Scharnberg Park hosts conservation board's 50th summer

When the sun is out Saturday, Dan Heissel expects a large crowd at Scharnberg Park for the conservation board's 50th summer in Clay County.

If the sun isn't out, well, there will be plenty of tent space and beach umbrellas on hand for the large crowd, too.

"We'll work around the weather," Heissel, director of the Clay County Conservation Department said. "We'll have a couple of 30-by-40 tents out there, so people will be be able to get out from underneath the drizzle. If by chance it rains, we'll have beach umbrellas on the beach. I think we can handle the weather. We're used to it."

Saturday's schedule of events, at Scharnberg Park near Everly, have been 50 years in the making. Conservation departments were established by the Iowa Legislature in 1955, which required all counties to adopt a county conservation board.

Clay County citizens established their local entity with a vote in the fall of 1958. The Clay County Conservation Department chose the upcoming weekend to celebrate the board's 50th summer of existence.

Over the past 50 years, the Clay County Conservation Department has acquired various pieces of land throughout the county for habitat preservation and outdoor recreation. There are 13 conservation areas for camping, canoeing, hunting and other activities. Clay County has in excess of 15 miles of trails in managed areas.

A couple of highlights include the cabin at Oneota Park in east Spencer and the development of Scharnberg Park near Everly.

"That's why were having the celebration out at Scharnberg," Heissel said. "It's kind of our shining jewel."

Scharnberg Park is a 45-acre park, including a 15-acre pond, a shower house and three cabins. In addition to swimming, Scharnberg Pond features a handicap-accessible fishing pier.

Main species of fish include: bass, bluegill and channel catfish.

Saturday's festivities begin with a fishing derby registration at 11:30 a.m. for children ages 4 to 16. The fishing begins after a 30 minute registration period. Beginning at 1 p.m., the Old Iron Car Club will have some classics on display at the county park.

At 2 p.m. local bird expert and conservation board member Lee Schoenewe of Spencer will take visitors on an hour-long bird hike around Scharnberg Park and down by the river.

For guests who would like to stay closer to the pond, the set three cabins will be available for tours, from 2-5 p.m. Games and activities for children will take place from at 3-4 p.m.

Even if guests can't stay the whole day, Heissel hopes they'll come out for a sample of what the conservation department has to offer.

"My staff -- I'd put them up against anybody," Heissel said. "They've been working really hard and putting in some time. They're proud of all of our areas and they're proud of Scharnberg Park. We hope the public comes out."

At about 4:45 p.m. the Clay County Conservation Board will cap the afternoon events with a brief program to recognize past and present members of the Clay County Board of Supervisors and Clay County Conservation Board.

The Clay County Cattlemen will help with a barbecue from 5-6 p.m. at the Scharnberg Park shelter house, with donations going toward conservation department programs.

The Expressions will perform, following the meal, at 6 p.m. The dance continues until 10 p.m. and features music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

"We also want to point out that we're doing a food drive for the (Upper Des Moines Opportunity) pantry," Heissel said. "We're asking anyone who comes out to the park to visit, to bring a non-perishable food item with them. The Boys Scouts are going to be manning that and taking donations for the food drive."

To find Scharnberg Park from Spencer: Go west on Fourth Street, which turns into County Road B24, for eight miles. Turn north on 145th Avenue for 3/4 of a mile and stay on the blacktop into the park.


From Everly: Go south of Everly on County Road M27 for one mile and then turn east on County Road B24 for 1.75 miles. Turn north on 145th Avenue for 3/4 mile and stay on the blacktop into the park.

Brown-and-white county arrowhead sign markers are also in place to help guide travelers.

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AT A GLANCE

Here is the schedule of events as the Clay County Conservation Board marks 50 summers, with a celebration at Scharnberg Park.

* 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. -- Fishing derby, ages 4 to 16;

* 1-8 p.m. -- Old Iron Car Club classics on display

* 2-3 p.m. Bird hike with Lee Schoenewe

* 3-4 p.m. -- Games and activities for kids

* 4:45 p.m. -- Brief program to recognize past supporters

* 5-6 p.m. -- Barbecue with Clay County Cattlemen

* 6-10 p.m. -- Concert and dance by the Expressions