Overnight Canoe Adventure Planned

 

From 4:30 P.M. Friday, June 15 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 16, an overnight canoe float on the Wapsipinicon River is being planned.  Join Wapsi River Center naturalists on a canoe adventure exploring the Wapsi River from Syracuse Landing just east of Wheatland to Allen's Grove Park just north of Donahue with a stopover at the Owl's Nest Dormitory ($7/person).  Please call for more details and to reserve your space (563) 328-3286.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

On Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a bluebird house workshop. Join Aaron Askelson to learn about bluebirds and build a bluebird house.  Participants will also learn about the correct placement and maintenance of the boxes.  Kits will be available for $5.00 each.  Please call (563) 328-3286 by Thursday, March 1 to register, and state the number of kits you would like to reserve.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52^nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

 

Maple-Syruping Demonstration Planned

On Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a maple-syruping demonstration. Join Tom Greene as he discusses the history and procedure of tapping trees for syrup.  Handouts and where to find tapping equipment will be provided to participants.  Please call (563) 328-3286, if you are interested in attending.

 

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52^nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

On Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a winter fun day.  This is an event the whole family can enjoy, so plan to come out and discover winter at its best!  A limited number of skis and snowshoes are available, so please call to reserve equipment; (563) 328-3286.  BYOM ~ Bring your own mug.

9:30 A.M. ~ Cross-country Ski Clinic ~ Come learn the basics of cross-country skiing and tour the Wapsi Center trails; if conditions allow.  Participants will learn about proper skiing techniques, safety and equipment.  Participants may bring their own equipment.

12:30 P.M. ~ Snowshoe Nature Hike ~ Join Michael Granger on this excursion into the Wapsi River Center's woodlands.  We will be traveling the way of the Native Americans and early pioneers, looking for signs of life in the still, winter woods.

2:00 P.M. ~ Winter Bird Feeding ~ Come learn how to identify winter birds; plus how to attract and feed our feathered friends.  Fun for all ages!

3:00 P.M. ~ Fabulous Furs ~ Join a Wapsi naturalist to explore mammals that live in our area.  Learn how they adapt and thrive during the cold winter months.  Explore the history of fur trapping, trading and how the animals were used.

4:30 P.M. ~ 5th Annual Chili Cook-off ~ The Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc. will be hosting this annual competition.  Please bring your best chili creation to share, and possibly win the coveted chili cup!!!  Donations are accepted, and please bring your own table setting.

5:30 P.M. ~ Frostbite Star Party ~ Winter is a great time for astronomy.  The sky is never clearer than on cold, winter nights.  The winter constellations center on Orion, the Great Hunter.  In the sword hanging from Orion's Belt, one can find the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most spectacular objects to be seen through a telescope.  The St. Ambrose University's Menke Astronomical Observatory is the location; park in lot A.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

Snowshoe Tracking Event

On Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a snowshoe tracking event. Come explore the wintery wilderness at the Wapsi River Center via snowshoes.  Learn about the history of snowshoes and then search for animal tracks and signs of activity.  Winter fun for everyone!  BYOM ~ Bring your own mug.  Please call to reserve equipment; (563) 328-3286.

Cross-country Ski Clinic

Also on Saturday, January 21 at 12:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a cross-country ski clinic. Come learn the basics of cross-country skiing and tour the Wapsi Center trails; if conditions allow.  Participants will learn about proper skiing techniques, safety and equipment.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register, as a limited number of equipment is available.  Participants may bring their own equipment as well.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.