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Archive by tag: winReturn

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

• 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
• View Count 5314

The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching. And many of the parks have great ice fishing lakes.

Iowa owl identification guide

• 12/5/2016 2:51:00 PM
• View Count 100878

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.

Avoid fall plowing – leave food and cover for wildlife

• 10/18/2016 12:18:00 PM
• View Count 9201

Fall tillage practices, even reduced tillage techniques such as disking and chisel plowing, can eliminate important winter food and cover for many wildlife species in Iowa. 

View raptors at the High Trestle hawk watch

• 10/4/2016 1:44:00 PM
• View Count 4465

Join experts and birding novices at the family-friendly High Trestle Hawk Watch Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The hawk watch will be at the High Trestle Bridge’s main viewing platform on the west side of the bridge and the new shelter on the east side of the bridge.

Historic Fort Atkinson State Preserve Comes Alive, Sept 24-25

• 9/13/2016 12:56:00 PM
• View Count 4085

Hundreds of soldiers, buckskinners, craft demonstrators, hunters, trappers and traders will recreate life in the 1840s, Sept 24-25 at the 40th Annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous.

Alliant Energy and Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau Team up to Offer Eight Operation ReLeaf this Fall

• 8/2/2016 1:38:00 PM
• View Count 4752

DES MOINES – A popular program offering landscape quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held at eight locations across Iowa this fall. Residential tree distributions will be held in Clinton, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Linn, Marshall, Washington, and Winnebago counties this September and October.

Governor's Environmental Excellence Award Winners Announced

• 7/28/2016 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 7027

DES MOINES — Governor Terry E. Branstad will recognize 22 Iowa organizations, businesses and communities at the Iowa Environmental Excellence awards ceremony Aug 2. The awards are the premier environmental honors in Iowa. 

Iowa Students Recognized for Iowa State-Fish Drawings

• 5/17/2016 12:22:00 PM
• View Count 4550

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Wildlife Forever® State-Fish Art® Contest to host an Iowa State-Fish Art Contest.

Public Meeting To Discuss Twin Lakes Improvement Plan

• 5/4/2016 3:23:00 PM
• View Count 4324

MANSON - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Iowa State University and the Twin Lakes Restoration Association will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., May 19, at the Twin Lakes Bible Camp, to discuss plans for improving the water quality in North and South Twin lakes in Calhoun County.

Many Iowa Evergreens Showing Signs of Winter Burn

• 4/5/2016 6:32:00 AM
• View Count 5895

Conifers, or evergreen trees, provide color and wind protection to the Iowa landscape during the winter months. However, this year, many of these trees are showing signs of winter desiccation, also known as winter burn.

Meeting to Discuss Windmill Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

• 3/24/2016 7:22:00 AM
• View Count 4645

BEDFORD – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Windmill Lake in Taylor County can attend a meeting April 7. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lake to the meeting for discussion.

Choose Iowa's Top State Park and Earn a Chance to Win a Free Weekend of Camping

• 3/15/2016 8:04:00 AM
• View Count 4403

DES MOINES — Take time this March to fill out another kind of bracket and support your local state park. Join the DNR’s Park Madness on Facebook, and be in the running to win a free weekend of camping.

Late Winter is Best Time to Manage Roadsides

• 3/8/2016 6:34:00 AM
• View Count 9225

Iowa has more than 1.6 million acres of road right-of-ways and when properly managed these roadsides provide important nesting, roosting, and escape habitat for pheasants, partridge, quail, ducks, rabbits and many different songbirds.

DNR Working With Producer to Prevent Runoff from Manure in Winneshiek County

• 1/29/2016 10:59:00 AM
• View Count 4986

BURR OAK – The DNR Manchester field office worked with a hog producer to prevent runoff from emergency winter manure application about 15 miles north of Decorah.

Batavia Teen Wins Gen-X Bow Promotion

• 1/26/2016 7:16:00 AM
• View Count 4271

Jacob Stiles, 14, of Batavia, has won a new Gen-X Bow valued at $275 after his name was drawn on Jan. 19. Stiles will pick up his right handed, blue Gen-X Bow from Buck Hollow Sports, in Pella.

Cabin Fever: Backbone State Park

• 1/19/2016 7:11:00 AM
• View Count 15972

In Iowa’s oldest state park, old man winter won’t slow you down–he’s just part of the scenery.

Winter Paddling Provides Thrills

• 1/5/2016 9:29:00 AM
• View Count 4533

Iowa paddlers and other water recreationists have been treated to above average temperatures and open water since November. While ice anglers have been grumbling, some paddlers have taken enjoyed the extended paddling season the mild winter has brought. Most rivers are ice free and running high from the December rains.

Are There Winter Tornadoes in Iowa?

• 1/5/2016 8:00:00 AM
• View Count 9778

Because tornadoes usually require warm, humid air to form, it’s not surprising winter tornadoes are rare in Iowa. But they can happen, and occur more frequently in the southern states during winter versus the Upper Midwest.

11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

• 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM
• View Count 88321

The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.

6 Ways to Start Off the New Year Outdoors

• 12/29/2015 9:37:00 AM
• View Count 8918

What better way to celebrate the new year than by getting outdoors? Here are a few ideas to get your year off to a good start!

Winter Trout Stocking Begins Jan 9

• 12/29/2015 6:47:00 AM
• View Count 7140

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.

Put Some Wonder in the Winter By Giving the December Specialty Packet from the State Forest Nursery

• 12/1/2015 6:56:00 AM
• View Count 4649

DES MOINES – Add some special interest to your winter landscape, or maybe the yard of someone on your gift-giving list, with the Winter Wonderland specialty packet from Iowa’s State Forest Nursery.

Winter Wonderland: Trees to Put Wonder in Your Winter

• 12/1/2015 6:52:00 AM
• View Count 7618

Spruce up your yard or acreage and put some wonder in your winter with these trees and shrubs that will look good all year long.

Archery Participation Benefiting From Popular Movie Franchise

• 11/17/2015 10:28:00 AM
• View Count 5306

Archery is experiencing a wave of popularity thanks, in part, to the successful Hunger Games series, and locally to Iowa’s expanding archery in the schools program.

4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

• 7/29/2015 8:30:00 AM
• View Count 36921

Kayaking is a great way to explore the state and get some exercise, but if you intend to stay the night at a paddle-in only campsite, you have to pack thoughtfully. Check out the advice below, approved by DNR paddling expert and instructor Todd Robertson, to help you start camping comfortably with your kayak. And remember, always check water levels before you go.

6 Water Trails to Explore This Spring

• 4/30/2015 10:36:00 AM
• View Count 23877

If you’re looking to blaze a new trail this spring, consider hitting the water for something different. Iowa boasts a number of water trails, which offer a unique perspective on Iowa in spring.

Jump Into Winter Wildlife Tracking

• 2/25/2015 3:28:00 AM
• View Count 19781

Kids (of all ages!) love discovery, and what better way to feed that need than by turning snowbound winter days into a fun family or couple’s outing. Better yet, set aside time for regular outdoor jaunts to create a memorable tradition.

Winter Camouflage and Coloration in Iowa's Wildlife

• 2/20/2015 4:18:00 AM
• View Count 11321

For many Iowa animals, the stark landscape – bare trees and a bright white groundcover – makes them stand out more in the winter, which is good news for those who enjoy watching wildlife. But for a few Iowa critters, winter is a time for them to blend in with the scenery.

Top Calorie-Burning Winter Outdoor Activities

• 2/19/2015 10:25:00 AM
• View Count 9703

Need to work off those Valentine’s Day chocolates or finally make good on a New Year’s Resolution? Or just looking a fun activity to try this winter weekend? Try these top outdoor activities for burning calories.

Winter Photo Tips from One of Iowa's Top Nature Photographers

• 1/29/2015 8:46:00 AM
• View Count 9050

Don’t let winter weather keep your camera up on the shelf, as the season can provide excellent opportunities for shooting picturesque winter landscapes and photographing Iowa’s wildlife at a time when they’re most visible and easy to find.

Tips for Better Winter Bird Feeding

• 1/15/2015 10:37:00 AM
• View Count 19913

If winter cold and snow drive you indoors, open a colorful cold-weather window with hours of bird-watching entertainment. Iowans spend more than $300 million annually watching wildlife, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Much of that comes from feeding birds, especially through our cold weather months. Use these tips to attract the most birds.

Make Your Own Winter Survival Kit

• 1/9/2015 9:58:00 AM
• View Count 8599

Winter outdoor lovers should take extra travel precautions as rural and natural areas can put you alone against the elements during emergencies. A skid into a ditch, mechanical problems, black ice, drifting snow or sudden storms can lead to unplanned, dangerous situations in areas where passersby are rare.

What Do Snakes Do in the Winter?

• 1/9/2015 5:43:00 AM
• View Count 17060

Snakes, being cold-blooded, rely on their surroundings to regulate body temperature. Like other ectothermic animals, they bask in the sun to warm up, seek shade or water to cool down. So, when conditions are not conducive for temperature regulation, they brumate.

Iowa Winter Treks and Trails to Test Those Fitness Trackers

• 1/7/2015 8:59:00 AM
• View Count 12101

If you’re looking for a way to put that new fitness tracker to the test and you’re sick of walking circles at the gym, take it outside and try some of these top winter trail activities in Iowa’s state parks, recreation areas and forests.

Enjoy Iowa's outdoors in the winter with these basic tips to stay warm

• 1/2/2015 10:57:00 AM
• View Count 11869

With real-deal winter temperatures making themselves known in Iowa, it calls to mind the old saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

• 12/5/2014 9:11:00 AM
• View Count 7000

From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

• 12/5/2014 5:16:00 AM
• View Count 11476

From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.

Six tips for cold-weather trout fishing

• 12/3/2014 9:29:00 AM
• View Count 35994

If you want to fish this winter in Iowa without stepping out on the ice, check out northeast Iowa’s trout streams, which rarely freeze and are open for fishing year-round. Or if you’re not able to make the trip, we stock a number of urban lakes statewide with trout for a new fishing experience through the ice.

Best Iowa State Parks for Fall and Winter Wildlife Viewing

• 11/14/2014 9:18:00 AM
• View Count 8727

Cooler temperatures in Iowa don’t have to mean hibernation – if you like watching Iowa’s wildlife, there are still sights to be seen in late fall and winter! Grab the binoculars and camera and get ready for a quiet drive or crisp hike to watch birds, waterfowl, deer and turkey.

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