14th annual purple martin workshop

A workshop/seminar on attracting Purple Martins will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019, beginning at 9 a.m. at the CAM Iowa Clothing Center (1005 Nutmeg Ave) 1.8 miles north of Kalona and 1 mile east off Highway 1.

Morning speakers include:

Ty Smedes (Urbandale) will talk on: 'The Wood Duck in Iowa.” Smede's photos have been published by many major magazines and book publishers, including the BBC, Outdoor Photographer, Sierra, The Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian, Ducks Unlimited, and many others. He specializes in wildlife, prairie wildflower, and landscape images. As a feature writer for the Iowa DNR's Iowa Outdoors magazine, his goal is to educate the reader by writing about and photographing many of the lesser known birds, animals, and places.

Orlan Love (Quasqueton) will speak on: 'Healthy and Enjoyable Ways to While Away Retirement in Outdoor Iowa.” In his third year of retirement, after 25 years as a reporter and popular columnist for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Love brings an incredible familiarity and deep experience with Iowa's natural world.

The morning will also feature an update on World Migratory Bird Day and coordinated campaigns to control plastics in our environment.

The afternoon martin program will feature Tim Troyer (Paris, Mo.) speaking on 'The Rewards of Being Persistent in Becoming a Martin Landlord.” A panel of experts will then answer questions, followed by door prizes and an auction.

A well-maintained martin colony brings joy to any neighborhood. Establishing a new colony is now a realistic possibility for many people. Anyone wanting to start or re-establish a Purple Martin colony, or in need of assistance in maintaining a colony, will benefit from attending this program.

There will be a $2 registration fee (ages 10 and under free). Lunch will be available at the site. Vendors are being encouraged to set up displays of interest to program attendees.

For more information, or if you would like to have a booth, please contact: Evan Gingerich, 2282 Johnson-Washington Rd. SW, Kalona, IA 52247 319-656-3629 (voice mail) or Jim Walters at 319-466-1134.