Upcoming Program Announcements:
Great Backyard Bird Count and Central Park Nature Center Open House
February 18
Noon - 3 PM
Central Park Nature Center
Bring your whole family to explore the Central Park Nature Centers latest exhibit renovations. Learn how you can participate in the "Great Backyard Bird Count". Make a pine cone bird feeder to take home. Gear up and explore the park by snowshoe. Kids can enter the winter coloring contest and make a snowflake to take home. Everyone can sign up to win a free bird feeder and enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate. If there is snow bring your sleds and hit the slopes. If you like to ice fish bring your gear and try your luck on the lake.
Public Input Sessions and Review of Alternatives for the Mon Maq Dam and Maquoketa River Project Held In January
Officials with the Jones County Conservation Board held several public meetings to review plan options and obtain community input for modifying the Mon Maq Dam in Monticello. Three alternatives have been illustrated and details about these options were presented at the meetings. Officials with the National Park Service, IDNR Rivers Program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were in attendance to help answer questions and get input. For the past 4 years a committee of Monticello residents have been meeting to review issues associated with the dam, including fish passage, in-stream passage by paddlers, fishing opportunities, ecological and flooding considerations and maintenance. Last March, a contract was let with Recreation Engineering and Planning in Boulder, Colorado and Shive Hattery Engineering in Cedar Rapids, to model alternatives that address the findings of the Advisory Committee.
Mon Maq Dam Meetings
Please click below to review current Mon Maq Dam Restoration Renderings:
Mon Maq Dam Restoration Renderings
JCCB Receives $2,500 Theisens Community Corporate Giving Grant
The Jones County Conservation Board was awarded a $2,500 Theisen's Community Corporate Giving Grant for the Central Park Nature Center Renovation Project. This funding will allow renovations to continue on the lower level of the nature center. Thank you Theisen's!
Fall Colors Canoe Outing - North Fork of the Maquoketa:
North Fork Fall Colors Outing 2011
On Sunday, October 16, 19 paddlers enjoyed a beautiful day on the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. After a brief introduction and welcome at the D61 Bridge over Whitewater Creek participants took to the water. The beauty of the fall foliage, rocky outcrops and bluffs, and boulders greeted participants as they paddled and floated downstream. Although the water levels were fairly low paddlers were able to move along at a nice pace and easily maneuver the many riffles, boulders, and sand and gravel bars. Eagles, hawks, vultures, kingfishers, ducks, geese, minnows, beavers, and whitetail deer were spotted along the way. A silver spotted skipper butterfly even hitched a ride for several river miles. Paddlers enjoyed lunch and a stretch on a sand bar at the half way point.
North Bluff Hill Prairie
In July the Jones County Conservation Board and Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever closed on the acquisition of a 34 acre, native prairie called the North Bluff Hill Prairie.
Click here to read the entire story.
2011 Jones County Conservation Friends of Conservation Awards
The Jones County Conservation Board would like to thank and congratulate the following organizations and individuals for their support and dedication to conservation and our natural resoruces.
Dr. Raymond and Patricia Hamilton, Maquoketa Tony Bohr, Cedar Rapids, Marilyn Crandall, Brighton, Mary and Easy Jones,
North Bluff Hill Prairie Land Acquisition. Washington, and Murlee Bohr, Washington - Maquoketa River Water Trail
Project Donation.
Bev Kerkove, Monticello - Derith Vogt, Center Junction - 2011 Bird
Environmental Education Program Calendar Proceeds for Nature Center
Volunteer. Renovations.
Rob Roman, JCCB, Mie Rogers, Former JCCB, Larry Gullett, JCCB Director,
Larry Pisarik, JCCB, and Dave Tabor, JCCB - Mike was recognized for his
years of service on the JCCB.
Trail Assessment and Public Access Rules
Rules for People with Disabilities Use of Trail Systems within County Managed Public Areas
"Trail assessment and rules for people with disabilities using other power driven mobility devices on trails only within county managed public areas. These rules apply to trails only and do not apply to general use of turf, forest and prairie areas with the county public lands system."
Nature Center Renovation Project Update - Summer 2011
This spring conservation staff and students from Monticello High School completed the planting of 1,200 native prairie plants and five pounds of short grass prairie seed directly in front of the Nature Center and along the new road and parking area. This newly planted area demonstrates a wide variety of native grasses and flowers that can be used by homeowners, schools, and businesses in native landscaping. The planting at the Nature Center shows the diversity of planting that can be included in a local roadside. Although this planting was done randomly homeowners and businesses could use the same plants in landscaped gardens and displays. This years maintenance has included watering of the plant plugs and seed, pulling of noxious weeds, and periodic high mowing to control weeds. Funding for the planting and interpretive signage has been awarded through a Living Roadway Trust Fund grant. We would like to thank all of the business owners, students, family, and staff who assisted with this project.
Nature Center Receives Endowment Fund AwardThe Jones County Conservation Board recently received a $9,725 grant for the "Central Park Nature Center Renovation Project - Phase 3" from the Jones County Endowment Fund, an affiliate of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
Work has already started on Phase 3 and includes the recent completion of the Aquatic and Land Turtle Tank Exhibits which are now fully operational and housing three of the Nature Centers turtles.
We are excited to see work on the Nature Center continue.
Nature Center Renovation Donations Received - Cargill, Inc. and the Nellie Stege Trust
Kenny Armstrong With Cargill Inc. presents a check for $10,000 to JCCB Director, Larry Gullett, for the Central Park Nature Center Renovation Project. Pictured front from left are Supervisor Leo Cook, Kenny Armstrong, Larry Gullett, and Supervisor Wayne Manternach. Back row, Supervisor Keith Dirks, Andy McKean, and Joe Cruise.
A $1,000 donation for exhibits within the Nature Center was received this October from the Nellie Stege Trust. The turtle exhibit this money was donated towards will be completed by July 2011. Turtles and staff are anxiously awaiting its completion.
Maquoketa River Water Trail Dedication Ceremony Held October 9, 2010
Work is finally completed on the Maquoketa River Water Trail project at Pictured Rocks and Mon Maq Access in Monticello. The
Maquoketa River Water Trail Images
beginning of construction fall 2009 marked the end of a 3 year planning process to improve the areas for recreational use and beautify the areas as community entryways. A ribbon cutting celebration was held Saturday, October 9, 2010.
The MRWT project included construction of two boat ramps or river access points, gathering areas, parking areas, a new latrine and shelter at Pictured Rocks, new signage, a steel deck over the old mill site at Mon Maq Access, seating, walkways and flagstone patio or interpretive areas.
Cave Closures:
Due to the threat of spread of White Nose Syndrome in bat populations many caves throughout Iowa have been closed to public access.
Pictured Rocks Area Youth Group Caving Requirements:
Youth groups and interested individuals may use Pictured Rocks Cave if they follow the guidelines below: Please Note: Caving from October 25th - April 15th should be limited to protect hibernating bat species.
1. Leaders must ensure that no participants have entered caves in infected states - check the following website for current maps: http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/cavers.html.
2. Any participant that has entered any other cave including those in
Iowa must follow the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disinfection
protocols for clothing, shoes and equipment.
3. Participants that have not entered any cave in the last five years will
not need to complete the disinfection protocol.
4. Cave users must have a letter of authorization from the Jones County
Conservation Board Director to enter the cave. Authorized users must
carry their letter of authorization when entering the cave. To obtain a letter of
authorization please contact the Jones County Conservation Board Administrative
Office at (563)487-3541.
A complete disinfection protocol can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/cavers.html