessment, preparation, tilling, seeds, plant starts, and mulch. A Garden in Every Lot aims to renew a culture of backyard gardening by helping both individual community members and community organizations overcome barriers to starting a garden. The program connects gardeners to educational resources and programs, such as online guides and workshops with ISU Extension and Outreach Black Hawk County. Members will work with local landlords and governmental bodies. The program provides start-up garden services only.Gardening has many benefits including access to fresh vegetables, physical activity, getting outdoors, reducing one’s carbon footprint, and so much more.
Seeds and plant starts are being ordered right now for the upcoming growing season. Anyone who is interested should sign up ASAP by completing an application on agardenineverylot.org, or contacting LWSAmeriCorps@gmail.com or call 319-273-7599.
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----- Hickory Hills Park -----
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Elk are part of the live animal displays at Hickory Hills and are fun to watch. Visit Hickory Hills Park Facebook page to see video of this magnificent species. If you bring your pet along, please be sure it's on a leash and held at a distance. (KC Photography photo)
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If this colder weather has you thinking ice fishing, be sure to check ice thickness before you go and remember:
 No ice is 100 percent safe.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
Don’t go out alone; let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
Check ice thickness as you go out.
Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit, and extra dry clothes, including a pair of gloves.
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----- Hartman Reserve Nature Center -----
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Winterfest is an annual educational conference for all County Conservation employees in Iowa. Hartman Naturalists Katie Klus (left) and Katy Cantin were guest speakers for one of the sessions. In their presentation, Adaptive Programming, they shared specific accommodations that have been made to Black Hawk County parks and ways they have made their programming more inclusive and accessible to adults and kids with physical and intellectual challenges.
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For a monthly, online list of events and programs at Hartman Reserve subscribe to Hartman Happenings.
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----- Black Hawk Park -----
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----- McFarlane Park -----
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The Cedar Valley Nature Trail stretches approximately 69 miles between Evansdale and into Cedar Rapids, taking the rider through Black Hawk, Buchanan, Benton, and Linn counties. It's been described as a great trail for beginners because it is relatively flat. Many people venture onto the trail for strolling or jogging. (See this website for elevation and distance break-down of the trail.) You'll enjoy colorful wildflowers, wetlands, and wildlife along the trail most of the year. In winter, it is very peaceful because of the sound-absorbing snow and less traffic. It's a great place to cross country ski or to snowshoe! The photo shows the Spring Creek bridge on the trail near La Porte City.
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