Posted to Ernie Miller Nature Center: Tracks Newsletter by Bryan Thompson
In the winter the Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is more easily seen. This evergreen is common through out our state. Many people see this tree as a weedy plant that invades the prairie, shading out grasses and flowers below. This tree is not a cedar nor is it red, at least not on the outside.
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Posted to Explore JCPRD by Becky Burnside
JCPRD will begin drawing down water levels in Heritage Park Lake by 3.5 feet from normal pool elevation beginning Monday, June 5, in preparation for much-needed water quality and habitat improvements. But before the project gets under way, fisherman are invited to take their limit of fish out of the lake during an overnight fishing Saturday night at Heritage Park on June 3 and the permit-free weekend for fishing, and boating on June 3 and 4 (see more on this below).
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Posted to Strategic Plan Updates by Bryan Thompson

In January, JCPRD’s consultants presented a summary of data to the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners. The presentation summarized findings from internal and external engagement efforts, a parks, facilities, and open space inventory, a historic value structural analysis, and a programs assessment. The deliverable to JCPRD will include documentation of all responses received in our engagement efforts.
The next step is to use the findings to inform visioning efforts and plan recommendations.
