Nature programs for early winter

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Feeling a bit stir-crazy as the weather gets colder? Iowa's conservation organizations offer a variety of indoor and outdoor nature programs during as winter takes hold.

Learn Something
Many Iowa nature centers offer fine displays that are open year round. Some INHF staff favorites include the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City, Effigy Mounds National Monument in Allamakee County and Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City. In addition to permanent displays, watch for changing exhibits. For example, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is now featuring works by Ding Darling, the Des Moines Register editorial cartoonist and environmental activist from the early 1900s.

Several nature centers offer regular educational programs.
Polk County's fall topics include Iowa reptiles and mammals, bird feeding and hunting with falcons. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City will present "Missouri River: Then and Now."

Several centers have developed programs for specific age groups. Upcoming topics in Story County's O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors) series include "Medicines of Lewis and Clark" and "Raptors." Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center hosts "Nature Tails," a program of stories and activities for preschool children.

Make Something
If you crave a little more activity, consider learning to make nature-related crafts. Scott and Clinton counties offer how-to courses in building your own terrarium, bird feeder or snowshoes. They also feature an outdoor class on nature writing and journaling in November. And if you'd rather buy crafts than make them, visit Cedar Rapids' Indian Creek Nature Center for "Nature's Noel," a craft show with frozen foods and bakery items in December.

Do Something
And you don't have to stay inside. November and December are the peak bird migration months at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge-with great viewing from inside and out. Walk with a ranger on the last Saturday of each month. Hitchcock Nature Center near Council Bluffs is hosting an eagle release and related activities on Nov. 9.

Meanwhile, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center offers December snowshoeing workshops, your chance to learn techniques and practice on the trails. Other sites offer cross-country ski lessons in January. Nahant Marsh Educational Field Station of Scott County is hosting a public clean-up day in November.

For more information about programs in your area, contact your nearest conservation group or nature center, or visit the
Guide to Environmental Education and Interpretive Services in Iowa for a list.

Nicki Ausen is a Robert R. Buckmaster intern. She is studying journalism and design at Iowa State University.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, director of communications, or call (515) 288-1846.