neal smith...neal smith nwr is looking for volunteers to assist refuge staff in capturing, tagging,...
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Follow “Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge” on Facebook!
Monarch Madness Saturday, September 14, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Calling citizen scientists of all ages! Neal Smith NWR is looking for volunteers to assist Refuge staff in capturing, tagging, and releasing monarch butterflies. Tagging monarchs helps scientists learn more about their fascinating migration. Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 100 participants. Please call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Special Events
Program & Activity Guide Fall 2019
All programs are FREE and open to the public!
National Public Lands Day Saturday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort on public lands. Last year, 175,000 volunteers celebrated across the country. Join us for a chance to volunteer and create native tallgrass prairie on the Refuge by collecting native plant seeds. The first 45 participants will receive a coupon for a Fee-Free day at participating federal agencies. Pre-registration required. Please call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
National Wildlife Refuge Week - Seed Collection Day
Saturday, October 12, 8:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
In honor of J.N. “Ding” Darling, a pioneer conservationist, the Refuge is hosting
stewardship opportunities for you and/or your group. Collecting seeds will be the focus
of this stewardship day. Everyone will have a chance to help restore prairie habitat
at the Refuge. A FREE lunch will be provided by the Friends of Neal Smith NWR.
Pre-registration is required. Call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
All programs are FREE and open to the public!
Program and Activity Guide Fall 2019
Nature Tots
Second Saturday Stewardship
Interested in giving back to the environment while learning about the tallgrass prairie? Stewardship volunteer
programs occur on the second Saturday of each month. All ages are welcome. No experience needed. To reg-
ister, please call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
Date Time Activity
Saturday, September 14 8:30 am - 11:00 am See info for Monarch Madness
Saturday, October 12 8:30 am - 12:00 pm See info for NWR Week Seed Collection
Saturday, November 9 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Seed Cleaning
Evening Sunflower Stroll
Saturday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Take a stroll with a ranger along a paved two-mile Tallgrass Trail to enjoy an
evening on the prairie. Look and listen for changes in the fall wildlife, while
meandering through the prairie sunflowers as the sun goes down. To
pre-register call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
Date Time Topic
Saturday, September 7 10:30 am - 11:30 am Magical Monarchs
Saturday, October 5 10:30 am - 11:30 am Colorful Leaves
Saturday, November 2 10:30 am - 11:30 am Prairie Seed Harvest
Children ages 3-5 are invited to bring their favorite adult and join us as we read
stories, explore outside, make nature crafts, and much more! Pre-registration is
requested. To register or for more information, please call 515-994-3400 or email
Wildflowers, Birds and Butterflies Walk
Sunday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Join naturalists for a guided walk along the 1/2 mile paved Overlook Trail loop and
learn about wildlife, wildflowers, and management of the refuge. See the prairie in
bloom, watch for birds and butterflies, and find out about the bison and elk herds.
This program is for adults and children ages 12 and older, accompanied by an adult.
To pre-register call 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
Program & Activity Guide Fall 2019
For more information: (515) 994-3400 or http://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal_smith/
Naturalist Programs
Bison Talk and Wildflower Walk
Saturday, September 21, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, 1:30 p.m.
Participate in a short program on the natural history and management
of the American Bison. Then take a guided walk to the butterfly garden
located just outside the visitor center to enjoy and learn about prairie
wildflowers. Please call to pre-register at 515/994-3400 or email
Fall Photo Hike
Sunday, October 13, 9:00 a.m.
Photographers of all skill levels are invited to attend the Fall Photo Hike.
Join photographer, Kristie Burns, and discover the autumn prairie flow-
ers and wildlife using your lens. Meet at the Prairie Learning Center. Be
prepared for the weather and walking off the trails by wearing long
pants, closed-toe shoes, bring water and insect repellent. Please pre-
register by calling 515-994-3400 or email [email protected].
Bison on the Prairie
Saturday, October 26, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 9, 1:30 p.m.
Join us for a short presentation on the history and management of the American Bison. Learn fun facts in our Bison Room and take a guided walk along the ½- mile Overlook Trail to search for bison and elk herds while enjoying the prairie land-scape. Please call to pre-register at 515/994-3400 or email [email protected].
Birding Basics
Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m.
Join expert birder and refuge volunteer, Denny Thompson, to learn the
basic skills needed to enjoy bird watching. This program is geared toward
beginning birders. Learn about optics, bird books, and birding sites, as
well as tips on how to identify birds. The program will take place indoors
followed by a short field hike to practice your skills. Please call 515-994-
3400 or email [email protected] to register.
Program & Activity Guide Fall 2019
Friends of Neal Smith NWR Programs
Follow Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook for activity updates!
Meandering with Nature September 21, 2019 – Fall Exploration, Hibernation and Transition, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
November 16, 2019 – Renewal, Reflection and Rest, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. So many people live on autopilot or with the stress of too much to do and no time to simply relax. One way to reduce stress is to
slow down long enough to experience the awe nature offers us. It could be an afternoon at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, a
walk around the park or simply sitting on the stairs outside your own front door – nature is healing!
A definition of meandering…”moving slowly in no particular direction or with no clear purpose. “ It was with this intention we be-
gan Meandering with Nature, an opportunity to come to the prairie and be with the prairie – plus learn tools and strategies to
take home. Past activities have included creating journals, mapping the ‘nature spots’ in your neighborhood, relaxing and mind-
fulness examples and other activities to help you discover what works for you.
The Visitor Center is open every day with the exception of most federal holidays. Closed all
federal holidays except Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Visitor Center hours are
9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Sunday through November. During December, January and
February, the Visitor Center is closed on Sundays. Trails and Auto Tour are open daily from
dawn to dusk.
The Art of Conservation: A Visit with Ding Darling
Sunday, October 20, 2:00 p.m. Join us October 20, 2:00 p.m. to experience a “visit” with Ding Darling. In this hour-
long presentation, Jay N. "Ding" Darling visits with the audience in his 11th floor
office at The Des Moines Register. Beginning with his early years in Sioux City,
where he became aware of the natural world around him as well as his developing
skills as an editorial cartoonist, he reflects upon his remarkable life journey. His
story continues to include Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoons and a remarka-
ble career as a nationally known conservationist. From the introduction of the Duck
Stamp to the creation of the National Wildlife Federation, Darling's influence was
felt, not only through his cartoons, but through his actions as well. Considered by many to be one of the most influential members
of the modern conservation movement in the first half of the 20th century, the impact of his work is still felt today. This special
program by Tom Milligan brings Ding Darling to life and is hosted by the Friends and funded by Humanities Iowa.
Prairie Point Nature Store Open House
Saturday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. You are invited to visit the Prairie Point Nature Store for a special open house. The Nature
Store is managed and staffed by the Friends of NSNWR and many dedicated volunteers.
All profits are used to support the programs and events at the Refuge. You will find
unique handcrafted gifts, nature-related books, toys and apparel - perfect for your holi-
day gifts. Refreshments, special sales and giveaways will be part of this special day.