Hitchcock Nature Center

08/13/2026

Thank you for visiting us at Hitchcock Nature Center and supporting Pottawattamie Conservation!

Get your tickets for the Go Wild for Conservation fundraiser today! https://bidpartner.net/pcf/tickets/

08/13/2026

The answer to this week’s is...... Tall Anemone, Thimbleweed, or Anemone virginiana

This white flower blooms in late spring and early summer. It can be characterized by its five petals (which are actually sepals) and a greenish-yellow center. Their leaves occur in whorls up the stem, with each individual leaf deeply lobed.

Tall anemone can grow to be 1 to 4 feet tall. This plant is native to eastern North America. It can be found in many landscapes such as woodlands, forest edges, prairies, and meadows. In general, this plant is very tolerant and can handle many different weather conditions. Such as partial shade to full sun, drought, and cold.

It can also be characterized by its minor toxicity. The plant contains protoanemonin, a harmful compound contained in all members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The compound is found in all components of this plant (sap, flower, stems, and leaves). This means that contact with the plant may trigger inflammation, blisters, redness, and a burning sensation. You definitely do not want to eat this plant either!

PC and Post Credit: EE Intern, Jayden
2PC: Eric Hunt

08/12/2026

? 🤔

08/11/2026

Are you interested in doing your own memorial tree planting? 🌳

Applications are now open for the Leave Your Mark Tree Scholarship Program, which is sponsored by our friends at the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation.

This program funds the purchase of native trees for Pottawattamie County, Iowa residents in coordination with the Council Bluffs Trees Forever annual Residential Tree Program.

Applications will be accepted through August 31st: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7be7946558594e248c5c3e407f798a7b?portalUrl=https://gis.pottcounty-ia.gov/portal

08/11/2026

As we reminisce about summer camp season at Hitchcock Nature Center, our team is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help your children build their love for the natural world.

Every chance a child gets to explore the outdoors, breathe some fresh air, and tap into their wild side teaches them about their intrinsic connection to all living things, how they relate to the world around them, how they can shape it, and how they can protect it.

The simple decision to sign your student up for camp may have sparked a lifelong passion for conservation, and that's all that's required to build a future where generations to come (of all species!) can enjoy the beauty and benefits that healthy ecosystems provide.

"If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don't understand it, they won't protect it. And if they don't protect it, who will?"— Sir David Attenborough

📣 Mark your calendars! 📅 2027 summer camp signups will open in January for park members and in February for the general public.

08/10/2026

See Crescent Hill in a whole new light ✨ and explore Hitchcock after dark 🌒 during the Perseids, an annual meteor shower 🌠 featuring 50-100 meteors per hour.

⭐ 8 p.m. to midnight
⭐ The Omaha Astronomical Society will be here with telescopes for viewing celestial bodies
⭐ $5 cash per vehicle
⭐ Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and telescopes
⭐ Headlamps or flashlights are recommended (red light is best as it's less disruptive to wildlife).

For more information: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/perseids_night_sky_event/2026-08-14/

Please note that this event is extremely dependent on the weather & cloud cover. Seeing meteors is not guaranteed. Any cancellations or changes to the event will be posted to the Pottawattamie Conservation website & the Crescent Hill at Hitchcock page. We highly recommend checking either of these locations for any event updates prior to heading out for the evening. Thank you!

08/10/2026

Go Wild for Conservation is a fantastic event coming up on September 10th. We love our friends at the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation!

Go Wild for Conservation is coming up on September 10th. 💚 By becoming an event sponsor, you play a vital role in supporting local conservation efforts and contribute to an exciting project: renovating the educational gallery at Hitchcock Nature Center's Loess Hills Lodge.

Interested in going wild with us? Explore event sponsorship options between $250 and $5,000: https://bidpartner.net/pcf/sponsorships/

We are incredibly grateful to all of the local individuals and organizations who have already pledged to support Go Wild 2026: Greater Omaha Area Trail-runnerz, The Creston House, Duke Rentals, Omaha Wood Company, LLC, Pinnacle Bank, Snyder & Associates, Availa Bank,HGM & Associates, McMullen Ford, Midstates Bank, Amy & Dwayne Brown, Barrett Auto Center, Inc., Brenda & Brian Mainwaring, Crescent Hill Ski Patrol, and Keast Motors.

08/09/2026

Have you ever wanted to know what goes into keeping trails maintained for visitors at our Pottawattamie County parks? Now is your chance. Join the Trail Stewards at Hitchcock Nature Center, Saturday, August 15th, at 8:00 a.m.

Learn and assist with trail repair and maintenance, while helping us protect this ecologically significant area. 🪏

Pre-registration is required for this event. Make sure to save your spot: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/trail_stewards_trail_work_volunteer_signup/2026-08-15/

08/08/2026

The emojis we have vs. the emojis we deserve.

Imagine texting your friends about your favorite county park and not having to settle for invasive species and an emoji that kind of looks like an Eastern Bluebird.

08/07/2026

Looking to do something different tomorrow? We still have room in our Trail Ready program with Shelly Spale-Cutler and our Wild Sprouts program for ages 0 to 3!

Pre-registration is required. Save your spot below:

Trail Ready: Mobility, Strength and Injury Prevention
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Loess Hills Lodge
Ages 12+ | $12
Learn more & register: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/trail_ready_mobility_strength_injury_prevention_with_shelly_spalecutler/2026-08-08/

Wild Sprouts: Empowering your little ones to grow and thrive in the wild
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Heartwood Pavilion
Ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers | Free for kids, $5 per adult
Learn more & register: https://www.pottconservation.com/calendar/wild_sprouts_ndash_empowering_little_ones_to_grow_and_thrive_in_the_wild/2026-08-08/