Photo Courtesy of Dallas County Conservation Board

The Dallas County Conservation Board will host programs about flowers, feathers and flames this weekend. 

Outreach Coordinator Jeni Baker says a Trillium Trot will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Friday at Sportsman Park, 13821 130th Street, in Dawson. Snow Trillium is one of Iowa’s earliest wildflowers that emerges in the spring. Baker encourages area residents to join conservation naturalists to search Sportsman Park for this flower during a short, non-strenuous hike.

A March Bird Hike will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Voas Nature Area, 19286 Lexington Road, in Minburn. Baker details that participants will explore the diverse habitats at Voas to view early migratory species as there is typically a diversity of waterfowl at this time of year. She adds that beginners and seasoned birders are welcome. Binoculars and books will be provided. 

The weekend will wrap up with a program about prescribed fire planning from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday at Forest Park Museum and Arboretum, 14581 K Avenue, outside of Perry. Baker explains that prescribed burning is an invaluable tool for managing native habitat and lowering wildfire risk on your property. Though she adds that much of the work to ensure a prescribed fire can be safe and successful should happen before the first flame is lit. 

Baker says participants will learn how to make a prescribed fire plan, including topics such as weather, burn area prep, equipment and more. 

While the programs are free, Baker says registration is required through the conservation board’s Eventbrite page.