O.W.L.S. Events at Tama County Nature Center Provide Year-Round Social & Learning Opportunities

Area seniors are invited to venture out to Otter Creek Lake the 2nd Wednesday of each month for a fun lunch & learn program hosted by Tama County Conservation. O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser, Livelier, Souls) is a series designed for seniors, but any adults are welcome. Each month will feature a different guest speaker presentation at 11 a.m., followed by a light lunch served in the nature center community room with a great view of the lake. These events are free but free will donations are welcome. This is a great way to get out of the house, learn about nature, and socialize with other folks from around the county. If you would like to attend, just pre-register with Logan at lroberts@tamacounty.org or 641-484-2231. Check out 2019 schedule below to mark your calendars! February 13th – Speaker: Cherie Haury-Artz, Office of the State Archaeologist Program: “How Did They Do That?”, Examining Prehistoric Technologies

March 13th – Speaker: Bob Etzel, Director at Tama County Conservation Board Program: “60 Year of Tama County Conservation”, stories of our history during our 60th anniversary year

April 10th – Speaker, Ryan Rieger, Conservation Technician at Tama County Conservation Board Program: “Wildland Firefighting”, Behind the scenes views of Ryan’s experience on a wildfire crew in Oregon last summer

May 8th – Speaker: Aaron Brewer, Trees Forever Program “Trees of Iowa”, learning to identify common trees in our area

June 13th – “Pack Your Own Picnic”, bring a picnic lunch and we will discuss Wild Edibles as we eat our picnic outdoors

July 10th – “Pack Your Own Picnic”, bring a picnic lunch and we will discuss Frogs of Iowa as we eat our picnic outdoors

August 14th – “Pack Your Own Picnic”, bring a picnic lunch and we will discuss current prairie blooms as we eat our picnic outdoors

September 11th – Speaker: Logan Roberts, Naturalist at Tama County Conservation Program: “Iowa State Parks Tour”, a photo journey of trip’s as Logan completed a mini bucket list to visit all the Iowa state parks

October 9th – Speaker: Bruce McKee, Photographer Program: “National Parks of Utah”, a stunning photo tour and stories of Bruce’s journey to all the national parks in Utah in 2018

November 13th – Speaker: Sarah Uthoff Program: “The Life of Laura”, dressed as Laura Ingalls Wilder, our speaker will share what life was like as an early prairie pioneer. Afterwards, take a look at the Tallgrass Prairie Travelling Exhibit that will be stationed in the nature center

December 11th – Speaker: Logan Roberts, Naturalist at Tama County Conservation Program: “Natural Holidays”, get your hands a little dirty as we make holiday crafts, ornaments or wrapping with natural materials.