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Students learning outdoors by a lake

Learn, Explore & Educate

Strengthen your knowledge about Iowa's natural beauty with educational programs, resources, and activities from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

  • Classroom & Teacher Resources
  • Boating Rules & Safety
  • Family Fishing Tips
  • Hunter Education & Safety
  • Paddling Education & Safety
  • Snowmobile Education & Safety

Learn & Explore

  • Classroom & Teacher Resources

    Get workshops and activities to explore the Iowa outdoors with your class and students.

  • Forest Safety & Learning

    Learn how to take care of Iowa's forests by preserving and protecting when you visit.

  • Project WILD & WILD Aquatic

    Access workshops, online guides, resources, and more to explore the wild outdoors.

  • Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW)

    An opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills associated with many outdoor pursuits.

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Springbrook State Park Wildlife Camp
Take It Outside State Park Camps

Come Create Unforgettable Memories!

Sign your kids up for a fun five-day immersive adventure they will never forget. Campers will explore some of the most amazing places in Iowa and build outdoor skills that can last a lifetime.

Registration is limited to 30 students per camp.

News Releases

View All DNR News Releases
August 6, 2026

Water Summary Update: Drought watches issued for western Iowa as dry conditions persist

Dry conditions in late July resulted in degraded conditions across much of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update
August 6, 2026

Air quality permits for review, published 08/06/2026

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review

Air Quality Draft Permits
August 4, 2026

Tips to control late summer underwater aquatic plants in ponds

A healthy pond needs aquatic plants, but too many can upset a fishing pond’s balance and become a nuisance.

August 4, 2026

Year round recreation available at Dekalb Wildlife Area

Given its size and ease of access, it’s no wonder that Dekalb Wildlife Area is a popular spot with hunters, birders and those who like to walk in the woods.

Wildlife Management Areas
August 4, 2026

Habitat variety draws visitors to Lake Iowa and Lake Iowa Marsh

Along Iowa Hwy. 15 out of Armstrong leads to Lake Iowa and Lake Iowa Marsh – two public areas nearly identical in shape and size on the Iowa Minnesota border.

Wildlife Management Areas
August 4, 2026

Sioux Falls man identified in fatal West Okoboji Lake boat collision

Zhong Jie Teng, 64, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died from injuries suffered from a boating collision on West Lake Okoboji on Aug. 2.

Boating

Department of Natural Resources

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Iowa DNR Customer Service

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Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

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515-725-8200

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