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.
Jan. 27
Walnut Woods State Park Lodge, 3155 Walnut Woods Dr., West Des Moines
10:30-10:55 a.m. Trumpeter Swans- Bringing Back a North American Treasure
Margaret Smith, Director, Trumpeter Swan Society
11-11:25 a.m. Conservation funding for wetlands and water quality
Joe McGovern, President, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
11:30-12 p.m. Live Trumpeter Swan Presentation- See, touch and learn about swans
Dave Hoffman, Iowa DNR
12:20-12:50 p.m. Trumpeter Swan Restoration in Iowa
Dave Hoffman, Iowa DNR, and Ron Andrews
12:55-1:25 p.m. “Return of the Trumpeter Swans” North American film documentary preview
Steve Harryman, Filmmaker
1:30-2 p.m. Swans- Quality of Life
Holly Welch, Cancer Survivor
2 p.m. 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
10:30-2 p.m. 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 https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks-Rec-Areas/Iowas-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610133
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, ½ 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.