Audubon Sponsors Hike at Spirit Knoll

The Loess Hills chapter of the National Audubon Society hosted a hike at Spirit Knoll on Saturday, May 4th.  Tim Sproul from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation led the hike with help from Bill Zales, Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Doug Chafa, and Park Ranger Kevin Pape.

Although the weather was less than ideal, participants were able to learn about the natural history of the area. Hikers got to see Spirit Knoll's landscape, wildlife, and even a few blooming prairie plants.
Special thanks go to the members of the Loess Hills chapter of Audubon for their $5,000 donation to the Burcham addition to Spirit Knoll.

A few of the highlights of the hike include seeing a Black-crowned Night Heron on the 7 acre lake, learning about Cedar Apple Rust, and finding several blooming Missouri Milk Vetch plants.  (photos courtesy of Randy Williams)

Siouxland Nature Additions

The Friends of Stone Park recently presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF).

The INHF will use the funds for the Siouxland Nature Additions.  Read more about it here -http://www.inhf.org/siouxland-nature-additions.cfm
(left to right, Zac Chwirka, Pres. Friends of Stone Park, Anita O'Gara, -Vice-Pres. of Development INHF, John Gray, and Greg Grupp -INHF-Board Members).

Volunteers Wanted to Help Clean-up the Highway

The Friends have their annual Roadside Clean-up on Saturday, April 27th, 2013.  Meet at the parking lot of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Rd. at 10:00 AM.  We will provide trash bags.  The event lasts for two hours.  Please bring gloves.  We will be working along State Highway 12 for the Adopt-A-Highway program.

The Stone Park Diet

Quite a few locals use the park for regular exercise.  Some people walk their dog in the park every day.  Some people take to the park's trails every day.  Of course the park roads are closed this time of year, so some hearty souls love to walk the roads.

I have talked to more than one person that claimed to have lost significant weight by walking in the park every day.  So if your New Years Resolution is to lose weight, take the "Stone Park Diet" by walking the park at least three times a week for some great cardio.  It sure beats the treadmill!

Broken Toe Trail Run/Walk 2012

Thank you Missouri River Runners, Friends of Stone Park, and all the runners and walkers who participated in Broken Toe 2012!  Photos courtesy of Doug Hansen with Missouri River Runners.

Broken Toe Run/Walk 2012

The Missouri River Runners bring you Broken Toe Trail Run/Walk on October 6th, 2012.  Registration starts at 9:00 AM and the Run/Walk starts at 10:00 AM.  Visit the Missouri River Runners webpage for more information- http://www.missouririverrunners.com/RacePages/BrokenToe/racepage.htm  Proceeds from the event benefit The Friends of Stone Park.

100th Anniversary A Fun Day At The Park

Smiling Faces at the 100th Anniversary!

Stone Park Celebrates 100 Years!

Stone Park Celebrates 100 Years!

100th Anniversary Celebration of Stone State Park at Stone Lodge.


September 15th, 2012

ALL DAY ACTIVITES:

9:00 – 3:00 Poker Run through the park: Stop by the Stone Lodge to pick up your card and then go discover the park. A few prizes will be awarded. Winners will be drawn from all those who complete the card. Cards must be turned in by 5 p.m. at Stone Lodge to be eligible for the drawings.

9:00 – 3:00 Kids’ Play Area: There will be play activities for the kids outside of the Stone Lodge to keep them busy.



SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:

8:00 – 9:00 Bird Hike: Bird Hike led by Jerry Von Ehwegen from the Loess Hills chapter of the

Audubon Society. Please meet at the Stone Lodge and the hike will depart from there.



9:00 – 9:30 Coffee and Talk: Please join us for coffee, lemonade, and a donut when you return from the bird hike or before you go for the Prairie Hike.



9:30 – 10:30 Prairie Hike: Prairie Hike led by Dr. Brian Hazlett. Join in a walk along the Prairie and learn about the flowers and habitat. Please meet at Stone Lodge and the hike will depart from there.



10:30 – 11:00 Coffee and Talk: Join us for coffee, lemonade, and a cookie when you return from the Prairie hike or before helping with the work project.



11:00 – 12:00 Work Project and Learn: Join in learning about the park’s invasive plants and how to control them. Hike a short distance from the lodge and help cut Bush Honeysuckle with hand saws (tools provided). Please bring water and gloves and meet at the Stone Lodge.



12:00 – 1:00 Picnic Lunch: Join us for a good old-fashioned picnic lunch with sandwiches, chips, fruit, and water provided by St. Luke’s Family Spirit (while supplies last). Bring a blanket and enjoy lunch in the outdoors! Please meet at Stone Lodge and then take your lunch to the grassy area or under a nice shady tree. Picnic tables will be available also.





12:15 – 1:00 Craft Making: Once the kids have finished lunch they are encouraged to make a furry pumpkin craft. Craft project provided by St. Luke’s Family Spirit. (while supplies last)



1:00 – 2:00 100 Years at the Park: Tom Munson of the Sioux City Public Museum will speak about the history of Stone State Park including the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.).



2:00 – 2:30 Trick Pony Show presented by Dick Wallen: Join us for a real treat of watching a trick pony perform. Please meet at the Youth Group Camping Area



2:30 – 3:00 Watermelon Feed: Join us for a slice of nice cold watermelon (while supplies last). Please meet outside Stone Lodge.



3:00 – 3:45 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center Snakes Talk: Join Jim Henning as he explains interesting facts about snakes that live in and around Stone Park. You will get to meet a few live snakes. Please meet outside the Stone Lodge at the picnic tables.



3:45 – 4:15 Ice Cream Social: Join us for an Ice Cream Social. Participants will enjoy a hand scooped ice cream cone (while supplies last) and share some stories at the Stone Lodge.



4:15 – 5:00 Silent Movie Festival: Join us for a few featured silent movies from 100 years ago. Free popcorn provided by Jolly Time Popcorn and Bings provided by Palmer Candy (while supplies last).





Sponsors include:

American Popcorn Company (Jolly Time Popcorn)

Avery Sign Company

Chesterman’s (Coca-Cola)

Friends of Stone Park

Palmer Candy

Sierra Club

St. Luke’s Family Spirit