The Cass County Conservation Board has two events coming up later this week (Feb. 10th and 11th). Friday night, there’s a “Full Moon Owl Prowl.” The Owl Prowl will be held at the Cold Springs Park in Lewis,  beginning at 7-p.m., Friday. You’re invited to come out for a great night hike, and try to call in various species of Owls that may be in the park that night. All ages are welcome.

And, Saturday night (Feb. 11th), the Cass County Conservation Board is holding a free, Sweethearts Snowshoe Hike. The Moonlight Snowshoe Hike will be held at the Pellett Memorial Woods outside of Atlantic, beginning at 7-p.m., Saturday. If there are no clouds, the moon will light the way. Snowshoes (in a variety of sizes) will be available. Officials say they will hike and try to call in various species of Owls that may be in the park that night! In the event there is no snow, the event  WILL be CANCELLED.

Officials with the Cass County Conservation Department are reminding area residents that the Great Backyard Bird Count Program will be held at the Atlantic Public Library Community Room, this Saturday February 11th, beginning at 1-p.m. During the event, you’ll learn how to participate in this wonderful citizen science project, and about basic bird identification.

The first Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was held in 1998. The 20th annual GBBC takes place February 17th-20th in backyards, parks, nature centers, on hiking trails, school grounds, balconies, and beaches—anywhere you find birds. Bird watchers count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. All the data contribute to a snapshot of bird distribution and help scientists see changes over the past 20 years.

The family-oriented program is for bird watchers of all ages, and is free of charge. All you need is basic knowledge of bird identification It is not required that you record every species you see, only those that can be properly identified. To participate in the bird count either call the Conservation Board at 712-769-2372 and receive everything you need in the mail (or pick up in the office), or go to the website: http://gbbc.birdcount.org/ and follow the instructions.

The Cass County Cattleman’s Association held their annual banquet and awards program Saturday night, at the Cass County Community Center, in Atlantic. During the awards and scholarship portion of the program, scholarships were awarded to Haley Carlson, Clayton Sauegling and Tyler McAfee.

Award presented include:

• Youth Ambassador – Lexi Freund
• Young Gun – Miles McDermott
• Riding for the Brand – Gary Sullivan
• Producer of the Year – Chad Comes
• Business of the Year – Steve Nelson (w/Nelson Machine & Forge)
• Hall of Fame – Alan Robinson