(Worldwide) — The 25th Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is set to take place from Friday, February 18 through Monday, February 21. Volunteers from around the world are invited to count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. Anyone with internet access can participate, no matter what their skill level—it’s a great family activity, too. Officials say a lot has changed since the first Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was held in 1998. Each year brings unwavering enthusiasm from the growing number of participants in this now-global event. All the data contribute to a snapshot of bird distribution and help scientists see changes over the past 20 years.

Varying weather conditions so far this winter are producing a few trends that GBBC participants can watch for during the count. Jon McCracken, Bird Studies Canada’s National Program Director, reminds participants in Canada and the U.S. to keep watch for snowies. He says, “The GBBC has done a terrific job of tracking irruptions of Snowy Owls southward over the past several years. We can’t predict what winter 2020 will bring, because Snowy Owl populations are so closely tied to unpredictable ‘cycles’ of lemmings in the Arctic. These cycles occur at intervals between two and six years.  Nevertheless, there are already reports of Snowy Owls as far south as Virginia.”

Tufted Titmouse

In addition to counting birds, the GBBC photo contest has also been a hit with participants since it was introduced in 2006. Since then, tens of thousands of stunning images have been submitted. Learn more about how to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count at birdcount.org where downloadable instructions and an explanatory PowerPoint are available. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada and is made possible in part by sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.

This is a wonderful family program for bird watchers of all ages and is free of charge. All you need is basic knowledge of bird identification! It is not required that you record every species you see, only those that can be properly identified. To participate in the bird count either call the Conservation Board at 712-769-2372 and receive everything you need in the mail (or pick up in the office), or go to the website: http://www.birdcount.org/ and follow the instructions.

Learn how to participate on-line step by step directions, at the following (AREA) locations:

• Atlantic Public Library Community Room; Friday February 18th 10 AM 3rd grade and up
• Anita Public Library; Wednesday February 16th 3:30 PM 3rd grade and up

Get ready to be involved in a great citizen science project! Organizers will show and explain how to participate in the project. They will also include some tips on identifying birds.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – You’re invited to join Cass County Conservation and Atlantic Parks and Recreation, for a FREE, “No school Winter Recreation Afternoon!” February 18th, from 2-until 4-p.m. Activities take place Sunnyside Park, near the Kiddie Korral. Cass County Conservation will have their snowshoes available for check out near Kiddie Korral shelter. The Atlantic Parks and Recreation offers an assortment of winter recreation opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Cross country skis and sleds are available to be checked out from the Parks and Rec Office at (712) 243-3542.

There are several miles of trails around the park for cross country skiing, rustic hiking trails, cleared trails along the hard surfaced road, and there are Fox and Goose trails made for all to enjoy. The Parks and Rec Department is currently hosting a Snow Sculpture Contest with plenty of space for people and snow for everyone to take advantage of. Hot Chocolate will be available!

Be sure and dress for the weather. The event WILL be CANCELLED IF there is no snow.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – During the FFA Sub-District Career Development events on Wednesday, February 9th, 23 members of the Atlantic FFA chapter competed, with seven advancing to District FFA Convention. FFA member Lola Comes competed in FFA Creed placing 1st earning a Gold and advancing to Districts.

FFA Creed: Lola Comes

Dylan Comes competed in the Extemporaneous Speaking category placing 1st earning a Silver and advancing to Districts.

Dylan Comes – Extemporaneous Speaking

Cooper Jipsen competed in the Ag Welding contest placing 1st earning a gold and advancing to Districts.

Cooper Jipsen – Ag Welding

Lola Comes said, “I’m happy that I tried something so far out of my comfort zone. It took hours of practicing, but I really loved this competition. I am definitely looking forward to Districts!”

DJ Shepperd: Ag Sales

Brett Dreager – Torch Welding

DJ Shepperd competed in Ag Sales earning a Gold placing 2nd and advancing to Districts.

Jackson McLaren: Ag Broadcasting

Jackson McLaren competed in the Ag Broadcasting CDE placing 2nd earning a Gold and advancing to Districts. Brett Dreager competed in the Torch Welding contest placing 3rd earning a Silver and advancing to Districts. Dan Freund competed in the Public Speaking contest placing 3rd earning a Silver and advancing to Districts. DJ Shepperd said, “I had a lot of fun and it was a good way to prepare for Districts in a few weeks.

Dan Freund: Public Speaking

The Chapter Program team of Aspen Niklasen, Claire Pellett and Malena Woodward placed 4th earning a Silver and will be the alternate to Districts. Wyatt Redinbaugh competed in the Job interview earning Silver placing 5th.

In the Farm Business Management Test Atlantic FFA had 7 members compete, Wyatt Redinbaugh placed 2nd, DJ Shepperd 3rd, Aspen Niklasen placed 11th, Dan Freund placed 12th, Dylan Comes placed 13th, Logan Eilts placed 17th and Malena Woodward placed 18th out of 40 individuals taking the test.

In the FFA Freshman Greenhand Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 5 members participate. McKenna Sonntag placed 14th, Lola Comes placed 23rd, Danielle Bennett placed 50th, Mia Kloewer placed 81st and Mackanize Brown placed 100th. Approximately 120 FFA members from Southwest Iowa took the Greenhand Quiz this year.

FFA advisor Eric Miller commented, “I was proud of all the hard work members put into preparing for their event.”

(Story by Atlantic FFA Reporter Aspen Niklasen; Photos Courtesy Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller)

(Radio Iowa) – Mosquito surveillance efforts led by Iowa State University entomologists have found evidence for the first time of a new mosquito in three counties. Entomologist Ryan Smith says it was believed the Aedes albopictus (A-dees Al-bow-pick-tuss) mosquito would make it through Iowa’s cold temperatures. “It’s been found in some of the neighboring states, Missouri and Illinois, but it’s been thought as you went a little further north it wouldn’t survive the winters. Our data suggest not only is it surviving — but it seems to be actually spreading,” Smith says.

Aedes albopictus

It has been found in Lee and Des Moines counties in southeastern Iowa along the Mississippi River, and in Polk County in central Iowa. “This is a species that can be a bit more aggressive in biting humans. So it can become a bit of a nuisance. And it has the ability to transmit diseases we haven’t really had here in Iowa with the ability to transmit dengue (deng-ee), Zika (zee-kuh) and chikungunya (Chick-en-goon-yuh),” according to Smith.

He says the mosquito’s ability to carry those diseases changes things. “Every year people from Iowa go off to tropical places and bring back some of these mosquito-borne diseases,” he says. “And with having these mosquitoes here there is a very rare chance — but possible — they can become infected as they feed on one of these people and can cause further transmission.” Smith says it is not something to cause great worry — but it is something to be aware of. “I think it just kind of raises — especially if you are in some of these counties — the potential that these could be a nuisance and potentially bite you on summer days. And I think it also kind of stresses trying to remove any kind of debris or items on your yards or property that can collect standing water,” Smith says.

The most common mosquitoes in Iowa are impacted by dry times — but Smith says this new mosquito can manage dry conditions much better. “This one is going to rely on those little places that can collect some water. The eggs are able to withstand long periods of drought. Sometimes just a little bit of rain can trigger them to pop out in pretty large numbers,” he says. Smith says this mosquito is very recognizable compared to the ones you usually see in the backyard. “It is very dark in color, almost black, and has kind of white bands on its legs and abdomen. And most distinctly it has a single white kind of racing stripe right down its back,” Smith explains.

Smith says if you do see this type of mosquito he would like you to let him know.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding Sweetheart Snowshoe Hike. The Sweetheart Snowshoe Hike will be held at the Pellett Memorial Woods outside of Atlantic, on February 19th, beginning at 7-p.m. Come out for a great night hike, who knows what nature has waiting for you that evening! Snowshoes (variety of sizes) will be available.

Drive the short drive and hike off that dinner! Those in attendance will hike and try to call in various species of Owls that may be in the park that night! Of course this qualifies for the 120 hour Outdoor Challenge, so don’t forget to use #120hrsCassCoIA as a hashtag for your adventures.

The event will, of course, be canceled if there is no snow. Dress for the weather if there is snow on the ground.

The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors met with Bryant Rasmussen & members of the Parks & Recreation Board on Thursday February 10th, 2022, to celebrate staff milestones and the departure of a long-time board member. Bryant Rasmussen, Atlantic Parks & Recreation Director, shared his endless gratitude for the many employees and volunteers behind the scenes of the department. Stuart Dusenberry has served on the Parks & Recreation Board for the past 12 years and was awarded a plaque for his dedicated service. Bryant also recognized four employees that have achieved milestones and make his job easier is many ways.

“They always tell me, “We don’t have a problem, we have an opportunity” stated Rasmussen. And it’s with that mentality, the Parks and Recreation Department have been able to tackle anything that comes their way. Don Prall, Steve Harrington, Mike Waters, and Tyler Christensen bring over a combined 25 years of Parks & Recreation experience and positivity to the department, and Bryant Rasmussen could not be more appreciative to have them on his team.

(Article & photo submitted by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce)

Atlantic Parks & Recreation maintains 11 parks, 236 acres, and over 3,000 trees. The department also provides programming and special events for all ages. The department currently has 36 different types of recreation gear and activities for public use. Bryant Rasmussen shared that mental health resources was recognized as a top priority in the Cass County Health Needs Assessment, and the Parks & Recreation department is constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to gather people of all ages to share the endless benefits of getting outside and moving your body.

Atlantic Parks & Recreation Office is located at 1200 Sunnyside Lane in Atlantic. For more information about Parks & Recreation equipment rental please call, 712-243-3542. To keep up with Atlantic Parks & Recreation, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/atlanticparksandrecreation or visit www.atlanticiowa.com/atlantic/city-departments/parks-recreation/

(Radio Iowa) – A Senate panel has unanimously dismissed an ethics complaint alleging a state senator pressured officials to approve a state permit for his son-in-law’s cattle feedlot. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has approved the application for a company called Supreme Beef to feed up to 11-thousand-600 cattle in a lot near Marquette in northeast Iowa. The complaint against Republican Senator Dan Zumbach of Ryan was filed by the Committee to Save Bloody Run Creek — Bloody Run is the name of a trout stream that’s near the Supreme Beef site.

The group said Zumbach spoke with D-N-R staff at least twice about the project. The Republican chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee says Zumbach had every right to do what he did and legislators shouldn’t open the door to complaints like this. A Democrat on the committee says Zumbach’s actions were eyebrow-raising, but she joined with other members of the Senate Ethics Committee to dismiss the complaint.

Zumbach does not have a financial stake in the cattle lot. Zumbach has said his advocacy on his son-in-law’s behalf was the same as it’s been for any constituent trying to navigate the regulatory process.

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Officials with Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, Inc. (SWINT) announced Wednesday, that their organization has been selected to receive an incredible annual gift of $25,000 from Dr. Ted and Polly Hoff. Dr. Ted and Polly partnered with Pottawattamie County Community Foundation (PCCF) in 2013 to create a donor-advised fund as a way for their family to financially support area nonprofit organizations in a long-term capacity. The annual gift from the Hoff Family Fund to SWINT will support operational needs and infrastructure repairs for the Wabash Trace Nature Trail.

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a converted railroad right-of-way running 63 miles and over 72 bridges through the scenic Southwest Iowa countryside, beginning in Council Bluffs and ending at the Missouri state line. SWINT was established in 1988, and with the invaluable assistance of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and countless volunteers and community stakeholders, the railroad right-of-way was railbanked in 1989, and the trail was completed and dedicated in 1997.

SWINT President Rebecca Castle Laughlin says “The Hoff Family’s annual gift came as such a wonderful surprise to our organization. We operate on a small annual budget and depend upon trail pass fees and donations to fund basic operating needs. Annual planned gifts, such as the donation from the Hoff Family Fund, will become ever important to sustaining the Wabash Trace as the trail’s infrastructure continues to age. We are extremely thankful to the Hoff Family for their generosity. Their commitment will help ensure the public’s enjoyment of the Wabash Trace for many generations to come.”

The aging infrastructure of the trail means that new surfacing, bridge repairs, and tree trimming is a never-ending job. SWINT Board members are fortunate to be able to seek grant assistance for larger projects as they arise, but operational costs for anything from insurance to fuel for maintenance vehicles are dependent upon the organization’s annual fundraising campaigns and donations.

Laughlin added, “We greatly appreciate every donation to SWINT, no matter the size, but having the assurance that we will be receiving this generous contribution from the Hoff Family every year helps us more effectively plan our budget around larger upcoming costs that we know are looming. Dr. Hoff says he and his wife “Are excited about being a part of the future for this wonderful trail. It has so many uses for people of all ages.”

A donor advised fund at PCCF is a type of charitable giving fund created to support a cause (or causes) that the donor cares about. The fund allows a donor to remain involved and active in charitable giving by recommending how the funds should be granted. In 2021, donors and investors at PCCF recommended 269 grants totaling more than $1.9 million. Grants were allocated to projects in a variety of focus areas, such as: Arts & Culture, Community Betterment, Education, Environment and Animals, Health, Human Services, and Youth.

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is your connection to creating a lasting legacy and ensuring our communities are strong, vibrant, and attractive for generations to come. PCCF works with donors to maximize their charitable gifts, which can include, but are not limited to the following: cash gifts, financial investments, bequests, gifts of grain, stocks and securities, livestock, real estate, and vehicles. For individuals interested in creating a fund, please contact PCCF at 712-256-7007 or visit www.ourpccf.org for more information.

w/Kate Olson.

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