Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Saylorville Lake Visitors Center on Saturday, September 11th. Bring binoculars, a snack and beverage and dress for the conditions. All levels of bird watchers are encouraged to attend! Contact field trip leader, Dennis Thompson at 515-254-0837 for more information.

Carrol Henderson, “Oology and Ralph’s Talking Eggs” See newsletter for more information.

Tom Lawson invites you to hike the trails at Voas Nature Area in Dallas County near Minburn. Identifying birds in the fall can be challenging, but the challenges just make it all the more interesting. This bird hike will be geared for the novice as well as the more experienced bird watcher. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress for the weather— mowed trails may be damp. Hike will take place rain or shine! Tom will have a key to the museum for those who want to see the displays and as an out-of-the-weather place in case of showers. No registration required for this free program! Tom’s cell phone is 515-975-9989, or questions may be referred to Dallas County Conservation Board 515-465-3577 or conservation@co.dallas.ia.us .

Check back later for more information.

Iowa Environmental Council’s 2010 annual conference on Friday, October 15 features Bill McKibben, environmentalist, founder of 350.org and a prolific writer and dynamic speaker on global warming, alternative energy and localized economies. The afternoon session will feature Joan Nassauer and her research on improving Iowa’s rural landscapes for water quality, heathly ecosystems, and economic productivity. Questions? Call Lynn at 515-244-1194, ext 210. Visit IEC's website at http://www.iaenvironment.org/conference/10/2010_Conference.htm for all the latest details.

The Fall IOU meeting will be held at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Oct. 22-24. Field trips will include Neal Smith NWR, Red Rock Reservoir, and Yellow Banks Park. See http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/current_meeting.asp for more information.