Nicole Weis, Staff Writer
12/29/2006

HONEY CREEK – The Hitchcock Nature Center will host a traveling mountain lion exhibit at the Loess Hills Lodge from Tuesday to Feb. 9.

The goal of the exhibit is to expose Iowans to the issues that surround the mountain lion. The 1,000-square-foot exhibit contains displays on cougar identification, a baby mountain lion habitat diorama and information on the history of mountain lions.

The exhibit was developed for the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, Calif., with funding from the American River Natural History Association, AT&T and the Family of Earlene Fiorillo. This exhibit was brought to Iowa by funding from the Resource Enhancement and Protection-Conservation Education Program with the support of the Black Hawk County Conservation Board and the Friends of Hartman Reserve.

This exhibit will be available for public viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. There is no fee to view the exhibit; however, visitors are required to pay the nominal park-user fee.

HNC will also be offering the following unique mountain lion programs in January:

– “Mountain Lions in Iowa” will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. Ron Andrews, DNR field specialist, furbearer biologist and mountain lion expert will give a presentation focusing on the status, history and biology on mountain lions. Cost is $2 per person.

– “Cougars for Kids” will be offered Saturday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. Children can learn all about cougars in this child-focused program. Free-will donations are accepted.

For more information regarding the exhibit or programs, contact the HNC at (712) 545-3283 or visit www.pottcoconservation.com.

Hitchcock Nature Center is located 5 miles north of Crescent off Old Lincoln Highway.

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