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Why do bats hang upside down?

Why do bats hang upside down?

  • 12/8/2016 3:06:00 PM
  • View Count 66292
Unlike birds, bats have trouble with takeoffs from the ground. Their wings are not as strong as those of birds and they cannot run fast enough to build up flight speed. Bats have an easier time flying when they start already in the air. They use their front claws on their wings to climb to a high spot and launch themselves to achieve flight.
Why is fire red and yellow?

Why is fire red and yellow?

  • 12/8/2016 2:35:00 PM
  • View Count 31700
While you might first think of the reds and yellows in a campfire, a flame can encompass many colors of the rainbow.
Iowa owl identification guide

Iowa owl identification guide

  • 12/5/2016 2:51:00 PM
  • View Count 91810
That tell-tale disc-shaped face tells you it’s an owl, sure – but which one? Iowa has nine different species that call our state home, whether full-time or part-time, and you can find them in a number of different habitats. Here’s what to look for.
7 Ways to Skip the Crowds and Take It Outside this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Skip the Crowds and Take It Outside this Holiday Season

  • 11/21/2016 3:57:00 PM
  • View Count 15286
Find time to take it outside this holiday season. Pick an activity based on weather conditions and your condition, and just get outside. Iowa’s state parks, recreation areas and forests are ready to supply the dose of nature we all need to decompress during this stressful time of year.
Take a

Take a "Kid" Fishing

  • 11/16/2016 2:00:00 PM
  • View Count 11673
The first day of November looked to be a promising day. I had the morning off to go trout fishing and the weather was cooperating. Like most people, I don’t go fishing nearly often enough so I wanted to share my outing with someone. My husband and kids would all be at work. The grandkids were in school or at the sitter’s. As I considered my options, my husband’s uncle came to mind. 
6 cool facts about northern bobwhite quail

6 cool facts about northern bobwhite quail

  • 11/16/2016 11:23:00 AM
  • View Count 23463
Northern bobwhite quail were once staple gamebirds for Midwestern settlers, but changes in the Midwestern landscape threatened their populations throughout the 1900s. Read on to see how they’re doing today and get more closely acquainted with Iowa’s only quail: the bobwhite.
Why don’t we have earthquakes in Iowa?

Why don’t we have earthquakes in Iowa?

  • 11/7/2016 1:19:00 PM
  • View Count 35731
For most of us living in Iowa, we’re much more familiar with snowstorms and tornadoes. What we do know about earthquakes we’ve likely learned from movies or textbooks, but earthquakes do occasionally rumble in our state.
Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

  • 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
  • View Count 48151
Thus endures one of the many stories, myths, legends and even proven historical facts about Horse Thief Cave, a well-known feature of what is now Wapsipinicon State Park, and, though its tale-inspiring caves are definitely a main draw, Wapsipinicon is so much more. 
A Halloween night fishing on the Turkey River

A Halloween night fishing on the Turkey River

  • 10/27/2016 4:15:00 PM
  • View Count 9151
As boredom and tedium creep into my weary mind, may I reflect back to the hard strike of that big-eyed creature, and the glorious excitement and the deep pull of something new, yet playfully familiar.
A place of your own: grown-up treehouses

A place of your own: grown-up treehouses

  • 10/25/2016 3:48:00 PM
  • View Count 12205
A tree big and strong enough for a treehouse is a tree worth saving. Here’s advice from arborists and treehouse building experts and what three treehouse owners did to minimize impacts on their trees.
Casting for Recovery: Healing through trout fishing

Casting for Recovery: Healing through trout fishing

  • 10/25/2016 10:21:00 AM
  • View Count 9170
They share one commonality: their struggle with breast cancer. And for one weekend in the crisp October air, they can suspend their worries. Away from the doctors’ offices, the institutional rooms, the critical decisions: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. The nagging questions: How much? How long? What if? Here, they can focus on placing a dry fly where a trout can’t resist it. Wellness. 
Pheasant hunting: The perfect day

Pheasant hunting: The perfect day

  • 10/18/2016 1:49:00 PM
  • View Count 14160
For a lot of hunters, there is one special time among all of your hunting trips that stands out as having been perfect, a day of pure bliss when all the stars line up just right and everything connects at just the right time and in just the right place.
10 top destinations for trout fishing this fall

10 top destinations for trout fishing this fall

  • 10/18/2016 11:14:00 AM
  • View Count 4098205
Start a new fall tradition with a trip to northeast Iowa’s hundreds of miles of trout streams. From easily accessible streams in state or county parks, to those found in Iowa’s most wild and remote natural spaces, there are plenty of places to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout.
7 ways to prep for fall hunting in Iowa

7 ways to prep for fall hunting in Iowa

  • 10/14/2016 2:52:00 PM
  • View Count 8972
Are you ready for some hunting? Iowa's most popular hunting seasons are just around the corner! Here are tips and resources to help you get ready.
Quail on the rise in Iowa

Quail on the rise in Iowa

  • 10/13/2016 8:52:00 AM
  • View Count 24196
Loren Zaruba looked on in excitement—it was the wildlife identification section of the annual Youth Hunter Education Challenge. He and his wife, Ellen, had spent the last three months working with a handful of young competitors, so when the speaker played a familiar “bob-white” call, Loren beamed. But as the teenagers’ faces turned blank and unsure, he realized that question wasn’t easy anymore—hunter or not, none of the youngsters had seen or heard a bobwhite quail.
Colors of the Driftless

Colors of the Driftless

  • 10/7/2016 3:14:00 PM
  • View Count 14469
Far up in the northeast corner of Iowa lies a tiny gem of a town called Marquette. The town proudly proclaims to be “Iowa’s Best Kept Secret.” In fact, if it wasn’t for the congenial welcome sign that reads “The People of Iowa Welcome You. Iowa: Fields of Opportunities,” most Iowans would never know they were still in the Hawkeye State. Yet, in this area of Iowa, the sign almost seems like a misnomer as there are few fields to see.
8 cool things you should know about rabbits

8 cool things you should know about rabbits

  • 10/5/2016 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 43904
Rabbits are a common pet, pest and prey, but how much do you really know about them? Check out the facts below to see why bunnies are important in Iowa and around the world.
Out of the way fall color

Out of the way fall color

  • 9/30/2016 11:17:00 AM
  • View Count 9328
Autumn brings a welcoming crispness to the air. It’s officially fall in the Midwest, and fun abounds statewide for those in search of color and good times outdoors. Yes, northeast Iowa is the top hotspot for fall color, but here are some less trod places with everything from fishing to paddling and hiking. So get out—there is much to explore!
Top 10 destinations for trout fishing this fall in Iowa

Top 10 destinations for trout fishing this fall in Iowa

  • 9/30/2016 10:30:00 AM
  • View Count 26812
Start a new fall tradition with a trip to northeast Iowa’s hundreds of miles of trout streams. From easily accessible streams in state or county parks, to those found in Iowa’s most wild and remote natural spaces, there are plenty of places to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout.
7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

  • 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
  • View Count 65770
From nature's splendor to man-made spillways, these water features are definitely wonderful. Below, get the full list of Iowa's waterfalls, how to get to each one, and ideas on other things to do in the area while on your waterfall tour.
So you think you can mulch

So you think you can mulch

  • 9/28/2016 3:34:00 PM
  • View Count 10638
Mulching can be the best thing you can do to promote the health of trees, shrubs and plants. It can also be the worst, if done improperly. 
11 tips and tricks to handle “nuisance” wildlife responsibly

11 tips and tricks to handle “nuisance” wildlife responsibly

  • 9/23/2016 3:12:00 PM
  • View Count 19617
Not every furry face has to be your favorite, but you can support a healthy ecosystem by choosing to handle your wildlife woes responsibly. Rather than exterminating these common “nuisance” critters, use the following tips to avoid problems while preserving wildlife in your area.
7 unexpected health benefits of nature

7 unexpected health benefits of nature

  • 9/23/2016 2:30:00 PM
  • View Count 10980
As most Americans have heard, we need to get out more. Intuitively, it makes sense that time spent out in nature is good for us, and helps us ward off obvious health issues like obesity. But researchers have found much more than that. Whether you’re 5, 25, 50 or 95, think about these quirky benefits of nature today—they just might motivate you to spend some more minutes in the great outdoors.
6 tips for cool-weather camping

6 tips for cool-weather camping

  • 9/23/2016 1:06:00 PM
  • View Count 14846
Campers don’t have to pack up the tent and park the camper just because the calendar flips to September (or wait for it to hit June, either!). These off-peak seasons can be some of the best times to go, with cooler temperatures and in the fall, gorgeous fall colors at the campground. As the temperature dips, here are some tips to stay cozy at the campground.
Six Tips for a Successful Dove Season

Six Tips for a Successful Dove Season

  • 9/20/2016 10:15:00 AM
  • View Count 8676
Whether this is your first dove season or you're a seasoned veteran, be sure to brush up on these basics of hunting doves in Iowa.
Iowa Fall Fishing Forecast

Iowa Fall Fishing Forecast

  • 9/14/2016 4:14:00 PM
  • View Count 13020
Fall fishing is one of Iowa's best kept secrets. The air is cool, the views are picturesque and the fish are pulling out of their late summer slumber. Add one of these destinations to your fall fishing itinerary.
9 Cool Things You Should Know About Ducks

9 Cool Things You Should Know About Ducks

  • 9/7/2016 10:04:00 AM
  • View Count 28410
Ducks are one of the most recognizable bird families in the world thanks to their funky webbed feet, colorful plumage and big bills. The family is expansive, and Iowa alone is habitat for about 25 duck species every year.
Find Public Hunting on Private Land with IHAP

Find Public Hunting on Private Land with IHAP

  • 9/1/2016 4:01:00 PM
  • View Count 17186
Hunting can be a great family activity or a solo adventure. Stroll through tall grass, hear the explosive rising cackle of pheasants, thrill at the thunderous gobble of a male wild turkey, see a few majestic deer—and maybe get the chance to take one home. That opportunity already exists on scores of acres near you, thanks in part to landowners who open their property through the Iowa Habitat and Access Program, or IHAP.
7 Cool Facts to Know About Iowa Pelicans

7 Cool Facts to Know About Iowa Pelicans

  • 9/1/2016 1:54:00 PM
  • View Count 52745
You read that right, there are pelicans in Iowa. Hundreds of them spend their summers on Iowa wetlands, and large number nest on islands within the Mississippi River. While most people associate the fish-eating behemoth family and their unique beaks with coastal areas, American white pelicans are actually inland birds with main breeding grounds near the Great Lakes and southern Canada. Keep an eye out for them flying through this spring and summer - they’re pretty hard to miss!
9 Common Fishing Mistakes

9 Common Fishing Mistakes

  • 8/31/2016 2:36:00 PM
  • View Count 101537
Sure, fishing is about a lot more than catching fish – it’s being out in nature, relaxing, spending time with friends and family. But let’s be honest – it’s just a lot of fun to reel in a lunker. If the fish are stealing your bait or each cast comes up empty, here are some reasons you may not be catching fish.
4 Invasive Species You Can Eat in Iowa

4 Invasive Species You Can Eat in Iowa

  • 8/26/2016 4:14:00 PM
  • View Count 45704
According to the National Invasive Species Information Center, invasive species are plants or wildlife that thrive and spread aggressively outside their native habitat and cause economic or environmental harm. Many are quite tasty, and eating them helps reduce further proliferation in the environment. As always, learn to identify wild edibles from an experienced forager first.
Iowa's Bullseye Boys

Iowa's Bullseye Boys

  • 8/26/2016 3:08:00 PM
  • View Count 12707
Archery requires rigorous concentration and is steeped in history, but two Iowa teens are starting a new chapter—Nick Wright of Spencer will be the first Iowa archer from a national after-school program to receive a collegiate athletic scholarship this fall, and David Machart of Anamosa is the first Iowan, fifth in the nation, to score a perfect 300. 
4 Cool Things You Should Know About Trumpeter Swans

4 Cool Things You Should Know About Trumpeter Swans

  • 8/26/2016 11:20:00 AM
  • View Count 13444
Trumpeter swans are majestic birds native to Iowa, but overhunting and habitat loss led to the last nesting pair being documented here in the 1880s. More than 100 years later, diligent conservation efforts started to bring them back. Today, Dave Hoffman, leader of the DNR’s trumpeter swan restoration program in Iowa, says the goal of a self-sustaining population will hopefully be realized in the next 10 years.
Outdoor First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

Outdoor First Aid Tips for Dog Owners

  • 8/24/2016 11:04:00 AM
  • View Count 12135
According to a leading national survey, more than 54 percent of American households have a dog, and nearly 78 million dogs are pets across the nation. These animals can provide comfort, protection and affection for their owners to a degree nearly unrivaled in the animal kingdom, and in return we protect our pooches as best we can. But despite our best efforts, accidents occasionally happen in the great outdoors that endanger our fuzzy friends’ well-being. While first aid is never a substitute for veterinary care, ...
Campfire Cooking: Dutch Baby Pancakes

Campfire Cooking: Dutch Baby Pancakes

  • 8/17/2016 3:29:00 PM
  • View Count 14446
This sweet, hearty breakfast will please young and old alike. And just by chance, if you have a tiny slice left over at the end of the day, a scoop of ice cream alongside, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate makes a mighty fine dessert. 
12 Comfy and Cozy Camping Hacks

12 Comfy and Cozy Camping Hacks

  • 8/17/2016 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 16735
Camping is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors, but the enjoyment you get is partially dependent on your planning. Use the following tips to keep your trip hassle-free—it might make you more inclined to go again!
7 Cool Ways to Cut Your Summer Energy Use

7 Cool Ways to Cut Your Summer Energy Use

  • 8/16/2016 3:34:00 PM
  • View Count 7435
As summer warms up, it’s easy to crank up the air conditioning to beat the heat. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy on your wallet. Check out the tips below for keeping your home’s temperature low and your bills even lower.
7 Tips for Starting a Backyard Pollinator Garden

7 Tips for Starting a Backyard Pollinator Garden

  • 8/11/2016 2:05:00 PM
  • View Count 37634
Not all wildlife is supersized. Small animals, including insects and hummingbirds, are responsible for the processes that bring us everything from cotton for clothes to the strawberries in the supermarket. According to the American Honeybee Federation, honeybees alone are responsible for up to 90 percent of the pollination of certain crops, and contribute more than a $14 billion value to the U.S. agricultural industry. With the recent declines in honeybee and monarch butterfly populations, you can make an importa...
4 Lures That Walleye Can’t Resist

4 Lures That Walleye Can’t Resist

  • 8/10/2016 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 99735
Elusive and defiant, the walleye has duped even the most determined fanatics for decades. Struggle no more to wrangle in these clever beasts with a few surefire methods. With the necessary gear and the right technique, no amount of bad luck can keep the walleye from biting on your line.
Join the Iowa DNR at the 2016 Iowa State Fair

Join the Iowa DNR at the 2016 Iowa State Fair

  • 8/3/2016 2:00:00 PM
  • View Count 7844
A trip to the Iowa State Fair is not complete without a stop at the Iowa DNR building – you’ll want to stop to see the Iowa fish in the historic aquarium, have your questions answered, and take in a presentation in our beautiful courtyard.
Tales From the Sundown Club

Tales From the Sundown Club

  • 7/29/2016 1:47:00 PM
  • View Count 11217
A familiar pond takes on a surreal new world as darkness settles and an angler’s senses rely more on sound and feel than eyesight.
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