June Calendar

Take a summer solstice or full moon hike; learn about bugs and composting and find plenty more to do outdoors in Eastern Iowa. Here are some of the activities that are happening in June 2010:

Tues., June 1, 7:30 p.m., Creekside Concert, Iowa Vanguard Jazz Collective, Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd SE · Cedar Rapids. Treat yourself to an outstanding evening of relaxing traditional and original jazz selections. Ticket gate opens at 7 PM. Concert will be on the outdoor stage unless rain takes it into the ICNC auditorium, inside the barn.  M Adult: $5, NM Adult: $8, Child: $1.

Wed., June 2, 9:30 a.m., REAL Walk: Ponds Brimming with Life. Indian Creek Nature Center. REAL Walks are for those age 50 or better. Stroll along the paths and docks at ICNC's Lynch Wetland to discover the many amazing and diverse creatures that live in and on the water. Try your hand with a dip net to see what you can catch. Program will be held indoors if it rains. Enjoy coffee and conversation afterwards. Register: 362-0664. M: $3, NM: $4.

Wed., June 2, 6 pm, Best Tomatoes, New Pioneer Food Co-op, free and open to the public. No pre-registration required. At Earth Source Gardens, NE corner of N. Scott Blvd and Rochester, Iowa City. Homegrown tomatoes make Iowa summer meals delightful. Learn from tomato expert and Master Gardener Loren Leach about selecting varieties, soil prep, trellising and care.

 Sat., June 5, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Squaw Creek Park, Linn County. Celebrate National Trails Day with a hike at one of Linn County's outstanding parks. Meet near Meadowlark Shelter and explore the trails through the wooded hillsides and stream valleys. This program is co-sponsored with the Linn County Trails Association who will also be providing a healthy breakfast at the beginning of the hike. Cost is $2.50/ adult, $1/child 16 and under, or $5/family.

 Sun., June 6, Registration begins, Iowa City Public Library. Go Green with summer reading programs for teens and adults. For a full list of Summer Reading Program events for all ages, visit http://www.icpl.org/srp/

Tues. June 8, 6 p.m., Also June 10 at 6 p.m. and June 12 at 9:30 a.m., Brucemore in Bloom. Tour the blossoming gardens and lush terrain during the specialty tour Brucemore in Bloom. The Brucemore garden staff will trace the development of the formal garden and grounds from the original plan conceived by O.C. Simonds, a prominent Prairie style landscape architect. During the 90-minute tour learn about the integration of function, recreation, and entertainment, which were important elements of Mrs. Douglas' vision for the country estate. View current plants and landscape techniques that help maintain the historically accurate design created by O.C. Simonds. Admission is $10 per person and $7 per Brucemore member. Space is limited. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (319) 362-7375.

Wed., June 9, 6 pm, Growing Alliums from Seed and Start with Roxane Mitten, New Pioneer Food Co-op, FREE and open to the public. No pre-registration required. At Earth Source Gardens, NE corner of N. Scott Blvd & Rochester, Iowa City. So many good recipes start with ‘sauté some onions and garlic.' Learn how to grow these important plants so you will have an abundant, inexpensive supply always on hand.

 Fri., June 11, 8 p.m., Firefly Walk,  Indian Creek Nature Center. Join us for an evening walk on the Nature Center's prairie trails to witness fireflies' dancing lights. Learn about the different colors and signal patterns of this amazing insect that is part of our Midwestern childhood memories. Registration, 362-0664. M: $3, NM: $4, Child: $1.

 Sat., June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., FORESTRY FIELD DAY, Amana Farms & Forestry Office, 1300 220www.forestry.iastate.edu under “Educational Opportunities.”  Please register for the program by contacting Carol Elsberry at 515-294-0543 or celsberr@iastate.edu Cost: $12 for program, lunch, handouts, and refreshments.

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Trail, High Amana, ISU Forestry Extension. Visit with wildlife & forestry experts and meet others who are interested in conservation  for live field demonstrations and discussions on woodland management techniques in Iowa.  Topics will address basic forest management concepts, the use of prescribed burning in woodlands, directional tree felling and chainsaw maintenance, bottomland forest management, and tactics for battling invasive species. More information and the full agenda can be found at

Sat., June 12, 2-5 p.m., Oak Hill/New Bohemia Community Garden, 1029 Third St. SE, workshop on community gardening by Andy Pressman, a sustainable agriculture specialist for the National Center for Appropriate Technology office in Shavertown, Penn. Free, but seats are limited. Register by contacting Hannah Lewis, (515) 288-0460 or hannahl@ncat.org

Sat., June 12, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Soilmates: Build Your Garden Soil Fertility

New Pioneer Food Co-op, At Earth Source Gardens, NE corner N. Scott Blvd and Rochester, Iowa City, free. No pre-registration required. Join garden educator Scott Koepke as he explains how maximizing nutrient biodiversity is essential to a well-balanced soil that enhances natural plant immunities.  Scott will conduct a quick-read soil test for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and pH levels.  He will also test City of Iowa City compost and his own vermiculture compost (worm castings).  Scott will discuss general guidelines to remedy deficiencies.  The group will learn about green manure from cover crops, the importance of rotations, sheet mulching techniques, compost tea and building a compost pile.  Prepare to get dirty!

Sun. June 13, 2:30 pm at 924 Walnut St., Iowa City, New Pioneer Food Co-op, Reel Mower Demonstration with Bruce Hart. Please wear closed toe shoes to operate mower. Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.  Ready to give up the noise and stink of a power mower? Try a turn with a push reel mower! It is clean, quiet, requires no fuel, and provides mild exercise while delivering a good cut. Bruce and wife Sheryl Walsh invite you to come observe and experience the subtle pleasure of human-powered mowing.

Mon. June 14, 6 pm Natural Pest Control with Joanne Leach, New Pioneer Food Co-op, free and open to the public. No pre-registration required. At Earth Source Gardens, NE corner of N. Scott Blvd and Rochester, Iowa City. Flea beetles on the eggplant, cutworms on the broccoli, and hornworms on the tomatoes, oh dear! Learn about natural pest remedies with Joanne Leach and fellow Johnson County Master Gardeners. Also addressed: concerns about rabbits, deer, raccoons, and crows.

Mon. June 14, 6 p.m., the Cedar Rapids 2010 Summer Reading Programs for Adults - Grow @ Your Library!  - kicks off its programming with The Story of Brucemore at the Westdale Mall location.  The estate and gardens at Brucemore have a fascinating history, and staff will be on hand to share that history with you. Brucemore, a National Historic Trust Site in Cedar Rapids, is a museum and so much more. Learn all about what makes this beautiful estate such a wonderful part of our community. The program is free.

Sun., June 20, 2-4 p.m.,  Father's Day Celebration, Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville. It's Father's Day! Get your hands dirty by exploring the wetland with dad. We will also go on a short hike and make a cool nature-themed craft you can share with your dad. Register by Friday, June 18. Cost: $2.50/adult, $1/child 16 and under or $5/family.

Mon., June 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Youth Volunteer Day, ICNC invites youth ages 11 and older to participate in a summer solstice day of volunteering to help restore Nature Center habitats with staff. Learn about conservation work and its importance. Registration required by noon on Friday, June 18. Free.

Mon., June 21, 7 p .m., Summer Solstice Stroll, Indian Creek Nature Center., Celebrate the longest day of the year at the Nature Center. The evening will include nature readings and a stroll to Old Henry, the Founders' Grove and Christiansen Prairie. Register: 362-0664.  M Adult: $3, NM Adult: $5, Child: $1.

Mon., June 21, 6-8 pm, New Pioneer Food Co-op, Earth Source Garden Tours, NE corner N. Scott Blvd and Rochester, Iowa City. FREE and open to the public. No pre-registration required. Come see the Gourd Art display and meet the artist Janice Hiningh and try samples from featured chef Nicole Pearson. See dried flower displays with Marge Clancy.

Tues., June 22, 6 p.m., Summer Landscape Hike, Brucemore, 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids. A 90-minute exploration off the beaten path and into the natural spaces of Brucemore's 26-acre country estate. Listen to stories about the Brucemore families while experiencing the wonders unfolding during the summer season, including lush rose bushes, the working greenhouse, the formal garden in full bloom, orchard fruit trees, and “outdoor rooms” originally designed by landscape architect O.C. Simonds. Throughout the hike, Brucemore gardeners Deb Engmark and David Morton will share their gardening methods to keep the grounds blooming during the summer months, while engaging in a conversation about current issues of preservation and public use. Participants will also have ample opportunity to ask questions and seek advice about their own gardens and landscape.  Admission is $10 per person and $7 per Brucemore member. Space is limited, call (319) 362-7375 to reserve your spot or register online at www.brucemore.org.

Tues., June 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Also July 27 and Aug. 24) Iowa State University Extension presents a summer Webinar Series:  Gardening Green 2010 brought to you by the Iowa Master Gardener program.  The Linn County Extension Office, 3279 7Growing Green Roofs in Iowa will be presented on June 22. Descriptions of green roofs and outlines of the benefits of installing vegetation on a roof will be presented.  Examples from Iowa and around the world will be used to illustrate the beautiful possibilities of green roofing.  The second half of the session will focus on how to create your own green roof.

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Avenue, Marion, will be one of the sites. The fee is $5.00 for each session. Call 319-377-9839 to make your reservation.

Wed., June 23, 6 pm., Compost Management, New Pioneer Food Co-op, at Earth Source Gardens, NE corner of N. Scott Blvd & Rochester, Iowa City. Turn pulled weeds and spent garden plants into fertile soil by making compost! Join Loren Leach and friends as they manage the ambitious compost program at Earth Source Gardens. Join the fun at 6 pm on these Wednesday nights for a hands-on learning experience.

Fri., June 25, 6 p.m., to Sat., June 26, noon. Family Overnight Camp, Indian Creek Nature Center. Ever wonder what it would be like to camp at the Nature Center? Never camped before? Join the ICNC staff for the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Campout at the Nature Center. Bring the family, a tent, and sleeping bags for an evening of fun outdoor activities. Enjoy a campfire and an adventurous night hike! We have a few tents available to borrow. Tent sites are limited; reserve your spot by 4 PM on Monday, June 21. M Family: $20, NM Family: $30. Call 362-0664.

Sat., June 26, 9 a.m., Bug Academy: Aquatic Insects, Indian Creek Nature Center. Join us to explore wetland areas of ICNC and learn about the rich diversity of aquatic invertebrates found near and in the water. Participants will view a short presentation/slide show illustrating and describing aquatic insects. Hike through beautiful, wet, shady areas and learn how to find and capture these creatures. Focused on ages 7 and up but will be interesting and educational for all ages. Wear boots and bring sunscreen. Register: 362-0664, M: $5, NM: $8.

Sat., June 26, 8 p.m., Full Moon Hike, Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville. Learn how to “see” in the dark and explore thewoodland trails at Wickiup Hill during this night hike.There might even be some owl calling. Cost: $2.50/adult, $1/child 16 and under or $5/family.

June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Open Lily Garden & Lily Talks, 526 Bezdek Drive NW,  Cedar Rapids. Exotic collection of over 200 different True Lilies in bloom Asiatic, Oriental, Orienpets, LAs, trumpets, Species and more. Photographers welcome.  True Lily Identification and Cultivation garden talks at 11 am and 3 pm by Wanda Lunn, accredited Lily Judge of the North American Lily Society. Sponsored by the Iowa Regional Lily Society.  Free.

Mon., June 28, 6 p.m., Cedar Rapids Public Library, Westdale. Going Native: Using Native Species for Small Scale Landscaping and Gardening, presented by staff from the Tallgrass Prairie Center at UNI. Learn some of the advantages and disadvantages to using native plants to landscape on a small scale. Find out which plants should be used for various conditions and which plants should be avoided or used minimally. Find out what resources are available in your area to get information on making your landscape a more sustainable and natural place to be. Free.

Wed., June 30, 6 pm, Vermicomposting with Roxane Mitten, New Pioneer Food Co-op, FREE and open to the public. No pre-registration required. At Earth Source Gardens, NE corner of N. Scott Blvd & Rochester, Iowa City. Worms can eat your vegetable trimmings and make fertile worm castings for plant fertilizer. Learn how it is done, indoors and out. First 15 students get a free starter pack of worms.