Can you locate the two juvenile bald eagles?

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1 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW Chester Woods Tracker C h e s t e r W d s T r a c k e r The Gobbler: Park Accomplishments Here is a snapshot of what was accomplished in Thanks to the many individuals that assisted with these projects and the many others that were not listed, it was a successful and busy year in Olmsted County Parks. After a great winter of grooming ski trails, record snow accumulation and hours of plowing and pushing snow everyone was ready for winter to be over. The first robin, blue bird, redwing black bird, and wood cock were observed in the park on March 17th letting us know that Spring would soon be upon us. In March Ku Le Region Forestry, Inc., Minnesota Native Landscape, Inc. and Zumbro Valley Forestry, Inc. embarked on the largest project undertaken in Olmsted County with removing the invasive European buckthorn tree. The three agencies have been awarded contracts through Conservation Partner Legacy grant which is being administered by Minnesota Audubon for SE Minnesota bluff prairie enhancement. Other agencies that have been involved with contributions are Can you locate the two juvenile bald eagles? Zumbro Valley Audubon, Prairie Smoke Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiast, Friends of Chester Woods and MN Department of Natural Resources. Approximately $193,000 has been awarded to clear 150 acres of park land of buckthorn and other invasive trees. The project deadline is set for June 30, There will be several years of managing these acres to restore them back to buckthorn free savanna s and prairies. Later in the spring the two remaining picnic shelters and the beach house had shingles replaced. In the past several years, all of the structures have had new shingles thanks to the Sentence to Serve crews. Before the campground opened this spring 2-80 gallon water heaters were replaced. After the campground closed for the season, the lift station control panel which distributes all of the waste water was upgraded. The interior block partition walls inside the restroom were removed. This is part of a remodel project to improve air circulation and decrease the mildew growth. In November and December the electrical improvements and painting were completed. Soon new partition walls will be installed. Olmsted County Parks have received numerous hours of labor from Workforce Development crews. Both Oxbow Park and Chester Woods Park have bene- (Continued on page 2)

2 The Gobbler Continued: Continued from page 1) fited from these skilled laborers. Their primary focus has been to assist with flood related projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We were able to complete projects that existed from the 2007 and 2010 floods that plagued the SE Minnesota region and Chester Woods Park. One of our main projects was to repair a low water crossing and reroute a quarter mile of the Zieman trail. The two previous flooding events plus this years spring melt took its toll on the creek bank, eroding away at the trail edge, which became a safety concern. This fall, thanks to our volunteers and seasonal staff we were able to remodel the staff break room. A used kitchen cabinet and sink were installed along with a computer work station to serve our customers needs. This has been a nice improvement and many compliments have been received. During the winter months Community Work Service, Sentence to Serve, and FOCW volunteers have been burning the buckthorn slash left behind from the contract workers. Tom Eckdahl REMEMBER THOSE DAYS Our brains are a wonderful creation, the data we are able to store and recall in a moment is phenomenal. Do you remember the last day you took a walk in the woods and used the sensory abilities that have been given to us all. Have you stopped long enough to let the critters resume their normal activities and watch the woods come alive? Or have you sat long enough that you can feel, smell, hear, and see what is happening in your space in this big world? Have you tried this in the dark? I suggest you take the time to do this again and remember the last time and compare the two experiences. Here are a few things that I observed last spring while turkey hunting: the wind rustling the leaves of red oaks, the sound of the howling wind when it moves through the pine bows, the silence of the woods at rest, the gobble of a turkey, a grouse drumming, chorus frogs croaking, sand hill cranes roosting above, the smell of spring rain and wet leaves, and the amazing and delicate blossom of moss. Remember that day and please share that experience with someone. European buckthorn, exotic honeysuckle, ironwood, and red cedar brush ready to be piled and burned. Tom Eckdahl Here are some upcoming events that anyone can participate in at Chester Woods! Page 2 April 12th, 7:30 p.m.- Woodcock Watch April 14th, 10:30 a.m.- FOCW Spring Cleanup May 5th, 8:45 p.m. Moonlight Paddle May 22nd, 6:00 p.m. Bird Safari May 27th, 11:00 a.m.- Dam Hike June 2nd, 8:45 p.m. Moonlight Paddle June 17th, 9:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m.- Summer Solstice Hike June 20th, 5:30 p.m. Rochesterfest Family Fun Night September 22nd, 9:00 a.m.- Day In The Park FOCW encourages anyone who wishes to participate in any of these activities to please do so. For more information on these events or the Friends of Chester Woods organization, please contact the Chester Woods Park office at (507) CHESTER WOODS TRACKER

3 Friends Of Chester Woods By Ernie Freudenburg Personal Watercraft Can Now be Stored at Chester Woods Park Tired of loading up your canoe or kayak each time you want to come and enjoy Chester Woods Lake? Friends of Chester Woods has the answer. Watercraft storage racks are now available next to the boat ramp. Spaces are limited to personal, small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and sailboards that measure no more than the following limits: length = 20 feet; width = 3 feet; depth = 20 inches. Watercraft can be stored for the season from April 1 through November 1. For the 2012 season, 3 racks will be available on a first come first served basis. Each rack holds 6 watercraft. Rental agreements are valid for one season only and may not be extended. Owners must apply for racks each season, including a new, current application, properly filled out. Dues for the 2012 season are $100, paid in full, in advance. Multiple racks may be rented by the same party for the following rates: two racks for $150, and three racks for $200. You can obtain the rental agreement and application form from the Chester Woods office ( ) or from the FOCW board member, Ernie Freudenburg, who manages this program. He will be glad to send you the forms as an attachment to your . He can be reached at ekfreud@gmail.com. Personal Watercraft Storage Now Available Root River Park Program Saturday, May 12th, 1-3 p.m. Tours of the Park on the Prairie Cruiser, leaves every half hour. Here are some rules of the watercraft storage program: No motors may be stored in conjunction with this rental storage program. Park staff will assign rack space to accepted applicants. Renter may store watercraft only in assigned rack space(s) - no paddles, masts, personal flotation devices or related watercraft equipment are permitted. Renter must own watercraft, and watercraft must have current state registration. Renter must be at least 18 years old. Renter will provide own chains and locks (two each per watercraft), and park staff will not have access to lock or Watercraft. Renter must maintain and care for watercraft; Chester Woods Park accepts no liability or responsibility for watercraft. Watercraft stored in Park racks must be secured and locked at both ends of the watercraft. Failure to secure a watercraft properly could be the cause of damage to other watercraft on that rack; and the owner will bear all liability for damage caused by owner s watercraft. Park staff will check the storage racks frequently to maintain safe and secure storage facilities; but the owner must assure the security of owner s watercraft. Failure to secure watercraft after being warned by park staff may be cause for revocation of the rental agreement and immediate removal of unsecured watercraft. We hope that this service will be one more way in which Friends of Chester Woods can help to enhance the use and participation in our Park, making Chester Woods County Park a vital resource for enhancing life in Olmsted County for our residents and guests. CHESTER WOODS TRACKER Page 3

4 Olmsted County 2011 Disabled American Veterans Chester Woods Park had its annual deer management hunt the second season of the Minnesota deer season. It had a small twist this year. With the approval of Olmsted County Board of Commissioners we invited ten Disabled Veterans to hunt through a lottery drawing. With the help of Active Military personal, Olmsted County Veteran Services, Olmsted County Public Works Department, Blue Star Moms, and Disabled American Veterans Services they were able to make accommodations for our honored guests. We had many donations from local organizations. Sergeant First Class James Doolittle organized and collected many of these gifts and items that were used for veterans that did not have their own hunting equipment. There was a supper sponsored by the local VFW 1215 that preceded the hunt on Thursday, November 17, 2011 for the veterans and their families. Detailed information was given out that night, along with fellowship, followed by a great meal. The following day the veterans came out to the park and were able to hike to selected hunting spots and were able to place portable blinds for the following morning s hunt with the assistance of park staff. Saturday morning started at 4:00 a.m. with the hunters and staff ready for a great day. A chili feed for all hunters, volunteers and staff was provided by the Eyota Firefighters and Burt s Meat of Eyota. There were also pies, bars and goodies baked by Blue Star Mom s. On Saturday morning two nice deer were harvested and processed in the shop at Chester Woods by the volunteers. In the following days two more deer were harvested by the veterans and processed. In the evenings there was great conversation and stories of the days events. It was a great time to really get to know our honored guests. We will be having another Veterans Hunt this upcoming year and everyone is really looking forward to it. Russ Jensen Participating Veterans, Staff and Volunteers with the first registered deer of the event. Upcoming Oxbow Park Programs Saturday April 7 Bison Feeding at 1:00 p.m. Join park staff for a short hike to our bison paddock. Here you will have the opportunity to view these majestic critters up close as well as learn a little of their natural history. Saturday April 14 Raptor Feeding at 3:00 p.m. Meet staff in front of the raptor exhibit and witness the sometimes ravenous tendencies of these beautiful creatures. Saturday April 21 Children s Zoo Time at 10:00 a.m. Gather in the Nature Center as park staff give children the opportunity to see a few critters up close, and possibly the chance to touch one! Saturday April 28 Feed the Bear at 10:00 a.m. Our resident black bear is awake and hungry! Gather in front of her exhibit as staff shares a few facts with you about these critters and then witness her sometimes quirky behaviors when fed. Saturday May 5 Wildflower Hike from 9:00 a.m. to noon Join volunteer naturalist John McCormick in the Nature Center classroom for a short lecture on spring ephemerals, and then it is off through the trails of Oxbow to view some of these gorgeous wildflowers. Saturday May 12 Otter Feeding at 1:00 p.m. The fun begins in front of the otter exhibit where staff will greet you and fill you in on a few interesting facts about these energetic mammals. Then the excitement begins as you watch these critters fight for their dinner! Page 4 CHESTER WOODS TRACKER

5 r Chester Woods Park SUMMER CELEBRATIONS by Marilyn Leske To add versatility and interest at the campground, on July 22 & July 23, 2011, our 1 st Chester Woods Christmas in July was celebrated. Campers were notified in advance either by or phone, & encouraged to decorate their campsite with a Christmas theme. Prizes a free weekend of camping, free boat rental, & free firewood-- were awarded to the best decorated sites. On Saturday there was a Christmas coloring contest held at the campground host site as well as a competition in building a snow/sand fort. Adult involvement as well as kids participated at the beach. Donated prizes were given for both events. Santa arrived during firewood sales, not by sleigh & reindeer, but by John-Deere gator with treats for all the kids. Oxbow park staff had a program at 7 p.m. at the Kisrow classroom. Afterward, all campers were invited to the Sweet Shop at Al & Marilyn s campground host site where 50 dozen homemade cookies were served. Gingerbread men proved to be the favorite of the children. Christmas in July had such camper approval that it was decided we would celebrate Halloween on the 4 th weekend in August. Once again registered campers were given advance notice and encouraged to decorate their sites with a Halloween theme for August 26 th & 27 th. Sites were judged by a team of three volunteer non-campers and like the previous event, generous prizes were awarded. A suspended marshmallow eating contest was held at Campground Hosts, Mary and Jerry s site. Thanks to Brian Kingsbury s ongoing professional face painting, the spirit of Halloween prevailed. Jace Drilling with Santa Claus A panel of non-camping judges selected the best costumes in different age categories at 3 p.m. and winners could select a donated prize. At 4 p.m. a parade of 50 face painted costumed campers, led by Campground Host, the Cat-In-The-Hat Marilyn, circled the campground stopping by all the sites for treats. Campground Host, Red Hot Ma Ma Mary made certain everyone followed in formation. Complimentary apples were distributed at the end of the parade route. After the Oxbow presentation at the classroom, Josh drove the tractor for the evening wagon rides. Riders boarded at the wood shed and set out for the trails where BIG FOOT was hiding. A cemetery was passed through and scary encounters thanks to many volunteers were enjoyed. Mark your calendars for the 4 th weekend s of July and August when we again will celebrate, Christmas in July and Halloween in August for Chester Wood s campers. Reserve Your Christmas Vacation and Spooky Halloween Weekends in Advance!! Christmas in July July 27th 28th, 2012 Campers, Visitors and Staff In Costumes!! Halloween in August August 24th-25th, 2012 CHESTER WOODS TRACKER Page 5

6 Park Staff Recognized for Exemplary Response to Near Drowning Incident At the September 13, 2011, County Board meeting, the Olmsted County Park staff was recognized by the Board of Commissioners for an incident that occurred on June 16, 2011, at Chester Woods Park. On the morning of Thursday, June 16, 2011, Park staff received a call from a park user that a vehicle had driven into Chester Lake while attempting to launch a small fishing boat. It was reported that the vehicle, the trailer, and the boat were all under water and that the two citizens in the vehicle were struggling to free themselves and escape as the van was steadily sinking. In accordance with pre-incident training, and with the assistance of seasonal staff, Natural Resource Technician Russ Jensen scrambled to the scene to come to the aid of the trapped citizens. Upon arrival, Russ and the other staff members observed two people sitting in the vehicle as it was sinking, while a near-by boater was lining up alongside the sinking rig to assist the victims in their efforts to escape. After making the appropriate 911 call to activate EMS, Russ instructed his crew to begin boat rescue operations to aid and assist the victims. As good fortune would have it, the first victim was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of the Good Samaritan boater. The second occupant in the van was struggling to free himself and as the park pontoon approached, Russ instructed one of his staff members to go in to the water to assist the man from the now completely submerged vehicle. It was during this time frame that Natural Resource Technician Josh Drilling arrived on his day off to assist Russ in the many tasks associated with managing an Emergency Scene. Olmsted County Parks would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the Olmsted County Sheriff s Department for their assistance. Employees from the Patrol Unit, and the Debriefing Team responded to the Park staff requests immediately. Our compliments to them. Park staff would also like to thank members of the County Dive Team, and the self-less volunteers and citizens who chipped-in where needed. Lastly, Olmsted County wants to acknowledge the following County Parks staff members for their stellar performance in providing life-saving aid to their fellow citizens while in service to the people of Olmsted County. Tom Ryan Park Staff Left to Right: Tom Eckdahl, Tom Ryan, Heather Roberts, Stefan Redlin, Russ Jensen, Joshua Drilling and Tyler Hameister Olmsted County Parks Mission The mission of Olmsted County Parks is to foster an appreciation of the natural world through environmental education, natural resource management, and public participation in the stewardship of our park lands. Vision Learning life-long lessons in natural places. Page 6 CHESTER WOODS TRACKER

7 Olmsted County s Parks CLIP-IT FRIENDS OF CHESTER WOODS PARK Yes, I d like to be a friend of this great Park! Friend: $15 New Renewal Be sure to ask if your company matches donations! Name: Address: City/State/Zip: address: Dad s Apple Pie Ingredients: 2 lbs. Granny Smith Apples 2 lbs. Brae Burn Apples 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon 3/4 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Butter 1 cup Light Brown Sugar 1 Box Refrigerated Pie Crust 1 Egg White 2 tsp. Sugar Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel apples and cut into 1/2 inch thick wedges, toss apples with cinnamon and 3/4 cup sugar. Melt butter in a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat add brown sugar and heat stirring constantly 1 or 2 min. or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and place 1 pie crust in skillet over brown sugar mixture, spoon apples over piecrust and top with remaining piecrust. Whisk egg white until foaming, brush top of pie crust with egg white with 2 tsp. of sugar, cut 4 to 5 slits on top for steam to escape. Make checks payable to Friends of Chester Woods Mail to: Friends of Chester Woods 8378 Highway 14 East Eyota, MN Bake at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min or until golden brown and bubbling, cover with foil during last 10 mi. to stop browning if needed. Cool 30 min. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Try it on a fire pit.even better!! Good Luck! Prairie Cruiser Helps Visitors To See County Parks This summer Olmsted County Parks has a new wagon which will allow visitors a chance to see Chester Woods and Root River parks. The wagon, dubbed the Prairie Cruiser by Chester Woods staff, will be an exciting addition to the programming that is offered to the public. Campus foreman, Jary Sobek, and staff member, Roger Harty, constructed this ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) wagon at the Olmsted County campus shop this past winter. The intent of the wagon is to give every person, regardless of age or physical ability, the opportunity to enjoy some of the more remote areas of the County Park lands. The wagon seats twelve adults comfortably on the bench seats, and is able to accommodate four wheelchairs securely strapped in the center. Park rides will be scheduled at Chester Woods Park soon and there is one upcoming wagon ride scheduled for the new regional park - Root River. This will give people the chance to visit and explore these parks, which would otherwise not have the means to do so. Keep watching the Olmsted County Park Programs for future scheduled rides. For additional program information, feel free Josh Drilling with Shorewood Residents to call Celeste Lewis at Celeste Lewis CHESTER WOODS TRACKER Page 7

8 Chester Woods Park 8378 Highway 14 East Eyota, MN Phone: W E RE ON THE WEB! T O SEE THIS NEWSLETTER AND OTHER PARK INFORMATION, CHECK OUT: CO. OLMSTED. MN. US/ PW/ PARKS/PAGES/ You Can Help Us! If you wish to receive this newsletter through , we would be happy to send it to you. We would like to update our mailing information to help reduce the cost of printing. Let us know at chesterwoods@co.olmsted.mn.us DEFAULT. ASPX Contacting Staff Chester Woods Park Staff General address: chesterwoods@co.olmsted.mn.us Tom Eckdahl Park Supervisor Chester Woods Park (507) eckdahl.thomas@co.olmsted.mn.us Josh J. Drilling Park and Natural Resource Specialist Chester Woods Park (507) drilling.joshua@co.olmsted.mn.us Russ Jensen Park and Natural Resource Specialist Chester Woods Park (507) jensen.russ@co.olmsted.mn.us Olmsted County Parks Firewood Sales Hours: Chester Woods Park- Gatehouse: bundled wood 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wood Shed Hours: 5:00-6:00 p.m. & 7:00-8:00 p.m. Oxbow Park- Nature Center hours 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekly Notify Campground Host at campsite, or Park Staff at Nature Center