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Pikes Peak State Park has new summer interpreter

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Emma Brimeyer is the new interpreter at Pikes Peak for the summer. (Submitted photo)

By Peyton Meisner, North Iowa Times

Pikes Peak State Park has a new friendly face on its staff this summer.

Emma Brimeyer, a native of  North Buena Vista and a graduate of Clayton Ridge, has been hired for the summer as an interpreter. 

Brimeyer just completed her first year of college at Iowa State, where she is double majoring in animal ecology and biology. She plans on graduating in three years and obtaining her master’s degree and teaching license in her fourth year.

As the park’s interpreter, Brimeyer said her main roles include making connections between the people and the park, answering any questions, and putting on programs for the public.

Some of the programs Brimeyer has already put on include an astronomy night hike, a Native American story telling and snake discussions.

Brimeyer started at Pikes Peak in late May, and is already enjoying her job. “My favorite part about my job is seeing new people and animals every day. The scenery at Pikes Peak makes coming to work very easy,” she said.

Working as an interpreter this summer will help Brimeyer decide what she wants to do after school. “I’m currently interested in doing something like this, but I also am very interested in teaching. So working here this summer will definitely help me determine if this is a potential career,” she explained.

In just a few weeks of working at the park, Brimeyer said she has already learned a lot about Pikes Peak. “I knew about Pikes Peak growing up, but every day it seems I learn something new about the park,” she added.

Pikes Peak State Park is open seven days a week from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Brimeyer encourages anyone with a love of the outdoors, or who just wants to take in the beautiful scenery, to stop on by and say hello.

Upcoming June events include:

Recycled Bottle Birdfeeder Craft - Friday, June 21, 4 p.m., meet in the picnic area 

Join Brimeyer in making your very own recycled bottle bird feeder. This free program will walk you through the process of making your own bird feeders to hang in your backyard. You will also be able to fill them with bird seed and decorate them before you go to hang them in your yard when you return home. Please bring a pop, Gatorade or similar bottle to the program. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Hike to Hickory Ridge  - Saturday, June 22, 2 p.m., meet at the main overlook

Have you ever wanted to go on a guided hike? Have you wanted to learn more about the mounds built by those of the Woodland culture? This free program will discuss different mounds along Bridal Veil and Hickory Ridge Trails. This will be approximately a mile hike along the board walk, up a hill and over varying trails. Wear good hiking shoes and bug spray and bring a water bottle. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Feel and See - Wednesday, June 26, 1-4 p.m., along the sidewalk to the main overlook  

Visit Brimeyer along the sidewalk to the main overlook to feel and see furs and skulls from animals around northeast Iowa. Stop by any time between 1 and 4 p.m.

Native American Story Telling - Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m., meet at the stone shelter

Join Albert LeBeau III, the cultural resources manager at Effigy Mounds National Monument, for a night full of Native American stories. Learn about Native American culture through the art of storytelling. A fire in the stone shelter and hot chocolate will be provided. Limited picnic table seating will be available, so please pack lawn chairs or blankets as well. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Check out a future edition for a list of July and August events, or go to the “Friends of Pikes Peak State Park” Facebook page.

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