Have you ever noticed the multicolored growth on trees, rocks, headstones and fence posts? These colorful organisms are lichens.  Anyone who loves the outdoors is probably aware of them as orange, yellow, or gray patches on trees and rocks.  Lichens can be seen nearly everywhere, but they often go unnoticed. Join the O’Brien County Naturalist at the Prairie Heritage Center on Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. to “Learn About Lichens.”  As a part of nature, lichens seem to have

The ISU Extension and Outreach and the O’Brien County Conservation Board invite everyone to participate in an educational afternoon dedicated to learning more about monarch butterflies and other pollinators.  Join us on Sunday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Heritage Center to celebrate “Earth Day” with a look at some of the important ways that you can improve pollinator habitat in your backyard. While attending this event, participants will: Learn about the unique life cycle of butterflies, specifically

Welcome the coming of spring with a search for the first wildflower on the prairie!  This event has come to be a favorite of many people.  Whether this is a new event for you or whether you have enjoyed it in the past, the search for the pasque flower is an annual rite of passage of spring. The O’Brien County Naturalist will lead the Pasque Flower Hike on Sunday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m.  Enjoy an afternoon walk along the

Easter is just around the corner, and the O’Brien County Conservation Board will again be holding an egg hunt with a technological twist.  The event returns to the activity lineup due to the tremendous past success.  Join the naturalist on Wednesday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. for a “Different Kind of Egg Hunt.” This year the event will be held at Mill Creek Park, near Paullina.  Meet near the lodge.  Participants will be given some instructions on how to use

Stones tell stories!  This presentation is an overview of a look at rocks.  It is part geology, part paleontology, and part archaeology.  Whether you wander the local cemetery looking at headstones or the local main street looking at architecture, there are even more stories hidden in stone there.  Participants will take a look at the lichens that adorn the rocks.  This overview of stones and their stories will change the way you look at rocks. This program will be offered

Watching a Bald Eagle soar overhead is a breathtaking sight.  Bald Eagles have been very active in the area lately!  At this time of year, the resident Bald Eagles are mixing with the eagles that are traveling through the area.  Other raptors are also on the move in the Little Sioux River Valley. All of this raptor activity comes just in time for the annual Bald Eagle Watch on Saturday, March 3 at the Prairie Heritage Center.  This event is

Are you looking for a way to pass a winter evening?  This historical presentation focusing on games played by pioneers and Native Americans may be just the answer.  Learn the history of some popular games.  Determine the skill set a game improves.  Then try your talents or luck at some of these historical pastimes. This program will be offered at the following locations: Thursday, February 8 at 4:00 p.m. – Sutherland Library Monday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. – Sheldon

Get ready to look at 2018 from a completely different perspective!  Phenology is nature’s calendar.  Take a look at the study of seasonal natural phenomena especially related to plant and animal life.  Preview the year looking at expected highlights.  Then set out to observe the changes throughout the upcoming year!  You are guaranteed to begin looking at those calendar pages from a whole new view! This program will be held at the following locations: Monday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.

After the first taste of winter, we know that the change of seasons is just around the corner.  The Conservation Board is again offering the opportunity to hand craft beautiful showshoes.  Several different styles will be offered including the traditional wood frames as well as the modern aluminum version. Few experiences can compare to stomping across freshly fallen snow on a pair of snowshoes.  This activity is an excellent way to relax and get exercise at the same time!  Hiking