CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Kiwanis P.M. President Kenny Lamb, left, welcomes Marshall County Conservation Officer Mike Stegman. Stegman presented a program on all the parks, recreation facilities, prairie reserves and forest areas Marshall County has to offer.

The regular meeting of the Kiwanis P.M. met Aug. 7 at Legends. President-elect Kenny Lamb called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Lamb then introduced guest speaker Mike Stegmann, Marshall County Conservation Director.

Stegmann gave the club an amazing tour of the 2,644 acres in 23 areas that he oversees. This includes, parks, recreation areas, prairie reserves, wildlife management areas and forest reserves. Marshall County has no state or federal parks, so the areas are all managed by the county. Green Castle provides fishermen the opportunity to catch nice size bass, bluegill, walleye and northern pike. As funds become available there are plans to include camping at this park. At Sand Lake the water is deep enough to encourage the growth of some nice size rainbow trout as well as native fish. Both of these lake areas are restocked in the spring and fall to supply the avid fisherman.

The wildlife and prairie reserve areas are for just that, encouraging habitat for native birds, animals, flowers and insects. You won’t find trails or camping in these areas, but there is parking available to enjoy Iowa at its best and natural beauty.

Stegmann also reminded the group of camping available, both modern and primitive, that is managed by his department at Grammer Grove and Timmons Grove. They come complete with picnic tables and fire rings. There are hiking trails at Grammer Grove, Sand Lake, Three Bridges, Timmons Grove, French Grove, Highway 330 American Discovery trail, Grimes Farm and the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.

Stegmann has a commitment to Marshall County residents to provide the resources and education needed to manage, preserve and enjoy these habitats. There are many things to do right here at home, take advantage of them and respect them.

The meeting continued with the discussion of the fall garage sale in September. Reta Oetker will contact Mike Mann about utilizing the Bobcat wrestlers for help in both set up and tear down. The meeting next week will a board meeting at Pizza Ranch.