Iowa Ag Connection - Trumpeter Swan Soiree Returns to Central Iowa

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Trumpeter Swan Soiree Returns to Central Iowa
Iowa Ag Connection - 01/16/2018

The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America's largest waterfowl species, at Walnut Woods State Park from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on Jan. 27.

Programs will be given at the Walnut Woods State Park Lodge with concurrent outdoor viewing and interpretive presentations of trumpeter swans and bald eagles given by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines Parks and Rec, and Polk and Dallas County Conservation naturalist. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be provided.

An estimated 100 trumpeter swans are wintering at the Dale Maffitt Reservoir and surrounding area southwest of Des Moines, providing a rare opportunity to view good numbers of free flying trumpeter swans.

Hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies, hotdogs and other snacks will be provided free of charge. Donations will be accepted with proceeds going towards Iowa trumpeter swan restoration.

Programs for the day include:

- Trumpeter Swans - Bringing Back a North American Treasure, Margaret Smith, director, Trumpeter Swan Society

- Conservation funding for wetlands and water quality - Joe McGovern, president, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

- Live Trumpeter Swan Presentation- See, touch and learn about swans - Dave Hoffman, Iowa DNR

- Trumpeter Swan Restoration in Iowa - Dave Hoffman, Iowa DNR, and Ron Andrews

- "Return of the Trumpeter Swans" North American film documentary preview - Steve Harryman, filmmaker

- Swans - Quality of Life - Holly Welch, cancer survivor

- Guided field trip and Nature Photography 101, Swan and wildlife viewing with hands-on photo tips at Dale Maffitt Reservoir and southwest Des Moines Eric Williamson and Holly Welch, Wildlife Photographers

- Youth activities- Bills & Beaks- How birds eat, a swan touch kit, swan pine cone crafting - Anne Riordan, Iowa DNR

More information on Walnut Woods State Park can be found at: www.iowadnr.gov/.

Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but were gone from the state by the late 1880s. By the early 1930s, only 69 trumpeter swans remained in the Lower 48 states. As the largest North American waterfowl, these magnificent all-white birds can weigh up to 32 pounds with an 8-foot wingspan. Public support is vital in restoring trumpeter swans to Iowa.

Walnut Woods State Park is on the southwest edge of Des Moines. From the intersection of I-35 and Hwy. 5; travel 1.5 miles east to SE 35th Street (exit 102), travel 1/4th mile north to Army Post road, 1/2 mile west to SW 105th Street, then 1.5 miles north and east on Walnut Woods Drive to Walnut Woods State Park.

This event is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk and Dallas County Conservation Boards, Des Moines Water Works, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, Walnut Woods State Park, and the Trumpeter Swan Society.

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