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5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

  • 5/21/2020 2:28:00 PM
  • View Count 13749
As some of Iowa’s most remote and peaceful areas, state forests are different from parks because their primary goal is management of woodland resources. Forests can be overlooked recreation destinations because of their rustic amenities, but nature lovers who visit will find countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Iowa forests offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, hunting and even primitive camping. 
Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

  • 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
  • View Count 15209
DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa state parks will open modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins starting Friday, May 22 in time for Memorial Day weekend. This means campgrounds will be open for all campers, including RVs, pop-ups and tent camping. Youth group campsites will remain closed.
Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

  • 3/28/2020 1:42:00 PM
  • View Count 10674
Iowa state parks are continuing to look at ways to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. Iowa state parks are still open. However, please be aware of the following operational changes, effectively immediately, before visiting a state park.
A message about Iowa State Parks' response to COVID-19

A message about Iowa State Parks' response to COVID-19

  • 3/18/2020 3:25:00 PM
  • View Count 15336
We greatly appreciate your support and trust. In accordance with CDC guidelines and state recommendations pertaining to COVID-19, we want to  share with you important information about Iowa state parks. 
INHF to host State Park Centennial volunteer events at 3 state parks

INHF to host State Park Centennial volunteer events at 3 state parks

  • 3/3/2020 12:07:00 PM
  • View Count 2572
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), the Iowa Parks Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will kick off INHF's 2020 volunteer season and celebrate the Iowa State Parks Centennial with three volunteer events at Iowa state parks on Saturday, March 21.
Walleye season closes Feb. 14 on Iowa Great Lakes

Walleye season closes Feb. 14 on Iowa Great Lakes

  • 2/4/2020 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 2897
Spirit Lake, Iowa – The walleye fishing season on Spirit, East and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14. It will close after that date and reopens on May 2. These are the only Iowa lakes that have a closed season for walleye.
Gates removed on Upper Iowa River dam

Gates removed on Upper Iowa River dam

  • 1/7/2020 12:41:00 PM
  • View Count 3683
An emergency project to remove damaged gates from the southern segment of Lower Dam on the Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County is underway. The $60,000 project restores flow to nearly a mile of the Upper Iowa River that was dewatered after the dam was built.
With its premier location on the migration superhighway - Otter Creek Marsh is about to get busy

With its premier location on the migration superhighway - Otter Creek Marsh is about to get busy

  • 10/8/2019 11:42:00 AM
  • View Count 4007
Chelsea, Iowa - The viewing platform on County Road E66 can be a busy place when the annual migration is on. Looking out at the 3,800-acre Otter Creek Marsh, the platform offers and excellent view of tens of thousands of waterfowl, raptors and other birds as they zero in on this perfectly placed oasis during their journey each spring and fall.
Iowa DNR, Imagine Iowa Great Lakes launch seawall repair project

Iowa DNR, Imagine Iowa Great Lakes launch seawall repair project

  • 9/24/2019 12:55:00 PM
  • View Count 3003
Okoboji, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Imagine Iowa Great Lakes began work this week to repair the seawall at Arnolds Park. The project will stabilize the foundation of the sidewalk and ultimately serve as a platform for the beautification work led by Imagine Iowa Great Lakes.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launch new donor registry

Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launch new donor registry

  • 9/5/2019 8:07:00 AM
  • View Count 3250
DES MOINES, IA— The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launched a new organ, eye, and tissue donor registry on Wednesday, September 4th. The new registry makes it possible for Iowans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors when obtaining a hunting, fishing or fur harvester license.
Sheen on Iowa City creek investigated

Sheen on Iowa City creek investigated

  • 8/19/2019 9:23:00 AM
  • View Count 1856
IOWA CITY - An ongoing sheen on Ralston Creek in Iowa City has been traced to a seep in the bed of the creek.
Wildlife, prairie thrive on Schrader Wildlife Area

Wildlife, prairie thrive on Schrader Wildlife Area

  • 8/7/2019 11:32:00 AM
  • View Count 3215
Vail, Iowa - The Schrader Wildlife Area in Crawford County has been transformed from highly productive west central Iowa farmland into a highly productive prairie that has attracted a unique mix of wildlife, including being one of very few locations in Iowa that has bobwhite quail, pheasants and Hungarian partridge at one site.
A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation

A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation

  • 7/30/2019 4:03:00 PM
  • View Count 7152
It has all the elements of a good science fiction novel—an invasive species that hides in darkness and tries to take over native species using deception and disguise. It has all the elements of a good superhero movie—superheroes that work under the light of the moon and a veil of fog using superpowers that go beyond human ability.
Paddlers urged to use caution on two popular river sections

Paddlers urged to use caution on two popular river sections

  • 7/30/2019 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 3332
Paddlers need to use caution on the Raccoon River in Des Moines and Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County. Two natural hazards on Iowa rivers are reminders that river users need to stay aware, wear life jackets, and make safe decisions on the water.
Outdoor groups sponsor open house for novice, lapsed hunters

Outdoor groups sponsor open house for novice, lapsed hunters

  • 7/23/2019 12:39:00 PM
  • View Count 2864
A coalition of outdoor organizations is hosting an open house showcasing opportunities to get involved with the outdoors through hunting, shooting sports and fishing. The event – Hunt Iowa Social – is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Aug. 19, at the Saylorville Fire Department, 211 NW 54th Avenue, in Des Moines.
Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

  • 7/16/2019 3:07:00 PM
  • View Count 18048
For those not in the know, it seems easy to dismiss Iowa simply as the tall corn state; however, those taking a closer look may be surprised to discover Iowa’s state forests offer ultra-quiet, serene and scenic backpacking campsites.
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

  • 6/27/2019 8:58:00 AM
  • View Count 5555
Plenty of exciting activities are happening at state parks over Fourth of July weekend. Check out the list below to find a holiday activity near you and make your camping reservation today!
Morel hunting: paper. plastic or mesh?

Morel hunting: paper. plastic or mesh?

  • 5/15/2019 1:20:00 PM
  • View Count 13594
Seasoned morel mushroom hunters often advise novices to skip plastic and pack mesh bags when collecting Iowa’s spring delectable gift. They claim mesh bags allow morel spores to float to the timber floor to produce more of the golden treasures.
Is it okay to look in a bird's nest?

Is it okay to look in a bird's nest?

  • 5/8/2019 12:46:00 PM
  • View Count 6946
This time of year is very busy outdoors. Birds are in the process of building and rebuilding nests, sitting on eggs or taking care of their young. Not all birds nest at the same time. Some start as early as mid-February, such as great horned owls. And some as late as August, such as the American goldfinch.
Diesel spilled south of Iowa Falls

Diesel spilled south of Iowa Falls

  • 4/22/2019 9:42:00 PM
  • View Count 2183
IOWA FALLS – About 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled early Monday afternoon, reaching the South Fork of the Iowa River in Iowa Falls.
Iowa Launches ‘20 Artists, 20 Parks’ to Commemorate State Park Centennial

Iowa Launches ‘20 Artists, 20 Parks’ to Commemorate State Park Centennial

  • 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
  • View Count 13651
DES MOINES – In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in 2020, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; and Iowa State University are bringing 20 artists to 20 state parks this summer.
Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

  • 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
  • View Count 3172
DES MOINES ⎯ As Iowans eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, state park staff are preparing for the start of the 2019 camping season. The first weekend of May marks the official launch of the summer camping season with Iowa State Parks’ annual Camping Kickoff celebration.
Make an Iowa State Park cabin your Spring Break destination

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your Spring Break destination

  • 3/6/2019 9:19:00 AM
  • View Count 7862
With spring break quickly approaching, make sure you set your plans now for a getaway in one of Iowa’s state park cabins! While the season isn’t in full bloom yet, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a stay at one of 10 state parks with available spring cabins. It’s easy to make an Iowa state park cabin your spring break destination:
Iowa Great Lakes curlyleaf pondweed management plans for 2019

Iowa Great Lakes curlyleaf pondweed management plans for 2019

  • 3/5/2019 12:48:00 PM
  • View Count 3201
Spirit Lake - Invasive curlyleaf pondweed has become a common site in the spring on portions of the Iowa Great Lakes in recent years. The 2019 plan for managing this plant will be similar to 2018, but treat more acres.
Walleye season closes Feb. 14 on Iowa Great Lakes

Walleye season closes Feb. 14 on Iowa Great Lakes

  • 1/29/2019 2:29:00 PM
  • View Count 3149
SPIRIT LAKE – The walleye fishing season on Spirit, East and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14, 2019.  It will close after that date and reopen on May 4, 2019. These are the only Iowa lakes that have a closed season for walleye.
Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
  • View Count 6406
DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  
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