The Prairie Hills Journal newsletter is turning 15 years old! The first issue came out in January 1993.  It was a beginning for both the newsletter and Harrison County Conservation Board’s first Naturalist.  The newsletter was four pages long and featured articles and a calendar of upcoming programs.

     Through the years, the Prairie Hills Journal doubled in size and continued to provide interesting information on conservation in Harrison County.  The quality of the newsletter will continue, however, the quantity will definitely change!

     In the past, our mailing list has been around 1,500 people.  Over the years, as people moved or addresses changed, the number started to drop.  Since the newsletter is a great way to tell the public what we do, we wanted a better way to reach the people of Harrison County. So starting with this edition of the Prairie Hills Journal, it will now be distributed as an insert in the Missouri Valley Times-News and Merchandiser newspapers.  Whether you subscribe to the paper or not, you will receive the newsletter twice a year.  This will reach 7,300 households with over 14,200 readers!

     The look has changed a bit also, but we left the header with the familiar badger, prairie, and Loess Hills in the background.  We feel these represent our county’s natural resources well.

     So what can you find in the Prairie Hills Journal?  The staff writes articles about upcoming projects in the park and wildlife areas, news about outdoor recreation and conservation, and upcoming programs and events sponsored by Harrison County Conservation Board. 

     Looking for something to do this summer? Keep our newsletter handy for great ideas for outdoor recreation and environmental education programs in Harrison County!

     Camping is a popular activity for many families.  The Willow Lake Recreation Area (near Woodbine) and Schaben Park (near Dunlap) are great places to camp.  There are electrical hookups, central water, and modern shower houses with flush toilets and soft water.  Don’t forget about the cabins available at Willow Lake.  There are three smaller camping cabins and two larger housekeeping cabins available by reservation.  So if you don’t own a camper or tenting isn’t your idea of fun, check out these great cabins.  Last summer’s construction at Willow Lake will finish with the seal coating of the park road and Easton Trail west of the lake is now open.

     Excellent fishing and boating opportunities also exist at both parks.  Some of the other recreational pursuits offered by Harrison County parks are an extensive system of trails to hike, swimming at Willow Lake, and wild food collecting.  Spring usually brings out the morel mushrooms and summer offers the opportunity to gather raspberries and gooseberries.

     Many campers also enjoy the scheduled interpretive programs put on by our very own Naturalist Connie Betts.  These programs are available at the campgrounds during the regular camping season when scheduled.  Don’t forget to stop by the Nature Encounter Center at Willow Lake and check out some of the magnificent displays of wildlife and other natural wonders!

     One must not forget that the Harrison County Conservation Board has several wildlife areas that offer even more outdoor recreational opportunities!  For the trail lover, Gleason Hubble Wildlife Area offers some great hiking and breathtaking vistas.  The Sioux Dam Wildlife Area and Remington Boat Launch are great places to drop a line for some river fishing.  For those who like to just get back to nature or bird watch, there is the Missouri Bottoms wetland or Vaile Wetland Nature Area.  These areas offer a view back in time to what it used to look like on the plains and river corridors.  The Murray Hill Scenic Overlook has a great short trail with a spectacular view from the top.

     So as you can see there are many opportunities in the parks and wildlife areas of the Harrison County Conservation Board.  If you are not familiar with one of our parks, check out our website for maps and more information.  As always, you can call us with any questions.

Get ready for a great camping and outdoor recreation season ahead!

     Harrison County Conservation is offering a Women’s Outdoor Weekend on October 3rd-5th at the Willow Lake Recreation Area near Woodbine.  It’s a popular program that encourages women to learn outdoor recreation skills.

     The fox snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake because it will vibrate its tail when threatened.  This is just used to scare off animals that may want to eat it.

This reptile will emerge from hibernation in April.  They mate in the spring with the female laying 10-20 eggs.  These will hatch in July or August.

Special thanks to Woodbine Manufacturing for the donation of a Tommy Gate.  We’ll put it to good use!

Thanks to Harrison County Secondary Roads for help with equipment and projects in the parks.

Larry Stevens of Mondamin recently donated two washboards to the Historical Village for school programs.  Thanks!

Are you looking for a project that will memorialize your loved one?  Did that person love the outdoors or activities like camping, fishing, or hiking?  Harrison County Conservation Board has 19 park and wildlife areas with many opportunities for memorial projects available.  Past donors have given for park benches, landscaping/plantings, nature trails, and educational projects with a tribute plaque to that person and their life.  Call us to discuss what projects are available and what would best fit your needs.

Thank you to
Tommy Gate employees
for donation of a concrete park bench
at the Willow Lake Recreation Area
in memory of
Barb Johnson from Woodbine