Stars (and planets) in your Eyes
Naturalist Jennifer Rupp loves, loves, LOVES astronomy! There’s a big event coming up. Let her tell you about it….(and be sure to watch the awesome video she’s linked to) I had the best mentor in…
Hit the Trails
Ephemeral Favorites with Intriguing Stories
Jan waxes poetic about the beautiful wildflowers springing up around our grounds… The fairyland quality of the vernal woods draws many wildflower lovers. Oak-hickory woodland floors are sprinkled with subtle hues of ephemeral wildflowers dancing…
Indian Creek Comes Alive
Rich often walks along the creek during lunch and here’s what he’s seen recently….. Warm spring weather brings enormous change to aquatic life in Indian Creek. Much fishery research has been conducted on Iowa’s…
After the Rain
Jean was out inspecting the trails following our big rains last week and offered these observations… The recent rains, while much-needed, have brought down some trees across the trails. The sunshine and lack of wind…
Sounds of Spring
Chris was the first to hear the chorus frogs singing this week, causing great excitement around here. Today, he caught some the show just off Wood Duck Way. The chorus has begun! Last Monday, I…
Membership—What do you “get”
We’re wrapping up Membership Month at the Nature Center, but that by no means means we’re done accepting members! You can become a member of the Nature Center anytime of the year…we just concentrate on…
The Dynamic Creek
We’ve actually had WATER in Indian Creek lately! A very pleasant change. Naturalist Jennifer Rupp has a bird’s-eye view from her office window and shares her observations with us…. I’m very lucky to have a…
How Do You Spell Labyrinth?
Marion Patterson is a dedicated labyrinth walker. In fact, she has one in her front yard! She was also instrumental in installing the Prairie Labyrinth here at the Nature Center. Marion advocates for walking the…
You Otter Be In Pictures
Jan was out with a preschool group tapping maple trees this morning and noticed the telltale sign of otters at play! The otters have been playing in the snow along Indian Creek! People often ask…
Birdie…birdie…birdie
I listen every day to hear the cardinal change from his sharp, winter “CHIRP” to the more lyrical “birdie…birdie…birdie”. Then I know spring is here. Jean needs your help with a bird count at the…