The Woodbury County Conservation Foundation’s 16th annual Nature Calls, held September 21 at the Sioux City Convention Center, was a record-breaking success! More than $61,000 was raised to benefit the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center’s educational programs. The event had more attend than ever, with 680 nature, art and beer lovers enjoying the wide array of food, brew and auction items. It was the largest grossing and highest in attendance for this event.
The event combined a nature art show, auction, raffles, beer, and wine tasting in a fun, casual atmosphere.
Dawn Snyder, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center Programs Director, said, “This year’s event had tremendous crowd that was offered 72 brews and 8 wines to sample. New this year was the addition of all three local craft brewers: Jackson Street Brewing Company, Marto Brewing Co. and Brioux City. The response from sponsors and the community was extremely generous. Plans are already underway for next year. Huge thanks go out to all of our sponsors, volunteers and donors.”
Nature Calls came about as a way to heighten awareness for nature education and conservation. The state of Iowa is the most altered landscape in the nation. Part of the Nature Center’s mission is to convey the importance of parks, woodlands, wildlife and native prairies.
The proceeds from Nature Calls will provide funds for nature education programs and educational exhibits. This year’s proceeds will supplement funding for our Summer Naturalist interns to provide youth and family programs and exhibit enhancements at the Nature Center. The Raptor House for birds of prey and the popular Discovery Forest Nature Playscape are two projects that benefited from past events’ proceeds. For information on the Nature Center’s programs, events and exhibitions, or if you wish to volunteer for the event or make a donation contact 712-258-0838.