IA DNR: DNR Offers Spring Fling Opportunities

DES MOINES - As Iowans enjoy spring, Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), offers many statewide volunteer events and opportunities to keep that "spring fling" exciting.

State Trap Shoot Event: Officials with the Shooting Sports Program are seeking volunteers to assist with a youth trapshooting event on May 17. Volunteers are needed to help in scoring shooters, providing supervision and loading trap machines. Volunteer training will be provided on the day of the event. For more information contact Ben Berka at 515-281-0140.
Campground Host Opportunity: Officials at state parks throughout the state are seeking volunteers to serve as campground hosts for the upcoming camping season. Hosts are offered free on-site camping and assist park staff by greeting campers, answering visitor questions, and completing various maintenance tasks to ensure the camping area is welcoming to the public. State parks currently seeking volunteer hosts include: Green Valley (Union Co), Lacey-Keosauqua (Van Buren Co), Lake Anita (Cass Co), Lake Ahquabi (Warren Co), Ledges (Boone Co), Palisades-Kepler (Linn Co), Pikes Peak (Clayton Co), Pleasant Creek (Linn Co), Prairie Rose (Shelby Co), and Stephens State Forest (Lucas Co). For more information contact Elizabeth Gull at 515-281-0806.
Spring Operation ReLeaf and Plant Some Shade Events: Spring tree distribution events will be held in May throughout the state in the following communities: Keokuk, Indianola, and Mason City on May 17, and Lansing on May 31. Volunteers are needed to help with various event set-up and logistics needs. For more information contact Matt Brewer at 515-242-6892 or Jessica Flatt at 515-281-6749.
GRASS - Great Race Against Shade and Shrubs Event: Officials with the Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area, in Castana, are seeking volunteers to remove harmful shrubs from prairie remnants and restored prairies within the Loess Hills on May 30. Volunteers should bring handsaws, loppers, and chain saws if they have them. GRASS is an annual event that kicks-off the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar. For more information contact Merry Rankin at 515-281-0878.

A full listing of volunteer opportunities and events is available at www.keepersoftheland.org.

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or Merry.Rankin@dnr.iowa.gov.