Posts Tagged ‘okoboji’
Winter Mammals of Iowa: White-Tailed Jackrabbit
The white-tailed jackrabbit can commonly be spotted in western and northern Iowa. It is the largest member of the rabbit and hare family. It weighs in the range of six to ten pounds. White-tailed jackrabbits have an interesting adaptation when it comes to the different seasons. Their fur can be a different color depending on Read More »
Read MoreWas the Turkey Almost Our National Bird?
Word on the street is that the turkey was almost our national bird. With Thanksgiving Day occurring this week, what better time to dig deeper into this question. Back when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were given the task to design Read More »
Read MoreHow’d the Hedgehog Get Its Name?
There are 15 species of hedgehogs in the world. Each species is similar, but they each have small characteristics and habitual differences. The typical body length of a hedgehog is 5 to 12 inches long and the average length of the tail is 1-2 inches. They weigh about 1-2 pounds. The hedgehog has quite a Read More »
Read MoreBat Appreciation
October is bat appreciation month! Overall, bats get a relatively bad reputation for their unique characteristics. While it is bat appreciation month, we should really appreciate them all year long. Bats offer a variety of benefits. Here are some of the great work they do for their ecosystems: They control the insect populations. Bats eat Read More »
Read MoreTop 10 activities to do outside when social distancing
Tired of being stuck in the house but want to make sure you’re following COVID-19 guidelines and not gathering with others? Then head out to a wild area and try out these awesome activities. They will work your body and brain, and hopefully being outside will help boost your immune system too! 1. Shape Walk Read More »
Read MoreHow animals survive the winter
Humans often hole themselves up in their houses to survive the winter in front of the fire with hot chocolate. However, animals have to survive the frigid chill outside in the elements, and they have different ways of dealing with the change in seasons. Let’s take a quick look at how these Iowa animals survive. Read More »
Read MoreNature Tots continues in 2020
Nature stories, live animals, outdoor play — Nature Tots is a hit program at the Dickinson County Nature Center that will return Jan. 8 for the 2020 season. “I think this program has been so well attended because it offers activities families can do together,” said Bryanna Kuhlman, environmental education coordinator. “It also gives families Read More »
Read MoreJoin us for storytime!
A new monthly program begins Jan. 4 at the Dickinson County Nature Center. Storytime with a Naturalist premieres at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at the nature center in Okoboji, part of the 2020 program lineup. “Since we’re open on Saturdays now, I thought it would be fun for families with children in school to Read More »
Read MoreFamily Nature Night goes to the Caribbean
It may feel like the weather outside is frightful, but Caribbean Night will be so delightful at the Dickinson County Nature Center. The final Family Nature Night for 2019 has a tropical theme. “We thought it would be fun to take it outside the parameters of Iowa and think a little warmer,” said Bryanna Kuhlman, Read More »
Read MoreWestport Schoolhouse No. 5: A brief history
The first school in Dickinson County was an in-home private school that began around 1860, with a teacher employed to teach the children of Dr. J.S. Prescott and a few other local youth. The following years saw more private schools that soon expanded into small public education institutions throughout the county. Westport Schoolhouse history Westport Read More »
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