INHF 25th Anniversary Event #9
The Grand Opening of the
F.W. Kent Park Conservation Education Center

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Be the first kid (or adult) on your block to check out 12 new hands-on displays during the grand opening of the Conservation Education Center. Experience life in a log, examine a cross-section of prairie soil, watch live animal exhibits and much more!  Enjoy refreshments and sign up for great doorprizes. Then get outdoors for hikes guided by local experts.

Event details
The event will begin with a short ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. During the ribbon-cutting there will be remarks from speakers including: Dr. Loren Horton, president of the JCCB; Harry Graves, director of the JCCB, and Mark Ackelson, president of INHF. A reception follows, in which guests can check out the 12 new exhibits (see bulleted list below), free refreshments, and drawings for an array of great prizes.

Meanwhile, participants have the opportunity to join one or both of two short, guided hikes starting from the nature center.
        1) JCCB Vegetation Specialist Dave Wehde lead a prairie hike.
         2) Mount Mercy College Professor Neil Bernstein, a leading authority on the Ornate Box Turtle, will lead a hike and talk about these remarkable creatures which inhabit Kent Park and vicinity.

The 12 new, interactive exhibits cover the following topics :

• Geology and prehistoric display: shows the geologic and cultural beginnings of the area
• Aquarium display: contains native fish and graphics on aquatic life found in Kent Park and Johnson County
• Prairie soils display: allows visitors to get inside a simulated plug of soil to examine the subterranean content of the prairie soils
• Bird and wildlife viewing station
• Cross section of a 200-year-old oak tree: shows timeline of human events that occurred during tree's life
• Prairie diorama: describes various components and types of prairie in a model of a typical prairie habitat
• Live animal display: features reptiles, amphibians and small mammals native to Kent Park.
• Life in a log display: allows kids to crawl through a simulated hollow log. Inside display reveals the complex web of life that exists within a decomposing log.
• Vegetation exhibit: features medicinal uses of native plants and changes in vegetation in Kent Park and Johnson County from the time of the original government surveys up to the present Global Imaging System photos. A species richness map also shows the dramatic changes in vegetative cover that have occurred in the county during the past 150 years.
• Bat "hearing" display: allows visitors to hear how bats located their prey using echolocation
• Small library
• Reception area

Native oak, cherry and walnut lumber, salvaged from trees destroyed by a windstorm that decimated much of Kent Park in 1998, is being used to construct the displays and dioramas. As noted, Kent Park also has several outdoor learning areas--including prairie, wetland and woodland areas all located a short walk from the nature center.

The story behind this place
F. W. Kent Park is the largest, most diverse park operated by Johnson County Conservation Board. Its main attractions include a 27-acre lake with great fishing, a beach and extensive camping facilities. The park also boasts prairies, forests, wetlands and several hiking trails within its 1,082-acres. Its new playground, made of recycled and recyclable materials, also educates area youth about the importance of the Three R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Many popular parks near Iowa's metro areas are facing "last chance" opportunities for expansion, as development surrounds their borders. Kent Park was in this position in 2001 when the 43 acres of the former Tomash Farmsted between the Park's southwest boundary and County Road and Echo Ave. were offered for sale at auction. This addition helps the county more effectively manage the park's deer population by keeping development off park boundaries. (To acquire the 43 acres needed for the park, INHF had to buy a total of 88 acres at auction. Proceeds from the sale of the other 45 acres helped to fund the new exhibits at the Kent Park Conservation Education Center).

The Conservation Education Center is host to year-round programs, workshops, hikes and other activities led by the county naturalist. This grand opening event marks the culmination of the efforts to convert one half of this building into a hands-on learning center. This project was 50% financed by donations from individuals and organizations. JCCB funds from the REAP Program and the Conservation Trust Account covered the balance. All of the contributors are recognized on a plaque inside the building. This development is not the end-all, but rather a starting point for future development and expansion of the conservation learning center at F.W.Kent Park.

Partner Information
The Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) is committed to providing the diverse, cosmopolitan and fast-growing population with a balanced program of conservation, education and recreation. It manages natural resources and outdoor recreation areas throughout the county including native prairies, river access areas, small community parks, and F.W. Kent Park.

Site Map
http://www.johnson-county.com/conservation/publicUse/kent_park.shtml

Driving Directions
The park is located 3 miles west of Tiffin on Hwy 6.
      If coming from the west on Interstate 80, take Exit 230 and go north to Oxford/Hwy 6. Go east on Hwy 6 about 3-1/2 miles until you see the Kent Park entrance signs (on north side of road). Once in the park, follow signs to the nature center (located at back of park).
     If coming from the east on I-80, take Exit 237 and go north to Tiffin/Hwy 6. Turn west on Hwy 6 and go about 3 miles to park.

Visitor Info
Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau
(for information about accommodations)
(800) 283-6592

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