COLUMN: Outdoor spring activities while following 6-foot rule

     Now that we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and many of us are getting a little stir crazy while trying to maintain social distancing and keeping everyone at a six-foot distance (deep breath) you are probably ready for some outdoor time. Getting some fresh air and maintaining our sanity is as easy as heading outside.

     There are many simple activities you can do right in your own neighborhood.  Simply go for a walk – whether it’s around your yard, property, or neighborhood. Pay attention to the signs of spring. Notice day-to-day which birds you see and what new plants start to emerge. Challenge your family to an outdoor scavenger hunt.

     Check out your communities’ geocaching locations or play local Pokemon GO. You’d be surprised how many local communities and parks have geocache locations or virtual Pokemon GO stops and gyms.

     Go bike riding or walking on a local trail. In Jones County, check out the Martelle and Olin sections of the Grant Wood Trail or the new section of the Wapsipinicon Trail in Anamosa. Cascade’s Coohey Memorial Riverside Trail is popular with walkers and Monticello’s Kitty Creek Trail attracts young and old.

     If you enjoy disc golf, head to Monticello’s 18-hole Baty Disc Golf Course, which is becoming an eastern Iowa disc golf destination. Two other nine-hole Jones County disc golf course locations can be found at the Olin City Park and Oxford Junction.

     Jones County has many wildlife areas and preserves to explore both on and off the trail. A few popular maintained hiking destinations can be found at Whitewater and Lost Canyon, Central Park, the Hale Wildlife Area, Wapsipinicon State Park, and the Scotch Grove Prairie area. Remember to wear bright orange as turkey season will soon be upon us.

     Don’t forget fishing opportunities along the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon Rivers. Jones County Conservation maintains river access locations on both of these rivers. If the rivers are running too high, head to the Hale Wildlife Area or Central Park for some pond or lake fishing. All main ponds at these locations are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

     Whatever you decide to do, get out and let the magic of spring in the outdoors lift your spirits and calm your nerves. For information and maps on many of Jones Counties wildlife areas and parks visit www.jonescountyiowa.org/conservation.