PRAS Members Help Rescue Bald Eagle
Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church at 902 Main Street, Cedar Falls.
Featured speakers include:
Tue, Apr 14: Terry VanDeWalle - Turtles of Iowa & Bob Frenchick - Nature Photography
Tue, May 12: Doug Harr from Iowa Audubon - Native Plants & Birds
Our annual May potluck begins at 6 pm; bring your own table service & a dish to share.
Program with Doug Harr begins at 7 p.m.
Our annual May potluck begins at 6 pm; bring your own table service & a dish to share.
Program with Doug Harr begins at 7 p.m.
Prairie Rapids Audubon Society Meeting
First Presbyterian Church-Lower Level - 9th & Main, Cedar Falls
Click this Zoom link to connect to our virtual meetings.
Meeting ID is 581 087 8571 and the passcode is 1999
The next Prairie Rapids Audubon Society meeting will be held on April 14, at 7:00 PM in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church, 902 Main St. in Cedar Falls. The public is welcome to attend and enjoy the program and refreshments. The featured speaker for the evening, Terry VanDeWalle, will present "The Natural History of the Turtles of Iowa." To join the meeting virtually, visit www.zoom.com and click the "Meet" menu at the top of the page, then select "Join a meeting." Enter meeting ID 581 087 8571 and then type in 1999 as the passcode.
The program for the evening will begin with a presentation by local nature photographer Bob Frenchick, who was slated to present at the March meeting but was unable to do so because of technical issues. Immediately following Bob, featured speaker Terry VanDeWalle will share his knowledge as a recognized expert in Midwest herpetology. Terry is a Senior Principal Biologist at Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with over 30 years of experience specializing in animal and natural areas surveys, herpetology, threatened and endangered species surveys, Endangered Species Act Consultation, and coordination of environmental impact statements and assessments. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Hawkeye Community College where he teaches a course on Wildlife Ecology.
Terry's presentation at the April meeting focuses on turtles, which are arguably the most beloved of the reptiles. Many cultures around the world revere them, and people love to see them basking on log in the sun or swimming in the lake or stream. Iowa has 13 turtle species, ranging from the colorful ornate box turtle to the large snapping turtle. This talk will discuss the features that make turtles unique, provide an overview of the natural history of each of Iowa’s turtle species, and answer the question, “What is a reptile?”
Terry has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed papers and regional herpetological guides, including The Natural History of the Snakes and Lizards of Iowa, and the recently published The Natural History of the Turtles of Iowa. Each book takes an in-depth look at the natural history of a specific group of Iowa reptiles. Each species account includes a sampling of the common names the species has been known by in the past, the first specimens collected in the state, and a brief history of the early Iowa literature related to the species, along with a complete description, and discussions of similar species, distribution, habitat, behavior, threats, foods and feeding, and reproduction. Terry will have signed copies of both books available for purchase.
International Dark Sky Week: April 13-20
What is International Dark Sky Week?
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night.
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night.
From the darkness needed for a restful night’s sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night is filled with wonder and importance. Dark nights sustain critical wildlife ecosystems, strengthen the well-being of our communities, enable scientific discovery, and preserve shared cultural knowledge and traditions.
- Become a citizen scientist and collect data about the night sky in your neighborhood for Globe at Night. It’s fun, easy and you’ll be helping scientists across the globe better understand the threat of light pollution to our planet.
- Stopping light pollution isn’t just about seeing the stars. There are other important things at stake, too. Use this week to take the time to learn more about the effect of artificial light at night on human health, the environment, energy waste, crime and safety and our heritage of night skies.
- Join the conversation! Use the hashtag #IDSW on social media to share how you’re celebrating International Dark Sky Week and connect with other people passionate about dark skies. Check out DarkSky on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Iowa Ornithologists' Union (IOU)
Spring Meeting April 24-26 @ Fayette, Iowa
Check the IOU website for details. Special guest speaker is Dexter Patterson known to many as "Wiscobirder," Dexter is a transformative voice in the birding community. He is the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, co-host of the Bird Joy Podcast, and author of the recently published book, Birds of the Great Lakes.
Check the IOU website for details. Special guest speaker is Dexter Patterson known to many as "Wiscobirder," Dexter is a transformative voice in the birding community. He is the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, co-host of the Bird Joy Podcast, and author of the recently published book, Birds of the Great Lakes.
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Subscribe to the PRAS Audubon YouTube Channel to view past programs
Submit a proposal for our consideration via the PRAS Grant Application Form to help your organization secure funding for a project that supports our mission.
Consider donating to the PRAS Quasi or PRAS Permanent Endowment funds through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
Call Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project 319-939-4635
or if you are outside of our area, see other Iowa wildlife rehabilitators.