NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MUSCATINE, IA PERMIT NO.

71

BIG SAND MOUND NATURE PRESERVE

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.

MUSCATINE COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD

3300 Cedar Street P .O. Box 109 Muscatine, IA 52761

FIELD DAY
8 AM TO NOON SATURDAY JUNE 16, 2012 , 2500 WIGGENS ROAD MUSCATINE, IOWA 52761

FIELD DAY MAP

Watch for Field Day signs Field Tours begin at Monsantos Recreation Building 2500 Wiggens Road Muscatine, IA 52761

FIELD DAY SPONSORS

Louisa County Conservation Board MidAmerican Energy Company Monsanto Company Muscatine Community College, EICCD Muscatine County Conservation Board

ig 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.

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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. 8:00 a.m. Refreshments available. 8:30 9:00 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 days activities. 9:00 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 12:00 p.m. Second session of tours.

FIELD DAY PROGRAM

Review the schedule to determine which sessions youd like to attend. Please note that Exploring the Big Sand Mounds is a three-hour walk to the dunes and back (approximately 2.5 miles total). The terrain is sandy and hilly, and there is little protection from the sun. Participants that choose Exploring the Big Sand Mounds will not be able to attend any other sessions and are urged to take these factors into consideration when deciding which sessions to attend. Birds of Prey and Hands-on Herps is a sit-down presentation under a tent located a short walk from the Recreation Building. Please note that other sessions may be offered only one time, so plan your day accordingly. 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.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE TWO SESSIONS BELOW (5:30 - 8:00) Bird-watching at Big Sand Mound Photographic & Ecological Exploration: Flora, Fauna and Landscapes REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS BELOW 9:00 - 10:20 Exploring the Big Sand Mounds Exploring the Big Sand Mounds Brian Ritter, Eastern Iowa Comm. College, and Mark Vitosh, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Paul Mayes, Muscatine Comm. College, and Julie Ohde, Louisa County Conservation Board 10:30 - 12:00 P re se n t e rs Jessica Bolser, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tom Rosburg, Drake University

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Joe Bannon, MidAmerican 563.333.8620 Connie Veach, Monsanto 563.262.7346 www.naturallylouisacounty.com

Neil Bernstein, Mount Mercy University, and Samantha Noble, Louisa County Conservation Board and Bob Bryant, Nahant Marsh Kathy Dice, Louisa County Conservation Board, and Caitlin Savage, Johnson County Conservation Board Lois Albrecht, Johnson County Conservation Board, and Cathy Henry, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Dave Bakke, Muscatine County Conservation Board

REGISTRATION
Registration is $7.50 per person and fees are due by Friday, June 8. Register for course #112890 (Exploring the Big Sand Mounds) or #112986 (all other sessions). Normally fees are not refundable. If we exceed maximum registrations, you will be notified by phone the week prior to the field day, and your check will be returned. COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM AND MAIL WITH FEES TO: Muscatine Community College, 152 Colorado Street, Attn: Cindy Kress, Muscatine, IA 52761 Online registration is available at www.eicc.edu/BigSandMound. The Eastern Iowa Community College District endorses the principle of equal educational opportunities for all people regardless of race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, age or non-job related handicap or disability in the educational programs or activities it operates.

REGISTRATION FORM
I would like to register for the Big Sand Mound Field Day on June 16. Name, Complete Address w/Zip and Date of Birth Phone
I am registering for the following q #112890 (Exploring the Big

1.__________________________________________DOB____/_____/_________________/__________-_______________ course: _________________________________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________DOB____/_____/______ _________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________DOB____/_____/_____ _________________________________________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________________________________ If needed, attach a list of additional names and information to this form. TOTAL ENCLOSED:_________ All participants will be required to sign a release form for themselves or accompanied minors prior to being allowed to participate. Release forms will be available at the check-in table.
Date of birth (DOB) information used only for registration purposes and to distinguish between individual participants.

_______/__________-_______________ Sand Mounds) and _______/__________-_______________ other session)

q #112986 (any