An annual survey of birds with more than a century-old history opened on Dec. 14. Volunteers can take one day between now and Jan. 5, 2018, to count every bird in a particular area of the state, as part of the annual effort. The event began when American ornithologist Frank Chapman suggested that the tradition […]
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Category: The Great Outdoors
Eleven-year-old boy injured in hunting a...
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported today that an 11-year-old boy was injured while pheasant hunting in Jackson County. Iowa is not alone in allowing children to hunt when accompanied by an adult, though requirements vary from state to state, with some requiring an approved hunter education course and others, such as Maine, barring […]
Thousands of fish killed in Cedar Rapids...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Iowa’s only urban trout stream suffered a setback this week, when more than 2,000 fish were killed after a break in a water main caused treated water to spill into McLoud Run in Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported the following on Tuesday, Aug. 1: A break in a […]
Mountain lion killed in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported that a mountain lion was killed today in western Iowa. Similar to black bears, mountain lions have no legal protected status in Iowa. Related: Mountain lion killed near home where children play Read more from the Iowa DNR about today’s mountain lion killing: Today, officers with the Iowa […]
Leaving Bambi alone
It’s tempting to reach out when encountering what appears to be an abandoned fawn, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources notes why it’s best to leave “Bambi” alone. The DNR also advises motorists to drive with caution, as does are on the move. Read on for more from the DNR: The calls, emails are […]
Cedar Rapids removing wildlife “oasis”
(UPDATE June 5, 2017) Crews this morning began draining the pond in southwest Cedar Rapids. The process could take a full day. One person was hoping to catch some of the bluegills and other fish that would otherwise be buried to stock his pond in Amana. City officials directed questions about the detention basin – […]
How to avoid tick bites
At this time of year in Iowa, the rain brings an onslaught of bugs. The Iowa Department of Public Health notes that tick season is underway in Iowa. Here is more about today’s announcement from the department: The mild spring with frequent rains means tick-borne disease season is underway in Iowa. The Iowa Department of […]
Cedar Rapids chops down Tomahawk Park tr...
The city of Cedar Rapids is continuing a string of tree removals, this time in a city park. At least a dozen trees are being removed this week from Tomahawk Park and along E Avenue NE, where the street is being widened, in conjunction with construction of Mount Mercy University’s new outdoor athletics complex. Among […]
Iowans charged with harvesting valuable ...
Ginseng, considered an endangered plant in many states, is allowed to be harvested in Iowa, but only under certain conditions. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced the following charges today in connection with alleged illegal harvest of the valuable plant. Learn more from the DNR: Three central Iowa men were charged with theft for […]
Lily Lake looking pretty as a picture
I’ve been hearing how beautiful Lily Lake is looking this year and had the chance to check it out today. Thousands of lotus lilies are in bloom on the 170-acre lake, between Amana and Middle Amana, which serves as year-round wildlife habitat and a stopover for migrating birds. Related: Restaurants continue local tradition in Amana […]