Mark your calendars for the following upcoming events.
9/18/2025
Laura Beskow & Lorna Carroll: Lights Out Ames! The Impact of Light Pollution on Birds & Pollinators
Shedding light on the importance of darkness.
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9/27/2025
Volunteer Day - Ledges State Park
National Public Lands Volunteer Day
10 - noon, Lost Lake Parking Lot in Ledges State Park.
Let’s celebrate National Public Lands Day by leaning into park improvements.
We'll focus on invasive species management, especially woody shrubs.
Please wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Bring bug spray, water and gloves. We’ll
provide loppers and some extra gloves.
Come lend a had. All ages welcome.
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9/28/2025
High Trestle Trail Hawk Watch
High Trestle Hawk Watch
September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (US Central)
Location: 2335 Qf. Ln, Madrid
Join experts from Iowa Audubon, Big Bluestem Audubon Society, INHF and more to get your eyes on the sky in search of raptors. These include hawks, eagles, osprey, and more!
Binoculars are provided so you can join in on the fun. There is no better way to learn about hawks, eagles and other birds than this event!
Location: High Trestle Trail Overlook (West of Bridge).
Parking: Grants Woods Park
Address: 2335 Qf. Ln, Madrid, IA 50156
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10/4/2025
Friends of the Ledges Pancake Breakfast
More details to come. Event will be held at the Ledges State Park Office, just south of the campground entrance.
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10/10/2025
Iowa Ornithologists Union - Fall Meeting
Fall IOU Meeting at Clear Lake. Expert led bird hikes, informative talks and friendly people. October 10-12, 2025. More information to come.
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10/16/2025
Grassland Birds - Lindsey Page
Lindsey Page, Polk County Conservation Commission
Topic: Grassland Birds
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11/19/2025
Iowa Nature Summit - Drake University, Des Moines
Welcome to the 2025 Iowa Nature Summit – the ultimate gathering of nature advocates and organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting nature's diversity! November 19-20, 2025 at the Drake University, Olmsted Center. Full agenda and registration is now available at: https://www.iowanature.org/about-2025-summit
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11/20/2025
Teresa Testroet - Hummingbird Nests at McFarland Park
Teresa Testroet
Topic: The Big Year: Hummingbird Nests
at McFarland Park
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12/18/2025
BBAS Christmas Party - Ames Public Library Auditorium
Bring a few photos and treats to share.
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1/15/2026
Carl Kurtz - Bird Habitat
Carl Kurtz
Topic: Bird Habitat
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2/19/2026
Adam Janke - Forest Management for Birds
Adam Janke, Iowa State University professor
Topic: Forest Management for Birds
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3/19/2026
Lindsey Page - Birds of Early Spring
Lindsey Page, Polk County Conservation Commission
Topic: Birds of Early Spring
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4/16/2026
Doug Harr - The Wildlife of Sax Zim Bog
Doug Harr, BBAS Vice President
Topic: The Wildlife of Sax Zim Bog
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5/21/2026
Joan Van Gorp - The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Joan Van Gorp
Topic: The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
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6/18/2026
Big Bluestem Audubon Society Picnic and birdwatching event
Big Bluestem Audubon Society
Picnic and birdwatching event. Location TBA
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