The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City will be hosting multiple events throughout the month of April  

This Saturday the refuge will hold their NatureTots program: Baby Animals from 10:30-11:30 am. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, are invited to attend the free educational event, as the refuge welcomes new baby animals into the world this spring. Those attending will learn about how different animals take care of their young and how the babies learn to survive in the wild. Activities for the program include a storytime, a nature craft, and exploring the tallgrass prairie if the weather permits.

On Saturday, April 13th, the refuge will host a Free Spring Photo Walk with photographer Mike Cox and the Second Saturday Stewardship program. As part of the photo walk, Cox will be giving photography tips while walking along one of the refuge trails. The Second Saturday Stewardship event is a volunteer program that helps build the tallgrass prairie at the Refuge. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to participate and free snacks will be available for volunteers. Those participating are required to fill out a volunteer agreement, and those under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the form. Volunteers are required to wear closed sturdy shoes and pants. The photo walk is scheduled for 8:00 am on the 13th, while the Second Saturday Stewardship will be held from 9 am to noon. 

The final event at the refuge this month will be their Free Bird Watching and Bagels Program on Saturday April 20th. The program will be guided by a naturalist, who will give a quick lesson on binocular usage and bird watching tips-and-tricks. Following the lesson, there will be a walk along one of the trails. Free loaner binoculars will be available for check-out and free bagels and coffee will be available after the walk.

To register for these events or to get additional information, contact the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at 515-994-3400 or email nancy_corona@fws.gov.