Nature Notes
Reflections on a Wilderness Trek
By Makayla Keller – 2024 Idaho Wilderness Trek Participant I continue to find it hard to explain the experiences I had, things I learned, and friendships I made along this 10 day journey. I tell my friends and family back home stories of trekking through the trees – some flourishing with leaves providing nice shade for… Continue reading Reflections on a Wilderness Trek
Galls Part 2: More to Explore at Kent Park
By Chelsea Cozad, JCC AmeriCorps Naturalist It’s time for more galls, y’all! Last fall I scoured the southeast part of Kent Park in search of galls, which are unusual plant growths caused by a mite or insect. I recently decided to search for even more galls near the Conservation Education Center. In my first blog,… Continue reading Galls Part 2: More to Explore at Kent Park
Pollination 101
By Chelsea Cozad, JCC AmeriCorps Naturalist We ❤ pollinators! But what are they? Why are they important? In this blog, we’ll answer all of your questions about pollination. Q: What is pollination? A: Pollination is an important part of plant reproduction, in which pollen (grains containing male genetic material) is transferred to the stigma (the… Continue reading Pollination 101
Winged Wonders: A Winter Birding Quest
By: Chelsea Cozad, AmeriCorps Naturalist Note: This blog started as a list-formatted guide to birding in Iowa during the winter. Shortly after I began writing, I noticed several other blogs and articles that seemed quite similar. I changed pace to write the following story. At the bottom of this blog, I’ve shared some links to… Continue reading Winged Wonders: A Winter Birding Quest
Insect Investigation: Five Galls Found in Johnson County
By: Chelsea Cozad, JCC AmeriCorps Naturalist Imagine this scenario: You are outdoors, walking down a path paved by prairie on one side and a mature oak forest on the other. The prairie grass is at its tallest, and the golden field is dotted with the bright hues of purple asters and yellow goldenrod. A refreshing… Continue reading Insect Investigation: Five Galls Found in Johnson County
Finding Peace In Nature: A Personal Narrative on a Life-changing Backpacking Trip to Idaho
Even though my body was going through a lot of discomfort, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I felt happiness in the mountains and disconnected from the world. I was at peace with nature and all my worries were gone.
F.W. Kent Park’s Truss Bridges
Pratt Half-Hip Pony Truss Bridge This is a 40-foot Half-Hip Pony Truss bridge, a rather rare style. This bridge, built in 1908, by the Iowa Bridge Co., Des Moines, Iowa spanned Buck Creek in Pleasant Valley Township. In the restoration process, beams were spliced together and the wooden deck was replaced. Bowstring Arch Bridge This… Continue reading F.W. Kent Park’s Truss Bridges
How to Explore Two Horse Farm
Kristen Morrow – Naturalist The Basics Address: 2257 Sugar Bottom Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333 Size: 83 acres owned by JCC + 7 acres owned by the Iowa Tribe of Nebraska and Kansas What to expect: Two Horse Farm is another JCC park like no other. Visitors will be greeted by an idyllic farmstead, nestled back in… Continue reading How to Explore Two Horse Farm
A Solitary Bee Hotel Update
By: Frances Owen, JCC Naturalist Pollinator week may be past (June 21st-June 27th) but we think it’s always a great time to celebrate the pollinators who help our local ecosystems thrive. That’s why we want to share some amazing updates for our Observation Solitary Bee Hotels placed at three Johnson County Conservation properties! You may… Continue reading A Solitary Bee Hotel Update
Woodworking for Wildlife: Observation Hotel for Solitary Bees
By: Frances Owen, JCCB Naturalist We love talking about solitary bees around here! My fellow naturalist, Kristen Morrow, wrote an amazing and detailed account all about solitary bees last spring on this blog. You won’t want to miss it! Click the following link. Just do it: Spring Awakening: Our Backyard Bees Before we move on… Continue reading Woodworking for Wildlife: Observation Hotel for Solitary Bees
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Johnson County Conservation - Nature Notes 