Clarke County Conservation has a full agenda for April. The first three weekends of the month have events scheduled to educate and entertain.
Saturday, April 7, offers the 15th Annual Prairie Chicken Day at the Kellerton Bird Conservation Area. Anyone wanting to participate in viewing the dance of the prairie chickens can meet 6 a.m. at the Clarke County Conservation Office at East Lake Park.
After driving down to the viewing platform, located 2 miles west of Kellerton on Highway 2 and 1 mile south on 300th Avenue, spectators will be able to ask questions of the DNR personnel that will be present, as well as use the commercial spotting scope and few binoculars that will be provided. It is recommended to bring binoculars or a spotting scope as there are a limited number of provided ones. A scope or pair of binoculars will be necessary for good viewing as the birds will be about 200 yards away.
The male prairie chickens will “dance” to attract a mate. They display, spar and fight for female attention. This is the only spot, or booming grounds, in Iowa where they have been reestablished and can be viewed. The Prairie Chickens will continue their routine for a couple of hours every morning from early April until mid May.
Other events through Clarke County Conservation include the Southern Iowa Oak Savanna Alliance Burn Workshop that will be 10 a.m. Sunday, April 22, at East Lake Park. There will be a seminar on conducting controlled burns to improve prairie habitat, followed by a live demonstration of a controlled burn.
On Saturday, April 21, the Clarke County Hospital will team up with Clarke County Conservation to hold an Earth Day 5K run/walk at East Lake Park with activities for children included in the event.
As the weather slowly brightens up, the outdoor activities will begin to pick up. Clarke County Conservation has provided a way for community members to gain fun outdoor experiences.