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Calendar of Events

Programs may be subject to change. Outdoor events will be cancelled if raining/inclement weather. Admission to activities is free of charge. Call the Corps office at 641-828-7522 or 641-628-8690 or email Lake Red Rock staff at LakeRedRock@usace.army.mil if you have questions or to confirm program dates, times and locations.

 

2009-2010 Programs

Sat., November 21

Geocaching - 10:00 a.m. - Meet at Red Rock Visitor Center

You are never too old for hide and seek: Have some fun and give Geocaching a try! This sport uses the technology of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to hunt for caches hidden in areas throughout areas throughout the state, North America, and even the world! Bring your own GPS or borrow one from us for the activity. Learn some of the basics, then try it on your own looking for geocaches around the lake area!

Sat., February 6

Snowshoe Hike - 9:00 a.m. - North Overlook Picnic Area

Getting cabin fever yet? Strap on a pair of snowshoes and get outside! Join Ranger Tracy Spry on a quest for winter wildlife and the signs they leave behind! Search for animal tracks, insect galls and other clues. There is a lot happening outdoors even during wintertime...if you know where to look! After the walk, meet back at the shelter for a hot cup of cocoa by the fireplace! Snowshoes will be available to borrow at the program, but if you have your own pair, please bring them along (limited number of adult-size snowshoes available). The walk will last about an hour. Programs are free of charge and no reservations are needed.

Note: If there is less than a four-inch base of snow, the winter walk will take place without using the snowshoes. If inclement weather is a factor, the activity may be postponed/cancelled - please contact the Corps of Engineers at 641-828-7522 or 641-628-8690 for more information.

Sat., February 13

Snowshoe Hike - 9:00 a.m. - North Overlook Picnic Area (see activity description above)

Sat., February 20

Eagle Viewing  - 9:00 -10:00 a.m. - Old iron bridge by Howell Station boat ramp

The old "Horns Ferry Bridge" below the dam is often a great place to watch bald eagles feeding and roosting during the winter months.  Park Ranger Tracy Spry will be on hand with a spotting scope and binoculars to help you spot them!

Sat., March 6

22nd Annual "Bald Eagle Day" - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Central College and Lake Red Rock

Celebrate the Bald Eagle and its comeback from the brink of extinction! This family event will take place at Central College in the City of Pella and at Lake Red Rock.

A main feature of Eagle Day will be the live eagle shows presented hourly from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in Central's Douwstra Auditorium. Staff from the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center will offer visitors an amazing chance to get an up-close look at our national symbol and other birds of prey! An environmental fair and other activities will also be going on throughout the day in Central's Graham Conference Center. More details will be provided as they become available.

Head outside to the North Tailwater Recreation Area to watch eagles feeding and flying below the Red Rock Dam! Event staff and volunteers will be on hand with spotting scopes from throughout the event to help you spot eagles and answer your questions.

Admission to Bald Eagle Day is free of charge, and no reservations are needed. The event is sponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Marion County Conservation Board, Central College, Red Rock Lake Association and Pella Wildlife Company.  For more information, contact Tracy Spry at 641-828-7522 or 641-628-8690.
Sat., May 22
Iowa Boating Safety Course - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Red Rock Visitor Center (pre-registration required - call Tracy Spry at (641) 828-7522 or (641) 628-8690 to sign up or for more information)
This course taught by members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers both beginner and experienced boaters a great way to brush up on boating knowledge, safety requirements and general "rules of the road."  It also fulfills the state's boater education requirement for young boaters 12 up to 18 years old.  There will be a $5.00 fee for those needing certification; however, those not requiring certification can participate free of charge.