NEWSLETTER
Thinking Spring
What is the best way to spend a spring day or weekend? That depends on
who you talk to. A week of spring-like February weather has given some of
us hopes of an early spring only to later dash those hopes. As spring does
come upon us, we wanted to share some of the activities WCCB staff enjoy
participating in the most each spring. We hope these ideas will get you out
exploring the wilds around you this spring.
Kurt Baker - Director
Spring offers more outdoor activity options than can possibly be completed.
Late winter to early spring is a great time to get some finishing work on bird
dogs prior to the nesting season. Up until March 15, bird dogs can be run on
public property. Even though these properties
can be overused during the bird season, they
are now completely devoid of other humans
providing a perfect opportunity for late season
training. I will extend training to mid April on
private property, often times taking advantage
of migrating woodcock that provide excellent
training opportunities for pointing breeds.
This time of year, I also like to hike the areas
that are bow hunted in the fall. Deer trails
are all mudded up and often look like major
highways, especially after the first thaws. Since
these trails are used year after year, this is the best time to determine travel
ways throughout any habitat. It often gives you a new perspective when
selecting fall tree stand locations. A side benefit is finding the occasional shed
antler!
Paul Totten - Conservation Technician
I find myself in the spring, remembering with fondness the hours of ice and snow removal of the previous months, reminiscing about the chapped lips and cracked fingertips, huddled around the space heather with bowls of hot chili in mitten-wrapped hands. These are my common spring pastimes. Planning gardens, walking some Encouraged as the daylight grows Keen to hear above the hum The swan songs of ice and sleet and snows.
Josh Batterson - Maintenance Technician
One of my favorite pastimes would be trying to fill my stringer with crappie, while also trying to catch that elusive state record, largemouth bass. Of course, a good day of fishing has to be followed up by finding a fresh mess of mushrooms.
Jessica Strom - AGHC Administrator
In the spring, I love to get dirty planting flowers and vegetables. I welcome the site of the little green buds on trees, and I cherish the smell of lilacs. It is my favorite season because it gives the promise of new birth and rejuvenation. And although I am no longer a student, spring still gives me a sense of excitement for long, sunny summer vacation days just around the corner.
Annette Wittrock - Naturalist
Who can choose just one thing to do in the
spring? Spring is when all the students come out
to visit Pioneer Ridge, and I get to play....I mean
work....outside a lot. When I am on my own,
spring is a time for quiet hikes, catching and
releasing frogs and turtles, taking pictures and I
can’t wait to pull out the fly rod.
Lincoln Utt - Natural Resource Manager
As soon as the snow melts and temperatures
start to increase, I find myself
looking forward to two things.
One is sitting on an oak ridge
just after dawn listening to
the echoing sound of a turkey
gobbling just out of sight and
hoping he finds my slate call
appealing enough to come
strutting in!
The second activity I look forward to every spring is spending time with a few family members searching for just the right amount of mushrooms to make small feast.
It was tough for all of us to narrow down our spring activities, but we hope these ideas will help you more fully enjoy all that spring offers and ready you for the summer season. Whatever you choose to do be it schrooming, fishing or training, have fun and be safe.
In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should
smell like dirt. ~ Margaret Atwood
American Gothic in Des Moines: What’s All The Fuss About?
Jessica Strom, AGHC Administrator
“American Gothic” is the most recognized American painting. It is used and reused in so many ways; it is considered the second most parodied painting in the world, next to the “Mona Lisa.” So when that painting finds its way back to Iowa, that is pretty exciting. That is why the American Gothic House Center is planning a bus trip to take area residents to see the painting first hand.
Personally, I haven’t seen the original painting yet, so I am looking forward to it. I have, however, heard from many visitors about their experiences seeing it. They comment on the eyes, the detail, the texture, the size, but mostly, they talk about the experience of seeing it inches in front of their nose.
In 2005, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art had “American Gothic” on display during the 75th anniversary of the painting, and they experienced one of their best turn outs ever. I hope the Des Moines Art Center has similar traffic. For those of us in this area, traveling up Highway 63/163 to Des Moines couldn’t be any easier.
So no more excuses. Now is your chance! You have until March 29 to make your trip. Before you go, however, don’t forget to stop by the American Gothic House Center to brush up on our local history.
Our current exhibit will teach you about how Grant Wood came to visit Eldon, which led to his discovery of our little white house and his inspiration for the painting. You will also learn about the details in the painting, which sometimes go unnoticed. Taking the time to learn about the painting before you go see it will make your experience that much more enjoyable.
Save the Date
Annette Wittrock, Naturalist
On July 11, 2009 WCCB will be hosting its first Dutch Oven Cook off!
We will be searching for sponsors, cooks, volunteers and food judges for this event. If you are interested in making this first Dutch oven cook off a success, save the date and keep an eye open for more information.
More information will be coming out soon, but be thinking about which dish you might enter in the following categories.
- Meat - Vegetable - Dessert
Hope you can make it out to this fun event.
Our mission: “To create awareness of our natural environment by providing quality outdoor experiences.”
June 1995
It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
~ Mark Twain