Sutherland, Iowa — The O’Brien County Conservation Board is opening things back up and they’re going to try to offer some programs again. They say their programs will be guided and self-guided experiences at the parks. This summer, public programming will be taking on a new look.
We talked to naturalist Charlene Elyea and she tells us how the summer we’ll look.
(as said:) “We’re just giving it a little try, you know, everything is a little bit different than it used to be. So what we’re going to do is we’re inviting people to come out. We’re going to try a program a week. So it’ll be great to see people again. I know it’s been a long time. We are totally doing all the social guidelines, really expecting our groups to be less than 10 for sure. We’re going to put six-foot at least distance between, and encourage people to keep that six-foot distance or announce your presence so that you can pass safely. So we’re really trying to make sure that this is very safe. And what we were trying to do is just stay outdoors, right? So there’s a lot to do, a lot to enjoy outside and we feel like if we keep good distance outside that will give people opportunities to do things and yet stay safe.”
Elyea tells us the next event is at Mill Creek Park and it’ll be called Migration Mysteries. This event will be held this Tuesday from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. She says you can learn a bit about some animal migration champions, then try your luck or skill as a bird on a migratory journey.
You can meet the naturalist by the large picnic cabana near the park entrance at any point between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. The naturalist will welcome you and your group to give you an introduction and instructions. Again, your group must not include more than 10 participants. Take-home materials will be provided and stations will be marked along a path for your enjoyment according to Elyea. She says if at any point your group encounters another you were asked to announce your presence and allow a safe passing distance.
Elyea says she looks forward to helping you enjoy and explore the outdoors. If you have any questions, you can call the Prairie Heritage Center at seven. One two, two nine five 7200.
