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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: Neal SmithReturn

Central Iowa birding opportunities abound at Chichaqua - Neal Smith Bird Conservation Area

• 7/5/2023 12:08:00 PM
• View Count 3850

Dedicated in the spring of 2005, the Chichaqua-Neal Smith Grassland Bird Conservation Area (BCA) is an important stop along the bird migration. Based on weather radar, an estimated 800 million birds migrate through Iowa in the spring, and up to one billion in the fall, which puts Iowa in the top five states in the country for volume.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Media Advisory Highlighting hunting access at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and across the country

• 10/8/2019 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 3057

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are proud to expand access to quality hunting and fishing at national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries across the country. Please join us on Thursday October 10, 2019 as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon highlight recent successes in expanding hunting and hunter retention in Iowa and across the country.

Neal Smith Trail closed at the I-35/80 bridge over the Des Moines River

• 9/10/2019 2:28:00 PM
• View Count 4142

GRIMES, Iowa – Work to repair and widen the Interstate 35/80 bridge over the Des Moines River will detour trail users of the Neal Smith Trail for their safety on a signed detour until summer 2021, weather permitting, according to the Iowa DOT.

A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation

• 7/30/2019 4:03:00 PM
• View Count 7122

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.

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

• 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
• View Count 4043

Des Moines – The Neal Smith Trail will be closed temporarily near mile marker 24 for repairs beginning Wednesday, June 22. The section of the trail is located near the Gannet Shelter and east boat ramp in Big Creek State Park. Repairs are expected to be completed June 24, weather permitting.

Meet Sparky, a Bison Lucky to Be Alive

• 5/17/2016 11:15:00 AM
• View Count 25135

In rare cases, an animal can survive a lightning strike, like a bison struck in 2013 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City. This bison earned his new nickname “Sparky” the hard way.