First Day of Spring Traditions
Spring is the season of growth and regeneration and the hours of sunlight get longer. Some people celebrate the spring equinox and every country celebrates it differently. Here in the United States, most people celebrate Easter in one form or another. The Easter Bunny and Easter eggs are always a Read More »
Blanding’s Turtle Craft
The Blanding’s Turtle is an endangered species of Iowa. This means it is illegal to take them out of the wild. But these turtles are pretty dang cute and you can make your own. It’s really easy and fun because you get to decorate it however you want. Supplies: Read More »
Blanding’s Turtle in Iowa
Blanding’s Turtle or Emydoidea blandingii is threatened in Iowa and is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need according to Amphibians and Reptiles of Iowa’s website. This means it is illegal to kill or collect these turtles in Iowa. The Iowa DNR would appreciate the report of these turtles when they Read More »
Slithering Red-bellied Snake Craft
Even if you’re not too fond of snakes, this one shouldn’t be scary. This craft is easy with a lot of folds but it’s quite cute. You’ll be able to make your snake as long or as short as you want and as springy as you feel. Supplies: Red Read More »
The Red-bellied Snake in Iowa
*Disclaimer: the photo used is from Creative Commons. We did not find a red-bellied snake and pick it up. It’s a good photo to show the size and coloring of the snake. If you find one, remember it is a wild snake and may hurt you. We don’t recommend picking Read More »
Handprint Cardinal Craft
Do you want to have your very own Cardinal? They’re beautiful birds but definitely aren’t pets. I have a craft for you though if you want to make your own cardinal. Materials: Red paper Yellow paper Black paper Googly eyes Scissors Glue Tracing utensil Step 1: You Read More »
The Northern Cardinal in Iowa
The Northern Cardinal is many people’s favorite bird. It’s one of my favorites and is the state bird of seven different states. Not to mention the mascot of countless sports teams, schools, and various other organizations. But what makes them such a favorite? It’s an easy answer, their red feathers. Read More »
Pied-billed Grebe Finger Puppet
Since the pied-billed grebe is an aquatic bird or waterfowl, we’re going to make a finger puppet kind of like a duck. But instead of being duck-colored, it will be grebe-colored. Let’s start with the supplies. Supplies: Brown paper Scissors Googly eyes Glue stick Coloring utensils Read More »
Pied-billed Grebe in Iowa
If you see a duck but aren’t quite sure what type of duck, it might be a pied-billed grebe. These aquatic diving birds are found throughout Iowa during the time they are breeding. They are brown and black but have a light-colored underside. They look like small ducks but have Read More »
Lovely Striped Skunk
In the lingering spirit of Valentine’s Day and with our animal of the week, we’re going to make a striped skunk using hearts. Let’s get started with supplies. Supplies: White paper Black paper Pink paper Scissors Glue stick Googly eyes Pencil if you want to draw the shapes you’re Read More »
Striped Skunks in Iowa
In Iowa, there are two types of skunks. There is the classic, well-known, striped skunk and the lesser-known, spotted skunk. The spotted skunk is also known as the civet cat and they are on Iowa’s endangered species list. But today, we’re going to focus on the striped skunk. These skunks Read More »
American Toad Origami
With the American toad being the animal of the week, how could we not make an origami jumping frog. I learned how to make these when I was in middle school and for some reason, it has stuck with me. It’s one of the best crafts I’ve done because you Read More »