Spring in Judd Wildlife Area
The Judd Wildlife Area is one of the many county areas the Conservation Board owns and manages. Just south of Horseshoe Bend in Milford, this tract of land varies wildly. The top part is a beautiful prairie. As you walk through the prairie towards the back of the park, you Read More »
Beginning of Spring Flowers
As April showers bring May flowers, I wanted to do a series on Iowa’s wildflowers. To start this series, I thought it would be a good idea to start with the basics of what a flower is and what the first flowers to bloom are. To start, we’ll break down Read More »
Spring 2021 Photography Contest
While nature became a safe haven during Covid, some people may have decided to take more photos than before. Were you someone who picked up nature photography during the pandemic? Enter up to three of your photos into our photography contest. Your photos will be displayed on the photography Read More »
Eastern Meadowlark Bird Craft
Have you ever wanted your very own singing bird? Bird songs are so beautiful but with this craft, you only get the pretty bird. We can’t make him sing but it should be a fun craft for everyone to do. Supplies: Brown, yellow, black paper Scissors Glue stick Stapler Read More »
The Battle of the Meadowlarks
The Western Meadowlark and the Eastern Meadowlark look very similar but in Dickinson County, the Eastern Meadowlark is more common. As a very amateur birder, it’s very hard for me to tell the difference between the Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. Even looking at The Cornell Lab All About Birds pages Read More »
Raindrop Suncatcher
Since the first day of spring was over the weekend our blog of the week was about traditions of spring and what says spring more than rain? So our craft of the week is a raindrop suncatcher. This craft is a little more involved and requires some help from parents Read More »
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 »