RECENT EVents
EVENTS 2021
2021 Winter Hikes Special Note. Given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, participants should expect to wear their masks whenever a space of six feet might not be possible on the hikes or at the cars. The hikes are open to the public, but space is limited and does require pre-registration. Register here with Story County Conservation so we can better plan a safe outing together. All hikes will begin at 1:30 from the parking area for that hike.
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. Please leave your dog warm and at home for these winter hikes.
Unless otherwise notified; the hikes go on 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.
All hikes would end with a "picnic" of shared food, but, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be best bring your own treats for now.
The winter hikes are led by an Outdoor Alliance of Story County volunteer and are cosponsored by Story County Conservation.
Hike - Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Ronald "Dick" Jordan Family Wildlife Area. We will meet in the parking area on the NE side of the South Skunk River bridge at 56091 265th Street, Ames IA 50010.
Hike - Thursday, January 14, 2021 at E18 Greenbelt Trail. We will meet in the parking area is on the south side of E 18 and west of the I 35 at 56342 130th St., Story City and before you get to the river.
Board Meeting on Zoom – Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 5:15 pm on the second Thursday of the month. Meetings are open to the public. If you are planning on joining us, please contact info@oasco.org.
Presentation on Zoom – Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7 pm Keith Abraham, Director, Ames Parks & Rec, will update us on recent, current and upcoming projects and plans. You can join us at this event by Zoom by clicking the link or with your phone: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/96557750613 Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 965 5775 0613. You can also listen to the meeting on your phone by dialing: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 and entering the Meeting ID: 965 5775 0613 when prompted.
Hike - Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Soper's Mill. We will meet on the SW side of the river. at 56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010.
Hike - Thursday, January 28, 2021 at McFarland Park. We will meet at the west end of the parking lot at 56461 180th St., Ames, 50010.
Board Meeting on Zoom – Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 5:15 pm on the second Thursday of the month. Meetings are open to the public. If you are planning on joining us, please contact info@oasco.org.
RECENT EVENTS 2020
2020: New Year's Winter Events Start the new year with a winter hike along the South Skunk River on Thursday, January 2. This hike is the first of five Thursday afternoon winter hikes in January. Details about the hikes are below and on our website. These hikes are co-sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County and Story County Conservation.
The first of three winter presentations begin this year on Wednesday, January 22, 2019, at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library with Sam Wormley on Our Changing Climate: Science and Psychology.
Ty Smedes, photographer, will present Winter and Wildlife, Wednesday, February,19, 2020, at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library. After Ty's presentation, we will take a break and resume for the Outdoor Alliance's annual meeting.
Ames Reads Leopold is Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 2 pm at the Ames Public Library. This is a community event with many groups taking part in the readings and commentary on conservation and part of a national commemoration.
These presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation and the Ames Public Library and are held at the library. Details about the hikes, presentations and other events are on the web at oasco.org and are also provided below.
We hope you can join us for some of these events and that you have a great new year. Registration is not required for any of these winter events and is open to the public.
2020 Winter Hikes Special Note All hikes will begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. These events are open to the public and do not require pre-registration.
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.
These hikes are co-sponsor with Story County Conservation. Story County Conservation could decide to cancel if conditions are considered too dangerous, so you may want to check before you leave if the weather or roads are particularly nasty. Story County Conservation can be reached at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov.
Hike – Thursday, January 2, 2020, Anderson Access Meet at 1:30 in the parking lot located on the Northeast side of the river. The address is 56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248.
Hike – Thursday, January 9, 2020, Soper's Mill Meet at 1:30 on the Southwest side of the river in the first parking area inside the park. The address is 56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010.
Board Meeting – Thursday, January 9, 2020 Meetings are at 5:15 on the second Thursday of the month and are held in the Ames Public Library in the meeting rooms upstairs. Meetings are open to the public. If you are planning on attending, please contact info@oasco.org to be sure there were no last minute changes.
Hike – Thursday, January 16, 2020, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Meet at 1:30 in front of Cambridge’s city hall and we will drive to the trail a few minutes away. The address is 515 N. Main Avenue, Cambridge. 50046.
Presentation – Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Our Changing Climate: Science and Psychology, Sam Wormley The Climatology community now warns that we are running out of options to slow and reverse run-away-global-warming. We will explore the basic science of the earth’s energy imbalance and the psychology of denial. Resources handout will be provided.
Sam will be speaking at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor. The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation and the Ames Public Library. The address is 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
Sam Wormley is a retired associate scientist and principal investigator, CNDE/IPRT/AL at Iowa State and retired as an adjunct professor of astronomy at Marshalltown Community College after 17 years. Among many other interest and community service, Sam regularly teaches science and technology classes for OLLI at Iowa State.
Hike – Thursday, January 23, 2020, Peterson Park-West Meet at 1:30 on the west edge of the parking lot near the lake. The address is 55310 180th Street, Ames, 50010.
Iowa Prairie Network Winter Seminar Saturday, January 25, 2020 The day's events start at 9:30am and will go to 5:00 pm at Ames High School, 1921 Ames High Dr, Ames, IA 50010. Presentations, silent auction, conservation exhibits, and food for purchase or donation are part of this annual event.
The event is open to the public, does not require pre-preregistration, membership or fees. Look for more details on Iowa Prairie Network's website at www.iowaprairienetwork.org. The Outdoor Alliance is promoting this event as part of our commitment to support others that are also are enhancing outdoor recreation, education and conservation in Story County.
Hike – Thursday, January 31, 2020, McFarland Park Meet at 1:30 at the west end of the parking lot. The address is 56461 180th St., Ames, 50010.
Presentation & Afterwards Annual Meeting - February 19, 2020: Ty Smede, Photographer, Winter and Wildlife While spring is a time of renewal, summer a time of plenty, and fall a season of transition, winter is a challenging time for Midwestern wildlife. This presentation will discuss the many challenges faced by wintering wildlife and their adaptability.
Ty will be speaking at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor. The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation and the Ames Public Library. The address is 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
A lifelong interest in nature and wildlife led to Ty’s first 35 mm camera in 1980. As a hunter, he loved being in the field, and the camera allowed him to be out all year long. In 1983, the Iowa DNR published his waterfowl photos. From there, Ty's interest expanded to include more of Iowa's wildlife, prairies, scenic vistas and far beyond. Ty has taken his camera across the Midwest, west and the globe. Ty’s photographs are his way to let others enjoy, appreciate, and value our threatened natural heritage. Just perhaps, his photos will inspire us to make important choices which will save declining habitats and improve our natural world.
After Ty’s presentation, there will be brief break and light snacks. The Outdoor Alliance will then make a brief presentation as part of this year’s annual meeting which is open to the public.
Board Meeting – Thursday, February 13, 2020 Meetings are at 5:15 on the second Thursday of the month and are held in the Ames Public Library in the meeting rooms upstairs. Meetings are open to the public. If you are planning on attending, please contact info@oasco.org to be sure there were no last minute changes.
Presentation - Sunday, March 8, 2020, Ames Reads Leopold. Join us, our many partners and guest readers as we explore the conservation and land ethic writings of Aldo Leopold. His most famous work, A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949, still resonates with naturalists and writers alike. Readers will share essays from this book, his other books and from other like-minded writers. This event is part of a long established nationwide commemorative.
Ames Reads Leopold will be at 2 pm and wrap up at 4 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor. The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation and the Ames Public Library. The address is 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
Board Meeting – Thursday, March 12, 2020 Meetings are at 5:15 on the second Thursday of the month and are held in the Ames Public Library in the meeting rooms upstairs. Meetings are open to the public. If you are planning on attending, please contact info@oasco.org to be sure there were no last minute changes.
Looking Ahead - Other events open to the public are added as the year's plans are finalized. We are hoping to make last years river cleanup an annual event later this year and need volunteers to help us in late July, early August, to keep reusable goods out of the landfill. You efforts will also help us raises funds. Thanks for your interest.
FALL 2020 UPDATE & EVENTS - OUTDOOR ALLIANCE OF STORY COUNTY On-going events listed below address the Covid-19 health issues. Events listed below require registration and participants are limited to better keep the participants safe. Masks should be expected to be worn for your own and other participants safety as needed.
TEDESCO CORRIDOR TRAIL UPDATE The long abandoned Ames to Kelly railroad line is now a new-off-road trail linking Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor on the South side of Ames to Kelly and the R38 roadside trail to Slater. Slater is a hub of paved, off-road trails: The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, the High Trestle Trail and the Ankeny Trail.
Story County Conservation’s new Tedesco Corridor Trail also connects public and private efforts: Story County Conservation, the Outdoor Alliance of Story County and the dedicated volunteers who have been instrumental in making this project possible.
The planned trail enhancements will allow the corridor's native plants to take root, habitat become established, and wildlife flourish. Native plantings and the wildlife will invite a pause in our busy days. Benches will echo that invitation. With these enhancements, the Ames to Kelly railroad line will again be a welcoming gateway into Ames.
The trail enhancements are expected to cost about $32,000. Thanks to the generous donors, more than $8,500 has been raised by late September. Fundraising is ongoing and is another way to support Story County Conservation's work on the Tedesco Corridor Trail.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2, PRAIRIE RIVERS OF IOWA’S THE WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVALPrairie Rivers of Iowa (Prairie Rivers) is a non-profit partnering with Story County Conservation in monitoring water quality in the county. This event will support this and other ongoing projects. More information about Prairie River is on their web site at www.prrcd.org
Attendees will get access to the Livestream event on Friday, from 7:30 - 9 pm CDT. A waiting room with a countdown to the film fest will start at 7 pm for those that login early. There will also be streaming available online for 5 days after the Livestream event. A link will be sent to ticket holders nearer to the time of the Livestream event they'll use to access it. Tickets are $20 each. More information about this event is on their website: www.prrcd.org/events. Contact Prairie Rivers of Iowa if you have questions at mkellner@prrcd.org.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 10, 2020 WILD WOMEN OF THE WOODS The Outdoor Alliance is one of many groups and businesses that help support Story County Conservation’s Wild Women of the Woods. The event is designed to give women the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn or improve skills, and network with women with similar interests. This event is intended for anyone who identifies as a woman, 18 or older. This year's format will be different than in the past in an effort to ensure participant safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event has been abbreviated to one day, and unlike previous years, meals will not be provided. Details, including fees, are included in the registration packet: 2020 Wild Women of the Woods Registration Packet.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 29, 2020 FALL FOLIAGE WALK Our walk begins at 1:30 in the woods and may be a chance to enjoy the changing fall colors at Soper's Mill. We'll meet at 56364 170th Street, Ames. The hike will end with snacks of whatever the hikers bring to share and reflect the on-going pandemic by being prepackaged, or at least, in separate serving baggies. Register here with Story County Conservation; space is limited and registration is required so we can better plan a safe outing together. The hike will be canceled if the weather or other conditions are unsafe. Please leave your dog at home. This event is led by an Outdoor Alliance of Story County volunteer and is cosponsored by Story County Conservation.
RECENT EVENTS 2019
Jan 3, 2019 Thurs E18 Greenbelt Trail, 56342 130th St., Story City. Those that want to carpool will meet for carpooling at Ada Hayden on the north parking lot by the shelter, leaving at 1:00. Directions: Drive north from Ames on I-35 and take the E18 exit just south of Story City. Turn left (west) and cross I-35, then turn left (south) into the trailhead a few hundred feet west of Hwy 35.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Jan 10, 2019 Thurs Reactor Woods/Peggy’s Trail, Iowa State University, Ames., 2098 Scholl Rd, Ames. Directions: From Ontario Street in west Ames, turn north on Scholl Road. Cross the railroad tracks, follow Scholl Rd to the right, and take the first right turn after Kingman Road. Go straight on this road (it becomes unpaved) until it dead-ends at a small trailhead.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Jan 17, 2019 Thurs Dakin’s Lake, 12635 710th Ave., Zearing. Those that want to carpool will meet at the baseball parking lot at the north side of 13thStreet and the west side of the Skunk River leaving at 1:00. Directions: From Ames, drive north on I-35 to the E-18 exit (Exit 123) and turn right (east) toward Roland and Zearing. Continue on E-18 for 14 miles and drive through most of Zearing. Turn left (north) into the park.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Jan 24, 2019 Thurs McFarland Park, 56461 180th St., Ames.Directions: from 13thStreet and west of I35, drive north on Dayton Road four miles. The road ends at 180thStreet; turn right (east) and go a bit less than one mile to the where we will meet at the west end of the parking lot.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Jan 24, 2019 Thurs Winter Skies: Constellations, Stories and Folklore What one can see in the sky this time of year is explored by Dr. Sam Wormley who earned degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering and taught astronomy at Marshalltown Community College. Sam regularly teaches at OLLI, Iowa State University's college for seniors.
Presentations begin at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor.
The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story, County, Story County Conservation, Ames Public Library and Ames Historical Society.
Jan 31, 2019 Thurs Robison Wildlife Acres, 29490 632nd Ave., Nevada.Those that want to carpool can meet at Cinemark movie theater on S. Duff in the area between the movie theater and Staples, leaving at 1:00.Directions:Travel east from Ames on Highway 30; turn right (south) on S-14 just before Nevada, go on S-14 for 5.5 miles, then turn left (east) on 295th Street and go one mile to the parking lot.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Feb 7, 2019 Thurs Winter Hike Soper’s Mill- South, 56364 170th Street, Ames. Directions from highway 69 turn east towards the river at the Gilbert Casey’s. We will meet southwest of river at intersection of 170th Street and 563rd Avenue in the parking area by the river.
Hikes begin at 1:30 from the parking area and end in a picnic of whatever the hikers bring to share. For more information contact info@oasco.org or Story County Conservation who is cosponsoring these hikes with the Outdoor Alliance.
Feb 20 2019 Wed, The “Famous” history of the 13th Street DamThe buried alluvial aquifer that provides the community its source water for drinking has long been studied and analyzed by professors and graduate students at Iowa State University. Their research on the aquifer helped determine how water travels underground and reaches the downtown well field. Ms. Christina Murphy, Assistant Director for Ames Water and Pollution Control, will explore how the dam came about and explore it future.
Presentations begin at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor.
The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story, County, Story County Conservation, Ames Public Library and Ames Historical Society.
March 13 2019 Wed 7-8 Floral Jewels of the Tallgrass Prairie Prairies and other ecosystems, are recognized by their vegetation. Many types of tallgrass prairie communities can be observed in Iowa depending on moisture and fertility, how much disturbance there has been, and biogeography. The role of forbs in the many prairies of Iowa will be presented by Dr. Tom Rosburg.
Presentations begin at 7 pm at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium on the first floor.
The presentations are sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story, County, Story County Conservation, Ames Public Library and Ames Historical Society.
March 18-22, 2019 ISU Spring Break
April 10, 2019 Wed 6-8 Annual and Five Year Celebration at the Ames Public Library Tom Hazelton, CEO at My County Parks, will give a presentation on the economics of investing in the outdoors as part of this years' celebration. And yes, there will be cake and other hospitality. For more information contact info@oasco.org.
April 14, 2019 Sun 2 - 4 Ames Reads Leopold, Ames Public Library, Farwell T Brown Room.Join guest readers as we explore the conservation and land ethic writings of Aldo Leopold. His most famous work, A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949, is still popular with naturalists and writers alike. Readers will share essays from this book, his other books and from other like-minded writers.
Ames Reads Leopold is sponsored by the Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Story County Conservation, Ames Public Library, Ames Historical Society and many other community organizations.
April 22, 2019 Mon Story County Conservation's Carroll Prairie Dedication Details are still being worked out for more information go to Story County Conservation's calendar. Carroll Prairie is a 49-acre property with remnant prairie and oxbow wetlands. The land is bisected by West Indian Creek, a watershed that Iowa Nature Heritage Foundation, Story County Conservation Board and Iowa Prairie Network have been actively protecting and restoring since 2011. Jennette Heritage Area is just downstream.
April 29, 2019 Mon 5:00 - 6:30 Evening Spring Wildflower Walk with Steve Lekwa at Hertz Woods 25401 Country Club Road Located 2 miles south of Nevada. Join us as we explore the spring ephemerals that bloom before the trees and other plants leaf out, blocking much of the sun on the ground.
May 23, 2019 Thurs 7 pm Evening Doolittle Prairie Walk
Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended.
This program is cosponsored by Iowa Prairie Network and Story County Conservation, is free and does not require registration. Story County Conservation can be contacted at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov. Doolittle Prairie is at 14249 560th Ave., Story City, IA 50248.
June 27, 2019 Thurs 7 pm Evening Doolittle Walk
Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended.
This program is cosponsored by Iowa Prairie Network and Story County Conservation, is free and does not require registration. Story County Conservation can be contacted at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov. Doolittle Prairie is at 14249 560th Ave., Story City, IA 50248.
July 25, 2019 Thurs 7 pm Evening Doolittle Walk
Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended.
This program is cosponsored by Iowa Prairie Network and Story County Conservation, is free and does not require registration. Story County Conservation can be contacted at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov. Doolittle Prairie is at 14249 560th Ave., Story City, IA 50248.
August 22, 2019 Thurs 7 pm Evening Doolittle Walk
Join Dr. Thomas Rosburg at monthly prairie walks at the largest prairie remnant in Story County. See rare prairie flora that changes each month and learn the history of central Iowa prairies from a prairie enthusiast. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug spray are recommended.
This program is cosponsored by Iowa Prairie Network and Story County Conservation, is free and does not require registration. Story County Conservation can be contacted at conservation@storycountyiowa.gov. Doolittle Prairie is at 14249 560th Ave., Story City, IA 50248.
Updates
If you would like to receive information about upcoming events, send us an email at info@oasco.org. All events are open to the public. And no, we won't be flooding your inbox with emails; currently, a quarterly update is sent. Your information will only be used for Outdoor Alliance of Story County and will never be given or sold to others.
The 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.
The 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.
