(Harlan) Shelby County Naturalist Christina Roelofs says the Iowa Department of Natural Resources gave her the green light to start programs again.
One year ago, the DNR halted programs at state parks across the state due to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. Roelofs is looking forward to getting things back to normal.
“I’m super excited,” said Roelofs. “During COVID-19 we didn’t want to get anyone necessarily exposed, but since the vaccine is available to everyone who wants it, the DNR gave the go-ahead to resume programs. So people will start to see events at Prairie Rose, Lake Anita, Springbrook, and Walnut Woods. There are state parks getting seasonal interpretive naturalists, and those will start up this summer as well.”
Roelofs isn’t wasting any time. This Saturday, she hosts the season’s first hike at Prairie Rose State Park, searching for signs of spring such as blooming plants, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Participants will meet at the trail over the dam on the west side of the west campground at 11:00 a.m.
Parking will be near the youth campsite just north of the west campground entrance. She says this hike will be relatively easy.
