INHF 25th Anniversary Event #21
Archeology Day

---

Come see what life was like 10,000 years ago when Paleo-Indians roamed an ice-age Iowa. Experience historic Native American culture and archeology first hand while savoring the gorgeous natural setting of Wickiup Hill.

Event details
Join the Linn County Conservation Board (LCCB) staff and other experts in discovering and learning about Native American culture and archaeology. Enjoy free Native American foods and explore the diverse areas once used by these peoples at the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Area. You can either hike the trails on your own or take part in the guided tour to the Indian Mounds (it's about 2 miles there and back). Kids will enjoy the authentic games and crafts--and everyone likes to try their hand at the spears and atlatls (spear throwers).

This year's theme for Iowa's Archeology Month is Paleo-Indians, the group that roamed Iowa about 10,000 years ago during the most recent ice age. In keeping with that theme, educational speakers, Holmes Semken or David Brenzel of the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, will do a mid-afternoon presentation titled "Northboro Giant Sloth Excavations." This program describes findings at a new excavation in southwest Iowa of a giant sloth, a 3-ton creature that roamed Iowa during the Paleo-Indian Period.

The story behind this place
The Cedar River is the primary natural feature for the Cedar Rapids area. Thanks to protection efforts that began in the 1980s, the Cedar River Greenbelt ensures that a core of natural land along the river will remain part of this urban community. When the greenbelt began, few Iowans understood that wetlands are important to water quality as well as wildlife. Today, in addition to water quality and wildlife benefits, the greenbelt offers public areas for hiking, hunting, and other recreation.

The Linn County Conservation Board and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation shared the goal of protecting an extensive wildlife area along the river. Over time, floodplain lands between Cedar Rapids and Palo that became available were purchased and restored to wetland wildlife habitat. INHF assisted LCCB with 14 land protection projects in a decade (1986 to 1995), adding more than 1300 acres! Local volunteers and Kirkwood Community College students helped to raise funds and to interest the community in this restoration effort.

LCCB added the 10,000-square foot Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center to the greenbelt in the fall of 2002 to provide convenient boardwalks, classroom facilities and displays for school groups and families to learn about wetlands, woodlands and wildlife. The Center is located in the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Area, which is part of the larger 563-acre Wickiup Hill Nature Area.

Today, the Natural Area boasts a variety of habitats such as wetland, prairie, woodland and savanna. Along with natural interests like the Indian Mounds and several miles of trails, people can also come to visit the wide range of exhibits up on display in the Outdoor Learning Center, including Native American and archaeological exhibits, interactive prairie, wetland and woodland exhibits, live native reptile and fish exhibits, and a bird-viewing area which includes a cascading waterfall over limestone outcroppings.


Partner Information
The Linn County Conservation Department manages 23 county parks as well as 3 state parks to enhance the quality of life for the people of Linn County. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Chain Lakes Natural Area and the Pinicon Ridge Park are some of the most popular public areas LCCD manages. These lands are acquired due to their aesthetic beauty, environmental benefits, and as a place for people to enjoy outdoor recreation. A variety of areas, activities and programs are available throughout the Conservation Department for public use.
conservation@linncounty.org

Site Map
See map at site listed below

Driving Directions
http://www.linncountyparks.com/Attraction.asp?AttractionID=37

Visitor Info
Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce
(319) 398-5317
chamber@cedarrapids.org


Return to the list of 25 Events