Calendar

Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting

Wildlife of Irvine Prairie

Wildlife of Irvine Prairie

August 7th, 10AM at Irvine Prairie (1174 55th Street, Dysart, IA); Free

Join a Naturalist and explore Irvine Prairie! We will be looking for animals, signs of animals and learning about plants! Be prepared to walk through tall grasses. No registration required. The driveway on the north is a private drive; please do not use it. Park on the south side of the road in the grass, near the stone marker. No registration required.

Toddler Time: Colors in Nature

Toddler Time: Colors in Nature

August 9th, 10AM at Benton County Nature Center; Free

Our smallest nature explorers will observe their environment to search for as many colors as they can find. Participants will search outside the Nature Center to match colors to items in nature and then use crayons to make drawings or rubbings. This program is best suited for children ages 2-6. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Natural Inks & Dyes

Natural Inks & Dyes

August 10th, 10:00AM-11:30AM at Benton County Nature Center; $5/person

Come learn about and use natural inks and dyes. Participants will take a brief walk around the nature center to collect plants that can be used to make inks and dyes, learn about the process of making inks and dyes, and then have a chance to dye a canvas tote bag and paint with the inks. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Benton County Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Committee Meeting

July 31, 2024

Benton County REAP Committee Meeting

Greetings,

The County REAP Committee will hold its annual Benton County Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) Committee meeting to review applications for the 2024 REAP application
cycle. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at 2:00 P.M. The location of the
meeting will be at the Benton County Nature Center (5718 20th Ave Drive) in Vinton, Iowa.
Please note that Iowa law requires review by the County REAP Committee regarding city and
county REAP grant applications prior to submittal of applications to the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources. The 2024 REAP grant submittal deadline is August 15th at 4:30 P.M.
More information about the REAP CITY application process and details can be found at the
following website:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/REAP/REAP-Funding-at-Work/City-Parks-Open-Spaces
Please bring your grant application to this meeting in order to have the county REAP Committee
Chair sign your grant application(s).

Regards,
Shelby Williams, Director
Benton County Conservation
Benton County REAP Chair
CCPOA Committee, At-Large
[email protected]
O: 319-472-4942
C: 319-423-1903

Benton County Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 2:00 PM
Benton County Conservation Nature Center

5718 20th Ave Drive
Vinton, IA

Agenda
I. Call to Order – Shelby Williams, Chair
II. Correspondence/Reports
III. Business
a. Enhancement Committee Five Year Plan
b. REAP Grant Applications Review – August 2024 Grant Cycle
i. City Grant Applications
ii. County Conservation Grant Applications

IV. Public Comment
V. Next Meeting – Spring 2025
VI. Adjournment

Faith Hunt

Taste of the Wild

August 15th, 9AM-2PM at Benton County Nature Center; $30/camper

Ever eaten cricket cookies or sipped sumac-ade? This camp is a day for “wild” snacks and a foraged lunch. This creative foods camp is for kids going into 3rd-5th grade. Registration is required by visiting www.mycountyparks.com

Campfire Talk: Remarkable Reptiles

Campfire Talk: Remarkable Reptiles

Aug 16, 7:30-8:00PM at Rodgers Park - Enclosed Shelter; Free

Join the Naturalist Intern for a presentation about reptiles native to Iowa and have the opportunity to meet a few of the animal ambassadors. There is seating available but you are welcome to bring your own camp chair and/or blanket.