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 »
American Toad in Iowa
If you look up the American toad or Anaxyrus americanus some websites might tell you there isn’t a substantial population in Dickinson County. Yet, they are in every county around us which means we will see them because animals move and don’t recognize county lines. Plus, with so much water Read More »
Make your own Punxsutawney Phil
With yesterday being Groundhog Day, I decided we should be able to make our own Punxsutawney Phil. Now you can have your own groundhog too! Let’s start with the supplies you will need. Supplies: Brown paper, white paper, black paper Scissors Glue Pencil if you want to draw before Read More »
Is it a groundhog or woodchuck?
Today is Groundhog Day! Phil saw his shadow so six more weeks of winter it is. But did you know, Punxsutawney Phil has his own club? There is a whole club plus an inner circle who support Phil and throw a party every year for Groundhog Day. This year it Read More »
Mourning Dove Craft
Since this week’s animal of the week is the Mourning Dove, we are going to make an origami dove. I’m going to be honest, it might be a bit of a challenge for younger kids but it’s definitely worth it because it’s pretty cool. If you need more help, check Read More »
Mourning Doves in Iowa
The mourning dove is the most abundant game bird in Iowa with the highest numbers in the southern half of the state and the Loess Hills. But they are abundant in all 99 counties. These birds are the brownish-gray birds you see at feeders quite frequently. When they eat seeds, Read More »
Canada Goose Made of Hearts
Canada Geese are very common around Iowa and if you have ever wondered if you could have one as a pet, now you can. Our craft of the week features our animal of the week. It allows you to have your very own Canada Goose. Supplies: Colored paper: white, Read More »
Canada Geese in Iowa
Geese are very common in Iowa, but did you know their full name is the Canada Goose? There isn’t a very good explanation as to why it’s called a Canada Goose but my guess is they must have a large home base in Canada. They breed in much of North Read More »