News : For the birds: Ikes offer viewing area, feeders near new prairie plots

New prairie plots will soon flourish with native grasses and wildflowers.

Residents can view birds from this new station at the Izaak Walton League area north of Vinton.

Craig Hoepner inspects feeders at the Izaak Walton League's new bird viewing area.

The Ikes -- the nickname used by the members of the Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League -- are inviting area nature and bird lovers to enjoy two new projects.

The recently-completed bird viewing building is now open. So far, says chapter president Bill Keller, few birds have seemed to discover the variety of seeds available in several feeders. Soon, however, he said, word will spread.

The bird viewing station, located south of the driveway that leads to the chapter's building, is open to the public. Donations for the bird seed -- which could cost up to $2,000 per year -- and volunteers to make sure the feeders stay full.

Scattered around the Ikes' property are some new prairie plots. The group received a $9,000 grant and is working with Mark Pingenot on deciding exactly which grasses and wildflowers to plant there.

The goal, says Keller, is to create prairies containing the vegetation that would have been found when settlers first arrived in Iowa more than 150 years ago.

After the planting of the seeds in the near future, the group volunteers will follow a schedule of mowing and burning designed to allow the best growth. One goal is to create and outdoor classroom for local students to learn about native Iowa plants. The group hopes to invite area school administrators to send students there, and is also discussing the possibility of offering donations to pay for fuel for busses to transport students to the area.

Look for more stories and photos of this project in the near future. The Red Cedar Chapter is located north of Vinton on Highway 150.