Each year in August, members of Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association offer a lawn picnic and concert. August 14 was this year’s scheduled event. Approximately 400 people attended to enjoy the unusual buffalo (properly named “bison’) burger with traditional picnic sides: beans chips and watermelon. The meal and music by Larry Heschke was all provided for a free will donation.
In addition to an outdoor meal on a perfect summer evening attendees voted to name the new baby bison. The names with the most donations were selected. The winning names are: Daisy, Betty and Juniper.
Naturalist Lindsey Kleinhesselink was on hand to conduct wildflower tours around the Prairie Heritage Center. Kids’ games were also offered to entertain curious minds and busy fingers.
Ms. Iowa Rodeo 2023, Micah Lynn Barnes of Peterson, Iowa was present meet attendees and share her experience holding a statewide title. During her tenure this year, her message is “Be the Light” She will represent Iowa in the Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas December 2-9 during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
A new feature to the Lawn Picnic and Concert was golf cart tours to the Waterman family Pioneer Cemetery located on Hannibal Waterman Prairie, part of the Prairie Heritage Center. Oak Hill Marina at Okoboji gave a very good deal for 3 golf carts. The excursion from the picnic area to the cemetery is a significant trip over well-mowed firebreak trails. According to Denise Steffen, one of the drivers, “We got many comments.’ Among the reactions to touring the pristine prairie remnant were, “I didn’t know this was here.’ “Can we walk back?’ and “I would never have been able to be here without the golf cart.'”
Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association provides support for O’Brien County Conservation and the surrounding area.