Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
9/22/03
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Jason O'Brien, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, (515)
294-6440, jpobrien@iastate.edu
Wayne Buchholtz, Dubuque County Conservation Board, 563-556-0620
NatureMapping Workshop Offered in Dubuque County
AMES, Iowa -- To help the state's wildlife populations continue to thrive, Iowa State University Wildlife Extension has established the NatureMapping Program. Started in 1999, the program teaches citizens how to collect information on common wildlife species.
"There are not enough professionals, time or funding to conduct an inventory of all the nation's flora and fauna," says Jim Pease, Extension Wildlife Specialist and Director, Iowa NatureMapping. "One way to achieve the needed inventory is to involve an interested public in helping us." Wildlife professionals use the information to establish management plans for the state's wildlife.
Several NatureMapping workshops are being held throughout Iowa this year. The next one will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Oct. 13, at, the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Dubuque County. To reach the EB Lyons Nature Center when coming from the south, take Highway 61 into Dubuque. At the intersection of Highways 52 and 61, turn right (south), then turn left onto Bellevue Heights (about 50 feet south on Highway 52). Follow Bellevue Heights for about 5 blocks. The entrance is on the left. If coming from the north, take Highways 52/61/151 south to where Highway 52 splits off to go to Bellevue, turn left onto Bellevue Heights.
The program provides hands-on environmental education. "Involving the public in 'finding the pieces of the puzzle' is what NatureMapping is all about," says Jason O'Brien, coordinator, Iowa NatureMapping. "Trained NatureMapping volunteers are vital to wildlife management efforts in Iowa. Currently, we are concentrating on amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds of Iowa." He added that the goal is "to keep common wildlife common."
"Citizen involvement to date shows that Iowans are dedicated to protecting and enhancing our state's wildlife," O'Brien says. Since its inception, more than 500 people, representing schools, businesses, agencies and other community groups have been trained. Over 14,000 species reports have been entered into the Iowa NatureMapping database. "Volunteers can provide much needed data by recording wildlife observations around their home and feeders, when hiking or doing other wildlife-related activities. School participation can vary depending on the size and scope of the projects chosen," Pease adds. "The training can fulfill a valuable service to their community, while engaging students in a related project of data collection and analysis."
For registration information, contact O'Brien at (515) 294-6440, at jpobrien@iastate.edu or visit the NatureMapping Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/naturemapping. The cost is $20 per workshop.
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