Park News
Forty
acres added to Stone Park! Shelley Sweeney, her son Luke and her late husband donated
the land on the south boundary of Stone State Park. Shelley Sweeney’s
husband, Doug, hunted and spent countless hours on the land until he died unexpectedly at the age of 45.
Sweeney and son Luke, now 20, have held onto the land
since Doug Sweeney died in 2003. She said her family always loved Stone State Park, and that was key in her decision to sell
the property to a conservation group.
“That was a big push for me, knowing that it could
become part of Stone State Park and others could enjoy it,” Sweeney said. “No one would develop it or ruin the
natural beauty of the Loess Hills. It’s a lot easier giving it up, knowing that it’s going to stay natural.”
This new addition will offer great benefits to Siouxland
residents, said Kevin Pape, Stone State Park’s ranger.
“From a recreation standpoint, the Sweeney acquisition
will serve as a connection for hikers exploring the Sloan property to the south. The potential now exists to run a path from
the existing park or nature center trails south through the Sweeney and Sloan properties,” Pape said.
The land will likely be open to the public within one year. The Iowa
Natural Heritage Foundation assisted with the bequest.
Camping Kickoff Weekend May 2-4, 2008. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Stone State
Park are hosting a special ribbon cutting for the improvements in the Stone
State Park Campground.
Saturday
May 3rd
10:30 AM- Effects
of Fire, Nature Hike
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM- Food and Refreshments
1:00 PM- Campground Project Ribbon Cutting
1:30 to
3:30 PM - Make your own Walking Stick
1:30 PM- Basic Orienteering
2:30 PM- Scavenger Hunt
1:30 to 3:30 Dutch-Oven
Cooking Demonstration
All events will be in or near the campground at Stone State Park. Signs will be
posted the day of the event.
These events are for the whole family, so make plans to go camping the
first weekend in May.
Campers that stay in Stone State Park during this special weekend will receive a free gift package that includes
a camping coupon good for one night of camping at an electrical site, a free issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine, recipes, camping
tips and more!
You don't have to camp to come out and enjoy the programs.
For more information on this, or other events this summer contact Kevin Pape, IADNR, Stone State Park at 712-255-4698, or
Stone@dnr.iowa.gov or contact Chris Anderson, Resource Naturalist, WCCB, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at 712-258-0838 or chanderson@sioux-city.org .
