Jackson County Conservation plans upcoming OWLS events

Jackson County Conservation will be hosting three OWLS (Older Wiser Livelier) events, with the first one on Friday. All adults are welcome. Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance for each event. For more information or to register, call (563) 652-3783, or email jacksonccb@jacksonccb.com

The first OWLS event is the Skunk Cabbage Hike this Friday at 10 a.m. at the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve and Nature Center, 13606 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta. Hunt for the elusive and undeniably bizarre Skunk Cabbage in the Hanging Bog of the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. The trail to the bog is roughly a mile long and is basic to moderate in difficulty level. Be sure to dress for the weather and be prepared for mud. Participants are welcome to pack a lunch to enjoy at Swiss Valley Nature Center after the hike.

The second OWLS event is the Wood Cock Walk, on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at White Water Canyon, 29912 Ninth Ave., Bernard. Join naturalists at White Water Canyon close to sunset to look for woodcocks and watch their amazing dance during their spring mating ritual. The woodcocks’ mating ritual truly is a remarkable sight. Dress for the weather and be prepared to hike a short distance.

The last OWLS event is the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Tour on April 7 at 10 a.m. at 9981 Pacific St., Prairie City. The Neal Smith Refuge includes a patchwork of small native prairies and most of the refuge is the result of reconstruction efforts over more than 11,000 acres. The day begins at the Prairie Learning Center to view the exhibits before hiking on the trails and enjoying a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, head out on the 13-mile audio guided driving tour to see the bison and elk herds. Participants are encouraged to register with friends to facilitate carpooling. A caravan will leave from the Hurstville Interpretive Center at 8 a.m. There is no cost for this event but donations to the refuge are encouraged.