The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. The web site includes educator resources.

The National Resource Conservation Service works through 100 field offices to provide technical assistance to landowners, farmers, communities, groups, and other agencies to help them protect the state’s natural resources including soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Most offices have publications on soil and water conservation, habitat establishment, and more that can be requested in bulk for students.

NRCS provides advice to farmers on soil conservation measures and cost-share incentives; soils information for public use; and watershed programs for urban and rural communities.

NRCS oversees several programs that provide cost share and other incentives for conservation practices to protect or enhance natural resources on private land. Information is available on their web site.

Resource Conservation and Development (RC & D) areas help communities improve their economic base through training, seed money, and guidance. NRCS works through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) overseen by locally elected boards.

RC&D areas are multi-county units. Direction and leadership comes from local citizens within the area. Specifically, an RC&D is a local project in which residents work together with other organizations in woodland management, alternative crop development, and other areas of local interest.

The Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining navigation on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and managing four flood control reservoirs – Coralville, Rathbun, Red Rock, and Saylorville Lakes. They maintain recreation areas for public use and provide public educational programs about protecting natural resources (e.g., eagle watches, camper programs, junior ranger programs). The Rock Island District encompasses approximately the eastern two-thirds of Iowa and publishes a quarterly newsletter, the Mississippi River Review. The remainder of the state is under the jurisdiction of the Omaha and Kansas City Districts.

EPA’s mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment — air, water, and land. EPA works with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and Indian tribes to develop and enforce environmental regulations. EPA researches and sets national standards for environmental programs and delegates to states and tribes responsibility to issue permits, and monitor and enforce compliance. The Agency also administers voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. Several educational resources are available on their web site.

The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. It is the largest forestry research organization in the world and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies. Region Nine’s web page provides an eastern region fall color report, roadless area maps, wildlife, fish, and rare plant updates, and lists of recreational opportunities and events in National Forests. Naturewatch lists nature viewing opportunities, encourages safe and sound viewing ethics, and helps local communities’ economics. Naturewatch materials are available online.

USFWS is responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing the nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefits of people. Major responsibilities include: migratory birds, endangered species, certain marine mammals, and freshwater and anadromous fish. The USFWS manages six national wildlife refuges totaling 109,843 acres in Iowa. Over 1 million people visit refuges each year to hunt, fish, participate in interpretive programs, and view wildlife.

The USGS stands as the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. The USGS focuses on four major areas: natural hazards, resources, the environment, and information and data management. USGS provides a host of informational and educational resources available through their web site.