The Iowa DNR in partnership with Shelby County Conservation, Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, and the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program recently completed a new archery range located at the Nishna Bend Recreation Area in Shelby County. The official “ribbon cutting” was held with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry on October 19. For counties interested in exploring archery range development or to inquire about available grant opportunities, contact Zach Benttine, Archery Education & Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] or 515-205-8709.
To learn more about the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program or to help a school get started, visit the Iowa DNR webpage.
Trees for Kids Grant Applications Due: January 8, 2027
The Trees for Kids grant program serves to educate K-12 and college students in Iowa about the importance of trees through tree planting events at schools and on public land. Grant recipients are awarded up to $2,500 per project to purchase trees and mulch from Iowa nurseries.
he Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts nocturnal spotlight surveys from mid-March to mid-May, annually. Surveys are completed in all 99 Iowa counties and total ~4,780 mi of surveyed rural roads. In 2026, a total of 19,690 wildlife observations were recorded.
Have a conservation project in mind but need materials to get it started? Give the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) a call. What someone else no longer needs might be just what you’re looking for.
As you collect native seeds this fall and plan next year’s projects, consider where reused materials could help. Pots, buckets, growing trays, shelving, and worktables could support native plant propagation. Large wooden server shipping boxes could be adapted into storage sheds, bird blinds, trail supply cabinets, or outdoor equipment storage. Suitable untreated lumber could become birdhouses, bat houses or benches or tables for an outdoor classroom.
Recovered materials can be used for nature center displays, hands-on activities, and make-and-take projects that give visitors a practical introduction to reuse. Buckets, tools, and storage containers may also come in handy for volunteer planting days and park cleanups.
IWE is a free, confidential, non-regulatory service available of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is administered by Region XII Council of Governments. We can help look for materials you need and find homes for usable items you no longer need.
The fun starts October 23. Iowa DNR will release about 1,500 rainbow trout at 20 locations as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.
AJay Winter, Outdoor Skills Specialist, ended his remarkable 29-year career as an educator and training specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on August 27. Hunter Education Coordinator, Jamie Cook, will serve as the primary contact for the Western half of the state until the position is refilled.
Check the Iowa DNR's weekly Fall Color Reports for details on where to see the best fall color in Iowa. Reports start Sept. 30 and go through the end of October.
The Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program (WRAC) provides funding to help construct or improve boat access facilities, such as ramps and docks, on Iowa's lakes and streams. Eligible applicants are political subdivisions of the State of Iowa with projects costing at least $1,000, and funding is typically provided on a 75% state to 25% local cost-share basis—with some projects qualifying for full state funding. Certain expenses, such as land acquisition for non-boating uses and commercial facilities, are not eligible. Grant applications are due by midnight, September 30, 2026, through Slide Room.
The U.S. Coast Guard invites boaters nationwide to take part in the NRBSS. Share the link through your channels to ensure Iowa boaters' voices are represented.
The routes averaged 23 pheasants each this year, the second highest count in more than a decade, behind only the 2025 survey. Hunters in northeast Iowa will likely see the biggest population decrease. Full reports and maps coming soon on the
Get ready for the 2026-2027 hunting season with several important updates, including changes to deer license sales dates, new county regulations, and updated requirements for treestands and trapping tags. Notably, Iowa now features two resident deer hunting zones, new online reporting tools for “deadheads,” and stricter deadlines for online license sales. Visit the full news release for comprehensive details on all the changes and how they may affect your upcoming season.
DNR to host meetings on changes for upcoming deer season in western and northwestern Iowa. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 3 at Yellow Smoke Park, near Denison; Aug. 4, at Dennis L. Sohl Center, in Hinton; Aug. 5, at Sandy Hollow Clubhouse, in Sioux Center; and Aug. 6 at Prairie Heritage Center, near Peterson. All meetings begin at 6 p.m.
The Iowa State Fair is August 13-23. Explore upgrades to the Conservation Discovery Area, the new PBS Kids’ Corner, a birding exhibit, daily educational programs, and celebrate the fish aquariums’ 100th anniversary.
Throughout the July 3-5 weekend, Iowa DNR officers spent 1,146 hours patrolling Iowa's waters and coordinating with partner agencies. Officers inspected 873 vessels and contacted 3,191 boaters, resulting in the following:
74 boating citations
120 boating safety warnings
45 non-boating violations
7 BWI (alcohol violation) arrest
1 BWI (drug violation) arrest
A special thanks to the Iowa State Patrol, Tama County Conservation Board, Clayton County Sheriff's Office, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office, Illinois Department of Conservation, Nebraska Game Fish and Parks, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for their partnership and assistance over the holiday weekend.
July 2026 ICCS Updates
This August marks the 10th anniversary of National Shooting Sports Month! Explore https://www.shootingsportsmonth.org/ to discover how you can get involved and help make this milestone year the best one yet. The site features free downloadable targets, digital and print resources, social media kits, logos, event ideas, and more. National Shooting Sports Month, launched by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, celebrates the shooting sports community by uniting ranges, retailers, manufacturers, and organizations to promote safety and boost participation in target shooting nationwide. #LetsGoShooting #LetFreedomPlink
Megan Jorgensen, Naturalist with Washington County Conservation, attended the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) annual conference in Glendale, Arizona on a partial scholarship provided by the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association (IHEIA), fulfilling a long-held desire. Highlights of her experience included participating in sessions led by industry partners and a range day at the Ben Avery Shooting Range. She also had the opportunity to learn about the Conservation Archer Program App, which aims to help young archers further their skills and engagement with the outdoors.
Join our working group to help revamp the Iowa DNR’s Paddling Education Program. Contact Rachel Alliss, Boating Education Coordinator at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more.
Are you an Iowa Hunter Education Instructor? Get exclusive discounts (up to 65% off) on 350+ outdoor brands and enjoy a $10 Guidefitter store credit for joining, thanks to an Iowa DNR and IHEA-USA partnership. Not an instructor, but interested in learning more about how to become one? Contact Jamie Cook, Hunter Education Coordinator at [email protected].
What You’ll Receive
Exclusive Instructor Pricing up to 65% off on gear from 350+ leading outdoor brands such as Swarovski Optik, Weatherby, Garmin, Crispi, and many others.
$10 Store Credit automatically added to your Guidefitter account just for joining.
Access to the Guidefitter Community, where outdoor professionals share insights, reviews, and gear recommendations.
Support for IHEA — every signup through this partnership directly supports hunter education nationwide.
Create your Guidefitter account using your Instructor Email
Become instantly verified and receive your $10 store credit.
As long as you remain an IHEA member, your benefits stay active.
The Iowa DNR needs your help to document wild turkey production this summer. Please keep an eye out for wild turkeys as you travel around Iowa, work outside, and enjoy the outdoors.
If you spot a turkey or group of turkeys please take a moment to determine how many are adults, how many are young of year, and to the best of your ability the sex of the adults. We want to hear about each turkey you see this summer.
If you have questions regarding wild turkeys or this survey please contact Jim Coffey. If you encounter problems while trying to report an observation please contact Peter Fritzell.
June 2026 ICCS Updates
Dave Murcia and the folks at Scott County Conservation supported the largest district School of the Wild (SOW) program to date. Over the course of 3 weeks, more than 700 6th graders from Davenport Community Schools participated. All students explored wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and outdoor skills at West Lake Park.
School of the Wild is a statewide initiative to increase outdoor learning experiences for elementary and middle school students across Iowa. The University of Iowa’s College of Education, in partnership with Iowa schools, the Department of Natural Resources, County Conservation Boards, and many other local conservation organizations across the state, all work together to bring School of the Wild to students.
School of the Wild strives to provide all students with a meaningful outdoor learning experience that develops a sense of awareness and appreciation for the natural world and, in turn, leads them to act as positive stewards of all things wild.
Adam Ohsann, Scott County Conservation, recently had the opportunity to attend the National R3 Symposium on a scholarship from the Iowa DNR and the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, which was held in Des Moines from May 4-6.
“The conference was a great networking tool that provided insights into other states’ and NGO methods on providing outdoor recreation opportunities locally in their communities. It highlighted the importance of introducing youth and adults to the outdoors. Not just for their personal reasons but for wildlife management techniques.” - Adam Ohsann
This year’s symposium featured 56 speakers who shared practical insights, research findings, and field-tested strategies related to recruitment, retention, and reactivation. Sessions explored a wide variety of timely topics, including participation trends and public attitudes, effective program design, shooting sports resources, and strategies for responding to criticism of R3 efforts.
Volunteers are needed across Iowa in July to help monitor bat populations
affected by White Nose Syndrome using acoustic surveys along road transects
and at stationary sites. Teams of two will drive pre-determined routes at night, set up bat detectors, and record echolocation data, requiring about 11-12 hours over two weeks, a flexible schedule, and comfort with technology and slow night driving. This effort is essential for identifying hotspots of bat activity and understanding disease impacts; training and equipment will be provided.
Contact [email protected] if you are interested in assisting with a grid/route.
May 2026 ICCS Updates
Take It Outside State Park Camps offer 5-day adventures in Iowa’s great outdoors—explore, learn, and build outdoor skills. Help us spread the word! Visit the DNR Website for details and registration. Reach out to [email protected] to request a flyer to share.
Level 1 camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. These camps introduce young adventurers to outdoor basics and spark curiosity about nature. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp.
Please help us fill the camp locations listed below.
Level 2 camps help pre-teens and early teens deepen their outdoor experience through new challenges and advanced skills - perfect for campers with some know-how or those ready to try something new. These camps are for students entering 5th-8th grade. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp.
Please help us fill the camp location listed below.
Participants will learn paddling skills, how to identify hazard and river features, tips for teaching different learning styles, and risk management strategies. Instruction time will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem.
The schedule for 2026 paddling schools is:
May 12-13, Canoe School
June 17-18, Kayak School
Aug. 5-6, Kayak School
Sept. 15-16, Canoe School
To register or for more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/paddling-schools. Get your registration in quickly, these classes fill up fast.
The 2026 IHEA-USA Annual Meeting & Training is June 1–4, 2026. We’re excited to share that IHEA volunteer members can register for virtual attendance at no cost. This is open to all County Conservation staff who are certified hunter education instructors, as Iowa DNR maintains your access to IHEA-USA resources and training opportunities.
The Iowa DNR recently launched a statewide digital campaign promoting the Wild about Iowa Package to support conservation in Iowa. The package includes the habitat fee and a durable, commemorative hard card.
We are looking for a few county partners willing to pilot signage in their parks promoting the habitat fee to support conservation in the state. If you are interested in participating, contact [email protected] for more information.
Resources for public fishing events are now available, including a marketing toolkit, promotional map, planning form, and giveaways.
Counties are encouraged to submit events for Free Fishing Weekend (June 5-7) and throughout the year. Submit events for a chance to win fishing equipment and supplies.
Participants will learn paddling skills, how to identify hazard and river features, tips for teaching different learning styles, and risk management strategies. Instruction time will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem.
The schedule for 2026 paddling schools is:
May 12-13, Canoe School
June 17-18, Kayak School
Aug. 5-6, Kayak School
Sept. 15-16, Canoe School
To register or for more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/paddling-schools. Get your registration in quickly, these classes fill up fast.
Prairie chicken sightings can be reported by calling 515-230-6599 or emailed to [email protected]. Numbers are down in Iowa and the DNR would like to keep tabs on any birds that may have been missed during previous surveys. Learn more on the DNR webpage.
Everyone is invited to contribute to firefly conservation by participating in the survey and sharing sightings. By taking part, it’s possible to help researchers collect valuable data. The Firefly Atlas website offers a wealth of educational resources and fascinating facts about these enchanting insects.
This workshop consists of summer long archery practices, fall workshops and hunting opportunities throughout Iowa’s archery season. All sessions are led by instructors that possess the experience to teach skills necessary to become efficient archers and bowhunters. The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, several local County Conservation Boards, various vendors, and the Iowa DNR.
The popular trout stream stocking season started on March 30. Announced trout stream stockings are scheduled through September.
Find a list of stocked trout streams on the printed DNR trout stream map or visit the DNR trout fishing webpage for more information. Check out the 2026 trout stocking calendar to plan your trout fishing adventure on the go!
March 2026 ICCS Updates
Recent system changes have made it more complex to create Hunter Education classes. Effective immediately, the Hunter Ed (OSS) team will assume primary responsibility for creating new classes. Your ability to add students and instructors and modify course details will remain unchanged. Use the link below to submit information for new courses.
Thank you for including the Iowa DNR and the Education and Outreach Team in Winterfest. Winterfest is a valuable opportunity for us to connect with County Conservation staff and offer workshops. We appreciate the partnership and the chance to participate.
New posters and rack cards promoting responsible boating are now available. Counties are encouraged to communicate to the public the importance of taking a boater education course and downloading the latest boating regulations, as we will be printing only a limited supply of the handbooks in the future. Contact [email protected] to request posters and rack cards.
Wildflower season is almost here! The Iowa DNR will begin its weekly woodland wildflower bloom reports the week of March 23. These reports encourage families to get outdoors, educate Iowans about native forest floor plants and their importance, and raise awareness of our woodlands' rich biodiversity.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us track blooming woodland wildflowers across Iowa in past seasons. To contribute this season, email [email protected]. There is no weekly commitment—any report is appreciated.
The Iowa DNR, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service's Inflation Reduction Act, is facilitating Urban Forestry Development Grants to support community projects across Iowa. County Conservation Boards in eligible counties are encouraged to apply. Applications are due March 31, 2026.
The next round of grant applications will be available June 2026.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Northern States Caucus are offering two $1,000 scholarships to outstanding students pursuing studies in conservation, recreation, and related fields. Visit http://www.nasbla.org/nsc for more information. Applications are due February 13, 2026.
Help spread the word through your county’s newsletter, social media, and outreach channels during this year’s tax season. A small donation to the Fish/Wildlife Fund on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form can help support thousands of vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Learn more about the benefits of the Chickadee Checkoff and how to make a donation on the DNR webpage.
This year we are ramping up efforts to get more people outdoors and on the water. Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity to host an event and we need your help to meet our goal of 100 events across the state June 5-7. Stay tuned to upcoming newsletters for more information, event planning tools, free supplies, and giveaways along with a chance to win prize packs for your county.
