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6 Things You Might not Know About Iowa's Turtles

6 Things You Might not Know About Iowa's Turtles

  • 9/8/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 47410
Whether they walk on land or paddle in the river, the 17 species of turtles we have in Iowa are much more complex than meets the eye - many tout extensive lifespans and specific habitat needs. See how much turtle trivia you know:
Popular Outdoor Expo is September 26-27

Popular Outdoor Expo is September 26-27

  • 9/8/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 3579
The opportunity for families to experience the fun of Iowa’s outdoors is right around the corner. The seventh annual Iowa Outdoor Expo is Sept. 26 and 27 at Waterworks Park in Des Moines.
Relaxed Fishing Regulations Extended at Q Pond

Relaxed Fishing Regulations Extended at Q Pond

  • 9/8/2015 11:03:00 AM
  • View Count 5278
OSCEOLA - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources relaxed fishing regulations at Q Pond in Osceola last summer due to water loss associated with an issue with the lake’s outlet structure.
Water Summary Update: Conditions Continue to be Drought Free

Water Summary Update: Conditions Continue to be Drought Free

  • 9/4/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 3654
DES MOINES — Continued rains have resulted in drought free conditions for the state. Streamflow remains normal to above normal in most areas and groundwater levels are slightly below normal in areas of Dubuque and Winneshiek Counties. However, the overall assessment of the state’s conditions is near-normal.
Hawkeye Wildlife Refuge Open for Special Urban Canada Goose, Teal Season

Hawkeye Wildlife Refuge Open for Special Urban Canada Goose, Teal Season

  • 9/3/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4617
The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area participates each year in a special urban Canada goose season designed to reduce local populations of giant Canada geese before other subspecies of Canada geese migrate through Iowa in the fall. This year’s season is Sept. 5 – 13.
7 Ways to Attract Songbirds to Your Yard

7 Ways to Attract Songbirds to Your Yard

  • 9/2/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 21156
Whether you’re trying to attract photo subjects or some cute little neighbors for company, creating a songbird habitat in your yard is a great way to get nature to come to you. No matter if you’ve got a yard the size of a postage stamp or a full acreage, there are plenty of ways to draw in the feathered friends you’re looking for. Check out the tips and tricks below for making your yard as homey as possible.
What's The Best Time of Day to Catch Fish?

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

  • 9/2/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 54071
Anglers may argue until they’re blue in the gills about the best bait to use in procurement of our fine, finned friends. But most are in agreement that, above all else, weather distinguishes a good day of fishing from a bad one. Not unlike most humans, weather conditions affect the behavior of our aquatic acquaintances.
Operation Releaf Event Set For Poweshiek County

Operation Releaf Event Set For Poweshiek County

  • 9/2/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4029
POWESHIEK COUNTY – A popular program offering landscape-quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held in Grinnell, Saturday, Sept. 19.
BOW Workshop Registration Price Increases Sept 4; Openings Still Available

BOW Workshop Registration Price Increases Sept 4; Openings Still Available

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 3290
Women can still answer their “call of the wild” by registering for the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop Sept. 18-20 at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center in Guthrie County. Women thinking about participating are encouraged to sign up now. After Sept. 4, the cost of the workshop increases from $150 to $180.
Springbrook State Park to Close for Repairs Sept 8

Springbrook State Park to Close for Repairs Sept 8

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4002
Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County will shut down beginning Sept. 8 for major road repairs. Repairs will include replacing the bridge coming into the park and the culvert in the campground, and repairing the main road between the spillway and the picnic area. The park will be closed to vehicle traffic until completion, which is scheduled to be May 21, 2016 (weather dependent).
4 Hidden Surprises at Ledges State Park

4 Hidden Surprises at Ledges State Park

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 53376
Ledges State Park may be one of the most popular parks in the state, but how well do you know it? Check out this list of lesser- known park perks and attractions from park manager Andy Bartlett.
Fishing Regulations Relaxed at Bob White

Fishing Regulations Relaxed at Bob White

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4701
ALLERTON- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is relaxing fishing regulations at Bob White Lake, in Wayne County, until 10:00 p.m. September 21, to allow anglers to harvest fish before the lake is drained as part of a renovation project.
Informal Comment Period for the Draft Fee Rules and Draft Fee Schedule

Informal Comment Period for the Draft Fee Rules and Draft Fee Schedule

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 3707
The Department conducted advisory group meetings with stakeholders in June and July 2015 to develop the rules and fee types and amounts to implement Senate File 488. Stakeholders continued to provide comments during the informal comment period that has been on-going since the meetings. The Department has revised the draft fee rules to incorporate changes based on the comments provided by stakeholders.
Iowa's Pheasant Population Jumps 37 Percent; Quail Highest Count in 21 Years

Iowa's Pheasant Population Jumps 37 Percent; Quail Highest Count in 21 Years

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 16149
Iowa’s pheasant population increased for the second year in a row to a statewide average of 24 birds, up 37 percent over 2014. This is the highest bird count since 2008 for most of the state, and in southeast Iowa, it’s the highest count in more than a decade.
Sun Rises on the 2015 Dove Opener

Sun Rises on the 2015 Dove Opener

  • 9/1/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4185
The first shot came 18 minutes into the season and was quickly followed by others from the 10 or so hunters at the Kellerton Wildlife Area in Ringgold County. After a few hours of hunting – and hundreds of empty shells - this group of friends was well on their way to filling their limit.
Local REAP Meetings Begin September 29

Local REAP Meetings Begin September 29

  • 9/1/2015 11:38:00 AM
  • View Count 4090
Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies begin this fall, giving all Iowans an opportunity to discuss what their vision is for Iowa’s outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources and land management and more.
Draw Down Begins at Pleasant Creek Lake

Draw Down Begins at Pleasant Creek Lake

  • 8/28/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4929
PALO – A drawdown has begun at the Pleasant Creek Recreation Area located five miles north of Palo in Linn County.
7 Things To Try Outdoors This Week: Labor Day Edition

7 Things To Try Outdoors This Week: Labor Day Edition

  • 8/28/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 5956
Even with school back in session and Labor Day heralding in the unofficial end to summer, that doesn’t mean you need to hole up inside until next summer. Enjoy this holiday week with new ideas each day on how to get out and enjoy Iowa’s outdoors.
Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

  • 8/25/2015 9:13:00 AM
  • View Count 175998
All animals shed their skin. Some just do it in more grandiose (and visible) style. 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, which occurs between four and 12 times a year.

Go Cave Exploring in Iowa

  • 8/20/2015 9:34:00 AM
  • View Count 33845
You might not expect it, but 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! (That’s cave exploring, for those in the know.)
9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

  • 8/20/2015 9:23:00 AM
  • View Count 88644
Backbone is one of Iowa’s largest state parks, checking in at just more than 2,000 acres. Even if you’ve been to the park before, do you really know all the surprises it has to offer? To test your knowledge and find new destinations at the park, check out the featured facts and attractions below from park manager Mary Shea.
How to Fish From a Kayak

How to Fish From a Kayak

  • 8/13/2015 9:52:00 AM
  • View Count 12156
Fishing from a kayak is great way to stay active and get up close with nature. There’s a unique angling challenge around each bend. Try these tips to get you started.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Tips for Newbies

Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Tips for Newbies

  • 8/13/2015 9:49:00 AM
  • View Count 10183
You might be familiar with canoes and kayaks, but a whole new paddling adventure can be had with stand-up paddle boarding (SUP for those in the know). See the tips and tricks below from certified SUP instructor Todd Robertson on how to get your own adventure started, and always check water levels before you go.
8 Iowa Animals You May Not Know are Threatened or Endangered

8 Iowa Animals You May Not Know are Threatened or Endangered

  • 8/11/2015 9:57:00 AM
  • View Count 22408
Nothing sounds more common than a mouse, owl, turtle or bat, but in Iowa, loss of habitat and other threats are creating serious conditions for different species of these critters, landing them on Iowa’s threatened and endangered species list.
Go Exploring: 14 Iowa Wildlife Tracks to Look For

Go Exploring: 14 Iowa Wildlife Tracks to Look For

  • 8/7/2015 10:18:00 AM
  • View Count 47817
When you’re out enjoying Iowa’s great outdoors, how often do you think to look down? One of the best ways for a burgeoning photographer, hunter or wildlife enthusiast to figure out what types of animals are around is to look for tracks.
7 Summer Things to Do with Your Kids Before School Starts

7 Summer Things to Do with Your Kids Before School Starts

  • 8/7/2015 10:05:00 AM
  • View Count 9120
The end of summer is always a touch bittersweet for families. There’s excitement for a new school year, anticipation of ever-busier schedules, appreciation of the summer vacation itself and perhaps a longing for it not to end. Good news: it’s not over yet! Grab your little ones, your not-so-little ones, and some adventure gear while the whole family can head outside together for these fun activities.
Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

Cool Gadgets to Make Your Camping Trip Easier

  • 8/5/2015 11:03:00 AM
  • View Count 18928
While camping in Iowa goes all the way from roughing it to glamping, there’s no denying there are gadgets and gear that are must-haves – and then there are some that are just fun!
Greening Up Your Yard: What You Can Do

Greening Up Your Yard: What You Can Do

  • 8/4/2015 11:07:00 AM
  • View Count 10844
Climate change, greenhouse gases, carbon footprints, water quality— the problems are huge and the impact we can deliver seems minimal. But, you can do something simple—cut back on yardwork. Most people don’t think about the carbon footprint left by their lawns and lawn care. Green is green, right?
4 Dutch Oven Recipes Your Taste Buds Want You to Try

4 Dutch Oven Recipes Your Taste Buds Want You to Try

  • 7/30/2015 8:18:00 AM
  • View Count 80769
Dutch ovens are the quintessential piece of campfire cookery. Switch up the hot dog and burgers routine with these mouth-watering recipes - after you review the basics, of course.
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