November 2024 Department Updates
Welcome to another edition of our monthly newsletter! Here's what's happening with YOUR county parks lately...Marcus Nack, Environmental Education Manager
Upcoming November Events
You'll notice a lot of trail-focused events here and in future editions of this newsletter. Data shows that trails are one of the most popular outdoor recreation amenities in many communities, ours included. So we've doubled-down on trail-focused events. We offer opportunites for any trail enthusiast to get out and enjoy nature, whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a heart-pounding run.
You'll also notice that we have multiple 5K-style events, with more in the works. We're partnering with local community organizations to on these run/walk events a way to raise money for both county parks and the other great things going on in the community. This month, we're raising money for veterans and food insecure populations.
So whether you like to run, walk, shuffle, stroll, or saunter, these 5K events are for you! And by participating, you're helping our community - and our county parks, trails, and programs - thrive!
Trail Clean-Up and Brush Burn – November 7th
Join us for our Trail Clean-Up and Brush Burn at Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve! Starting at 4:00 p.m., volunteers will help clear trails and burn a large pile of invasive brush, including Bush Honeysuckle. Bring gloves and loppers if you have them, as our supply is limited. We’ll provide marshmallows to enjoy around the fire!
Veterans Day 5K – November 11th
We’re hosting a special 5K Run/Walk on November 11th to honor our veterans. The day begins at 6:35 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony, and the run follows. Registration costs $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event, with proceeds going to the Hamilton-Walters, Detachment 616 of the Marine Corps League, and our Environmental Education Department. This untimed event is open to runners and walkers alike!
Gobble Gobble 5K Turkey Trot – November 23rd
Get moving before the Thanksgiving feast with our first-ever Gobble Gobble 5K Turkey Trot! Starting at 9:00 a.m., this fun run through Starr’s Cave Park will raise funds to support families in need. Half of the proceeds will go to local organizations that feed the hungry during the holiday season. Pre-registration is $15, or $20 on the day of the event. Join us in helping our community while getting in the holiday spirit!
Hike a Park at Luckenbill Woods – November 13th
On November 13th, join us for a guided hike at Luckenbill Woods at 3:00 p.m. Led by our naturalist Jacklyn, this free hike offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about the park’s ecology. Carpooling is available; just call 319-753-5808 to RSVP if you’d like a ride. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes!
Park and Operations Updates
What's closed, what's still open?
As we transition out of the warm season, most of our camping areas are closing down for the year. All our campgrounds, with the exception of Big Hollow, have the water shut off at the end of October. Due to its popularity, Big Hollow stays open, with water service still on, until we get a sustained freeze. However, the shower house and off-grid cabin close up for the year.
But the parks remain open for day use activities as normal year round. Additionally, the Ranger Cabin at Big Hollow remains open and available for rent all year.
Have family coming to town for the holidays and need a place to stay? Want to book a quiet getaway during a forecasted unseasonably warm stretch? Book a stay at the Ranger Cabin at Big Hollow. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch style house is perfect for in-laws, holiday visitors, or restoring your own sanity during the holidays. Reservations can be made online here.
Fee increases coming in 2025
On account of increasing costs and tightening budgets, the Conservation Board has approved some fee increases starting in 2025. Campsite fees will increase to $30 for full-hookup and $25 for electric-only sites at all county campgrounds (Big Hollow, 4th Pumping Station, and Welter Recreation Area). Shooting range fees will increase to a single $45 household membership. The lifetime membership fee will go to $750. A new software system will be implemented at the turn of the year which will offer additional value to shooting range members beyond just their use of the range. More info on that to come...
Ahead of these increases, campers may make reservations for available dates in 2025 at the current prices. Shooting Range members may also renew their memberships for 2025 at the current prices also.
Environmental Education Updates
High School Internships in Conservation
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of high school internships at Starr’s Cave, designed for students eager to explore careers in conservation and environmental education. Interns will get hands-on experience with conservation projects, learn valuable skills, and assist our team with various responsibilities. We’re excited to support the next generation of conservationists! Call us at 319-753-5808 or email us for more information.
Monarch Tagging Season Wrap-Up
Our annual monarch tagging in partnership with Monarch Watch has concluded, with a total of 133 monarchs tagged! This year presented challenges for the monarch population, with numbers estimated at 60% lower than usual due to adverse weather and habitat loss. To contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts, we held an extra tagging event, aiming to support Monarch Watch’s data collection. If you're interested in learning more about monarch conservation, check out Monarchwatch.com.
Compass Course Adventures
Our compass course at Starr's Cave Park has been bustling with activity, as recent field trips have taken students through the basics of orienteering. This was also a fantastic opportunity to train our CORE Specialist on course navigation while ensuring everything is ready for future use. The course, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stop by to borrow a compass and start your own navigation adventure!
Winter Program Registration Now Open
As winter approaches, we're gearing up to bring engaging educational programs into local classrooms. Teachers and groups can now sign up via our Google request form, and we’ll respond within two weeks to confirm dates. Whether you’re looking for a lesson on local wildlife or a tailored program, our educators are ready to bring the wonders of nature to your students this winter.
Whether you’re joining us for a hike, a cleanup event, or one of our 5Ks, we’re excited to connect with our community this November. For questions or more details, reach out to Starr's Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808 or email us at conservation@dmcounty.com. We hope to see you on the trails!
published Tuesday, November 5, 2024
