July 11-13, 2014 - Morris
THREE BIG
DAYS OF ENTERTAINMENT!
Special Supplement to the Saturday, June 28, 2014 Morris Sun Tribune and the Morris Area Ad-viser
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Prairie Pioneer Day Marv Meyer 2K & 5K Family Fun Walk/Run 10K Run Run your first 5K! Come join the fun!
Saturday, July 12, 2014 All Events Early registration through July 3, $15/person Must register by July 3 to guarantee a t-shirt! After July 3, $20/person Check in time 7 AM to 7:45 AM at the Morris Area High School Race time 8 AM! Medals for top finishers! 2k separate prizes for 10 and under! Prizes for the youngest and oldest participants! All Proceeds go to Morris Area Track and Cross Country Registration forms are available at the Morris Area High School or online at the Morris Chamber of Commerce: www.morrismnchamber.org To register, stop at the Morris Area High School or mail registration form to: Morris Area High School (PPD RUN)Attention: Dale Henrich 201 South Columbia, Morris, MN 56267 Race Director: Dale Henrich at 320-589-4400 Ext: 2172 *All events will start at the Morris Area High School and follow the bike path.
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER - PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Something for everyone at the museum Randee L. Hokanson Stevens County Historical Museum Minneapolis Star Tribune Fe a t u re d S t e v e n s C o u n t y Museum in the Museums and Other Attractions to Visit Feature The Stevens County Museum was spotlighted on the map in a special supplement on Museums and Attractions in Minnesota as one of 20 featured museums on “the Minnesota Trail – 20 Museums, 20 Essential lessons on our state’s history.” The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places and has received both a State of Minnesota Preservation Award and a National Award of Merit from the American Association of State and Local History for the restoration and addition to the building dedicated in 2005, one hundred years after
the dedication of the historic building as the Carnegie Library, in 1905. It has been home to Stevens County Museum since 1970. The art show “Horizontal Grandeur” is enjoying its seventh year of showcasing art of any medium that represents the prairie. The artist must reside in a state with a prairie in its boundaries. Over 30 artists are represented in this year’s show of 53 individual art pieces. The Opening Reception, which often includes the artists themselves and invited friends and family is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Minnesota author, Bill Holm’s, work Horizontal Grandeur, was the inspiration for the art theme. Bill called his love of the prairie looking with a “prairie eye,” or horizontal grandeur. This always includes a lovely and artsy
food gallery using colors, patterns and shapes by our infamous food committee known as the “High Tea-ers.” Providing histor y and memories of the prairie and the people that have shaped this county is the Men and Women of the Land Hall of Honor. These 50 nominees are the exhibit hall’s honored individuals or families naming that important part of the museum. There is an educational and visual portrait gallery that represents the life stories that are executed in 15 minute movies and can be watched on the big screen TV. The stories that are completed for viewing at this time are: Sivert and Ingebord Erdahl, Philip S. Jordan, Violet Wulf, Agnes and Peter Erdahl, Jenny and Charles Sather, Harvey Mathison, John Scharf, Carol Day, Harley Hanke, Leonard Wulf, Rodney Briggs, C.B and Margret Kloos. Visitors can
request to view any or all of the stories during theirvisit.
Prairie Pioneer Day hours at the Museum include: Thursday, July 10, 9 AM4:30 PM; Opening Artist Reception 6:30-8:30 PM; Friday, July 11, 9 AM-4:30 PM; Saturday, July 12, 10AM-3 PM; Sunday, July 13, 11 AM-2 PM
5th annual Ride for the Cure Saturday PPD accepted and appreciated. The 5th Annual "Ride for a Donations are tax deductible wristbands Cure" Motorcycle Run will be and can be made in memory held Saturday, July 11 leaving replace from East Side Park with kick of or in honor of a loved one. stands up at 11 a.m. Donations will be collected at buttons Registration will begin at 10 the time of registration, which New this year at Prairie Pioneer Days are wristbands instead of buttons. The wristbands are on sale for $5 and there will be up to $1,000 in prize drawings. So buy yours today!
a.m. with the ride leaving at 11 a.m. and returning to Morris around 5 p.m. This is a charity ride, all p ro c e e d s t o b e n e f i t t h e Stevens County Relay for Life (American Cancer Society). This years Stevens County Relay for Life event is July 18th. A huge "Thank You" to
last year riders, Scott's Bar (McKinneys on Southside) in Benson for their generous donation. A minimum donation of $10/rider is suggested, however any and all donations are
will take place at the PPD information tent located on the west end of East Side Park from 10-11 a.m. Hope to see you at the 5th Annual "Ride for a Cure" Motorcycle Run, July 11th. If you have additional questions call Tom Sperr at 320-6773330.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER - PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
Sunrise Yoga in the Garden Courage Cottage
Enjoy the beauty, serenity and peacefulness of the Horticulture Display Garden d u r i n g Sunrise Yoga in the Garden on Sunday, July 13 at 6 a.m. All are welcome to attend; no registration is necessary. Event is free. Yoga will be led by staff of the Regional Fitness Center. Mats will be provided, but you are wel-
holds Rubber Duck Derby
come to bring your own. For any questions, please contact the RFC (589-6485). The Horticulture Display Garden is located at the West Central Re s e a rc h a n d O u t re a c h Center, 46352 State Hwy 329, Morris.
RFC offers family fun and fitness
The RFC is offering family fun and fitness opportunities on Saturday 8a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. of PPD weekend. With the purchase of a Prairie Pioneers Days wristband you can buy one guest pass and get one free each day. Guest pass access is good for open recreation in the gym and pools (1-5 p.m.) or g ro u p f i t n e s s c l a s s e s o n Saturday (9:15 a.m. Zumba,
10:30 a.m. Body Pump). So bring your family, friends, and weekend visitors to enjoy the air conditioned fun in the Regional Fitness Center. Check out all our youth programs this summer including: camps, sports training clinics, swim lessons, and group fitness classes. If you have questions, please call (320) 5896485.
The Courage Cottage will be holding their 2nd Annual Ru b b e r D u c k D e r b y o n Sunday, July 13 after the Prairie Pioneer Day Parade. The race will start at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Pomme De Terre Park. Join us for the fun and stay for the free will offering hog roast and silent auction. Raffle tickets will be available at the Courage Cottage, Sonia’s Hair Care and Cullen’s Home Center. Raffle tickets will also be sold at East Side Park during Prairie Pioneer Days. Tickets to “adopt a duck” are $10/duck or $100/12 (a “quack pack!”). Duck sales will cease at noon on Sunday. In the event the weather does not permit the derby, a drawing will be held instead. The first place duck will win $500 cash, second place $250 and third place $100. Other donated prizes will be awarded, even one for the last place duck! The hog roast will follow the race at approximately 5 p.m. with a free will donation. Silent auction items will be available to bid on before the Rubber Duck Derby and will conclude at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, July 13 at the hog roast. Please contact Robi Bowman at 208-7837 or rbowman@scmcinc.org or Becky Lutz at 585-5133 for more information or to purchase a raffle ticket.
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7th Annual Pasta Eating Contest B e l l o Cucina is again sponsoring the 7th Annual Pasta E a t i n g Contest. It will take place at East Side Park on Saturday, July 13 at 3 p.m. There will be two heats of 10 people each. The two groups
will be ages 8 14, and ages 15 and up. $25 Prizes will be a w a rd e d f o r first place in each heat. This contest is firstcome firstserve basis, so call Bello Cucina to sign up today! 5857000
Kiwanis Talent Show
The Kiwanis Talent show finals begin at 7 p.m. on Friday July, 11 in the Band Shell at East Side Park. Musicians, dancers and other performers will entertain the crowd and compete for prizes. Prizes for the finals will total $900. Come and join us for the kickoff to the 30th Annual Prairie Pioneer Days!
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER
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PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
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SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014
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Enjoy Prairie Pioneer Days with Family & Friends! • Friday, July 11 • Saturday, July 12 • Sunday, July 13 102 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
320-589-3881
(320) 589-2102
BANKING
•
INVESTMENTS
•
www.stormproexteriors.com
Sauk Centre
www.morrisdentalclinic.com
•
INSURANCE
TAKING ACTION 701 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-1424
1057 State Hwy. 9 ~ (320)
DON’S CAFE FLORAL GARDEN CENTER 8 Hwy. 28 East Morris
(320) 267-8232
(320) 589-2161
TRUST
www.cdscpa.com
Herman: 800-642-1077 Agronomy: 888-654-2924 Petroleum & Shop: 800-272-4861 Morris: 800-433-9222 Chokio: 320-324-2427 Agronomy: 320-324-7451 Donnelly: 320-246-3239 Fergus Falls: 800-835-8104
STORM PRO EXTERIORS
Dr. Eric Rambow Dr. Meghan Rambow 201 East 6th Street, Morris
(320) 748-7174 or (320) 808-8347
(320) 589-2602 (888) 388-1040
pizzaranch.com
Needham Plumbing, LLC Rob Needham, Owner Master Plumbing License #061981-PM
401 Atlantic Avenue Morris
7 East 5th Street, Morris
Knute Nelson Home Care 514 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 102, Morris
601 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-3933
320.585.6888
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 AM-10 PM Saturday: Noon-4 PM Sunday: 8 AM-12:30 PM
Fax: 320-585-5208
26406 470th Avenue • Morris
24-hr skilled nursing care at home
320-392-5609
202 East 6th St., Morris Scott Mundal Branch Manager scott.mundal@lpl.com
Member FINRA/ SIPC
600 East 4th Street, Morris Peggy Jergenson
Investment Representative peggy.jergenson@lpl.com
(320) 589-6035 • morris.umn.edu
HERMAN • 320-677-2255 pedersonsag.com
320-589-2808
CONSTRUCTION
589-2500 46369 208th St., Morris
100 West Main Street
www.superior-ind.com
STARBUCK, MN
320-239-2677
www.meixeltrucksales.com
24 E. 7th St., Morris • 320-589-4008 www.PrairieHealth.org Locations: Elbow Lake, Morris, Ashby, Evansville & Hoffman
44725 175th Street, Morris
(320) 795-2412
Wiring solutions for your home & business.
320.815.4062 Walter Biesterfeld, Owner
www.wcwiring.com walter@wcwiring.com
215 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
589-1731 Allan Saugstad & Wayne Grunklee
GRANDVIEW APARTMENTS
TRUCK SALES INC. 320-589-2406 Fax: 589-0527
320-589-1000
West Central Wiring & Consulting
Morris Evangelical Free Church 901 Scotts Avenue Morris
(320) 589-9000
Morris Transit
320-585-5206 800-585-6783
(320) 585-6402
15 East 5th Street, Morris
512 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
320-589-1300
100 S. Columbia Avenue, Morris (320) 589-3142
714 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-3335
607 Pacific Avenue, Morris, MN 56267 Visit our website: www.morrisuntribune.com
320-589-2525
Office located at: 607 Pacific Avenue, Morris, MN 56267
1-888-589-2525
Visit our website: www.hancockrecord.com
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER
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PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
-
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014
PAGE 5
Enjoy Prairie Pioneer Days with Family & Friends! • Friday, July 11 • Saturday, July 12 • Sunday, July 13 102 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
320-589-3881
(320) 589-2102
BANKING
•
INVESTMENTS
•
www.stormproexteriors.com
Sauk Centre
www.morrisdentalclinic.com
•
INSURANCE
TAKING ACTION 701 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-1424
1057 State Hwy. 9 ~ (320)
DON’S CAFE FLORAL GARDEN CENTER 8 Hwy. 28 East Morris
(320) 267-8232
(320) 589-2161
TRUST
www.cdscpa.com
Herman: 800-642-1077 Agronomy: 888-654-2924 Petroleum & Shop: 800-272-4861 Morris: 800-433-9222 Chokio: 320-324-2427 Agronomy: 320-324-7451 Donnelly: 320-246-3239 Fergus Falls: 800-835-8104
STORM PRO EXTERIORS
Dr. Eric Rambow Dr. Meghan Rambow 201 East 6th Street, Morris
(320) 748-7174 or (320) 808-8347
(320) 589-2602 (888) 388-1040
pizzaranch.com
Needham Plumbing, LLC Rob Needham, Owner Master Plumbing License #061981-PM
401 Atlantic Avenue Morris
7 East 5th Street, Morris
Knute Nelson Home Care 514 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 102, Morris
601 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-3933
320.585.6888
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 AM-10 PM Saturday: Noon-4 PM Sunday: 8 AM-12:30 PM
Fax: 320-585-5208
26406 470th Avenue • Morris
24-hr skilled nursing care at home
320-392-5609
202 East 6th St., Morris Scott Mundal Branch Manager scott.mundal@lpl.com
Member FINRA/ SIPC
600 East 4th Street, Morris Peggy Jergenson
Investment Representative peggy.jergenson@lpl.com
(320) 589-6035 • morris.umn.edu
HERMAN • 320-677-2255 pedersonsag.com
320-589-2808
CONSTRUCTION
589-2500 46369 208th St., Morris
100 West Main Street
www.superior-ind.com
STARBUCK, MN
320-239-2677
www.meixeltrucksales.com
24 E. 7th St., Morris • 320-589-4008 www.PrairieHealth.org Locations: Elbow Lake, Morris, Ashby, Evansville & Hoffman
44725 175th Street, Morris
(320) 795-2412
Wiring solutions for your home & business.
320.815.4062 Walter Biesterfeld, Owner
www.wcwiring.com walter@wcwiring.com
215 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
589-1731 Allan Saugstad & Wayne Grunklee
GRANDVIEW APARTMENTS
TRUCK SALES INC. 320-589-2406 Fax: 589-0527
320-589-1000
West Central Wiring & Consulting
Morris Evangelical Free Church 901 Scotts Avenue Morris
(320) 589-9000
Morris Transit
320-585-5206 800-585-6783
(320) 585-6402
15 East 5th Street, Morris
512 Atlantic Ave. • Morris
320-589-1300
100 S. Columbia Avenue, Morris (320) 589-3142
714 Atlantic Avenue, Morris
(320) 589-3335
607 Pacific Avenue, Morris, MN 56267 Visit our website: www.morrisuntribune.com
320-589-2525
Office located at: 607 Pacific Avenue, Morris, MN 56267
1-888-589-2525
Visit our website: www.hancockrecord.com
PAGE 6
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER - PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
Prairie Pioneer Days Grand Parade
Renewable Energy tour Aikido Get on board the bus and tour the University of Minnesota, Morris’ renewable energy facilities. Visit the biomass facility; learn how corn cobs from local farms can heat and cool a campus. Step inside a wind turbine and learn more about the power of the wind. See how solar power is used to heat the recreational pool. Tours will run from 1 to 2 p.m. o n S a t u r d a y, July 12, departing from East Side Park.
Watch an Aikido demonstration on Sunday, July 13 at 1 p.m. at East Side Park. Aikido is a Japanese martial art that evolved from Samurai training and is often recognized by its use of joint-locks and throws. Aikido is a fun and engaging art for all ages. Classes are held each week in Morris.
East Side Park will again be the site for free kids’ games. The Little Tykes Express train rides for the younger kids will return to Prairie Pioneer Days. For the younger crowd, there will be an inflatable bouncing Viking Ship at the park both days. A favorite attraction will return for Saturday this year the climbing wall, compliments of the Minnesota National Guard. A challenge NOT for the faint-of-heart,
climbing the wall is tougher than it might first appear. With varying levels of difficulty, this is a challenge for young and not-so-young alike – just don’t look down! A truly family-oriented event, Prairie Pioneer Days is proud to provide all of these activities free. Come out and enjoy games in East Side Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
faces and talents. Anyone interested in participating in the parade still has time to register. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 320-589-1242 for more information and to register. As always, this year’s parade will be a highlight of this fun-filled weekend. Stake out your favorite parade-watching spot early. We’ll see you at the parade!
FFA Kiddie Tractor Pull at East Side Park The Morris Area FFA will be hosting a Kiddie Tractor Pull at East Side Park on Saturday, July 12. Registration will begin at noon and the event will begin at 12:30 p.m. Age divisions include 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. All participants will receive a participation ribbon and first, second and third will be awarded ribbons for each age division. First place winners in each division will also be able to choose a toy tractor as a prize.
Friends of the Library hold book sale during PPD
The Friends of the Morris Public Library will hold their Annual Book Sale on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 from 10:00am-6:00pm in the Morris Public Library Community Room. Thousands of affordable used books will be on sale! Genres include westerns, romance, science fiction, mystery, children's fiction and nonfiction, gardening, self-help, spirituality, parenting, biographies, crafts and many more. In addition there will be videos, DVDs and CDs for sale. Hardcover books will be $1.00 and paperback books 50 cents. All proceeds from the sale go to supporting programming, collection development and special projects at the Morris Public Library.
‘Thursday Night Jam’ Bluegrass musicians at PPD on Saturday
Thursday Night Jam performs for Prairie Pioneer Days on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at East Side Park in Morris; free Bluegrass music for the entire family. Thursday Night Jam includes many local musicians is sponsored by Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP.
‘Now and Then’ Band performs at East Side Park The Now and Then Band will perform at noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, East Side Park Bale Stage.
202 East 7th Street Morris
320-589-9060
$
SCMC COURAGE COTTAGE 2nd ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY DERBY
00
10
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$
Be it home, auto or farm, our agency tailors the best insurance products to your needs. We do this while providing outstanding service because...
1st PRIZE:
$
500
100/12 “QUACK” 2nd PRIZE:
Event to be held at 4:30 p.m. on July 13 at Pomme de Terre Park. Free will offering HOG ROAST to follow the race at 5 p.m. SILENT AUCTION bidding will conclude at 6:30 p.m.
$
250
You Deserve Peace of Mind!
3rd PRIZE:
$
100
Tickets are available at: SCMC Courage Cottage (contact Becky Lutz 320-585-5134), Cullen’s Home Center and Sonia’s Hair Salon. You may also contact Robi Bowman at (320) 287-0737
• Home • Auto • Farm • Crop 001096473r1
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Celebrating its 30th year, Prairie Pioneer Days will conclude its festivities with the 2014 Prairie Pioneer Days Parade that will be held Sunday, July 13. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. and will follow a round from 7th Street to California Avenue, then head south to Second Street. Some of the highlights of the parade will include the Morris Area Drum Line, local dance studio performances, local business floats, area community royalty, fire trucks, horses and more! Many favorites return, along with some new
Free games for kids of all ages
CALL US FOR ALL YOUR CONSTRUCTION AND PAVING NEEDS.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Juanita Staples #006566 Lonnie Anderson #658261
Saturday, June 28, 2014
MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE AND AD-VISER - PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS
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Prairie Extravaganza at Wetland Office–Audubon Center’s Raptors, horse-drawn wagon rides, prairie plants, etc.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of the Morris Wetland Management District invite you to celebrate Prairie Extravaganza at the Morris Wetland Office from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Encounter raptors and reptiles from the Audubon Center of the North Woods. A horsedrawn wagon will take you through a prairie landscape. Staff and friends will help you build a bird house to take home. Morning Sky Greenery will be selling their many beautiful prairie wildflowers and plants. The Audubon Center of the North Woods will be presenting an exciting educational program featuring live native birds of prey such as: American Kestrel, Eastern Screech Owl, Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl and reptiles such as: Fox S n a ke , B u l l S n a ke , a n d Painted Turtle. Come get a chance to observe, photograph, ask questions, and e x p l o re b i o - f a c t s a b o u t Minnesota birds of prey and reptiles. Outreach programs are a great way to get nose to nose with small animals from the Audubon Center of the North Woods. The Audubon Center ’s mission is to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. The Audubon
Center’s vision is to provide a healthy planet where all people live in balance with the Earth. Their core values include: demonstrating respect, care and passion for the earth, all people and all living things; striving for excellence in everything we do through integrity, open communication and teamwork; individuals are valued, engaged and appreciated for their unique contributions; believing in life-long learning through positive shared experiences with the natural world; and encouraging others to recognize their interconnectedness with the earth through their actions. Horse-drawn wagon rides through prairie grasslands will start at noon and run about every half-hour. Each ride will take about 30 minutes, round trip. Sign up at the Wetlands Office early because rides will be given on a firstcome first-served basis. Each group will take a short bus ride from the office to the trail where the wagon starts. You will then be traveling in an
open wagon similar to how p i o n e e r s d i d y e a r s a g o. During the ride, you will have the opportunity to see a bit of North America’s most endangered ecosystem, the tall grass prairie. In July, the prairie looks like a sea of grasses and wildflowers. Riders may also be able to see waterfowl and other wildlife along the trail. The last wagon ride will be leaving around 2:30 p.m. Free Bird Houses: If you are interested in building a bird house, we will have all the supplies needed and people available to help guide you. Each family or group will be able to take at least one bird house home. House plans of all types, from chickadees to bats, will also be available. Staff and Friends will be able to help you find a suitable place to put your new bird house and answer any other questions you may have. Morning Sky Greenery: Located in the heart of the prairie region of west central Minnesota, Morning Sky Greenery is a nursery specializing in native prairie plants.
Tours of the Garden planned for PPD The Horticulture Display Garden is offering guided t o u r s o f t h e G a rd e n o n Saturday, July 12 as part of Prairie Pioneer Days. To u r s m e e t a t t h e Horticulture Display Garden
booth in East Side Park; transportation to and from the Garden will be provided by Morris Area Transit buses. Tour times begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
They have been growing native wildflowers and grasses since 1991. Morning Sky Greenery is dedicated to helping preserve this important part of our natural heritage. Morning Sky Greenery grows the vast majority of the prairie plants from seed. They take care to produce high quality native prairie flowers and grasses that adapt easily to harsh environmental conditions. Morning Sky Greenery is certified with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. They are a member of The Minnesota Wildflower & Grass producers Association, The Minnesota State Horticultural Society, and The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. Over the past several years, Sally Finzel has expanded the plant selection to include heirloom vegetables, and more trees to help meet more customers’ needs. Sally’s family (husband, Bart, children, Ray, Mitchell, and Augusta), as well as several dedicated employees, help with plant production, sales, and all aspects of the business. Regular hours are in May and June when Morning Sky is
open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Celebrating 56 Years of Bird Conservation It’s time to celebrate the success of the most important conservation program you’ve likely never heard of: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Small Wetlands Program uses money from the sale of federal duck stamps to permanently protect some of the most threatened and productive migratory bird habitat in the United States. Since its creation over 50 years ago, nearly 3 million acres of prairie pothole habitat have been protected forever across western Minnesota, the Dakotas, and parts of Iowa and Montana. Right here in Morris, our own local Fish and Wildlife Service office (the “wetlands office” to many, but properly called the Morris We t l a n d M a n a g e m e n t District) is part of this fantastic program to protect habitat to benefit both wildlife and people. T h e M o r r i s We t l a n d Management District is responsible for 244 federally owned waterfowl production areas in eight counties. This protected land is part of the most important waterfowl habitat in North America, the prairie pothole region. Fifty six years ago, in 1958, Congress responded to the alarm over intensified wetland drainage by directing the Fish and Wildlife Service to permanently protect prairie wetlands and associated
grasslands for the benefit of the American people. Today, the nearly 3 million acres protected so far provide habitat for waterfowl, grassland birds, and other wildlife, all while providing recreation, flood-control, and water quality benefits for people. Come celebrate 56 years of bird conservation during Prairie Pioneer Days events at t h e M o r r i s We t l a n d Management District with wildlife encounters, prairie wagon rides, live music entertainment, bird house construction , and gorgeous prairie wildflowers. T h e M o r r i s We t l a n d Management District office is located three miles east of Pomme de Terre Park on County Road 10 (the Mill Dam Road). Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the prairie. We have a 1.2 mile hiking trail starting and ending at the office which takes you around a prairie wetland. This hiking trail, together with our auto-tour road, is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Our wildlife photography blind, located adjacent to the hiking trail, is open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Friends of the Morris We t l a n d M a n a g e m e n t District, a non-profit community support group, will be supplying refreshments. They will also be sharing the great experiences they have had with the Wetland Office and the community. Come join us for a great, fun-filled afternoon on the Prairie!