Iowa's forests provide exceptional habitat for a wide range of wildlife species including deer, turkey, bobcats, quail, pheasants, raccoons, possums, herons, migrant neo-tropical songbirds (Baltimore orioles, dickcissels, viroes, warblers, and hawks, to name just a few), grouse rattlesnakes, and innumerable other species. Creation of new forest habitat is critically important to Iowa's wildlife population. However, many private landowners fail to realize that with management they could improve their existing forest habitat. Check out the sites below for information on how you can create and/or manage forest wildlife habitat. For on-site assistance contact your District Forester

Tips on Creating Forest Wildlife Habitat

Tips on Managing Forests for Wildlife (.pdf)

To facilitate the development of wildlife habitat the Iowa State Forest Nursery has developed pre-packaged packets of trees designed to attract specific wildlife species. For planting design tips click on the appropriate packet listed below.

Songbird Packet Planting Design (.pdf)

Turkey Packet Planting Design (.pdf)

Pheasant Packet Planting Design (.pdf)

Quail Packet Planting Design (.pdf)

Wild turkey habitat project completed on Stephens State Forest
funds provided by the Iowa Turkey Federation.


Area Forester Jeff Goerndt surveying the work done to improve
turkey habitat on the Stephens State Forest.