O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors)
Looking
for an excuse to get out of the house, make some new friends, enjoy a good meal
and learn about the exciting world of nature? Then join us!
These programs are held the first Tuesday of each month. The nature program will
start at 11:00 a.m. at the Jester Park Lodge (Map and park information).
An optional luncheon follows the program at noon in which pre-registration is required.
The cost of the catered lunch is $7.00. Luncheon reservations are being taken online
at www.mycountyparks.com.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
March 2
Phyllis Mains’ passion for wildlife and wilderness has led her to encourage others
in joining her to protect America’s last remaining pristine wilderness in Alaska.
She will share a DVD of her 2007 backpacking adventure to Alaska. The presentation
will show the contrasts between the harsh tundra and the more lush Denali lowland.
Luncheon registration deadline is February 26.
Passing it On: Preserving your family legacy for future generations
April 6
Personal historian Larry Lehmer of When Words Matter believes that saving a family’s
history is within the grasp of anyone willing to commit to making it happen. Join
us for a stimulating presentation in which he discusses the importance and value
of saving one’s family history, the barriers that keep us from achieving our family
history goals and some insights on how to overcome those barriers. Luncheon registration
deadline is April 2.
Saylorville Lake
May 4
Join Park Ranger Leah Deeds for a trip through Saylorville Lake's past. This program
will examine how and why the lake was constructed. It will also look at current
purposes, issues and lake operations. Luncheon registration deadline is April 30.
Bonnie and Clyde
June 1
The outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow along with Buck Barrow, his wife Blanche,
and a teenager W.D. Jones came to the campground North of Dexter, Iowa in July of
1933. They participated in the biggest shootout in Dallas County history. They shot
it out with a local posse of about 50 people. Two of the members of the gang were
captured and 3 escaped by stealing a car from a local farmer. Come on out and hear
the rest of this interesting story that happened in Dallas County. Luncheon registration
deadline is May 28.
Loess Hills
July 6
Brian Fankhauser, with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, will talk about the
formation, natural communities and changes that have occurred in the Loess Hills.
He will also discuss the efforts taking place to restore and permanently protect
the unique prairies and oak savannas. Luncheon registration deadline July 2.
Night Singers – Iowa’s Frogs and Toads
August 3
Stephanie Shepherd with the Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program will give an introduction
to the songs of Iowa’s most vocal wetland residents. Come learn why Iowa’s amphibians
are of such conservation concern and how you can identify these critters by sight
and by sound. Luncheon registration deadline is July 30.