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UTV Training 2025

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - October 2025

Congratulations to the LHNSP members who completed the ROHVA Safety Course on October 18th! The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) promotes the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)—also known as side-by-sides or UTVs. The ROV Basic DriverCourse is a hands-on training for licensed drivers 16+ that builds confidence and skill behind the wheel. Through certified DriverCoach instruction, participants practice low-speed steering, turning, braking, swerving, and more—then apply those lessons to real off-road driving. Learn more about ROHVA at https://rohva.org/ Interested in joining our patrol? Contact us here!

Photo credit Alison Larsen and Wayne Chase

OEC Refresher 2025

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - October 2025

Congratulations to the LHNSP members who completed their OEC Refresher Cycle C on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Hitchcock Nature Center Lodge! The Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Refresher is an annual, three-part curriculum that keeps National Ski Patrol System (NSP) patrollers certified and ready to respond. Each year, patrollers complete online modules and hands-on skill sessions that review one portion of the full OEC course — rotating through Cycles A, B, and C for continued recertification. Curious about LHNSP? Contact us here! Interested in NSP? Visit nsp.org

Fall Patrols

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - August-October 2025

Labor Day at Hitchcock looked a little different this year! While our trail patrols usually mean checking campsites, trail conditions, and assisting hikers, the rainy weather kept most folks indoors. Instead, we found ourselves helping out on the other side of the fence—turns out the grass really is greener, and a curious cow decided to test it. From courtesy patrols to cattle wrangling, the Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol is always ready to lend a hand.

Learn more about the cattle grazers at Hitchcock here. Questions about LHNSP? Contact us!

Video credit Kayleigh Hegarty

Photo credit Kayleigh Hegarty and Keith Wingad

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - June 2025

A HUGE thank you to all the amazing volunteers and Trail Stewards who made the Moonseed Trail reroute at Hitchcock Nature Center a reality! In honor of #NationalTrailsDay, our dedicated team logged over 280 hours of hard work—140 hours from our volunteers and another 140 from our long-time stewards, Wayne and Dana. Thanks to their incredible efforts, the rerouted Moonseed Trail is now open!

With a beautifully winding path and a new rock stream crossing, visitors can now explore this scenic trail while helping protect water quality and staying dry. Come experience the new sights and sounds of Moonseed Trail and celebrate what community-powered trail work can achieve. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water bottle!

Video credit Alison Larsen

INTRO TO BACKPACKING CLASS

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - MAY 2025

Backpacking Class Success! The Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol recently wrapped up a fantastic Introduction to Backpacking class at Hitchcock Nature Center. During the classroom session May 10, 2025, participants dove into gear tutorials, trip planning, and backcountry essentials. For the overnight field session May 17–18, 2025, participants put their knowledge to the test with a real backcountry experience — hiking, camping, and embracing the outdoors in the Loess Hills! If you’ve ever been curious about backpacking but didn’t know where to start, this two-part course is the perfect introduction to wilderness navigation, gear use, and outdoor comfort. Want to learn more or join us for future classes? Contact us at: loesshills.nsp@gmail.com

SPRING PATROLS

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - APRIL-June 2025

The Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol recently wrapped up our spring courtesy patrols at Hitchcock Nature Center, running from late April through early June. While snow may be gone, our mission continues year-round. In warmer months, our patrollers serve as a second set of eyes for Hitchcock's Ranger and staff — checking trail and campsite conditions, clearing debris, picking up trash, making minor repairs, and assisting guests. We’re proud to support safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences for all.

SPRING TRAINING

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - APRIL 2025

The patrol gathered the last weekend in April for our annual spring training at Hitchcock Nature Center. From brushing up on Stokes rescue litter assembly and medical response to sharpening navigation skills and refining rescue haul systems—our team is geared up to keep the trails safe, support guests year-round, and stay mission-ready for any local emergency.

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Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 2

HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER - February 2025

This February, Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol members completed the National Ski Patrol's Mountain Travel & Rescue Level 2 (MTR2) course — right here at the Hitchcock Nature Center! Focused on Search and Rescue (SAR) Leadership, this advanced course challenges patrollers to lead SAR operations and demonstrate proficiency in mountain travel, navigation, survival, and team leadership — with minimal instruction. From daytime field work to star-lit night exercises and hands-on rope rescue skills, MTR2 at Hitchcock was both rugged and rewarding. A big shoutout to everyone who trained hard and leveled up their backcountry capabilities! We’re proud to serve our community with advanced skills, preparation, and passion — year-round.