 |
|
|
Trumpeter Swans and Geology of Iowa at
the Grotto
On September 19, 2009, the Grotto of the Redemption and the Iowa DNR and will sponsor a free educational event on Trumpeter swans and Geology of Iowa at the Grotto in West Bend. The public is invited and encouraged to attend both of these sessions.
The swan educational session (11:30 am and 1:30 pm) includes a thirty minute swan/wetland presentation, a unique opportunity to touch and view swans up close, and a historic photo opportunity for all ages. As the largest North American waterfowl, these magnificent all-white birds can weigh up to 36 pounds with an 8-foot wingspan. |
|
|
 Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but were gone from the state by the late 1800’s. By the early 1930’s, only 69 swans remained in the lower 48 states. The trumpeter swans are part of the DNR’s statewide Trumpeter swan restoration effort, with hopes that they will help restore a wild free flying population to Iowa.
In 1995, the Grotto of the Redemption joined swan restoration efforts with the release of a pair of Trumpeter swans on the Grotto pond. Since that time, forty-seven cygnets have been hatched at the Grotto.
The geology educational sessions will be held in the new theater within the Grotto Museum at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Petrified wood will be the featured rock/mineral. Within the Grotto’s walls are over 150 tons of petrified wood from Montana, North Dakota and Arizonal.
|
|
|
|
