Fossil and Prairie Conservation Foundation to hold Spring Celebration Gala

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

As far as spring gala celebrations are concerned, the Fossil and Prairie Conservation Foundation’s fundraising banquet a week from now is sure to be a hoot.

The banquet’s featured educational presentation that will be held at the Youth Enrichment Center on Saturday, March 7, will be provided by SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources).

And, yes, there will be a live barn owl and kestrel in attendance that gala-goers can see up close and learn more about.

That is just one of the highlights of the banquet that helps collect funds that are utilized to support Floyd County Conservation projects.

“The Foundation is always looking for ways to help the conservation board,” said Floyd County Conservation Director Adam Sears.

This is the 22nd annual Spring Celebration Gala put on by the foundation.

A new fat-tire bicycle program will be showcased as part of the celebration, and one of the bikes will be on display.

“It’s going to be for people to look at and they’re going to be able to see that this is a new thing that we’re doing,” said Sears. “This is what the fundraising efforts are going toward and have gone toward.”

Five bikes were purchased and will soon be available for rent so nature lovers can ride the trails at the Fossil and Prairie Park near Rockford or the Tosanak Recreation Area just outside Marble Rock.

“It’s just another way to get people outdoors,” said Floyd County naturalist Heidi Reams.

The Foundation has also helped out with the funding of cross-country skis, a cross country groomer, summer camps, canoes and kayaks.

The bikes are intended for all-year use with minimal disturbance on the trail systems.

“The wider tire design is designed for less impact,” said Sears. “It leaves a smaller footprint.”

Sears even said the bikes could be part of a winter package for those who are interested in renting out the new Tosanak cabin that overlooks the Shell Rock River or, or who want to rent skis to navigate the recreation area cross-country style.

“You know how you can rent bikes in the cities now. Parks are doing it more and more,” said Sears. “It will definitely impact people who haven’t biked in the local community or want to try fat-tiring biking.”

There will be a live and silent auction with many unique hand-made and donated items at the gala.

There’s also a traditional raffle that takes place every year at the banquet and the top prize for that winner is a Copper Top bird feeder.

“It’s basically the Cadillac of bird feeders,” Sears said.

SOAR is located in Dedham, in Carroll County in western Iowa. The organization was established in 1999 and is dedicated to saving the planet’s avian resources through raptor rehabilitation, education and research.

Reams said the educational presentation will be around 30 minutes long. SOAR will inform audience members of fun facts about the owl and kestrel – a hawk-like bird that can helicopter or hover in one spot.

“They’re common in the roadsides – one of the smaller raptors or birds of prey,” said Sears.

The meal for the evening will consist of brisket with baked potato, green beans and roll, catered by Dave’s Restaurant. Sears said there will also be appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to enjoy as well.

Reams said around 150 people attend the gala every year. In the past it has been held in Rockford, Nora Springs, Rudd, Marble Rock and Floyd.

There will also be a family presentation by SOAR that is scheduled for Friday, March 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Charles City Senior Center.

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for the gala. One can purchase tickets by calling 641-756-3490.