Iowa Rocks!! plus geode cracking

The Henry County Nature Center welcomed a standing room only crowd on Saturday, March 18.

One hundred thirty-one adults and children packed the room to learn a bit more about Iowa’s unique contributions to mineralogy and paleontology.

Danika Cox, naturalist at Henry County Conservation department called Mike Messer, presenter to warn him that 40 adults and 37 children had registered for the talk and many more had indicated an interest.

Shania Hansen, assistant naturalist, introduced Mike to the audience. As always Mike’s presentations include a little of everything – history, places to visit, collect rocks or a bit of politics such as choosing the crinoid for the state fossil.

Mike Messer, a Mt. Pleasant native, has recently retired from teaching assignments in Texas and returned home. He is President of the Sac & Fox Lapidary Club and has quickly established himself as a continuing education leader.

He has presented workshops at summer library programs and school outdoor days. Collecting rocks and minerals from all over the United States keeps him learning and increasing his skills. Mike also has a workshop where he cuts and polishes rocks for jewelry and display.

After the slide show, parents and children gathered at the back of the Center to crack geodes.

In 1967, the Iowa General Assembly designated the geode as the official state rock. It was an effort to promote tourism in the state. For Henry County, the geode is a very special rock.

The efforts of the Smith Family of New London resulted in the formation of Geode State Park and a high level of interest in rock hounding and lapidary hobbies in this area.

Unfortunately, the group was so large it was necessary to limit the geode giveaway to children.

Ron Brown, Fairfield, Bob Messer (Mike’s Dad) Mt. Pleasant and Virginia Ekstrand, New London, assisted Mike in this part of the day.

The children had a short lesson on choosing the “right” geode to have broken and allowed to choose their own with help from Bob. Ron and Mike brought their geode crackers.

Those Children that wanted to try to crack their own stones did so. Some of the children were strong enough to complete the chore. Mike will be sponsoring a Geode Cracking Day at his shop on May 20 for those who would like to bring their own geodes to crack or to join in the fun and delight.

The Henry County Conservation Department has a number of workshops and presentations throughout the year. 2023 has had a great start.

On Feb. 18, Tony Brown, Conservation Board Member, did a presentation on taxidermy and proper preparation of animals for display.

The staff of the Department mete the public at the Sugar Camp March 2 to talk about Maple Syrup.

On April 22, the next workshop will be Building Better Birders. Additionally, there are self-guided hikes available for outdoor activities in the days coming. The weather has to start cooperating soon.