ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE · 2020-06-15 · Wildlife in Rural Iowa – Farmland wildlife, including many grassland breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, and other species were once considered

Iowa’s County Conservation System

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCESEPTEMBER 16-18, 2020

Dear Conference Attendees,

On behalf of the Story County Conservation Board and staff, Iowa’s County Conservation System, and the many volunteers and sponsors, welcome to the 61st Annual ICCS Fall Conference. We have assembled an experience we hope you will find engaging and thought-provoking.

This year marks the 65th Anniversary of Iowa’s County Conservation System. Our Tailgate Social on Wednesday night will celebrate our rich history with a special invitation to our industry alumni.

Our conference theme reflects the need for 2020 vision when looking towards the future of Iowa’s natural resources. What do you hope to see? Water so clean you can drink straight from the stream? Citizens engaged and involved in protecting wildlife and habitat? Communities rethinking their environmental impact? Your vision for the future is what drives today’s decisions. The conference itinerary provides opportunities to examine how we as conservation staff and board members can increase our effectiveness in environmental conservation, awareness, and community betterment. We encourage you to ask questions, bring forth ideas, and leave with renewed enthusiasm (and 2020 vision) to effect improvements in your county.

Thank you for joining us! We hope you enjoy your experience!

Sincerely,

Michael CoxStory County Conservation Director

IOWA’S COUNTY CONSERVATION SYSTEM ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE2020 Vision: Looking Towards The Future

SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Conference Agenda | p.3

Pre-Event Workshops | p.4–5

Educational Sessions | p.6–8

Tours | p.9–10

Special Events | p.11–12

General Information | p.13–14

Sponsors | p.15–16

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SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2020

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1611 AM – 5:30 PM Conference Registration Quality Inn and Suites12 PM – 4 PM Pre-Conference Activities Golfing Veenker Golf Course Paddle the Skunk River Story County Bike the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Slater to Huxley ISU Athletics Vision Tour: NREM/Reiman Gardens Sukup Endzone Club5 PM – 10 PM Tailgate Social and ICCS Alumni Reunion Prairie Moon Winery

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 – QUALITY INN AND SUITESBreakfast on your own7:00 – 8:00 AM Exhibitors Set Up (Booths Open 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM)7:30 – 9:00 AM Conference Registration/Silent Auction Set Up8:00 – 8:30 AM Opening Welcome and Business Meeting Sponsor Recognition8:30 – 9:30 General Session: Rick Sanders, President, ISU Research Park9:30 – 9:45 Morning Break9:45 – Noon Educational Sessions

Noon – 12:15 PM Break12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch1:30 – 1:45 PM Afternoon Break1:45 – 5:00 PM Educational Sessions

5:00 – 6 :30 PM Exhibitors/Silent Auction/Raffle/Social Time6:30 – 10:00 PM 65th County Conservation Anniversary Banquet: Keynote Speaker, Jim Pease (Silent Auction and Raffle)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18Breakfast on your own7:30 – 8 AM Conference Registration Quality Inn and Suites8:30 – 11:30 AM Tours AM Session11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch Quality Inn and Suites12:30 – 3:30 PM Tours PM Session3:30 PM Wrap Up Session | Raffle Winners Announced Quality Inn and Suites

Room 9:45 – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Conference Room AB Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor Back to By-Products

Conference Room C Getting People to Know and Love Us Creating and Implementing Your Conservation Vision

Conference Room D Taking the Charge and Leading Locally on Water Quality Efforts

Mapping and Evaluating Conservation Landscapes in Story County, Iowa

Tom Rosburg and SCC staff

Room 1:45 – 2:45 PM 3:15 – 4:30 PM

Conference Room AB Welcome to Bird Friendly Iowa Resource Protection Through County Ordinances

Conference Room C Leading the Way Adding Masters to Your Community

Conference Room D Getting to Shovel-Ready Improving Iowans Quality of Life (REAP and REAP/CEP)

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GOLF AT VEENKER IN AMESGolf 18 holes at one of Iowa’s most well-known courses. This site is home

to the Iowa Masters and serves as a wonderful local amenity as a public championship level golf course. Visit https://www.veenkergolf.com/ for course information.

PADDLE THE SKUNK RIVER IN STORY COUNTYThe Skunk River is a scenic forested

river corridor and an essential corridor of habitat in this modern

Iowa landscape. With 11 accesses in Story County, this Iowa DNR Water Trail is a must float! Staff along with volunteers from the Skunk River Paddlers will lead a trip down the river. Travel, canoes, life jackets and paddles will be provided. *If you are bringing your own canoe or kayak please indicate this on your registration. (weather and river condition dependent)

BIKE THE HEART OF IOWA NATURE TRAIL

The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (HOINT) is a cooperative effort of the Story and Marshall County

Conservation Boards and a part of the Central Iowa Trails System. A segment of this former Milwaukee Railroad from Slater to Melbourne forms a 32-mile recreational trail corridor. This 10-foot wide (and now paved) multi-purpose trail accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrians, and snowmobilers. Volunteers from the Story County Trails Advisory Committee will lead a bike tour from Slater to Huxley

and back (3 miles one way) or go further to the scenic Skunk River Bridge past Cambridge (8.5 miles one way). Participants must provide

their own bike and travel. https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Story/Park/Heart-of-Iowa-Nature-Trail.aspx


PRE-CONFERENCE DETAILS

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https://www.veenkergolf.com/

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Story/Park/Heart-of-Iowa-Nature-Trail.aspx

ISU ATHLETICS VISION BY JAMIE POLLARD AT JACK TRICE’S SUKUP ENDZONE CLUBTour the two-story, 40,000-square-foot premium facility that hosts all types of events. This site has become one of the premier event destinations not only in Ames, but in central Iowa. Hear from ISU Athletics Director, Jamie Pollard, on his vision for the future of ISU Athletics. https://cyclones.com/facilities/sukup-end-zone-club/18

After the ISU Athletics activity choose from one of the following options:

NREM ALUMNI VISITAre you a graduate of the ISU NREM Department? Visit the department to see recent facility upgrades and meet with faculty, old and new! *A shuttle will be provided from Jack Trice Stadium to NREM and back to Jack Trice Stadium.

OR

VISIT REIMAN GARDENSReiman Gardens is one of the finest and most unique gardens in the country. Reiman Gardens has remained an oasis of natural beauty and education for generations of students and guests. Reiman Gardens is located just south of Jack Trice Stadium and within walking distance from the Sukup Endzone Club. https://www.reimangardens.com/about-us/


PRE-CONFERENCE DETAILS

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https://cyclones.com/facilities/sukup-end-zone-club/18

https://www.reimangardens.com/about-us/


EDUCATION SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTION

8:30 – 9:30 AM | GENERAL SESSIONEconomic Development Visioning with Conservation at the Core – As Story County Supervisor, Rick Sanders was instrumental in streamlining the efforts of the County, City of Ames and their economic development efforts, to the extent that he eventually rolled that expertise into his current position as Iowa State University Research Park President. In this session, Sanders shares how conservation should be a critical centerpiece of any thriving community and how to put that ideology to work. He presents several case studies of projects from his time as a Story County Supervisor and now as Iowa State University Research Park President including a sensitive areas inventory, water quality assessment, Dakins Lake, C2C, strategic planning, and the formation of the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, a 37-acre interconnected demonstration and learning environment in the Iowa State Research Park; the first urban work/play, interconnected demonstration park of its kind nationally, which is now managed and operated by Story County Conservation.

Rick Sanders, ISU Research Park President [email protected]

9:45 AM – NOON | CONCURRENT SESSIONSTedesco Environmental Learning Corridor – The Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor is a unique community space located in the ISU Research Park, showcasing conservation techniques, sustainable technologies, environmental education, water quality awareness, and trail connectivity. This 37-acre park brings county, city, university, and state partners together to illustrate synergies between commercial development, quality of life improvements, and natural resource conservation.

Ryan Wiemold, Parks Superintendent, Story County Conservation [email protected]

Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator, Story County Conservation [email protected]

Getting People to Know and Love Us: Success Stories for More Deeply Engaging Our Supporters – Conserving Iowa’s land and water resources requires strong support from many individuals, groups, and communities. How can we get people “on our side?” This session provides insights into why people are motivated to join causes. A “continuum of involvement” will be shared that helps meet supporters where they are yet contributes to our conservation goals. Participants will rotate through stations that highlight stories of success for increased awareness of our natural resources, enhanced participation in county conservation activities, programs, and projects, and deep engagement to help make substantial changes.

Erica Place, Outreach Coordinator, Story County Conservation [email protected]

Nancy Franz, Board Member, Story County Conservation [email protected]

Taking the Charge and Leading Locally on Water Quality Efforts – This presentation outlines Story County’s journey leading water quality efforts over the last few years. Moving the public to support and embrace our water quality challenges in order to have the tools to improve water quality in the future is being successfully achieved today. The presentation outlines tools that other counties could consider in their water quality efforts.

Penny Brown Huber, Executive Director, Prairie Rivers of Iowa [email protected]

Michael Cox, Director, Story County Conservation [email protected]

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11:00 – NOON | CONCURRENT SESSIONSBack to By-Products: Promises and Opportunities for Layering Benefits of Water-Resource Conservation to Restore Farmland Wildlife in Rural Iowa – Farmland wildlife, including many grassland breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, and other species were once considered by-products of diversified agricultural production practices in Iowa that included hay, pasture, small grains, and other crops. Today, fewer wildlife thrive in row-cropped landscapes, but coupling wildlife habitat conservation with improving water and soil health offers promise for restoring farmland wildlife to rural Iowa. This session explores these synergies and the promise of using natural features and processes to improve water quality and wildlife habitat on the same acres.

Adam Janke, Assistant Professor, Extension Wildlife Specialist, NREM Department, ISU [email protected]

Creating and Implementing Your Conservation Vision – A lot of county conservation work is “just in time” management of people, properties, and projects. How do we make sure our daily management activities align with long term conservation goals and benefits? This session highlights the “Planning for Action” process used by one conservation board to create a mission, vision, values, goals, outcomes, and strategies to guide daily management decisions. This session provides lessons learned, best practices, an outline of the process as well as agendas, worksheets, and the final plan for use by other conservation boards.

Nancy Franz, Board Member, Story County Conservation [email protected]


Mapping and Evaluating Conservation Landscapes in Story County, Iowa – The role of sound science in implementing conservation has never been more essential than in today’s environment. Counties need comprehensive and accurate information on its natural resource base, or in other words, a well-designed natural resource inventory. That is the principal goal of the field research in this project.

Dr. Tom Rosburg, Professor, Department of Biology, Drake University [email protected]

1:45 – 2:45 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONSWelcome to Bird Friendly Iowa – Bird Friendly Iowa (BFI) is a fairly new program for designating towns and cities as “Bird Friendly Communities” when they meet criteria for protecting birds and habitat, plus educating citizens. In 2019, the BFI Steering Committee added a new idea to the statewide project, for designating “Bird Friendly Counties”. With Iowa’s nationally-unique system of County Conservation Boards, their missions might make many eligible for special designation. This presentation offers details for how both communities and counties may be recognized as BFI’s.

Doug Harr, BFI Steering Committee [email protected]

Leading the Way – Nontoxic ammunition has been required since March 2018 for ALL hunting (slugs and single projectile included) in Story County Conservation areas. We’ll discuss the steps we used to implement the rule, the incentives used, and some of the trials and tribulations of the process.


Jim Pease, Board Member, Story County Conservation [email protected]


EDUCATION SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTION CONTINUED

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Getting to Shovel-Ready – Monica Converse, Luke Monat and Emily Naylor of Shive-Hattery Architects + Engineers will break down the process of project development, summarize when you need a licensed professional and how long you should plan for getting both minor and major projects to “shovel-ready”.

Monica Converse, Shive-Hatery

Luke Monat, Shive-Hatery

Emily Naylor, Landscape Architect -Project Manager [email protected]

3:15 – 4:30 PM | CONCURRENT SESSIONSResource Protection Through County Ordinances – This session addresses how counties in Iowa support and protect natural resources through their county ordinances. Hear about Story County’s recently amended erosion control and stormwater management ordinance and a collaborative effort with Story County Conservation to improve the accuracy and identification of natural resources through GIS mapping and protections for these areas required by the county ordinance.


Jerry Moore, Planning and Development Director, Story County [email protected]

Adding Masters to Your Community – The Master Conservationist Program is a collaboration offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, County Conservation Boards, and local conservation leaders and professionals. The intensive blended online and in-person curriculum equips Iowans interested in natural resource conservation with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about natural resources and to become local leaders and educators. Another adult Education Program, the Master River Stewards Program, developed by Iowa Rivers Revival builds a network of river advocates and experts in organizations, agencies and communities across the state to protect and improve Iowa’s rivers, that ensure a lasting resource for future generations. Learn how these education efforts can become a part of your county’s programs.

Adam Janke, Assistant Professor, Extension Wildlife Specialist, NREM Department, ISU [email protected]


Improving Iowans Quality of Life – Explore the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Fund accomplishments over the past 30 years and look towards the future.

Jarah Sheets, Executive Officer, Iowa Department of Natural Resources [email protected]

Tammie Krausman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources [email protected]

6:30 PM | KEYNOTE SPEAKEROne Vision for the Next 65 – Jim Pease looks back and then ahead at what he sees for the County Conservation Board system. What successes should we celebrate? What challenges do we face? How best can we position ourselves to meet those challenges? Jim is a current Story County Conservation Board member and retired professor at Iowa State University.



EDUCATION SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTION CONTINUED

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TEDESCO ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CORRIDORLearn on-site about Story County Conservation’s new and innovative project, the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor. This unique community space is located in the ISU Research Park. It showcases conservation techniques, sustainable technologies, environmental education, water quality awareness, and trail connectivity. This 37-acre park brings county, city, university, and state partners together to illustrate synergies among commercial development, quality of life improvements, and natural resource conservation.

The corridor focuses on progressive approaches that demonstrate management of the urban-rural interface for both urban growth and resource protection. The corridor demonstrates a collaborative development that will improve Story County’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

HICKORY GROVE PARKHickory Grove Park is the largest and most visited SCC park. This 445-acre

multiple-use recreational area southwest of Colo includes a 98-acre lake, campgrounds, shelters, lodges, and much more! The park was recently

updated with an extensive watershed project and lake restoration. Facility upgrades include a new tornado-safe shower house and beach house concession and restroom facility. Learn how SCC balances the uses of this flagship park, from education to recreation and refuge to public hunting. Also hear about future planned upgrades, private-public partnerships, community engagement, and water quality management.


TOURS

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TOURS

JENNETT/ROBISON/ROADSIDE VEGETATION PROGRAMThe Jennett Heritage Area, a 171-acre property is known for its diverse landscapes; 25 acres of remnant prairie, two ponds, two streams, a restored oxbow, two restored wetlands, restored uplands, and a forested creek bottom. A botanical survey of the site revealed 277 native species, including 65 native prairie species, such as silver-leafed scurf pea, smooth blue aster, and marble seed. The 25 acres of remnant prairie at Jennett rest on steep slopes, allowing for a greater variety of prairie plants to thrive. The area’s combination of landscapes also hosts a wide range of bird species, including wild turkey and the increasingly rare

bobwhite quail. Jennett’s biodiversity and variety of species are

impressive. Partnerships, community engagement,

and natural resources will be highlighted.

Robison Wildlife Acres is a unique area in south-central Story County consisting of 78 acres. West Indian Creek forms the eastern boundary of the park, and nature trails wind through grassland and woodland. The area is a favorite spot for spring wildflower walks, nature study, and an outdoor classroom for the SCC environmental education program. Oak

restoration, remnant prairie, natural resource inventory, goat grazing, and a pond restoration are a few of the projects

highlighted here.

Learn about Story County’s well-established Roadside Vegetation

Program and efforts using resource restoration to manage Iowa’s roadsides and drainage ditches. Visit a pristine privately-owned prairie to learn about a unique partnership SCC and RVM use for harvesting local ecotype seed for prairie restoration throughout the county.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

TAILGATE AND ALUMNI REUNION SOCIAL | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Prairie Moon Winery | 3801 W 190th Street, Ames

Join us for a tailgate social at the beautiful Prairie Moon Winery for a chance to network with fellow board members, staff, directors, and alumni while you roam the vineyard or enjoy the tailgate. Enjoy excellent wine, beer, and a tailgate meal from Hickory Park Restaurant, a popular staple in the Ames community.

5:00 PM Social Hour6:00 – 10:00 PM Tailgate Dinner

Shuttle:A complimentary shuttle will be provided from the Quality Inn to Prairie Moon Winery from 4:30 – 10:30 PM. The shuttle will leave from and return to the main lobby entrance at the Quality Inn. A detailed schedule will be located at the conference registration table in the hotel lobby.

Parking:Prairie Moon Winery has plenty of free parking onsite if you chose to drive to the social.

65TH COUNTY CONSERVATION ANNIVERSARY BANQUET | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Quality Inn & Suites | Conference Room ABCD

Socialize with conference participants, purchase raffle tickets, bid on silent auction items, and visit with exhibitors and sponsors.

5:00 PM Social Hour6:30 PM Banquet Dinner Followed by Keynote Speaker, Jim Pease

Dr. Pease looks back and then ahead at what he sees for the County Conservation Board system. What successes should we celebrate? What challenges do we face? How best can we position ourselves to meet those challenges?

8:30 PM Silent Auction Closes

Silent Auction items will be on display until 8:30 PM. Winners will be announced at the end of the banquet. Raffle tickets will be available until 3:30 PM on Friday with winners drawn at the closing session on Friday.

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SPECIAL EVENTS CONTINUED

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: JIM PEASEStory County Conservation Board of Director and retired professor at Iowa State University

The County Conservation 65th anniversary keynote speaker is Dr. James Pease. Jim has been advocating for Iowa’s natural resources for over four decades as an interpreter, instructor, writer and voice on many environmental issues and education projects. He has taught thousands of Iowans, written dozens of publications, and communicated through statewide radio programs, TV segments, podcasts, and websites on how to restore and protect natural resources. Jim retired from Iowa State University in 2008 and received emeritus status in the Natural Resource Ecology and Management Department at Iowa State University. He brings the resources of this department to his conservation efforts. In retirement, he has aligned much of his volunteering with Story County Conservation as a board member. He is currently serving his second term and has been the chair and vice chair of the board. His passion for the natural world is shared with others on Iowa Public Radio in his monthly wildlife program, “Talk of Iowa”. Jim is especially dedicated to enhancing Iowa’s biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and wildlife management through environmental education, habitat restoration, and science-informed decision-making. He loves to see people enjoying and learning from the natural world. He lives his commitment to Iowa’s natural resources every waking hour of the day by teaching, mentoring, and leading others to improve the quality of life in Iowa through improved natural resources!

Specifically, Jim’s volunteering as a Story County Board member has resulted in acquisition of land to expand county parks and natural areas, expansion of Dakins Lake Park, and water quality improvement projects for Hickory Grove Lake. Most importantly, he has been instrumental in building a partnership to launch the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor – a county owned and managed park and water quality demonstration area in the Iowa State University Research Park.

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HOW DO I REGISTER?Online Registration REQUIRED at MyCountyParks.org/conferences.htmlPay online or select the ‘pay by mail’ option. Mailed reservations must be received by the August 16 deadline. Any registration after August 17 will be assessed a $25 late fee.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?Quality Inn & Suites (Conference Headquarters)2501 E 13th Street | Ames | 515-817-1661$134/night (includes hot breakfast)Rate Cut Off: August 16, 2020Online Reservations: choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/BK06U5

Overflow HotelHoliday Inn Express2600 E 13th Street | Ames | 515-232-2300$134/night (includes breakfast)


GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONFERENCE DETAILS

PRE-CONFERENCE FEES

Golf at Veenker $45 Includes driving range, green fees, cart

Paddle the Skunk River $20 Includes transportation, light refreshments, paddling equipment

Bike the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail $5 Includes light refreshments

ISU Athletics Vision followed by Reiman Gardens or NREM Alumni Visit $15 Includes tour, admission fees, light refreshments

REGISTRATION FEES

Full Conference $202 ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 3$225 AUGUST 4 – AUGUST 16

Student Full Conference $100

FINAL DEADLINE IS AUGUST 16, 2020

Thursday or Friday Only* $175Tailgate and Alumni Reunion Only $30

65th Anniversary Banquet Only $35Tailgate and Banquet Dinner $60

* Thursday Only (includes sessions and meals including the banquet)* Friday Only (includes lunch and tours)

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Register by August 4 for a chance to win a walnut park

bench made by Story County Conservation

http://choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/BK06U5

EXHIBITORSExhibitors will be set-up on Thursday, September 17 at the Quality Inn and Suites.

SILENT AUCTION There will be a silent auction Thursday of the conference to benefit ICCS. Anyone wishing to donate a bas-ket or item can bring it to the registration table in the lobby at the Quality Inn by 8 AM on Thursday. Dona-tions are greatly appreciated.


GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONFERENCE DETAILS CONTINUED

SHUTTLESShuttles will be provided to the Tailgate, Alumni Reunion, and the tours. A detailed shuttle schedule will be announced in September.

CONTACT INFORMATIONICCS – Tom Hazelton Story County Conservation – Michael [email protected] [email protected] 515-232-2516

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RAFFLERaffle tickets will be sold throughout the conference. The raffle winners will be announced at the Friday

afternoon closing session. The 2020 ICCS Conference will feature some great prizes including:

Canoe donated by Tom HazeltonGun/Rifle donated by BrownellsBenelli Montefeltro 12ga

2020 SPONSORS


GOLD

PLATINUM

SILVER

BRONZE

RW EXCAVATING

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Iowa’s County Conservation System

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCESEPTEMBER 16-18, 2020

Documents

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE · 2020-06-15 · Wildlife in Rural Iowa – Farmland wildlife, including many grassland breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, and other species were once considered