Purple Martin workshop to be held

The 2016 Purple Martin Workshop/Seminar will be held Saturday, March 12, at the CAM Iowa Clothing Center (1005 Nutmeg Ave) 1.8 miles north of Kalona, and one mile east off Highway 1 beginning at 9 a.m.

This year's featured speaker will be James Miller of Wellman, IA. Miller is an accomplished martin landlord who has built a thriving colony at his rural Wellman home. He also maintains the Songbird Project's biggest colony at the Pleasant Valley Golf Course just south of Iowa City. Last year, this colony fledged 182 young martins.

In morning sessions Frances Owen, of Burlington, will speak on Iowa's bats, and additional speakers (yet to be announced) will be talking on trees and butterflies.

Mark your calendar now so you'll be able to attend this always-popular event.