Bad news for Iowa’s deer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported today that chronic wasting disease was detected for the first time in a deer in the wild. The deer was killed in Allamakee County in December, but the announcement was not made until today. Previously, the disease – which is always fatal – […]
You are browsing archives for
Category: The Great Outdoors
Latest emerald ash borer infestation fou...
We know it’s only a matter of time before emerald ash borer makes its way to all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Still, it’s disappointing to hear each time a new infestation is found. Today, the state announced that the destructive beetle has been confirmed in Newton, in Jasper County, bringing to nine the number of […]
Water worries: Upcoming river discussion...
This seemingly never-ending winter will likely take another toll, this one on Iowa’s fish. A news release today from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources notes that some of Iowa’s lakes have been under ice for three and a half months, which correlates to low oxygen levels that contribute to fish kills. “Can we eat […]
Jane Goodall inspires audience at the Un...
IOWA CITY – Organizers initially intended to have Dr. Jane Goodall speak in a ballroom at the Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa campus. Wisely, they moved the venue to the 15,400-seat Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Only half of the arena was open for Goodall’s speech on Monday, March 10, but the UI Lecture Committee, […]
Fascinating footage seen through lens of...
Ever wonder what happens in the woods when people are not around? You can find out, through a new exhibit of trail camera shots at the Indian Creek Nature Center. A bit of a warning might be warranted for some of the “behind the scenes” photos taken by the Nature Center’s trail cams. Not all […]
Man thrown from high-speed snowmobile; t...
Even in the dead of winter, people are enjoying the outdoors in Iowa, but the following accident reports this weekend from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources point to the need to be careful, especially around ice: CLEAR LAKE – A Minnesota man was injured Saturday during a snowmobile event at Clear Lake. Tyler Hall, […]
How extreme cold influences Iowa’s insec
As Midwesterners and people elsewhere search for the silver lining to our recent frigid temperatures, some have pointed to a decline in the pest population, specifically insects. This report from Minnesota Public Radio notes that the extreme cold is beneficial to the state’s ash trees, as it could kill off a large percentage of emerald […]
Large mountain lion killed near Iowa hom...
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reporting today that a large male mountain lion was shot and killed in western Iowa. Mountain lions have no legal wildlife protection in Iowa; the same as black bears.
State parks remain open during governmen...
I won’t get into the politics of the federal government shut-down, but there’s no doubt that the measure – or lack of one – has left many people confused. That extends to which entities are affected by the shut-down. I saw a TV news report that listed Honey Creek as one of the parks that […]
Hummingbird moths provide late-summer bu...
If you’re being buzzed in the garden by something much larger than a bee, take a closer look. Hummingbird moths, the common name for hawk or sphinx moths, appear to be abundant this year. Perhaps Iowa’s drought is offering prime weather conditions for these fascinating insects. Often mistaken for a hummingbird, the rapid pulse of […]