Spring is nearly here! This past month, we’ve been hard at work visiting preschools and nursing homes, planning summer camps, working with 4-H to educate youth in the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), assisting with winter day camps, and more.

March Upcoming Programs

-Knee-High Naturalist: The Lorax, from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on March 2 at the Toledo IA Public Library. Join the Tama County naturalist for an informal nature story and playtime. This month, we will be reading “The Lorax” by Dr. Suess in celebration of Dr. Suess’s birthday! Planned activities include making seed balls, a truffula tree craft, plant touch table, and more. No registration required. Email rgenaw@tamacounty.org for questions. Recommended for ages 6 and under, but all ages welcome.

-Fact or Fake?: Nature Myths, at 11 a.m. on March 12 at Otter Creek Lake & Park. Do you know the facts from the fakes? Join the Tama County naturalist to test your knowledge! This presentation is part of our Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls series. These programs are free and open to the public. While these presentations are intended for seniors, all ages are welcome.

-Homeschool Adventures: Egg-Laying Animals, from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on March 25 at Otter Creek Lake & Park. Join us for a fun nature program for kindergarten through 6th grade students. This month, we will be exploring egg-laying animals. We will read a story, dissect an egg, learn about nests, and make our own nests. Wear clothes that can get dirty! There is a $5 fee for this program, which can be paid day-of. Pre-registration is required by March 18 before 4 p.m. Register by calling 641-484-2231, or email rgenaw@tamacounty.org. Cancellations will be announced on Facebook and registrants will be contacted via email or cell phone.

Summer Employment Opportunities

The Tama County Conservation Board is looking for seasonal staff to help further environmental education and conservation in Tama County. We are hiring one AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Education member and many Conservation Aides. Both jobs are temporary with flexible start and end dates from summer to fall.

The AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Education member will be based out of Otter Creek Lake & Park near Toledo. Under the general supervision of our Naturalist, this individual will assist in the planning, development, and implementation of environmental education programming for schools, summer camps, community groups, and the general public in Tama County during summer 2024.

Seasonal Conservation Aides, based out of Otter Creek Lake & Park near Toledo, will gain hands-on experience in a variety of Conservation activities. This position will generally be under the supervision of the Park Officer and Conservation Technician to conduct various campground and wildlife area improvement and maintenance efforts, and may work alongside the Naturalist and Director on various specialized projects.

These positions are ideal for upper highschool to college-aged youth looking to step into the world of conservation! Questions on these positions may be directed to Naturalist Raina Genaw or Director Curtis Behrens at tccb@tamacounty.org or 641-484-2231.