Thurman, Iowa – William and Sara Blackburn, from Long Grove, Ill., donated 151 acres in northwest Fremont County to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that will be used to create the Blackburn Wildlife Management Area and Blackburn Unit of Waubonsie State Park. The donation is valued at more than $515,000. Blackburn traces his family history to southwest Iowa and was looking to buy property in the area when this parcel became available. After acquisition in 2003, he began working to turn his vision for the property into reality.

blackburn-property-stone-benches (IA DNR photo)

The family began hauling away junk and old machinery, and removed about 200 cedar trees and acres of tree of heaven and honeysuckle that were invading the native timber. They researched what prairie plants would likely have been on the area during settlement and searched for those seeds to include as part of the mix used for a 35-acre prairie restoration. They improved the oak timber, installed roads, trails and erosion control, and developed an open-air picnic shelter and performance pavilion, with adjoining boardwalk leading to a viewing platform. The family’s investment totaled more than $300,000.

In more recent years, the Blackburn property has become a popular nature preserve for the family and community, and site for weddings, graduation parties, and a biennial music festival, a charity affair that has helped serve tornado victims, a local library and, last fall, flood victims of Fremont County. It was Blackburn’s wish that everyone could enjoy this property in the Loess Hills that has meant so much to generations of his family. Whether visitors come in October when the leaves are a shock of reds, oranges and yellows, or in June when the prairie is alight with wild flowers and alive with bees and butterflies, Blackburn said his goal was to spark visitors’ interest in the Hills.

“I want them to say ‘Wow! I had no idea this natural beauty was right here in my back yard! We have to come back!’ I want folks to realize this is something rare enough, enchanting enough to take care of, not just for their own use, but for their children, their children’s children, and all who come after them,” he said. The 72-acre parcel containing the shelter-pavilion, stone viewing benches, and other facilities—roughly the southwest half of the donated grounds– will become the Blackburn Unit of Waubonsie State Park. “It’s a natural gem that’s been well managed,” said Matt Moles, park manager at Waubonsie State Park who will manage the park portion of the donation. “It’s definitely a place that people will enjoy.”

Moles said the plan is continue to maintain the high-quality natural landscape, hiking trails and open-air shelter. A local fundraising effort and assistance from Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) allowed the park to receive a new pit latrine prior to ownership being transferred. The area does not currently have water or campsites. “Mr. Blackburn has held charity music festivals here and we are interested in continuing that tradition,” Moles said. The 79-acre undeveloped parcel to the northeast will become the Blackburn Wildlife Management Area and managed by the Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit.

“This is a really nice piece of Loess Hills timber with high quality prairie reconstruction on the edges,” said Matt Dollison, wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR who will be managing the new wildlife area. “The Blackburns did a great job of using a quality mix of native local ecotype plants to reestablish the prairie, and fire to manage it. They’ve also been vigilant in keeping unwanted invasive species off the property.” The impact on existing and future natural resources is much greater than the value of the donation. The location is important as the Blackburn parcel links a newly acquired 200-acre Wiedel tract to its north and west with the 350-acre Green Hollow Wildlife Area. This resulting 700-acre wildlife area and park abound with turkey, deer, and a wide variety of birds, along with other wildlife.

More than a dozen threatened or endangered species have been have documented on the two areas, including the regal fritillary butterfly, the western worm snake, the plains pocket mouse, the great plains skink – a lizard found in few places in southwest Iowa, including Waubonsie State Park, plains spadefoot toad, six-lined racerunner and more. “That’s a big deal,” Moles said. “This is some of the best, most cared for prairie that I’ve ever seen. And the views from the prairie ridges are phenomenal. It has some of the best oak woodland in the area that would be a great place for viewing wildlife.” The addition of the Blackburn donation will significantly increase the footprint and permanently protect the habitat necessary for these species, and more, to survive.

“I firmly believe that the Loess Hills is a rare gem, a jewel, that we must protect,” Blackburn said. A land donation to the Iowa DNR of this size does not happen often. The most recent comparison occurred in 2013 when the Larson brothers donated nearly 150 acres in Humboldt County. The INHF played an important role in helping this donation happen. “For years we’ve helped Bill explore ways that this special place could be permanently protected, so it is exciting to see this happen,” said INHF Vice President Anita O’Gara. “We thank the DNR, the Blackburns and local volunteers for their diligence and patience in bringing together the ideas and resources that have protected this land for all to experience and appreciate. We were continually inspired by the Blackburns’ deep commitment to this vision for the land and the future.”

The land donation was completed in early December.

Adair County Extension will be hosting a private pesticide applicator continuing education class on Monday, January 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Warren Cultural Center Auditorium, 154 Public Square, in Greenfield. State law forbids admitting late-comers, so license holders are encouraged to arrive 20-30 minutes in advance of the actual start time to register. Attending a two hour class each year allows a license holder to renew their license using the training option.

The continuing education class will be taught by Aaron Saeugling, ISU Extension Field Agronomist. There is a $20 class enrollment fee, payable at the class site to Adair County Extension. For more information about the private pesticide certification process or to make an inquiry about the status of your license, contact the Adair County Extension office at 641-743-8412 or 1-800-ISUE399.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is hosting two, free, area educational events for feedlot and cow/calf producers in the month of January. Each forum will include a free meal, a tradeshow, an update from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council, and educational sessions.

Feedlot Forum – Wednesday, January 15; Carrollton Inn, 1730 US-71 Carroll, IA; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
The Carroll Feedlot Forum will give area producers the opportunity to learn about ways to manage risk and incorporate EID’s into their beef business. In addition to those topics, Carl Babler of Atten and Babler Commodities will be providing a cattle and grain market outlook with his presentation called “Producing Cattle in a Global Marketplace; with a plan to manage price risk”.

Cow/Calf Forum – Thursday, January 16 – Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative Building, 1502 W. South St. , Mt. Ayr,; 5:00 p.m.  – 8:30 p.m.
If you’re a cow/calf producer, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear about how to improve cow nutrition and calf performance from expert Dr. Allison Meyer of University of Missouri. Lee Schulz of Iowa State University will be providing the market outlook, letting producers know what to expect in the cattle markets in the next year.

(Another Cow/Calf Forum will be held Friday, January 17th, at the Lee Co. Fairgrounds- Youth Learning Center, in Donnellson, from 5-until 8-p.m.)

Producers can RSVP by calling 515-296-2266 or email kate@iacattlemen. Walk-ins are always welcome, and you do not need to be a member to attend.

(By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer) – Impossible Foods has something new on its plate. The California plant-based meat company is unveiling Impossible Pork and Impossible Sausage at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas. They’re the company’s first new products since 2016, when its Impossible Burger went on sale. Like the burger, Impossible Food’s pork and sausage are soy based and will be sold ground. Burger King plans to test Impossible Sausage breakfast sandwiches in five U.S. markets starting later this month. Impossible Foods isn’t yet saying when the products will be available at grocery stores.

Officials with the Association of Iowa Fairs have announced the organization’s Board of Directors has chose the 2019 Cass County Fair as the recipient of a Blue Ribbon Award. The award was presented at the Association’s 2019 Conference and Annual meeting held Dec. 13-15 in Des Moines. The Cass County Fair was chosen to receive the award from all Fairs in the Association’s Southwest District. Thomas Barnes, Executive Director of the Iowa Fair Association, said “One member Fair in each of the Association’s six fair districts in Iowa is presented with this award each year. The Fair that receives this award must have shown progress in providing service to the youth programs in their community, plus show distinguished service to the community in both the Fair and interim events.”

2019 Blue Ribbon Fair, SW District – Cass County Fair, Atlantic (Via www.iowafairs.com)

Barnes said he and his wife Sue visited the Cass County Fair several times, and “Found that it does indeed serve very well the community as outlined in the guidelines of this award.” Cass County Fair President Curtis Bierbaum said “We are very excited to have received the 2019 Blue Ribbon Fair Award. Cass County being one of the few all-free fairs in Iowa is something to be proud of.” Bierbaum said also, “We could not have the successful fair that we do without the Superintendents, volunteers, parents, Extension staff, FFA Advisors and County support.”

The 2020 Cass County Fair will be held July 22nd through the 28th, in Atlantic.

LEHIGH, Iowa – The DNR is again reminding Iowans of deteriorating ice conditions after another extremely dangerous situation took place at Brushy Creek Lake on January 2, 2020.

The DNR reported that a man had fallen through the ice on Brushy Creek Lake approximately 50 yards from the north boat ramp. Fortunately, a nearby friend was able to push a sled to the man and pull him out of the water.

Although the ice may appear safe and thick enough for people to walk on, with the rollercoaster of temperatures lately, the ice conditions are deteriorating. With the freshly fallen snow from Friday into early Saturday it is impossible to see the ice below.

Brushy Creek Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing and draws in anglers from all across the state, but officials warn anyone coming to the lake or any others across the state.

The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department is challenging you to explore and enjoy the City’s Parks, and earn a chance of winning $25 in Chamber Bucks. There are a list of activities you can participate in, from having a picnic, to racing along the many miles of trails, or taking pictures of wild life. In order to be eligible for the Chamber Bucks, all you have to do is take pictures of yourself having fun with the many available activities. Complete 25 activities (any combination, as listed below) and post those pictures to the Parks & Rec Facebook page (https:///www.facebook.com/atlanticparksandrecreation/)

Schildberg Recreation Area activities (post pictures of any of the following):

• A Wild Rose (Iowa’s State Flower); From a bench overlooking Lake #1; Walking/biking/riding along the trails; Using the Dog Park; Using the Playground Equipment; Kayaking; A Beaver Dam; A Bird; Having a picnic; Participating in the Brown’s Shoe Fit Walk; Participating in AtlanticFest.

Sunny Park photo op’s:

• An Oak Tree (Iowa’s State Tree); Disc Golfing (The Parks Dept. has discs you can use); Having a picnic; Playing Horseshoes; Act like you’re singing on the Bandshell stage; Playing Tennis; Using the Ice Skating Rink

Downtown City Park photo opportunities include: Produce in the Park; The Easter Egg Hunt. Mollett Park (east end of 3rd Street Place): Having a picnic; Picking a vegetable from the Parks & Rec-Sponsored raised bed (seasonal)’ or flying a kite. Pellet Park: A picture of you sledding down the hill, or playing on the equipment. Bull Creek Pathway: Walking/running/biking along the pathway; Picture of the artwork along the trail; Get some milkweed from the Parks & Rec office and plant it along the trail; Take a pic of wildlife seen along the trail.

Harl Holt Park: Take a pic of yourself of someone playing basketball; Having a picnic; Swinging, or, from atop the Lookout. Nishna Park: Picture of a cattail and/or playing a game of “Tag.” East Ridge Park: A picture looking off the bridge; a Red Wing Blackbird; A flower, and/or a pic from the gazebo. And, at Cedar Park: Take a picture of someone playing on the equipment, and or having a picnic.

The Atlantic Parks & Rec Dept. wishes you a Happy New Year, and urges you to enjoy Atlantic’s parks.

Cass County Naturalist Lora Kanning reports the “Soiree with the Swans” event set to take place tomorrow (Saturday), has been moved from the Schildberg Recreation Area to the back-up location: The Atlantic American Legion Memorial Building (2nd and Poplar Streets). Kanning will be giving ten-minute presentations regarding the Trumpeter Swans at the Atlantic American Legion Memorial Building, from 11:30 a.m.-until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, with a light lunch will be available for free, but you are encourage to make a free-will donation.

The donations are being accepted (for swan care). Atlantic is celebrating 20 winters of the Trumpeter Swans wintering here. The event is being sponsored by the Cass County Conservation Board, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and ARISE.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa agriculture officials are taking comments on proposed new rules that will regulate hemp production in the state. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says comments on the administrative rules that will regulate the planting, growing and harvesting of commercial hemp will be accepted until Jan. 22.

The state submitted its proposed hemp production program to the USDA on Dec. 11. The USDA has 60 days to review it. Once the USDA approves the program and the online licensing system is operational, Iowa agriculture officials will start accepting hemp grower license applications. Licensed farmers will be able to grow up to 40 acres of hemp per season.

Celebrating its 40th year in Iowa, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program equips participants to grow in knowledge about gardening best practices. Once the training is completed, Master Gardeners volunteer in their community, making significant contributions such as giving vegetables to food pantries and maintaining demonstration gardens at Iowa’s county fairgrounds. The Cass County Extension office held training sessions this past fall, with classes held throughout September and October at the Extension Office and other locations around Cass County to allow for hands-on learning. At their year end meeting and potluck on November 19, the Cass County Master Gardeners congratulated the 5 trainees who successfully completed the course and are beginning their internship year.

(L to R): Karen Mailander and Todd Turner were promoted to Full Master Gardener Status, and Christy Wood, Michelle Behrends, Jim Varley and Nancy Varley were recognized for successfully completing the training and achieving Intern status. Not Pictured: LaNita Kirby was also recognized for completing the Fall 2019 Master Gardener Training. (Photo courtesy Cass Co. ISU Extension)

After completing the course, Master Gardener interns volunteer 40 hours within the community to finish their training.  At the November meeting, two trainees from the Fall 2017 Class were also awarded their completion certificates, moving them up to full Master Gardener status. To maintain Master Gardener volunteer status, they volunteer 20 hours per year and build their gardening know-how by participating in ten hours of continuing education annually. Cass County has an active Master Gardener group that participates in many projects throughout the year, so opportunities to learn and volunteer are plentiful!

By becoming Master Gardeners, trainees join the nearly 2,000 Master Gardeners who were active across Iowa in 2018, compiling over 113,000 volunteer hours. Master Gardeners volunteered nearly 60 hours each, significantly more than the 20 hours required. Those volunteer hours are valued at $2.7 million collectively. For more information about the Master Gardener training, or Master Gardener activities in Cass county, call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 or email Cass County Extension Director and Master Gardener Coordinator Kate Olson at keolson@iastate.edu. You can also keep up with Cass County Master Gardner activities throughout the year by following the group on Facebook at Cass County IA Master Gardeners.