Meet at the O’Brien County Farm Bureau/ISU Extension Meeting Room in Primghar. Get wet, have fun, and learn about the waters of O’Brien County. You don’t need to be an expert to take part in this water survey. A short training session will take place before participants set out to sample pre-selected sites.

For more information call Scott at 712-757-3835 ext. 111.

Wednesday, April 16 - 8:00 p.m. - Night Prairie Burn - Prairie Heritage Center

Experience the sight, smell and sound of a prairie fire! Learn about prairie reconstruction and fire’s role in the prairie ecosystem. A controlled burn will be conducted on the adjacent Hannibal Waterman Wildlife Area. This program is scheduled each year but can only take place when weather conditions permit.

Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm! Cancellation announcements will be on the local radio stations by 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 19 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Prairie Rescue - Prairie Heritage Center

Catch the Earth Day spirit, and step out to show that you care! Prairies covered 99.4% of O’Brien County at time of settlement. Bring your gloves and a hand saw and help remove invasive species from a local prairie. Meet at the Prairie Heritage Center. Bring a sack lunch.

This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa DNR.

Thursday, April 24 - 7:00 p.m. - Celebrate the Year of the Frog!

This year - 2008 - has been declared the “Year of the Frog.” Find out why … and what you can do … at this family-fun evening program. You can then take part in the nationwide “Record the Ribbit” survey on May 3. See the article on page 8.

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED - WELCOME BACK TO THE PRAIRIE!!

Watch the local media and our website for information about when the bison will be released onto the prairie at the center. Check out the article on page 4 for more information about the bison.

Saturday & Sunday, May 10 & 11 - Wings & Wetlands Festival - Six County Area

Take part in a full line-up of events during this 14th Annual Festival! The complete schedule can be found on pages 6 & 7. A news article on O’Brien County’s activities is on page 5.

Saturday, May 17 - 7:00 p.m. - Grounded in Flyover Country - Prairie Heritage Center

Author, photographer, and Peterson native, Drake Hokanson will take you on a visual tour of the great grasslands of the nation via his photographs and insights about a region many people call “flyover country.” Photographs from our area and other prairie lands will show what people miss when they simply complain about how flat the land is. Drake will also sign copies of his books.

Saturday, June 7 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Youth Fishing Clinic - Mill Creek Park

Youth ages 9 - 12 should save this date for a morning of fishing fun. Learn about different types of bait, fish identification, water safety and more.

Then test out your skill with a fishing contest. Prizes will be awarded. Saturday, June 7 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Prairie Cemetery Workshop - Steuck Prairie Land Cemetery - This event is sponsored by Rural Preservation Partners. Learn about pioneer families that settled the area, talk about prairie plants, and get your hands dirty with some prairie preservation.

For more information, contact Sheriffa at 712-262-2083.