Wild

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

Here are great ways to start infusing the natural world into your classroom every day and why not start out on the first day of school! Who Am I? For this activity tape or pin the name of a wildlife species on the back of each participant and make sure everyone has paper and a … Read moreNature-based Classroom Icebreakers

What is a “Sense of Place”? A “sense of place” refers to a child’s connection with their community and natural environment. A sense of place is developed with a place-based education approach that fosters those connections. Place-based education immerses children in their local community, landscapes, heritage, and experiences. It is using the local natural and … Read moreDeveloping a Sense of Place

Celebrate National Catfish Day (annually on June 25) by learning more about Iowa’s most abundant and widely distributed sport fish. Catfish are opportunistic bottom feeders that are active at night. They eat all types of living or dead animal and plant material and are most often attracted to odoriferous or “smelly” morsels of food. They … Read moreCelebrate Iowa’s Catfish

On June 24, 2017 all across the country families will be camping out in their backyards as part of the Great American Backyard Campout. Explore the wonderful world of camping with young children either as a family, in your classroom, or as part of summer day camp! For families: Join the Great American Backyard Campout … Read moreGreat American Backyard Campout

Wildlife is everywhere – on land, in soil, in water, and in the air. 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 … Read moreWildlife is Everywhere