Daily Staff Writer

Experience nature at McFarland Park

The Story County Conservation and Ames Parks and Recreation Department are inviting nature lovers to join a new hiking program this Saturday.

Through the program, participants will learn about native wild animals and changes in vegetation.

The first of three hikes begins at 1:30 p.m., and fees are $5 per hike.

Hikers should meet at the conservation center located at McFarland Park, 56461 180th St. Snacks will be offered in the conservation center after each one-hour hike.

For more information, contact Story County Conservation at 232-2516.

Contest for religious poetry

Poets have the opportunity to win $1,000 for their work.

The New Jersey Rain Poets organization is sponsoring religious poetry contest in which more than 28 prizes totaling over $2,000 will be awarded for the finest poetry.

Poems may be written in any style, and entry is free.

Participants may send one poem under 21 lines to: Poetry Contest, 103 N. Wood Ave., Suite 70, Linden, N.J. 07036. Deadline is Feb. 3.