The public is invited to meet a special visitor to Springbrook State Park this Saturday.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Training Specialist Anne Riordan is hosting a meet and greet with a young trumpeter swan that was hatched last spring at the Bronx Zoo in New York. The swan will be flying by plane to Iowa this Thursday, and Riordan will take the swan to visit a few school classes before Saturday’s free event. Following this weekend, the swan will then be transported to a private pond in southern Iowa where it will be raised and then eventually released, as part of the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program.

Riordan explains why it’s important to nest this waterfowl that was popular in Iowa until the late 19th century, “Well, not only is it important to restore these big birds to the area, but it also brings the focus to the wetlands which are a hugely important thing to restore. And in fact, part of the restoration is called ‘Trumpet the Cause for Wetlands.’ Wetlands are just so important for water quality, species diversity, habitat, recreation for people, and just general quality of life so that’s really the huge piece there. It’s kind of one of those things where if you have it, they will come.”

Residents can meet this trumpeter swan and learn more about the nation’s efforts to save it from the brink of extinction at the Upper CCC Shelter at Springbrook State Park from 1-2 p.m. Saturday. For more information contact Riordan at 641-295-6028.