ICEC 
“There will always be pigeons in books and museums, but these are effigies and images, dead to all hardships and all delights. They know no urge of the seasons, they feel no kiss of sun, no lash of wind and weather.” Aldo Leopold The very last passenger pigeon, Martha, died at the Cincinnati Zoo in … Read moreThe Very Last Passenger Pigeon
Find a special place outdoors where you and your students can observe nature throughout the school year. Your county conservation board naturalist is a great resource to help you find the perfect spot and that spot doesn’t need to be far from school. Visit this same place each season and observe the changes. Let each … Read moreSeasonal Visits to a Special Outdoor Place
Share these ideas with your own children, the neighborhood group, your childcare provider, and think about adapting some of these ideas for the schoolyard playground and classroom! Build a Fort Build your own outdoor hideout! Supplies Large sticks Old sheets or blankets String or rope Imagination How-to The sky is the limit! Create a fort … Read moreThings to do in your backyard!
There are many simple ways to get kids outdoors in Iowa this summer. Use this as a checklist to guide your outdoor explorations. Summer 2019 is time to celebrate the finest county park system in the country! 99 county parks of the 2,024 county parks – one in each of Iowa’s 99 Counties are featured. … Read moreFun summer outdoor experiences
Wildlife scientists study wildlife to learn how they live and interact with the environment. These scientists may focus on one wildlife species or a group of species during their studies. They record observations made with their senses and other tools. Help your students learn how to record observations with a science notebook. Help your kids … Read moreBecome a wildlife scientist
At Winter Workshop 2019, Emily Klein received her ‘Geode Award’ for her service as ICEC co-chair and chair. The Geode Award is made and donated by ICEC member Mike Krebill. Thanks for your dedication to ICEC and conservation education in Iowa.
The Iowa Conservation Education Coalition (ICEC) received a STEM Innovation Grant to do a water game jam this spring. There is no cost to participate and the top twelve teams will be invited to showcase their game at the Iowa Science Center on May 10! (Grant covers admission, food, and a transportation stipend.) Registration is … Read moreWater Game Jam 2019
Hibernation is one of many adaptations to the cold and decreased food supplies of Iowa winters. Most mammals, including people, tend to slow down a little during the winter. True hibernators actually curl into a tight ball and reduce to extremely low levels their heart and breathing rates, body temperature, and metabolism. They need less … Read moreWinter Wildlife
To understand Iowa’s early conservationists we need to examine the world in which they grew up. Iowa’s landscape is one of the most altered in our nation. When Iowa’s early conservationists were growing up Iowa’s landscape was at the pinnacle of change. Iowa’s natural areas were being altered and destroyed and wildlife was being hunted … Read moreFamous Iowa Conservationists
Does the sight of a spider cause you to run from the room? Do you feel panicked at the very thought of an animal encounter? If so, you might be one of the many Americans who have an animal phobia. Whether these fears stem from urban legends or real-life encounters, it’s normal to be scared … Read moreCreatures with a Bad Rap
Bird watching is a great way for children to become aware of birds. Birds can be found anywhere, all year round. Gather the basic gear: a field notebook, a field guide, and binoculars, if you have them, and go outside. Info from Iowa Young Birders about birding gear, including selecting binoculars for children and how … Read moreBirding with Children
September 10-16, 2017 is Iowa Prairie Heritage Week! Iowa’s landscape was once covered by vast rolling hills of prairie. An estimated 85% of the land was prairie grass and flowers when European settlers first arrived. Since that time the Iowa landscape has changed drastically and today only 1/10 of 1% of our native prairie remains. … Read moreCelebrate Iowa’s Prairie Heritage