Osborne Oracle. Motor Mill Moving Forward by Tim Engelhardt Director. Spring 2011 Clayton County Conservation Vol. 34 No.1

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1 Osborne Oracle Spring 2011 Clayton County Conservation Vol. 34 No.1 Motor Mill Moving Forward by Tim Engelhardt Director The Clayton County Conservation Board and the Motor Mill Foundation have been steadily moving forward on projects at Motor Mill. The two organizations have been working together to develop plans for the restoration efforts at Motor Mill since Some of the accomplishments recently have been the replacement of windows and flooring in the Mill, replacement of roofs on the mill and the inn and educational efforts at the Mill. Along with this, the two groups have been actively working to write grants and raise private funding for these projects as well. The Motor Mill Site became part of the Turkey River Recreational Corridor (TRRC) in The TRRC connects the towns of Clermont, Elgin and Elkader along with Motor Mill. The common mission of the corridor is to develop and enhance the existing natural resource base of the Turkey River Corridor through the creation of land and water trail infrastructure. There are four projects related to the TRRC that are planned for Motor Mill. Develop a trail connecting Pony Hollow Trail to Motor Mill, replace the bridge at Motor Mill, flood control to help protect the Inn, Stable, and Icehouse, and continued restoration work on the buildings. Two of these projects have taken some big steps forward in the last two months, the bridge and the trail. During the flood event of 2008, the north span of the Motor Mill Bridge was destroyed. As a result, FEMA allowed funding to replace the north span of the bridge to the pre-disaster state of the bridge. The work includes cleaning and tuck pointing the joints on the north, center and south abutments and pier. The funds also include purchase and erecting the north span of the bridge which was destroyed in the 2008 flood. Additionally, they included funding to raise the bridge by four feet which would take it above the high water mark one foot. The Conservation Board and the Motor Mill Foundation have started the process to raise additional funding to complete the south span and make the bridge open to cars, pickups and pedestrian traffic. At the January 2011 meeting of the Conservation Board, the board hired an engineering firm to begin the design phase of the bridge. Our plan is to design a pin connected Pratt through truss bridge using modern materials and raise it four feet. Currently, we are estimating a completion date of the summer of Also in January, the Conservation Board was notified that they received a Statewide Enhancement Grant through the Iowa DOT for the multi-use trail to Motor Mill for $605,576. The 4.1 mile proposed trail will start at the intersection of Pony Hollow Trail and Grape Road and then follow the Turkey River to Motor Mill on an old rail bed constructed in the 1870 s. The trail will be 10 feet wide with a limechip surface. The estimated completion date is the summer of Additional projects at Motor Mill are t replacement of roofs on the Stable, Icehouse and Cooperage, window replacement on the cooperage and tuck pointing and silt removal in the basement of the Mill. The total estimated cost for all of the projects is approximately $1.4 million. Through grants and other donations we have secured just over $1 million. We will need to raise $350,000 of matching funds to complete all of these projects. Therefore the Motor Mill Foundation and the Clayton County Conservation Board have kicked off a Capital Fund Campaign to raise the remaining $350,000 and you can help. Please consider becoming part of this development to enhance our recreational and historical features at Motor Mill by making a donation to these projects. Donations to the Motor Mill Foundation and the Clayton County Conservation Board are 100% tax deductible.

2 Clayton Ridge Students Give Something Back by Brian Gibbs Last fall the Clayton Ridge 6 th grade students from Clayton Ridge Middle School in Garnavillo learned more about the importance of giving something back to the environment. Huddled close to each other like a colony of penguins, the students had just completed hand seeding an acre of ground behind their school with native prairie grasses and forbs. The idea for this project started in September when middle school science teacher Brian Lawrence expressed interest to Clayton County Conservation about turning the site into an outdoor classroom. Shortly after talking with Mr. Lawrence, I decided to take both 6 th grade classes out to the proposed site and explain to them what the native habitat of Garnavillo used to be: the Garnavillo Prairie. The Garnavillo Prairie spanned from the top of Clayton County near Postville down to Ceres Church north of Guttenberg. With its location, the town of Garnavillo was considered to be the Gem of the Prairie. However, over the last century this prairie has incrementally disappeared from the landscape, leaving the 6 th grade students with little sense of place of what covered (sustained) the landscape for hundreds of years. After learning this information, students were given a sheet of paper and asked to find a spot where they could write or draw features they would like to have in their outdoor classroom. Before further instructions were given, the students migrated like monarchs to their own spots. A few students were found sitting under arborvitae trees; while others went to the overgrown area they named the fort. The consistent habitat themes from their proposals were: butterfly gardens, bird feeders, places to hide, gardens, and water features for amphibians. Like worker ants marching, students cleared the area of brush and vines, created a large brush pile for wildlife and filled newly placed birdfeeders with seed. Echoes of laughter and cheers of fun could be heard as the students completed these stewardship tasks. When are we planting the prairie seeds? one student asked. On a cold and windy day, the prairie was finally seeded by the students. The students used their own seed they collected during a merit trip and also used seed donated by Clayton County Pheasants Forever. One student remarked Will we be on the news for this? Will they? Probably not, yet on this reciprocal day the land stewards at Clayton Ridge Middle School placed a tiny puzzle piece back in restoring the Garnavillo Prairie. They gave something back to the land and the thousands of living species which provide them with oxygen, shelter, food, and enjoyment every single day. The outdoor classroom project has continued to move forward. This spring, Clayton Ridge middle school students in the vocational agriculture class made bluebird boxes and benches for the classroom. Future plans are to continue to restore the area to prairie behind the school and incorporate educational learning stations for the students and staff. This spring the students will be placing the bluebird boxes and also planting a tree in the area. In October, I decided to move forward with the student s ideas and sought additional resources to start the project. To remove the non-native weeds and grasses, Clayton County Conservation staff and Clayton County Pheasants Forever Habitat coordinator Gary Siegwarth sprayed the area and conducted a burn at the site. A few days following the burn, the 6 th grade students were brought back out to the classroom to learn why both these steps were taken. Afterwards, the students got the chance to get their hands dirty. Clayton Ridge 6th graders pose in front of the wildlife brush pile they created. 2

3 Clayton County Conservation Board s Up Coming Events & Programs Project Aware July 9-16 See page 4 Birds, Blooms, and Mushrooms Saturday, May 14, 9:00am Osborne Center Discover a world of color as you walk through the Osborne forest. We will look for returning songbirds and spring jewels hidden among the forest floor. Frog Party Friday, May 27, 7pm Osborne Pond Hop on down to Osborne Pond for a ribbiting night listening to and catching frogs and toads. Learn how to identify amphibians by sight and call. Garlic Mustard Volunteer Day Saturday, May 28, 9-12 p.m. **Motor Mill Come pull garlic mustard at Motor Mill to help control this invasive nuisance plant before millions of seeds become part of the forest community. An easy community service project for families, youth groups or individuals to help their park, so come to the Mill to give a hand. Night Hike Saturday, July. TBA Osborne Center Discover Osborne at night with our summer interns. Great family activity. Stream Stomp Saturday, Aug. TBA Osborne Center Discover the river habitat of the Turkey River through this fun and wet activity. Great family activity. Stargazing Party Friday, August 12, 9:30 pm Osborne Center Learn about the stars and meteor showers, then find a spot on the lawn to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower which starts at about 11:00 p.m. Kid s Fishing Clinic/Derby Saturday, June 4, 1-3:30 p.m. **Backbone State Park Children of all ages, cast a line and try to catch the biggest fish in the pond! This weekend is designated as Free Fishing Days by the IDNR; adults will not need a fishing license. 3

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5 Camping Clayton County Bloody Run Park Bloody Run Park is located just west of Marquette Iowa. Nestled between rolling bluffs, Bloody Run is a 135-acre park that provides both excellent trout fishing and camping opportunities. With over 19 campsites, campers have the opportunity to enjoy nature without the hum of air conditioners. The campground is located along Bloody Run Trout Stream. Camping fees are $7.00 a night. Motor Mill Park Dominated by a six-story limestone gristmill, Motor Mill Campground is located seven miles east of Elkader. The campground features 7 primitive sites along with hiking trails and a canoe landing along the Turkey River. Camping fees are $7.00 a night. Friedens Park This small park is located five and a half miles northwest of Elkader along the Turkey River. The park offers rough camping and is free of charge. Across from the park is the Big Spring Trout Hatchery, where the Iowa Department of Natural Resources rears catchable trout to be stocked in the Turkey River and other northeast Iowa streams. Buck Creek Three miles north of Garnavillo, Buck Creek is surrounded by over 100 acres of forested land and is located along the banks of Buck Creek Trout Stream. With two private campsites this campground offers hiking and fishing opportunities and is free to any interested campers. Joy Springs Park Located along Joy Springs Trout Stream, this campground is a great destination for any trout angler. Just west of Strawberry Point, Joy Spring covers approximately 90 acres of woodland and has a large shelter and five primitive campsites for $7.00 a night to camp. Animal Discoveries in Clayton County Parks Great Horned Owls are Iowa s largest breeding owl and vary in color from a reddish brown to a grey or black and white. Because of their tiger like appearance, some people call great horns the winged tiger. The name great horned is derived from tufts of feathers that appear to be "horns" which are sometimes referred to as "ear tufts" but have nothing to do with hearing at all. A typical great horned owl weighs between 2-4lbs and has a wingspan of 5ft. In owls and birds of prey, females are up to a 1/3 bigger than males. Many people have heard owls can turn their heads all the way around-this is not true. Owls can turn their heads nearly 270 degrees or ¾ the way around. Once they turn their heads this far, they must start back over from the other side. Owls are able to do this because of the 14 vertebrae located in the back of their neck; in comparison humans have 7. Owls have asymmetrical ears. Asymmetrical ears means one ear is placed higher than the other, in the Great Horned Owl the right ear is higher than the left ear. Having asymmetrical ears causes sounds to reach one ear a fraction of a second before it reaches the other. The owl can then tilt and turn its head until the sounds equalize. The owl will then be staring directly at the location of its prey. By controlling pest and rodent populations owls are very beneficial to humans. Owls are also a special source of beauty and lore. Now is the perfect time of year, to take a hike at one of the parks and use your owl eyes and ears to see if you can find a young great horned owl fledging or learning to fly. 5

6 Osborne Naturalists Win Award Delivering nearly 400 classroom programs over the past year and facilitating over 30 field trips, Clayton County Conservation demonstrates how effective environmental education can impact a community. Through hands-on programming such as invasive species removal, prairie seed collection, water quality testing, snowshoeing, binocular bird hikes, their naturalists have led the way to an increased knowledge of the natural world. As a result of these actions, in 2010 a new outdoor classroom was constructed in Garnavillo and a bus grant fund was created in order to accommodate county schools in need. These actions along with countless others make Clayton County Conservation worthy of the Iowa Association of Naturalists/Iowa Conservation Education Coalition award for Iowa s Outstanding Environmental Education Program. The Osborne Junior Naturalist Program is an exciting program held during the summer at the Osborne Conservation Center. Offered to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in the Clayton County area. It is an overnight camp that focuses on exploring nature, making friendships and getting muddy! Programs are led by naturalists at the Osborne Center, local resource specialists and sportsmen. Dates are as follows: 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade June 7-8 June July June The deadline for sign up is May 18. Students will receive information at their school. However, if you need an application form or have more questions, please call the center at or visit our website: Binoculars have arrived! Education wants list: This past winter, 28 pairs of binoculars and 10 bird field guides were purchased by Clayton County Conservation. First and foremost I would like to thank the following business and individuals who contributed funds to make this possible: Freedom Bank of Elkader, Gifford Insurance, Alpine Communications Grant, Coast to Coast of Elkader. Through these charitable donations thousands of students in Clayton County will get the opportunity to view wildlife up-close. Students will also be able to improve their reading, measuring and observation skills through using the field guides. This experience of watching wildlife up-close may open many other outdoor pursuits for the students, ultimately getting them to play outside more! Old Barn board 2 Spotting Scopes and Tripods 2 Turtle Traps Minnow seine 6

7 Naturalist Poetry & Driftless News Grace of a Glacier by Brian Gibbs Grace of a Glacier, Heart of the sun You shaped me before my life had begun. Down-cut through layers of my mind, Hidden secrets in the fossils Engraved behind. A forgotten poet whose Tangible rhapsodies Weather my cares away A native spirit whose prowess Iowans reap today. A patient sculptor carved this valley through my heart, formed this canyon to keep time apart. A resilient wizard crafted these hills to ramble a tattered artist painted this mosaic of undulating beauty to sample. The term Driftless refers to the lack of glacial drift left behind in parts of Northeast Iowa. This occurred during the last glacial period, when sections of Northeast Iowa escaped glaciation. The picturesque landscape in Northeast Iowa resulted from this geological process. With the uniqueness of this landform in mind, Driftless News is designed to keep people aware and connected on what is happing locally outdoors in the Driftless region of Northeast Iowa. Try your luck fishing in one of Northeast Iowa s trout streams or go fishing on the Big River! Look for Bald Eagles nesting in the tops of large cottonwood trees. You fashioned me, You crushed me, Sparkles in the lake Rocks in the river A geological love affair To last forever. Even after the sun has Warmed too much and Melted your frozen hands Out of my touch. Grace of a Glacier Heart of the sun, You shaped me, Before my life had begun. No force stronger No power greater The Grace of a Glacier. Provide a habitat for arriving Bluebirds by building a nest box or hang a birdfeeder full with black oil sunflower seed to attract other songbirds Have a wildflower contest with your family to see who can find the most blooming wildflowers Run Pony Hollow Trail, or paddle the Turkey River Head to the woods and look for morel mushrooms sprouting underneath dead elm trees. Visit for information about becoming more connected to outdoor activities happening in Clayton County. 7

8 Conservation Board Members: Jim Langhus, Monona.. Chair Joe Ihm, Guttenberg...Vice-Chair Larry Stone, Elkader....Member Deanna Krambeer, St. Olaf.Secretary Liz Jaster, Volga...Member Staff: Tim Engelhardt Director Marty Mulford...Operations Supervisor Tucker Anderson..Ranger/Special Proj. Wally Reichstadter...Maintenance Tech. Harry Luster.....Office Manager Joyce Schoulte..Secretary/Receptionist Abbey Harkrader...Naturalist Brian Gibbs..Naturalist Monday-Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm Sunday 12-4pm Native Wildlife Exhibit Hours Everyday 10am-Dusk Visit: Or our blog at: Clayton County Conservation Board meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm in the Osborne Center Auditorium. Meetings are open to the public. The mission of the Clayton County Conservation Board is to promote the health and general welfare of the people and to encourage preservation, conservation, education, and recreation through responsible use and appreciation of our natural resources and cultural heritage. Clayton County Conservation Osborne Nature Center Osborne Rd, Elkader IA (563) The Clayton County Conservation Board does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap. If anyone believes he or she has been subjected to such discrimination, he or she may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Clayton County Conservation Board or the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Dept. of Interior, Washington, D.C