Grab the Kids or Better Half for Another "Hidden" Gem in Pott. Co - Scavenger Hunt Included

You’ve got a new fall maze to try out at the Wheeler Grove Conservation Area -  for free, I might add!  It still astounds me that I’m still finding new places in Pott. Co!  It’s crazy that I hadn’t been there when it’s so close by, but it again shows how we forget to check out the stuff in our backyard!  So here’s your new place to check out when you’re missing your Saturday College Game Day schedule! 

Right outside of Carson, you’ll find this amazing 247 acre public area that was donated by the Parrotts (lots of other people helped make it happen, too – the list is on the dedication rock).  It’s acres of nature left to its own devices for the most part other than the excellent efforts put forth to keep it up by the Pottawattamie County Conservation.  And they are nice enough to cut a path which feels a whole lot like a big maze!  It’s perfect for an afternoon scavenger hunt with the kids or a nice little non-strenuous hike. 

I checked it out. It was just the dragonflies, the butterflies, the birds, one scared-to-death pheasant and an equally-frightened me as we met a little unexpectedly!  The frogs croaked, the crickets hummed, and the sun shown.  I roamed among the sunflowers.  One of the things I loved best was that there were spots of sunshine and still plenty of shady stops, too.  It’s absolutely beautiful, and I hear it’s open for hunting during the regular season, as well. 

When you get there, there are iron bars that make it look like it’s closed, but it isn’t.  It’s just to keep out vehicles.  It is a walking area only, but it’s well worth the walk!

As we continue to fight the doldrums of COVID, there’s no worry of socially-distancing out there.  It’s a little piece of uncharted territory ready for you to discover with your camera, your picnic lunch, or your over-active toddler!

Happy Exploring, Pott. Co!
 
PS - (PSA – be sure to wear proper clothing to avoid nettles or poison ivy.  Staying on the path pretty much prevents that, but one can never be too careful!  Also, be sure to clean up after yourselves! And no, there are no restrooms!)

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