JACKSON COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD FALL 2021
Up and
Down
the River
Where did all the water go?
By Jessica Wagner, Environmental Education Coordinator
We received that question A LOT this summer. Anyone who has driven past the Hurstville Center in the last couple of months will have noticed there is almost no water in the marsh.
We released the water to allow for contractors to come in and build the
next phase of the pedestrian trail that will eventually connect to the City of Maquoketa. The Conservation Board approved a bid from Midwest Concrete, Peosta, at a cost of $107,815.73 to build the 10-foot wide, paved trail from the Center and through the prairie. Jim Schroeder Construction, Bellevue, will be putting in the bridge over the wetland to connect the trail to the intersection of Rockdale and Hurstville Roads, cost is $75,774. This phase of the trail is funded by a grant from Iowa Great Places, a generous donation from Maquoketa State Bank, and private donations raised by Friends of Jackson County Conservation.
Lowering the water level of the marsh has also given us the opportunity to do some wetland management.
Periodically draining water off wetlands can enhance plant germination and improve the diversity of plants. Our staff plan to tackle some invasive plants that have creeped into our wetland while also encouraging new vegetation to come up.
East parking lot at
Hurstville Center 63rd Street / Rockdale Road Borrow site, will become
a wetland area
New solar array is here
Sharing Space
By Jennifer Meyer, Naturalist
Jackson County is a beautiful and unique portion of Iowa by virtue of being at the tail end of the Driftless Area.
Historically the majority of the land was covered in forests and intricately formed karst topography. Now, agricultural fields and pastures dominate the landscape, but there are still pockets of Jackson County that seem to take one back to a primordial time with old-growth trees, skin-chilling air vents from cracks deep in stone, hidden valleys and creatures that follow a law unto themselves.
“To those devoid of imagination, a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part,”
wrote Iowa-born naturalist Aldo Leopold in A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There.” It is in these quiet and “unprofitable” places that the remnants of once-great populations still keep pacing, out of the march of time. Of the thousands of species of organisms that call Jackson County home, only one has experienced the luxury of unchecked exponential growth: the human. In 2021, humans used a year’s worth of the earth’s ability to
regenerate natural resources on July 29, according to calculations at OvershootDay.org.
“Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them,” Leopold writes in the forward to A Sand County Almanac. “Now we face the question whether a still higher ‘standard of living’ is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free.”
Sharing this Earth is not just a moral obligation, but one of survival for all species. Just because you can’t get a clear answer from “What does it do for me?” doesn’t mean something doesn’t have value. The idea of
environmental personhood, giving a non-human entity the same legal rights and protections as a human, is nothing new, but it is slowly reentering our social conversation. In 2019, all rivers in Bangladesh were given personhood, following a 2008 move by Ecuador to give all of nature legal rights and protection. In the United States, the city of Toledo, Ohio, gave Lake Erie a Bill of Rights. Though not bulletproof, the concept advocates a place to start to hold others accountable for environmental damages, especially in point-source pollution cases.
Again, we return to Leopold’s ideas. “Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins as in art with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language. The quality of cranes lies, I think, in this higher gamut, as yet beyond the reach of words.” he writes in Marshland Elegy in “A Sand County Almanac.”
It is time for the collective thinking of Western cultures to take a step back and stop asking, “What is it good for?
What can it do for me?” and embrace the idea that nature owes you nothing. Humans are just as much a part of a global community as the air, soil and bacteria. The life of a frog has just as much to do with an ecosystem as a person, though it demands much less of its environment.
In human relationships, when one person asks too much of the other, the person can choose to leave. The plants in your yard can’t simply walk away when you treat them as lesser beings. They struggle, they wilt, they die. Truly it is inhumane to kill something because it doesn’t fit your aesthetic. It’s time to let it be, let live.
In Jackson County alone, there are 38 species that have a state special protection status. A century and a half of farming has left only small, fragmented remnants of Iowa’s plant and animal communities. Statewide, less than 1 percent of the tallgrass prairie remains intact, only 4 percent of the wetlands, 18 percent of the surface waters and 43 percent of the forest.
Henry David Thoreau reminds us that “in wildness is the preservation of the world.” It is time to let a little wildness come back into our human-made communities. It’ll be okay if you don’t mow in the month of May. Dandelions aren’t your enemy. Can you consolidate those trips to town? If there is a flower garden in your future, make room for natives. Zero-waste chef Anne Marie Bonneau said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”.
As a fellow creature and inhabitant of this world, I ask you to please take one small step today to treat your Earth, the gift of life on this planet, a little gentler. “Humans are leading reason why 10.5% of the 1,104 [animal] species in Iowa are in danger [of no longer existing]. “ Cleo Krejci, reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. That’s 116 unique species that could be lost forever. What steps can you take today, tomorrow and for the generations to come?
Next Friends Meeting is Tuesday, October 12
at 7:00 pm
At the Hurstville Interpretive Center Agenda and previous meeting minutes
will be emailed out a week before the meeting. All are welcome to attend
and get involved!
The Friends of Jackson County Conservation brings people together through educational and recreational opportunities in partnership with the Jackson County Conservation Board
and inspires people to understand and care for our environment
The New Solar Array at the Hurstville Interpretive Center
We launched our solar campaign in September 2020 and here we are one year later! Friends of JCC and Jackson County Conservation held a ground breaking ceremony Saturday, July 24. And within two weeks, the solar array was up. We are waiting for final approval from Alliant Energy before we start
producing electricity for the Center, we anticipate that to come in the next few weeks.
The 46 kW solar system consists of 2 arrays of 52 panels each, producing 100% of the annual electricity needs of the Hurstville Interpretive Center. The Center already has a geothermal HVAC system for heating and cooling the building, which uses electricity to run the pump, compressor and fan. Our estimated savings over the next 25 years for electric bills is $237,709. Instead of going to utilities, the county can use those dollars for other projects.
Friends of Jackson County Conservation and Jackson County Conservation would like to THANK all the amazing folks who helped make this idea a reality! We are so fortunate to have an amazing Conservation Board, Friends Board, Board of Supervisors, Volunteers, Donors and support from the community. Thank you to all the individu- als, businesses, families and organizations that made a donation to this project. We appreciate your contribution!
Next Step
We are in the planning stages for an information kiosk with a display about renewable energy, solar technology, and geothermal. The kiosk will be located near the solar array AND the new pedestrian trail. We are still raising money for this final step and any donations are welcome. Donations can be sent to Friends of Jackson County Conservation, 18670 63rd Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060. Friends is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible. Donations can also be made online at
JacksonCCB.com—click on Donations.
Engraved Bricks
Engraved bricks are still available. You can personalize and design a brick that will be placed around the solar information kiosk. Bricks will be available until October 1st. For more information, visit
https://www.thatsmybrick.com/friendsofjcc
$100 for a 4x8 brick
$200 for a 8x8 brick
This kiosk is similar to the one we will be constructing.
Hamilton County Conservation built this kiosk for information about their solar array at Little
Wall Park.
Thank you Friends of Jackson County Conservation for funding the new kayaks and kayak trailer for programs!
Additional funds came from Maquoketa Education Association and the
Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Board to purchase kid kayaks. Students from the Maquoketa High School Welding Program built the trailer. Staff are excited to offer more kayaking programs! Thank you!
Fall Events
Registration is REQUIRED at least 48 hours in advance for ALL programs.
Register by calling (563) 652-3783 or email one of our Education Staff: jess@jacksonccb.com, jen@jacksonccb.com, tony@jacksonccb.com
Programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Donations are accepted.
Night Sky Viewing
Friday, September 3 at 8:00 PM
At Hidden Bluff’s Farm, 19502 159th Ave Zwingle Join us in viewing the night sky! Observe planets and deep-sky objects while learning more about astronomy.
If skies are not clear, we’ll try for Saturday evening.
Monarch Tagging
Every Saturday in September
Saturday, September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:00 PM At the Hurstville Interpretive Center
The monarch butterfly migrates thousands of miles to its wintering grounds in Mexico. Learn more about the monarch’s life cycle and journey south. Be a part of the research by helping to catch and tag this year’s migrants.
Nets will be provided.
Forestry Walk
Sunday, September 19 at 1:00 PM At Blackhawk Wildlife Area
Take a walk with Forester Kevin Oetken, with Woodland Forestry, and learn about forestry management practices.
See an old harvest, new harvest, impacts from the derecho and learn how to improve a timber lot. Be prepared to hike 1-2 miles.
Volunteer Work Days on the Prairie Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
September 22, Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 10, Nov 24 Help some of our rarest and most impaired habitats, the remnant prairie. Invasive and woody species threaten this rare ecosystem. Jackson County Conservation staff and volunteers will help remove invasive and woody species from Ozark Wildlife Area’s remnant prairies. Volunteers will get a chance to experience a rare and fragile
ecosystem. Volunteers will be provided hand tools.
Volunteers should wear long pants, closed toed shoes, and bring plenty of water! We will carpool/caravan from the Hurstville Interpretive Center.
Yellow River Backpacking Trip—Adults Only!
Thursday, September 23 at 9:00 AM through Friday, September 24 at 2:00 PM
At Yellow River State Forest, NE Iowa
It’s the adults turn for a backpacking adventure! This trip is perfect for beginners wanting to learn backpacking skills. We’ll hike the trails, carrying everything we need for the night, and camp in tents. Cost is $30 per person, includes meals and equipment.
Hamilton (Codfish Hollow) Prairie Walk Thursday, September 23 at 6:00 PM
At Hamilton Prairie, 288th Ave Maquoketa
The prairie has many faces throughout the seasons, late September being one of its’ best! Enjoy a walk through Dr.
Ray Hamilton’s prairie and learn about the early fall prairie plants. Hamilton’s Prairie has been a managed as a biological preserve with a mixture of remnant and reconstructed high quality prairie. Meet us by Ray’s buildings off of 288th Ave, across the street from Codfish Hollow Barnstormers.
Night Sky Viewing
Friday, October 1 at 7:00 PM
At Hidden Bluff’s Farm, 19502 159th Ave Zwingle Join us in viewing the night sky! Observe planets and deep-sky objects while learning more about astronomy.
If skies are not clear, we’ll try for Saturday evening.
Geocaching at Prairie Creek Sunday, October 10 at 2:00 PM
At Prairie Creek Recreation Area, meet at pavilion People of all ages and geocaching skill levels are welcome to join us for an afternoon of hiking and exploring while trying to find the geocaches at the park. If geocaching is something you’ve been interested in trying, this event is for you. We will provide GPS units and instruction.
Prairie Survey and Invasive Species Removal Monday, October 11 at 10:00 AM
At Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, 30th Ave Access Fall is beautiful season in the prairie! Come learn and participate in our remnant hill prairie plant survey. Join naturalist Tony Vorwald as we document and learn about the native prairie plants found at the remnant prairie in order to better preserve and restore this rare piece of Iowa’s natural heritage. Once the survey is done we will stay and work on invasive species removal. Come for the sur- vey, the invasive species removal, or both!
Painting Class with “Fresh Paint”
Thursday, October 14 at 6:00 PM At Eden Valley Nature Center
This 2-hour event includes step-by-step painting
instructions on canvas. Nature’s Halloween is the theme.
Space is limited, register, www.mycountyparks.com/
County/Clinton. Clinton & Jackson County Conservation are co-sponsoring this fun event. Cost is $35/person.
KinderNature—Iowa’s State Tree Friday, November 19 at 10:00 AM At Hurstville Interpretive Center
Students will investigate oak trees and learn more about Iowa’s trees through stories, activities and games.
Beaver Moon Night Hike
Saturday, November 20 at 5:00 PM At Papke Wildlife Area
Enjoy a stroll under the Beaver Moon. This full moon is named as such because it marks the time of year when animals are bunkering down to prepare for winter. We'll hike the mowed trails around one of our newest areas.
KinderNature—Streams & Rivers Friday, December 3 at 10:00 AM At the Hurstville Interpretive Center
Let’s have fun learning hands-on about streams, rivers, erosion, and more using our stream table.
Cedars for Celebrations
Friday, December 10 from 1:00-4:00 PM At the Hurstville Fishing Pond
Get the ultimate in local and sustainable Christmas trees!
The public is welcome to select a cedar tree from our prairie to grace their home this year. Although cedar trees are native, they can quickly shade out prairie species. Staff will be available to cut down the tree and load it up. The trees are free; donations are welcome.
Wildlife Habitat Installation and Maintenance Thursday, December 16 from 9:00 - 3:00
At the Hurstville Interpretive Center
Landowners and interested parties are invited to learn more about what it takes to establish quality habitat to attract and retain various game species. Lunch will be provided.
KinderNature—Wild Edibles Friday, October 15 at 10:00 AM
At Prairie Creek Recreation Area, meet at pavilion KinderNature is geared for homeschool families with students in elementary grades. This month, we’ll learn about foraging for wild edibles. Are you curious what you can and can’t eat outdoors? Join Naturalist Jeny Meyer for a walk at the park to discover edible plants.
Youth Outdoor Skills Day
Sunday, October 17 from 1:00-4:00 PM At the Hurstville Fishing Pond
Youth ages 8-16 are invited to try a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including archery, air rifles, fishing and kayaking. All equipment and instruction will be provided. Parent/Guardian may attend or drop off youth.
Cost is $5 per youth.
Fall Habitat Celebration!
Saturday, October 23 from 1:00-4:00 PM
At Prairie Creek Recreation Area, meet at pavilion Let’s show this park some love by helping to improve its natural habitat. Join Naturalist Tony Vorwald as we help rehabilitate the “Shooting Star Knoll.” Hundreds of shooting star wildflowers bloom each spring in this oak savanna. Volunteers will help remove invasive and woody species and enjoy a fire at the Prairie Creek Pavilion. This event also serves as Tony’s birthday party so come join the celebration!
Grapevine Wreaths
Saturday, October 30 at 1:00 PM At the Hurstville Interpretive Center
Make a wreath for the holidays using materials from nature. We’ll harvest grapevine at the park and transform it into home décor. Cost is $5 per person.
Night Hike
Saturday, October 30 at 5:30 PM
At Prairie Creek Recreation Area, near fishing pond Join a naturalist for a "spooky" hike as we try to identify the sounds and sights of nature’s night life. All ages are welcome as we hike the trails and learn more about Iowa’s nocturnal creatures. Meet at the fishing pond parking lot.
Pumpkin Archery
Saturday, November 6 at 1:00 PM At the Hurstville Interpretive Center
Halloween is over so what are we going to do with all of these pumpkins? Let’s use them as archery targets! Join Naturalist Tony Vorwald as we use bows, arrows, and atlatls to shoot at pumpkins. All ages welcome at this family friendly event. Pumpkin donations welcome.
Pine Needle Basket
Sunday, November 14 from 1:00-4:00 PM Hurstville Interpretive Center
Explore the lovely art form of basket weaving using longleaf pine needles, native to the southern United States.
This class will provide the materials and instruction needed for participants to create their own basket or coaster. Cost is $10 per person.
Remember, all programs require advance registration. Call (563) 652-3783 or email jacksonccb@jacksonccb.com to register.
Meet Our New Park
Ranger
Hello, my name is Adam McPherson. I am a Jackson County native and am happy to start my career with Jackson
County Conservation as a Park Ranger. After graduating from Maquoketa High School, I worked construction prior to pursuing my career in law enforcement. I graduated the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in 2014 and shortly after began working as the Chief of Police in Sabula, Iowa before coming to work for Jackson County Conservation. I have always been an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two children, Brayden and Evelynn. I am excited to work for Jackson County Conservation.
Summer Activities with Jackson County Conservation
Test your Tree IQ !!
Match the names of the trees listed with
the pictures of the leaves (and seeds).
Answers at bottom of page.
1. Black Walnut 2. Cottonwood 3. Eastern Red Cedar 4. Eastern White Pine 5. Shagbark Hickory 6. Sugar Maple 7. White Ash 8. White Oak
H
F E
C D B A
G
Answ er Ke y: 1 G 2D 3B 4E 5H 6F 7 C 8 A
Easton Valley 4th & 5th graders got to try out canoes and kayaks for their spring field trip in May. Our Education Staff had a busy spring, hosting 2,391 participants for close to 300 programs in just April and May.
We had a great turnout for our Geology Paddle on the Turkey River in July.
Youth at our Adventure Day Camp learned how to use GPS units and go geocaching. We hosted 10 day camps this summer with varying themes, engaging more than 100 area youth in outdoor activities!
All had a good time at our Ice Age Backpacking Trip in Chippewa County, Wisconsin this summer. Youth ages 12- 16 hiked 10+ miles, carrying everything
they needed for the 3-night/
4-day trip on their backs!
A Special Thank You!
Jackson County Conservation would like to thank and acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and businesses for
their continued support and donations.
With your help, we have been able to do so much more!!!
Volunteered for JCCB— Dean Nelson, Pam Bahr, Mary Hayward, Priscilla Petersen, Bob Walton, Ed Recker, Don Peters, Sarah Hobbs, Allison Tubbs, Cheyanne Browne, Bob & Audrey Winegar, Rowan Meyer, Chris Tubbs, Ann Burns, Karen Manning, Mary Mether, Carolyn Keck, Jo Ellen Langerman, Jim Dean, Dawn Wagner, David Manning, Wendy Hainstock, Otter Creek Shooting Stars 4H Members, Ray Hayes, Kim Jochum, Connie Breno, Roberta Rosheim, David Rosheim, Colin Tracey Donations for the Hurstville Center Solar Project—
Aaron Wood, Curt & Angie Lichter, The Blackhaud Giving Fund (match), Linda Skoff Family, Bruce Fisher, David & Sara Mickelson, Paul & Karen Portz, Burken Underground LLC, Charities Aid Foundation (match), David & Lynn Nissen, Karen Manning, Tom Devine, Maquoketa PEO Group, Jo Ellen Langerman, John Williams & Kimberly Carr, Karen Ganzer, Robert Mitchell, Elaine & David Edwards
Donations to Endowment—Megan Andresen, Kendra Beck, Sarah Hobbs, Heather Waack, Dan & Debora Holm, Jane Kutsch, Bill & Wendy Hainstock, Roger Schladetzky, Pam True, Carla Behrend, Peter Maier, Ann & Kevin Burns, Dennis Mans, David Gossman, Elaine Edwards, David Kunzweiler, John Hoff, Michael & Teresa Nickeson Cash Donations—Chuck & Jeanne Jorgensen (Prairie Creek), Boy Scouts of America Troop #68 of Maquoketa (outdoor recreation), Jessica & Katlin Marr, Delwood Kindergarten Students (EE), Shelby Yearwood (animal sponsor), Benjamin Davison (animal sponsor), Jackson County Retired School Personnel, Mary Yarolim, Community Foundation of Jackson County Youth Philanthropy Board (kayaks), Geraldine W. Bahr Lambert Endowment,
Volunteered at Park Cleanup Event at Prairie Creek—
Roberta Rosheim, David Rosheim, Mary Hird, David Kunzweiler, Connie Breno, Margaret Stine, Donna Duvall, Bob Garten
Donations—Renee Lietz (education materials), Ben Wagner (plants), Sarah Hobbs & David Manning (tent, camping supplies), Jake Theis (bison skull)
Donations made in honor/memory of:
In memory of Tony (Anthony) Skoff In memory of Elaine Dull
In memory of Marilyn Deegan In memory of Don & Phyllis Nissen In honor of Patrick Deutmeyer
Conservation Board Members
Jim England, chair Maquoketa 563/652-3213 Lori Rolling Bellevue 563/872-3299 Kathy Wosaba Monmouth 563/673-4551 Mike Griffin Springbrook 563/357-1736 Larry McDevitt Maquoketa 319/541-6357 The Jackson County Conservation Board meets the third
Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm. Public welcome.
Conservation Staff
Nathan Jones Executive Director Pam True Office Manager
Jessica Wagner Environmental Ed. Coordinator Jennifer Meyer Naturalist
Tony Vorwald Naturalist
Jeannie Collins-Heer Park Ranger/Roadside Manager Jerry Widel Operation Technician
Katelyn Yauslin Park Ranger Adam McPherson Park Ranger
Address & Contact Information
18670 63rd Street Maquoketa, IA 52060 Phone: (563) 652-3783
Fax: (563) 652-2191 Spruce Creek Shop (563) 872-3621 E-mail JacksonCCB@JacksonCCB.com
JacksonCCB.com
www.facebook.com/HurstvilleInterpretiveCenter
Announcements/Updates
Due to construction of the pedestrian trail at the Hurstville Interpretive Center, The StoryWalk is temporarily down.
A big thank you to our seasonal staff this year!
It was a great summer!
Issac Carter—Seasonal Conservation Worker Ryan Owen—Seasonal Conservation Worker Duane Garien—Seasonal Conservation Worker
Kayla Kennicker—Naturalist Intern Sam Howard—Teacher Extern
Jackson County Conservation Hurstville Interpretive Center 18670 63rd Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060 Address Service Requested
PRE SORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID
MAQUOKETA IA PERMIT NO. 123
People Prairie Project
By Tony Vorwald, Naturalist
This past spring I reported on the project details for the People Prairie Project. This project, funded by a grant from the Iowa Native Plant Society and support from Friends of Jackson County Conservation, focused on engaging high school and college students with Jackson County Conservation’s remnant prairies. Now that summer is coming to an end I am proud to report on the success of the project!
The People Prairie Project had 7 high school and college student participants join me on remnant prairie plant surveys at Blackhawk
Wildlife Area, Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, and Ozark Wildlife Area. Each student participated in at least 4 prairie surveys and in return they gained plant ID skills, exposure to rare and sensitive areas, a plant ID field guide and a monetary stipend for their effort.
Most of the prairie surveys were conducted at Ozark Wildlife Area where we would traverse the rugged terrain exploring the remnant prairies in search of native plants. We developed a long list of prairie plants which gives a good perspective to the character of these prairies. Some plants that were found include, but are not limited to, prairie phlox, purple milkweed, large flowered false foxglove, and western sunflower. A few students and myself even got to witness a timber rattlesnake!
I applaud these students for seeking educational opportunities during their summer break and getting out in some of our most interesting and sensitive areas. The students who participated were all great sports and I know they will succeed in their future endeavors. It is also my intention to continue to work with these remnant prairies both by improving their quality and using them for specialized environmental education.
