2022 EVents
SPECIAL NOTICE Due to the ongoing Covid 19 virus, most Outdoor Alliance’s public events are still currently limited. Please be respectful of special needs even as more of the public is vaccinated. For more information concerning active practices you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website here. Thanking you in advance for your understanding.
2022 SPRING EVENTS
Thursday, March 24, 2022 EcoChats: Watersheds at the Ames Public Library on 515 Douglas Avenue beginning at 6 PM and ending at 7:30 PM. EcoChats focus is on sustainability practices in Ames and Story County. This month, join Dan Haug of Prairie Rivers of Iowa, Catherine De Long of ISU Extension and Outreach, and representatives of the City of Ames to learn about watershed management in Story County. A Zoom link will be posted on Prairie Rivers of Iowa website the day of the event. This event is presented in partnership with Ames Public Library, the City of Ames, Prairie Rivers of Iowa, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Monday, March 28, 2022 Presentation: Story County Watersheds, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator for Story County, will be discussing the county’s water quality efforts. She will review practices like the volunteer water quality monitoring program, new edge of field nutrient program, and stream restoration efforts. She will also highlight how the county’s different partnerships including with city, state, and federal agencies will help Story County achieve goals identified in the Countywide Watershed Assessment.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County, and Story County Conservation.
Participate in person or online. Join by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88561051568 or go to the Ames Public Library's Event Calendar at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/story-county-watersheds for the link.
Tuesday, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10 - Walk the Trails Join Story County Conservation's Jerry Keys and explore county parks and meet other hikers. All hikes begin at 9 am and end at 11 am. The hikes are free but do require registration by clicking the link "More Details" below for that walk. These hikes are for ages 16 and up.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Walk the Trails at Hertz Family Woods & Nature Preserve - More Details
Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Walk the Trails at Christiansen Forest Preserve - More Detail
Saturday, April 23, 2022 Climate Conversation With Story County Conservation at McFarland Park, 56461 180th Street, Ames. The conversation is from 1:00 PM -to 2:30 PM. Find out why it is important to start the conversation, develop stories and strategies to communicate effectively, and feel empowered by community-based solutions. This conversation is best suited for high-school age and up. This program is free but registration is required by clicking the link Register here.
Sunday April 24, 2022, Ames Reads Leopold Community Story Walk We will meet at Brookside Park at the Hickory Shelter. Brookside Park is at 1325 6th St., Ames, from 1:00 pm to 3:30.
Aldo Leopold is widely acknowledged as one of the founders of wildlife conservation in America. A book on Leopold's contribution will guide the walk.This event is sponsored by several groups including the Outdoor Alliance, Story County Conservation, Iowa State University and many others.
Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Walk the Trails at Peterson Park East - More Details
Tuesday May 3, 2022, Walk the Trails at Robison Wildlife Acres - More Details
Thursday, May 5, 2022 Spring Wildflower Walk at Robison Wildlife Acres, 29490 632nd Ave., Nevada. We’ll start our walk at 1:30 from the parking lot and plan to end our walk at 3:30. Registation is required and limited with Story County Conservation on their event page. Choose the month and date of the event and click the link on their calendar to register. This event is led by Outdoor Alliance volunteers and is cosponsored by Story County Conservation.
Wednesday Summer Evening Paddle at the Park: Enjoy an evening paddling your canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board with other area paddlers beginning around 6:30 PM at Ada Hayden Heritage Park at 5205 Grand Avenue, Ames, from May through September. These Wednesday evening paddles are listed by the Outdoor Alliance as a community service and as a service for our partners at the Skunk River Paddlers. More information is at Skunk River Paddlers.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Walk the Trails at McFarland Park - More Details
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Citizen Science: Spring Water Quality Snapshot This volunteer event is free but registration is required at Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Once you register, instructions and your testing site will be identified. Testing can take place anytime from sunrise (6 am to sunset 8:30 pm and takes one or two hours). Pick up and return your kit at 1835 Coolidge Drive, Ames, IA 50010. Contact: Watershed Educator Dan Haug dhaug@prrcd.org, 515-232-0048.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 Evening Prairie Walks Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg on monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare and common prairie flora that change each month, and learn about the Central Iowa prairies. Long pants, long sleeves, sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bug spray are recommended. You may also want sunscreen, bug spray, hat and water. These walks are sponsored by Story County Conservation and are free, but registration is required by the day prior to each walk.
Saturday May 21, 2022 Ioway Creek Trash Cleanup Prairie Rivers of Iowa is leading this service project and will post more details later on their website. Registration is required; the link will be posted on their website as the date approaches. Expect to get wet, dirty, tired and feel good about what you have helped to do.
OTHER EVENTS Story County Conservation sponsors other events not listed above that you might be interested in as well. The Outdoor Alliance also partners with Prairie Rivers of Iowa and the Skunk River Paddlers. Links to these and other local, regional, statewide and national outdoor groups are on this website.
EVENT UPDATES If you would like to receive information about upcoming events, send us an email at info@oasco.org with your contact information. And no, we won't be flooding your inbox with emails; currently, a quarterly update is sent and sometimes a few other emails are sent too. Your information will be used by Outdoor Alliance of Story County and will never be sold to others.
BOARD MEETINGS The Outdoor Alliance board generally schedules a meeting on the second Thursday of the month at the Ames Public Library for 5:15. Sometimes there is a last minute change, so let us know if you are interested in attending.
2022 LOOKING AHEAD
Friday, July 15th, 5:00 – 7 p.m. Butterflies, Bees & Brew A fund raiser for our partners, Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Tickets are at Prairie Rivers of Iowa on sale June 1st.
2022 WINTER EVENTS
Taking a hike is a great way to start the new year, shake off cabin fever and get exercise. Yes, it can be cold, windy and sometimes wet or icy conditions should be expected. Layering with wicking clothes, wearing a wind and water resistant jacket, gloves and hat, ski poles or walking stick, cleats for your shoes or even snowshoes can be useful depending on conditions.
There are also two winter presentations: Story County’s Watershed; and, Land Protection in a Changing Environment. Both presentations are at the Ames Public Library and have a Zoom option. Both presentations are also co-sponsored by the Ames Public Library and Story County Conservation.
Winter Hikes All the hikes require registration. Unless otherwise notified; the hikes go on as long as long as the weather or other conditions are safe and the roads are open. We may however, wrap things up earlier than 3:30 PM under harsh conditions. Please leave your dog warm and at home for these winter hikes.
All hikes would normally end with a "picnic" of shared food, but, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be best to bring your own treats or store bought individually packaged treats.
The winter hikes are co-sponsored with Story County Conservation and led by an Outdoor Alliance of Story County volunteer.
Thursday, January 6, 2022 Winter Hike Anderson Access The address is 56743 150th Street, Story City. Registration is required and limited. We will meet at the parking lot on the Northeast side of the river. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 13, 2022 Winter Hike Peterson Park - West, Story County The address is 55310 180th Street, Ames, 50010. Registration is required and limited. We will meet at the west edge of the parking lot near the lake. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 Winter Hike Heart of Iowa Trail, Cambridge. Registration is required and limited. We will meet where the trail crosses S Main Avenue, Cambridge, across from the grain bins. Park on the east side of the road only. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 27, 2022 Winter Hike McFarland Park, 56461 180th St., Ames. Registration is required and limited. Park in the southwest area of the parking lot. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, Jan 27, 2022 Presentation: Story County Watersheds, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator for Story County, will be discussing the county’s water quality efforts. She will review practices like the volunteer water quality monitoring program, new edge of field nutrient program, and stream restoration efforts. She will also highlight how the county’s different partnerships including with city, state, and federal agencies will help Story County achieve goals identified in the Countywide Watershed Assessment.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County, and Story County Conservation.
A Zoom link will be posted two weeks in advance of the program on the Library's Event Calendar at
https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/story-county-watersheds.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Presentation & Annual Meeting: Land Protection in a Changing Climate, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Joe McGovern is the President of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. is a nonprofit conservation organization protecting and restoring Iowa’s land, water and wildlife across the state. Joe will give an update on INHF’s work statewide. Joe is a graduate of Iowa State University in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. He will explore the opportunities and challenges in permanently protecting large blocks of wildlife habitat in central Iowa.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County and Story County Conservation.
A Zoom link will be posted two weeks in advance of the program on the Library's Event Calendar at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/land-protection-changing-climate.
2022 SPRING EVENTS
Thursday, March 24, 2022 EcoChats: Watersheds at the Ames Public Library on 515 Douglas Avenue beginning at 6 PM and ending at 7:30 PM. EcoChats focus is on sustainability practices in Ames and Story County. This month, join Dan Haug of Prairie Rivers of Iowa, Catherine De Long of ISU Extension and Outreach, and representatives of the City of Ames to learn about watershed management in Story County. A Zoom link will be posted on Prairie Rivers of Iowa website the day of the event. This event is presented in partnership with Ames Public Library, the City of Ames, Prairie Rivers of Iowa, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Monday, March 28, 2022 Presentation: Story County Watersheds, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator for Story County, will be discussing the county’s water quality efforts. She will review practices like the volunteer water quality monitoring program, new edge of field nutrient program, and stream restoration efforts. She will also highlight how the county’s different partnerships including with city, state, and federal agencies will help Story County achieve goals identified in the Countywide Watershed Assessment.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County, and Story County Conservation.
Participate in person or online. Join by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88561051568 or go to the Ames Public Library's Event Calendar at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/story-county-watersheds for the link.
Tuesday, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10 - Walk the Trails Join Story County Conservation's Jerry Keys and explore county parks and meet other hikers. All hikes begin at 9 am and end at 11 am. The hikes are free but do require registration by clicking the link "More Details" below for that walk. These hikes are for ages 16 and up.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Walk the Trails at Hertz Family Woods & Nature Preserve - More Details
Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Walk the Trails at Christiansen Forest Preserve - More Detail
Saturday, April 23, 2022 Climate Conversation With Story County Conservation at McFarland Park, 56461 180th Street, Ames. The conversation is from 1:00 PM -to 2:30 PM. Find out why it is important to start the conversation, develop stories and strategies to communicate effectively, and feel empowered by community-based solutions. This conversation is best suited for high-school age and up. This program is free but registration is required by clicking the link Register here.
Sunday April 24, 2022, Ames Reads Leopold Community Story Walk We will meet at Brookside Park at the Hickory Shelter. Brookside Park is at 1325 6th St., Ames, from 1:00 pm to 3:30.
Aldo Leopold is widely acknowledged as one of the founders of wildlife conservation in America. A book on Leopold's contribution will guide the walk.This event is sponsored by several groups including the Outdoor Alliance, Story County Conservation, Iowa State University and many others.
Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Walk the Trails at Peterson Park East - More Details
Tuesday May 3, 2022, Walk the Trails at Robison Wildlife Acres - More Details
Thursday, May 5, 2022 Spring Wildflower Walk at Robison Wildlife Acres, 29490 632nd Ave., Nevada. We’ll start our walk at 1:30 from the parking lot and plan to end our walk at 3:30. Registation is required and limited with Story County Conservation on their event page. Choose the month and date of the event and click the link on their calendar to register. This event is led by Outdoor Alliance volunteers and is cosponsored by Story County Conservation.
Wednesday Summer Evening Paddle at the Park: Enjoy an evening paddling your canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board with other area paddlers beginning around 6:30 PM at Ada Hayden Heritage Park at 5205 Grand Avenue, Ames, from May through September. These Wednesday evening paddles are listed by the Outdoor Alliance as a community service and as a service for our partners at the Skunk River Paddlers. More information is at Skunk River Paddlers.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Walk the Trails at McFarland Park - More Details
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Citizen Science: Spring Water Quality Snapshot This volunteer event is free but registration is required at Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Once you register, instructions and your testing site will be identified. Testing can take place anytime from sunrise (6 am to sunset 8:30 pm and takes one or two hours). Pick up and return your kit at 1835 Coolidge Drive, Ames, IA 50010. Contact: Watershed Educator Dan Haug dhaug@prrcd.org, 515-232-0048.
Thursday, May 19, 2022 Evening Prairie Walks Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg on monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare and common prairie flora that change each month, and learn about the Central Iowa prairies. Long pants, long sleeves, sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bug spray are recommended. You may also want sunscreen, bug spray, hat and water. These walks are sponsored by Story County Conservation and are free, but registration is required by the day prior to each walk.
Saturday May 21, 2022 Ioway Creek Trash Cleanup Prairie Rivers of Iowa is leading this service project and will post more details later on their website. Registration is required; the link will be posted on their website as the date approaches. Expect to get wet, dirty, tired and feel good about what you have helped to do.
OTHER EVENTS Story County Conservation sponsors other events not listed above that you might be interested in as well. The Outdoor Alliance also partners with Prairie Rivers of Iowa and the Skunk River Paddlers. Links to these and other local, regional, statewide and national outdoor groups are on this website.
EVENT UPDATES If you would like to receive information about upcoming events, send us an email at info@oasco.org with your contact information. And no, we won't be flooding your inbox with emails; currently, a quarterly update is sent and sometimes a few other emails are sent too. Your information will be used by Outdoor Alliance of Story County and will never be sold to others.
BOARD MEETINGS The Outdoor Alliance board generally schedules a meeting on the second Thursday of the month at the Ames Public Library for 5:15. Sometimes there is a last minute change, so let us know if you are interested in attending.
2022 LOOKING AHEAD
Friday, July 15th, 5:00 – 7 p.m. Butterflies, Bees & Brew A fund raiser for our partners, Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Tickets are at Prairie Rivers of Iowa on sale June 1st.
2022 WINTER EVENTS
Taking a hike is a great way to start the new year, shake off cabin fever and get exercise. Yes, it can be cold, windy and sometimes wet or icy conditions should be expected. Layering with wicking clothes, wearing a wind and water resistant jacket, gloves and hat, ski poles or walking stick, cleats for your shoes or even snowshoes can be useful depending on conditions.
There are also two winter presentations: Story County’s Watershed; and, Land Protection in a Changing Environment. Both presentations are at the Ames Public Library and have a Zoom option. Both presentations are also co-sponsored by the Ames Public Library and Story County Conservation.
Winter Hikes All the hikes require registration. Unless otherwise notified; the hikes go on as long as long as the weather or other conditions are safe and the roads are open. We may however, wrap things up earlier than 3:30 PM under harsh conditions. Please leave your dog warm and at home for these winter hikes.
All hikes would normally end with a "picnic" of shared food, but, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be best to bring your own treats or store bought individually packaged treats.
The winter hikes are co-sponsored with Story County Conservation and led by an Outdoor Alliance of Story County volunteer.
Thursday, January 6, 2022 Winter Hike Anderson Access The address is 56743 150th Street, Story City. Registration is required and limited. We will meet at the parking lot on the Northeast side of the river. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 13, 2022 Winter Hike Peterson Park - West, Story County The address is 55310 180th Street, Ames, 50010. Registration is required and limited. We will meet at the west edge of the parking lot near the lake. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 Winter Hike Heart of Iowa Trail, Cambridge. Registration is required and limited. We will meet where the trail crosses S Main Avenue, Cambridge, across from the grain bins. Park on the east side of the road only. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, January 27, 2022 Winter Hike McFarland Park, 56461 180th St., Ames. Registration is required and limited. Park in the southwest area of the parking lot. All hikes and departures are from the meeting areas and begin at 1:30 PM.
Thursday, Jan 27, 2022 Presentation: Story County Watersheds, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Sara Carmichael, Watershed Coordinator for Story County, will be discussing the county’s water quality efforts. She will review practices like the volunteer water quality monitoring program, new edge of field nutrient program, and stream restoration efforts. She will also highlight how the county’s different partnerships including with city, state, and federal agencies will help Story County achieve goals identified in the Countywide Watershed Assessment.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County, and Story County Conservation.
A Zoom link will be posted two weeks in advance of the program on the Library's Event Calendar at
https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/story-county-watersheds.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Presentation & Annual Meeting: Land Protection in a Changing Climate, 7:00 pm at Ames Public Library and with a Zoom option.
Joe McGovern is the President of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. is a nonprofit conservation organization protecting and restoring Iowa’s land, water and wildlife across the state. Joe will give an update on INHF’s work statewide. Joe is a graduate of Iowa State University in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. He will explore the opportunities and challenges in permanently protecting large blocks of wildlife habitat in central Iowa.
This presentation is sponsored by the Ames Public Library, Outdoor Alliance of Story County and Story County Conservation.
A Zoom link will be posted two weeks in advance of the program on the Library's Event Calendar at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/events/land-protection-changing-climate.
