News Releases

Read the latest news from the DNR for environmental protection, recreation and conservation updates in Iowa.

Displaying 1201 - 1215 of 1231 results.
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News Release

Iowa's Sought-after Mystery Fruit: The Pawpaw

Called the “Indiana banana,” “custard apple” and other handles, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) tree grows through the southeast and lower Midwest.

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News Release

6 Cool Things You Might Not Know About Raccoons

Whether you call them trash bandits or just ‘coons, most everyone in Iowa has met this prominent Midwest mammal. See how well you know your local masked bandit.

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News Release

How to Identify Iowa’s Poisonous Plants

“Leaves of three, let it be.” Many of us had this mantra drilled into us as children, and we continue to repeat it when we venture into the woods today.

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News Release

Iowa's Best Hikes for Fall

Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests, especially in fall.

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News Release

5 Cool Things You Might Not Know About Otters

While assorted species of otters live on all but two continents, the only species we have in Iowa today is the North American river otter.

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News Release

11 Extinct Animals You Didn’t Know Were Iowan

As the eons have seen many species come and go across the globe, you may be surprised by some of the species that once called what we now know as Iowa home.

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News Release

6 Things You Might not Know About Iowa's Turtles

Whether they walk on land or paddle in the river, the 13 species of turtles in Iowa are more complex than meets the eye. See how much turtle trivia you know.

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News Release

What's The Best Time of Day to Catch Fish?

Anglers may argue about the best bait to catch our finned friends. Not unlike most humans, weather conditions affect the behavior of our aquatic acquaintances.

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News Release

7 Ways to Attract Songbirds to Your Yard

Creating a songbird habitat in your yard is a great way to get nature to come to you. Check out these tips and tricks for making your yard as homey as possible.

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News Release

4 Hidden Surprises at Ledges State Park

Ledges State Park may be one of the most popular parks in the state. How well do you know it? Check out this list of lesser- known park perks and attractions.

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News Release

Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

While humans “shed” millions of skin cells every day, snakes and other animals shed a layer of skin in one continuous piece, a process called ecdysis.

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News Release

9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

Backbone is one of Iowa’s largest state parks with more than 2,000 acres. Do you know all the surprises it has to offer? Check out the these attractions.

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News Release

Go Cave Exploring in Iowa

Iowa has caves of various sizes and shapes on both private and public land. And since some of them can be explored, it’s time to go spelunking!