Field Day
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Field Day
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
June 16, 2012
2500 Wiggens Road
Muscatine, IA 52761
Registration Form/Brochure (PDF)
Register online (by registering for course #112890 (Exploring the Big Sand Mounds) or #112986 (all other sessions))
Big Sand Mound Field Day is a chance for the public to visit one of Iowa's premier natural areas, and to talk and learn from specialists in natural resources and ecology. All walks involve some strenuous walking over the sandy, gently rolling terrain. Consult your physician if you are uncertain of your physical capability. Drinking water and toilets will be available.
The Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve is important in the Midwest for its diverse ecosystem of unusual plants and animals. With 510 acres owned by two companies, the preserve includes open prairies, sand barrens, shallow ponds and woodlands.
Animals find the preserve relatively undisturbed, with a variety of habitats in close proximity to each other. Of more than 400 different plants at the site, 80 percent are native. The cactus and lizards are well adapted to the dry, infertile sandy soils more like the southwestern United States.
Many people have generously worked and studied together to protect this regionally important resource. Normally closed to the public, Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve can be visited only with advance arrangements.
The Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve showcases the ability of business and industry to maintain and enhance biological, ecological and cultural resources and make a positive impact on the environment.
Dress according to the weather; Field Day will NOT be rescheduled for inclement weather. Feel free to bring your field guides, camera or binoculars. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, and leg wear to protect your ankles and legs. Sunscreen and hats are recommended.
Field Day Program
| 5:30 a.m. | Early risers can take in bird watching or a general overview of Big Sand Mound. Registration is not necessary but please be at the Monsanto Recreation Building no later than 5:30 a.m. so you won't be left behind. These hikes end before 8:00 a.m. |
| 8 a.m. | Refreshments available. |
| 8:30–9 a.m. | Preserve Orientation: Jointly owned by Monsanto Company and MidAmerican Energy Company, the preserve is administered with guidance from the Louisa Ecological Advisory Committee. Representatives from Monsanto, MidAmerican and the Committee will be on hand to answer questions and provide an overview of the day’s activities. |
| 9–10:20 a.m. | Guided Field Tours: Groups will assemble near the Recreation Building and begin their tours. With the exception of the “Exploring the Big Sand Mounds” tour, all groups will be back by 10:20 so those wishing to enjoy a second tour can assemble with their next guide |
| 10:30–12 p.m. | Second session of tours. |
For more information:
Joe Bannon
MidAmerican
563.333.8620
Connie Veach
Monsanto
563.262.7346
Louisa Country Website
Sponsored by:
Louisa County Conservation Board
MidAmerican Energy Company
Monsanto Company
Muscatine Community College, EICC
Muscatine County Conservation Board
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