Spring is a time for renewal, a time to get outside and enjoy the natural world around us, and several organizations in Siouxland offer opportunities to explore this incredible place we call home. Here is a sampling of some of the opportunities that are available to experience with other nature-lovers this spring!
How can the citizens of Siouxland support our natural areas? Sioux City was designated as a Bird Friendly community in 2024, and the Loess Hills Audubon Society will be hosting a World Migratory Bird Day Event to celebrate! Join us on May 9th from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Bacon Creek Park. Bird Walks, Mindful Birding, Birding Reflections, a trash pick-up, Story Times, and nature-related games and crafts for children will be scheduled throughout the day. Bird Friendly Iowa partners, including Loess Hills Wild Ones, the Northwest Iowa Group of the Sierra Club, the Sioux City Public Library, and the Woodbury County Conservation, will take part in this event. Come celebrate the wonder of migratory birds with us!
What plants attract Red Admiral Butterflies? For those wanting to attract pollinators and birds to their yard, find native plants and expert advice at the Loess Hills Wild Ones’ annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2801 South Cecelia Street.
Where can I volunteer and make a difference? The Northwest Iowa Group of the Sierra Club will help with the spring clean-up and vegetable planting at Agape Community Garden (1500 Silver St). In addition, the group cleans up litter along a section of the Perry Creek trail on the 26th of each month.
Did you see a Gray-cheeked Thrush or a Swainson’s Thrush? If you want to boost your bird identification skills while taking a hike in nature, the Loess Hills Audubon Society’s program on Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m., at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center fits the bill. The program features area bird experts Bill Huser and Jerry Probst presenting Bird Identification tips on look-alike species.
In addition, the Woodbury County Conservation and the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve offer a variety of spring programs. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center’s Kari Sandage will lead Mindful Birding at 9:00 am on May 9th at Bacon Creek Park. Are you a runner? Don’t miss the Donkey Dash at Adams Homestead on May 16 at 10 a.m. Help Sonny’s Acres farm animals.
Do you love the Loess Hills? Spring is not complete without attending the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, May 29-31. Celebrating 50 years of conservation, this free event offers ways to reconnect with nature. The weekend offers camping, family events, hiking, and learning opportunities. Enjoy your love of our Loess Hills with others!
By Marla Kerr, Loess Hills Audubon Society
