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Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 90th Anniversary at these parks

Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 90th Anniversary at these parks

  • 3/30/2023 2:45:00 PM
  • View Count 3768
From atop an observation tower to an overlook by a lake and even the steps beneath your feet, the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps touched many significant structures in Iowa’s State Parks. Celebrate the CCC’s 90th anniversary, March 31, by visiting these stand-out examples of CCC projects in Iowa.
Iowa raptor identification guide

Iowa raptor identification guide

  • 3/1/2023 10:28:00 AM
  • View Count 8484
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s — well, in our case, it’s actually probably a bird. It could even be a raptor. If you spend enough time looking up, you’re likely to spy some of Iowa’s frequent flyers. The state has several species of hawks, eagles and vultures that call Iowa home or visit during the year. We’ve put together a non-comprehensive list. Here’s how to tell them apart.
5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

  • 1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
  • View Count 12094
We couldn’t stop at just six awesome winter hikes - here are five more Iowa State Parks that offer awesome winter experiences from hikes and beyond.
6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

  • 1/19/2023 11:45:00 AM
  • View Count 15409
As cozy as it is sitting inside and watching the snow fall, getting outdoors can be even more fun. Here are a few Iowa state parks that make bundling up worth it for the memories made. 
A Land of Plenty Wasted - Food Waste in Iowa

A Land of Plenty Wasted - Food Waste in Iowa

  • 9/26/2022 3:13:00 PM
  • View Count 5521
Mention landfills and most people envision diapers or plastic bags, but here’s some food for thought—think about what didn’t go into our mouths, because in Iowa landfills—food waste takes the cake.
What's a Mudbug?

What's a Mudbug?

  • 7/12/2022 3:15:00 PM
  • View Count 10600
If you’ve ever been out hiking and noticed a tiny volcano made of mud, you’ve seen the home of a mudbug!  Actually, mudbug is just another name for crayfish...just like crawdad or crawfish!  We have 8 species of crayfish in Iowa, but in this article we’re going to talk about 3 species that commonly dig burrows. 
2022 Iowa Outdoors Spring Fishing Forecast

2022 Iowa Outdoors Spring Fishing Forecast

  • 4/14/2022 3:16:00 PM
  • View Count 5413
Anglers have become accustomed to some of the greatest fishing in state history, this year let’s explore newer upgrades across our waters. So get busy exploring and wet a line. Fun awaits!
7 hidden surprises at Wildcat Den State Park

7 hidden surprises at Wildcat Den State Park

  • 10/13/2021 10:43:00 AM
  • View Count 5916
Packed with historical, geological and natural wonders, Wildcat Den State Park near Muscatine has surprises around every bend. Here are the can’t-miss features and some finds you may not know about from park staff.
How do fossils form?

How do fossils form?

  • 5/13/2021 11:47:00 AM
  • View Count 31108
A fossil’s creation can happen in many different ways, but all fossils come from things that lived in a past geological age. They can be as small as a single cell or as giant as a dinosaur skeleton or petrified tree. 
6 Ways to Keep Air Healthy

6 Ways to Keep Air Healthy

  • 5/3/2021 12:14:00 PM
  • View Count 3823
Hiking, camping and participating in sports increase as Iowans head outdoors to enjoy spring weather. We can help keep our air healthy for outdoor activities by choosing alternatives to burning. Here are five good reasons not to burn—especially trash, buildings and fall leaves. 
2021 Iowa Outdoors Spring Fishing Forecast

2021 Iowa Outdoors Spring Fishing Forecast

  • 4/1/2021 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 6555
With hundreds of serene lakes, tranquil ponds and 71,000 miles of mellow waterways—we’ve got you covered with peaceful places to refresh and wet a line!
Make the most of your winter hike

Make the most of your winter hike

  • 2/16/2021 4:01:00 PM
  • View Count 4031
Ready to get back on the trails once the cold snap lifts for some fresh air and excellent winter hiking in Iowa State Parks? Our park staff offers these tips to help you make the most of your snowy trek:
6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

  • 11/24/2020 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 3973
With the holiday season starting, the Iowa DNR is encouraging families to find safe ways to spend time outdoors this winter. Please be sure to keep your group small, social distance, and wear a mask when visiting places where social distancing is not possible.
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is Iowa’s second to celebrate 100 years

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is Iowa’s second to celebrate 100 years

  • 10/26/2020 3:37:00 PM
  • View Count 4468
While many Iowans associate the start of the Iowa state park system with Backbone in northeast Iowa, they may be surprised to know that two state parks were originally dedicated in 1920. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, nestled along a bend of the Des Moines River in Van Buren County, will celebrate its centennial on October 27
Reel in these new fish recipes

Reel in these new fish recipes

  • 9/16/2020 9:08:00 AM
  • View Count 5271
If you’re looking for a new way to eat those Iowa fish you've caught, here are some great ideas!
8 steps to building a better campfire

8 steps to building a better campfire

  • 7/15/2020 11:12:00 AM
  • View Count 7725
Camping isn’t complete without the fire, but getting it started doesn’t have to be a tricky process. Here are some tips to build a successful fire: 
Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

  • 6/30/2020 2:17:00 PM
  • View Count 6004
This summer, Iowans are flocking to state parks in record numbers and enjoying their outdoor amenities and natural spaces. With extra visitors, state parks need more help to stay beautiful, ensure people are safe, and take care of natural resources. Here’s 6 easy ways you can help care for Iowa state parks when you visit:
Meet Phyllis Kimball, a Monarch Champion

Meet Phyllis Kimball, a Monarch Champion

  • 6/22/2020 2:33:00 PM
  • View Count 5522
Phyllis Kimball, of Creston, enrolled 160 acres in CRP pollinator mix in Ringgold County. Kimball had been away from the farm for more than two decades but returned to manage the day to day operations after an agreement with a local farmer was voided. What she found upon returning was failing terraces and trees that had taken over the valley. She stopped on the gravel road and cried at seeing what had happened to her land.
5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

  • 5/21/2020 2:28:00 PM
  • View Count 11762
As some of Iowa’s most remote and peaceful areas, state forests are different from parks because their primary goal is management of woodland resources. Forests can be overlooked recreation destinations because of their rustic amenities, but nature lovers who visit will find countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Iowa forests offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, hunting and even primitive camping. 
8 common mistakes anglers make

8 common mistakes anglers make

  • 5/21/2020 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 7953
Most anglers dream of the perfect catch, but simple mistakes can prevent you from reeling in that trophy fish.
The First Earth Day: A Personal Remembrance

The First Earth Day: A Personal Remembrance

  • 4/22/2020 2:17:00 PM
  • View Count 3985
The first Earth Day, which took place on April 22, 1970--50 years ago--sparked the creation of environmental policies and programs that helped clean up parts of the environment not only across the U.S., but also here in Iowa. It also sparked an awareness and appreciation for nature in Iowans young and old.
6 tips for soaking up more stormwater in your yard

6 tips for soaking up more stormwater in your yard

  • 4/20/2020 1:44:00 PM
  • View Count 6348
Not that long ago, Iowa consisted of nearly 80 percent prairie with plants and soil that could easily soak up stormwater with little to no runoff after heavy rains. Today, with drastic changes in land use, things have changed. With so many impervious surfaces (surfaces that shed water, such as roofs and concrete), runoff is forced quickly down storm drains and straight into local water bodies. Here are some ways to soak up more water in your yard to help prevent erosion and flooding in your lawn and home, as well a...
8 cool things you should know about peregrine falcons

8 cool things you should know about peregrine falcons

  • 4/14/2020 2:05:00 PM
  • View Count 21949
It’s spring, and one of Iowa’s most fascinating and rare birds of prey is currently getting down to the serious business of nesting! Do you know these facts about one of the fastest animals on the planet?
Why do fish school?

Why do fish school?

  • 4/9/2020 3:36:00 PM
  • View Count 5472
Call it the original synchronized swimming - fish, moving smoothly and swiftly, all in coordination with hundreds of other fish - that’s how fish do school.
7 Iowa Wildlife Comebacks

7 Iowa Wildlife Comebacks

  • 3/2/2020 3:43:00 PM
  • View Count 14403
In the last few centuries, a number of Iowa wildlife species have been extirpated from the state - but some have seen successful comebacks, too. Check out these seven animals that have made a comeback in Iowa:
8 cool things you should know about Canada geese

8 cool things you should know about Canada geese

  • 2/24/2020 2:12:00 PM
  • View Count 128802
Canada geese can be seen all across Iowa. These big birds, who can be spotted flying in their well-known V formations, have some pretty interesting features. Check out these fun facts about Canada geese: 
3 ducks you may not know live in Iowa

3 ducks you may not know live in Iowa

  • 2/11/2020 10:15:00 AM
  • View Count 8421
Some ducks in Iowa aren’t as common as mallards, wood ducks or blue-winged teals. Check out these duck species you might not know live here:
Meet Iowa's smallest owl

Meet Iowa's smallest owl

  • 1/24/2020 9:41:00 AM
  • View Count 7514
What has bright yellow eyes, weighs less than a lemon, and winters in Iowa? The northern saw-whet owl!
10 fall favorite trout fishing streams

10 fall favorite trout fishing streams

  • 11/12/2019 6:51:00 AM
  • View Count 6782
Get out and explore northeast Iowa’s trout streams this fall. From easily accessible streams in state or county parks, to streams in Iowa’s most wild and remote natural spaces – there's a perfect spot for everyone.
What makes an animal albino?

What makes an animal albino?

  • 10/29/2019 9:45:00 AM
  • View Count 37409
If you’ve ever spotted an abnormally white critter, or taken notice of its pink eyes, you may have seen an albino animal! From snails and fish to robins and deer, albinism has been observed in a wide range of Iowa animals. 
6 cool things you should know about snapping turtles

6 cool things you should know about snapping turtles

  • 8/8/2019 3:20:00 PM
  • View Count 23090
Snapping turtles are Iowa’s largest turtle species, but they’re so much more than their tough demeanor. Here are some things you should know about these awesome reptiles: 
A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation

A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation

  • 7/30/2019 4:03:00 PM
  • View Count 5985
It has all the elements of a good science fiction novel—an invasive species that hides in darkness and tries to take over native species using deception and disguise. It has all the elements of a good superhero movie—superheroes that work under the light of the moon and a veil of fog using superpowers that go beyond human ability.
Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

  • 7/16/2019 3:07:00 PM
  • View Count 15499
For those not in the know, it seems easy to dismiss Iowa simply as the tall corn state; however, those taking a closer look may be surprised to discover Iowa’s state forests offer ultra-quiet, serene and scenic backpacking campsites.
6 ways to help monarchs in your own backyard

6 ways to help monarchs in your own backyard

  • 7/5/2019 4:52:00 PM
  • View Count 10895
One of the most recognized pollinators, monarchs travel more than 3,000 miles each year to come visit Iowa for the summer. With declining numbers over the last decade, here are some ways you can help these beautiful orange and black butterflies:
5 Hidden Surprises at Wapsipinicon State Park

5 Hidden Surprises at Wapsipinicon State Park

  • 7/3/2019 2:57:00 PM
  • View Count 9087
Wapsipinicon State Park is a hole-in-one—and we’re not just talking about its golf course. Often referred to as Wapsi, this park is unlike any other Iowa state park because of its especially unique beginnings and natural history. With the help of Park Manager Dennis Murphy, here’s five hidden surprises waiting to be explored at Wapsipinicon. 
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