Remembering Outdoor Experiences on Father’s Day

Do you recall how you were introduced to nature and outdoor experiences as a child? For many of my generation, the first exploration of nature came as we walked through the wilds with father.

As the Father’s Day weekend approaches, I ask you to pause and recall your early experiences exploring the natural world. 

Please take a moment and visit the IPF web site to make a tax-deductible contribution through our secure 'Donate Now' service in memory of a loved one who introduced you to the natural world

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My early experiences were in far southeast Iowa – lead into the woods by my dad and my uncles. As I recall, on a Saturday morning in the spring, after the snow melted and the woodland floor springs to life, my father would awaken me and announce “Get dressed, we’re heading out for some morels”.  

I anticipated these outings as they were among the very few times that Dad and I would be alone together. We packed a light snack, a thermos of milk and hopped in the old ’48 Pontiac. Dad behind the wheel and me in the front seat for a change, we headed either north to Geode State Park or west to Lacey Keosauqua State Park.  

We would begin our hikes off the trails, through the ravines and across the creeks where sunlight would dance on the waters. Dad always said if I should find dead elm trees and that I’d find mushrooms there - or - that I should look on the east and west slopes of a ditch or stream bank.

If we were lucky and our walk was at the right time in the spring, we would come home with more than just a pleasant memory. With a little know-how and a lot of luck, my dad often bagged the tastiest treat in the woods — morel mushrooms.

From my (four year old) point of view, I was a lousy mushroom spotter as walking in the woods was its own reward. The scent of early spring native flowers and apple blossoms filled the air and wildlife was plentiful. It is perfectly peaceful with the songbirds serenading us throughout our tramp.  As you can guess I rarely found a morel without the guidance of my father.

Tell Your Story! 

Take a moment and share an early experience with nature on the IPF Facebook page.  

Thank you!  

Fettuccine Alfredo with Morels

Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cognac
1 1/4 pounds fresh morels, rinsed, drained, and patted dry, or 1/4 pound dried, soaked, drained, and patted dry
1fettuccine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus, if desired, additional as an accompaniment

Preparation

In a skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderately low heat, add the cream, the Cognac, and salt and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the morels, simmer them, covered, for 10 minutes, and keep the mixture warm. In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the porcini fettuccine and the scallion fettuccine for 3 minutes, or until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, in a large deep skillet melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter over low heat. Drain the pasta, add it to the large skillet, and toss it with the butter, lifting the strands. Add the morel mixture, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, and pepper to taste and toss the mixture well. (Alternatively, the 2 kinds of fettuccine may be cooked and sauced separately.) Serve the pasta on heated plates with the additional Parmesan.

Will You Be Camping on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day Camping Checklist
The first major camping holiday is right around the corner and many campgrounds have already been booked months in advance. Memorial Day weekend always seems to kick off the summer and camping season. The weather is warming up, and the spring rains have produced every shade of emerald across the landscape.

1. Selecting Your Campground:
Memorial Day Camping is very popular across the state which usually leads crowded campgrounds. Depending on the type of experience that you are looking for, now would be a great time to learn more about the various campgrounds in your area or the area where you will be traveling to. Campground amenities vary quite a bit from site to site, and generally the campgrounds with more amenities tend to be more popular. Beach Campgrounds, including sites on lakes and rivers are always popular Memorial Day Camping spots.

If you are looking to avoid some of the Memorial Day crowds, take a look at some of the less popular campground with the same area. From my experience Forestry sites are not as popular as State Park Campgrounds, County Park Campgrounds or Private Campgrounds, while offering similar amenities and the same area attractions.

2. Make a ReservationSometime selecting the campground isn’t the tough part. Often it’s getting and reserving your favorite campsite. You know the one thats close to the bathrooms, but far enough that you don’t smell them. These campsites tend to get reserved quickly and well in advance. If you haven’t reserved a site by now there is a good chance its already spoken for, but double check the campground reservations to be 100% sure. As Memorial Day weekend approaches many campers release their reservations so new sites are frequently becoming available.

First come first serve sites are great for weekends like Memorial Day weekends. Because there’s no reservation in place, you can often claim popular sites by arriving at empty site early in the morning, or perhaps the night before. Both great first come first serve techniques. If you do find a spot, be sure to throw down some gear, or leave a person behind while another visits the campground host or park entrance to pay for the site.

3. Check Your Gear
There’s a good chance that this is the first time you’ll be camping this year. Before you get out to the campsite to discover half of the tent stakes are missing, lighter is empty or batteries dead, check it all out. We usually pull out the tent and give it a good cleaning and shake off any dust that may of settled. We also like to clean the sleeping bags, cloths, and towels. Pull out your master camping list and ensure everything that you take is in working order.

Near Capacity Campgrounds Expected for Memorial Day Weekend 

Iowa State Parks will be filled to near capacity for the Memorial Day weekend as many of the reservable campsites were snapped up in late February. Campers who are still looking for a site should call the park early to see if any walk-up sites are available.

Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the State Parks Bureau with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said his staff is been busy preparing parks for the first major holiday of the season.

"It seems like there is never enough time in the day to get all the work done to prepare for the first holiday, but we have a dedicated staff who put in the time, love what they do, and know many of their campers by name," Szcodronski said.

Campers will begin arriving a few days ahead of the holiday until the parks fill to capacity on Friday evening.

"We are going to be full," Szcodronski said. "We like to remind our campers to be respectful of each other, be patient, pick-up after yourself and to help us maintain the park by leaving the site in as good of shape or better then you found it."

He also suggested using the full campground as an opportunity to reach out to the new neighbors and make new friends.

"Try something new and different this year. Visit with campers on a neighboring site, enjoy the natural beauty, go on a nature hike and see the wildlife or the scenic vista along the trail. Challenge yourself to find something new," he said.

Memorial Day weekend weather can be unpredictable so campers should make plans in case of rain.

For information on Iowa State Parks, go to http://parks.iowadnr.gov 

Parks Dos and Don'ts 
Don't
… bring fireworks
… burn trash
Do
… bring fishing poles
… observe quiet hours
… pick up after yourself
… bring a first aid kit and sunscreen 

New Firewood Rules
Beginning Jan. 1, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has required all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood. The rules were added to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The rules only apply to firewood sold and acquired in Iowa.
The rule also requires the Iowa DNR to collect firewood from campers that does not have a label.

Campgrounds Closed for Construction:
Lake Darling
Union Grove

Parks Closed due to Flooding:
Wilson Island

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CAMPING CUTS: It's the third year in a row of cuts for Iowa State Parks

From WHO Channel 13 - Des Moines

Camping Kickoff Weekend Begins Today

It’s time to open up the camper or air out the tent and get ready for a season of relaxation and fun in Iowa’s state parks. Today begins the season's Camping Kickoff Weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

A little pre-season work goes a long way to making a camping trip more enjoyable.  Check out some of the camping video's on the IPF Facebook page for some basic 'getting started' tips for new campers. 

Putting up the tent to check for leaks and minor repairs, making sure sleeping bags are free of holes, inventorying kitchen utensils and restocking dry goods are all important. Preparation for an RV or camper owner may be a little more involved — making sure gas lines are in working order; the water system is sanitized and leak-free; batteries are fresh or charged; blocks, jacks and hitches are operational.

And doing a little research on new outdoor recipes can be fun whether you tent camp or us an RV.  A number of helpful camping tips, recipes and checklists can be found atwww.exploreiowaparks.com.

Upgrades were made earlier this year to the state parks’ reservation system, including a new website. Campsite — as well as cabin, shelter and lodge reservations — can now be made on-line or by calling (877) 427-2757 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Some State Park Facilities Not Available

A water leak in the campground at Emerson Bay State Park on the shores of West Okoboji Lake will likely cause the water to be shut off for the two shower buildings and to the restroom serving the popular boat ramp. Water will still be available from the water hydrants throughout the campground, the modern restroom and to the dump station.

Frank Rickerl, northwest district state parks supervisor for the Iowa DNR, said they are in the process of notifying the campers with reservations and providing them with some alternatives. "They can stay here and use the shower facilities at Gull Point, we can transfer their reservation to another park or refund their money," Rickerl said. 

In addition to being camper kickoff weekend across the state, Saturday is the opening of walleye season at the Iowa Great Lakes which draws additional campers to the region.

Other parks across the state will have features that will not be available.

At Ledges State Park, the Canyon Road and Lower Ledges Road will remain closed to vehicle traffic this spring due to ongoing flood clean-up and repair. Park visitors are welcome to hike into these areas, but vehicles are not permitted at this time.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area is closed due to flooding from the rising Missouri River. If conditions improve and the campground can be reopened, campsites will only be available on a first come basis for the rest of the year.

Campgrounds and cabins at Lake Darling and the campground at Union Grove state parks will be closed all year for a campground renovation.

The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park are closed to prevent the spread of white nosed bat disease. Other features of the park and the campground remain open.

The beach at George Wyth State Park has been closed since damaged from the flooding in 2008. The DNR is working with Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] officials to raise the dike, change the access to the concession, upgrade the transformer and lift station, and other landscaping.

  

Iowa Parks - First 'Friends of State Parks' Summit

“If we are going to keep pace with our civilization, we must give the public an outlet in the great outdoors.” Louis Pammel 1862 – 1931

The Iowa Parks Foundation and IDNR's State Parks Bureau invite you to attend the first Friends of Iowa State Parks Summit

April 9, 2011

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Izaak Walton League

4343 George Flagg Parkway

Des Moines, Iowa 50321

 

The purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum for Friends of Iowa State Parks groups to come together and share their plans, projects, challenges and celebrate successes. This exchange will help to inspire all the Parks Friends Groups to find new methods to achieve our common goals. By working in a more collaborative manner we will be able to accomplish more for our great parks.

Display tables will be provided for groups to ‘show-off’ plans, projects and progress they have realized in your park.

Tentative Agenda

1. Welcome and Introductions—

2. State of Iowa State Parks - Kevin Szcodronski

3. Highlights from each Friends Group (go around the room and give each group an opportunity to explain their major projects)

4. How do you keep your group alive?
5. What about legal issues?

LUNCH (Provided) 1 hour to allow for informal individual discussions

6. Iowa Parks Foundation – Kent Sovern
introduce, vision, status, proposed role with Friends Groups
7. Value of—and—ways to communicate with local legislators for the betterment of state parks
8. Group discussion on benefits and interest in setting up communication channels among Friends Group – e-mail, website, future meetings, etc.
9. The day will finish with an evaluation to know what people would like to have included in another possible meeting.
10. Closing comments and thanks to all who attend

If you are interested in attending the Summit or want more information send an e-mail to Kent at iaparks@mchsi.com



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Iowa Camping Kick-off and Reservations

Camping Kickoff Weekend May 6, 7 and 8

The calendar says early March, but spring is just around the corner. Camping kickoff weekend is a little over two months away.

Camping kickoff weekend is May 6, 7 and 8, in Iowa state parks, and has often been the first weekend trip for many campers.

"Camping kickoff weekend is our way of saying let's dust off the tent and camper and get back outside after a long winter and enjoy some camaraderie in a state park," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau.
Campers can reserve a site for camping kickoff weekend using the new reservation system online. Campers will need to register with the system before reserving a site. Campers who have registered with Reserve America before can sign in under their existing account.

Camping kickoff weekend happens to also be a prime time for fishing, as many fish are active, close to shore and preparing to spawn.

"Early May is really a good time to spend in the parks because the bugs are typically not out yet, fishing is good and the surrounding park is going through its spring awakening," Szcodronski said.

"Iowans care deeply about their parks and we want campers to know that we are working hard to offer them the best experience and facilities that we can, with the resources we have available," he said.

"All season long, we will be encouraging our campers and other park users to help us to keep our expenses down by turning off lights and air conditioners when they are not needed and to pick up after themselves and only burn firewood in the fire rings," he said.

Camping Kickoff Weekend was started in 2003, as a way to encourage Iowa residents to spend time in their state parks.

Check out this introductory video on family camping, then visit the Iowa Parks Foundation facebook page to see all the videos in the series.

New State Park Reservation System Begins February 17

The new system for Iowa state park campsite, cabin and lodge reservations debuted today at 7 a.m. central time at . The system will require users to create a new account, unless the user had an account on the national website, Reserve America.

The previous system was shut down on Feb. 3 in order to make the switch. All reservations made for 2011 under the old system have been transferred to the new system.

"Our customers will notice a few differences. We worked pretty aggressively to get this new system ready to take Memorial Day weekend reservations so there will be some added features coming later," said Sherry Arntzen, with the DNR's state parks bureau. "If a customer needs to change a reservation this year, or if they need to cancel a reservation on the day they were scheduled to arrive, they will need to go through the call center. For this year, making changes through the call center will be assessed the lower $5 online change fee rather than the higher phone center fee."


The call center has the same number, 1-877-427-2757, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time, from Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The call center will be closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Once the online system is running, it will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make reservations.


The three month window for the Memorial Day weekend for a Friday arrival is February 27.

"I would recommend that users who want to make a reservation for Memorial Day weekend get familiar with the new system and set up their account before the time comes to book a campsite," Arntzen said. "One change with the new system is that if one person makes reservations for multiple people, they will need to have addresses for the individuals on the site."


Customers who have bookmarked the previous reservation system website will be redirected to the new site.

Beat Cabin Fever by a Visit to a State Park

The best way of beating cabin fever is to get out of the cabin. There's lots of different ways to take advantage of our winter weather: cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, bird watching, sledding and ice-fishing are some examples. Hear from some of the experts, including John Maehl of the Iowa D.N.R., Gail Barels of the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Linn County and Tim Smith of the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Dept

It’s that time of year when many Iowans are feeling the effects of “cabin fever.” John Maehl with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the cure could involve a visit to a state park for some outdoor winter fun. He says cross-country skiing is an inexpressive way to get exercise and enjoy the parks.


“Many of our trails that are more level and longer in distance, we groom those with a snow machine pulling a trailer that leaves some packed-down tracks specifically for cross-country skiers,” Maehl said. He suggests calling your local state park to check if they offer groomed trails for cross-country skiing.


Maehl is based in Monticello and says two of the more popular parks in northeast Iowa for the activity are Mines of Spain State Park near Dubuque and Volga River State Park near Fayette. Hiking is another popular activity during the winter months at state parks. Maehl suggests taking a walk on a state park trail after dark.


“We don’t have the night sky pollution like you do in the city,” Maehl said. “You’ll see the outdoors in a way you’ve never seen it before. The stars are so bright, there’s so many of them and they reflect off the snow. It’s just a whole different way to experience the outdoors.” Iowans can also visit state parks in the winter for ice-fishing, sledding or bird watching. Maehl says there’s not a wide variety of birds in Iowa at this time of year, but they’re much easier to see.


He notes bald eagles are especially active this time of year and can be spotted plucking fish out of rivers running through state parks. Maehl says a few brave Iowans enjoy tent camping in the winter, but most prefer to seek out parks with cabins for rent.

Maehl was a guest on the Iowa Public Radio program Talk of Iowa.

DNR starts recycling pilot project for parks

Repost from Radio Iowa

by Pat Curtis on January 10, 2011

Visitors to some Iowa State Parks may soon be able to recycle items that are currently ending up in the trash. Jim Lawson is overseeing a recycling pilot project involving 10 state parks for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He says similar efforts have been tried a smaller scale in the past.

“But, we think it’s time to try it again,” Lawson told Radio Iowa. “People are much more cognizant of recycling efforts than they were five or 10 years ago. Some of the problems we had were people misusing the containers, putting normal refuse in them. We have different containers that will prevent some of that.” Lawson is hoping to implement the new recycling program this summer after receiving a lot of comments from campers.

“I’m sure we’ll be starting with basic things, possibly cardboard, aluminum, clear glass and things like that,” Lawson said. “We’ll probably start off with the basics and see how
goes.” It’s not immediately clear how much the pilot project will cost the DNR to implement.

“We hope to develop some partnerships, possibly with local vendors or organizations, and we’re looking at the possibility of partnering with some local civic organizations to sponsor the cost of the program,” Lawson said.

The 10 state parks selected for the pilot project are Gull Point near Milford, Clear Lake, Lake Ahquabi near Indianola, Big Creek in Polk County, Rock Creek in Jasper County, Ledges in Boone, Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs, George Wyth  in Waterloo, Pleasant Creek in Linn County and Lake Macbride State Park in Johnson County.
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There's Still Time to Make a Difference in 2010 -

Your tax-deductible investment in the Iowa Parks Foundation will help finance critical improvements in 22 State Parks, preserves and recreation areas in 2011.

1) Visit the Iowa Parks Foundation website and click on the 'Invest Now' button.

2) Invite five friends to become FB Fans and match your investment.

3) Plan to 'GO WILD' in 2011.

IDNR Leadership Announced

From The Muscatine Journal -
Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 2:00 am

Muscatine attorney picked to run DNR
Mike Ferguson


MUSCATINE, Iowa - Gov.-elect Terry Branstad on Monday named Muscatine attorney Roger Lande to head the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Lande, 74, a longtime hunting and fishing enthusiast, is a partner in the Stanley, Lande and Hunter law firm, which has offices in Muscatine and Davenport.

He said his e-mail in box "was filling up fast" Monday afternoon as word of his appointment spread. Lande said he'll bring "my love of the outdoors and of Iowa" to his new job.

But before he can begin work, Lande must be approved by two-thirds of the Iowa Senate.

He said he doesn't plan to spend a lot of time preparing for confirmation. "I plan to simply go forward with what I have and who I am," he said. "I don't think I'll be studying up any."


In some ways, Lande's law career and his interests have prepared him for the job. "A long law career is helpful. You try to get people to make reasonable resolutions in places they may disagree. And I guess your outside interests drive your interest" in leading the DNR, he said. "With Iowa's wonderful outdoors and its parks and recreation and trail system - and the rest of its natural environment - it's a wonderful place to be.

"We will try to market it and make it an even better one," he added. "I don't think we market what Iowa has to offer in outdoor recreation and hunting and fishing. And we need to continue doing all the good work we've been doing on the environment."

The Iowa DNR is responsible for caring for Iowa's state parks, forests and other natural resources. The agency also oversees various conservation and environmental protection functions.


The agency has almost 900 full-time, permanent employees, Lande said, as well as seasonal employees the DNR hires when the weather's nice.


Lande, a Republican, said he never applied for the job. He told Branstad's transition team he'd be willing to help the next governor "remake Iowa government."


"I anticipated being on a task force or a study committee on a narrow issue," he said. "This came out of the blue."


In a prepared release, Branstad said he "can think of no one better to be a steward of Iowa's precious natural resources than Roger Lande. Roger and his family have long been champions of conservation of Iowa's rivers, woodlands, greenways, prairies and trails, and I am confident that Roger will excel in his new role."


Not everyone supported the nomination. Verne Tigges of Carroll, board president of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, said Lande's law firm has ties to agribusiness groups such as Monsanto and the Iowa Farm Bureau.


"Lande must prove that his career work as an industry insider won't prevent him from fulfilling the DNR's primary mission to protect the environment," Tigges said in a statement.


Lande said to his knowledge his firm had never represented Monsanto. "I'd like for him to tell me what that was," Lande said.


Lande also said that "responsible businessmen and farmers want to protect the environment, because it's in their self-interest to do so. When there are problems, some people want solutions and some people want to fight. We are talking about clean water, which we all want."


Lande said he's known Branstad for more than 30 years, but doesn't know him well.


He said he'll learn more about his new job "from a lot of good people" who already work for the DNR. "I know I'll know more about the job six months from now than I know now," Lande said. "It will be a huge task, but I'm sure I will get a lot of advice from my friends in Muscatine."

From IDNR: PAT BODDY WILL REMAIN AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DNR


DES MOINES – Pat Boddy will stay on as deputy director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), according to new DNR Director Roger Lande.

Boddy has served as deputy director since January of 2009 and has been the interim director of the agency since September when former director Richard Leopold stepped down to accept a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Pat brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the DNR. She is a proven, capable leader who will provide continuity in protecting Iowa’s natural resources,” said Lande.

A licensed professional engineer, Boddy Boddy brings more than 25 years experience in the fields of water resources, parks and land management and communication management. She served as the director of the Polk County Conservation Board prior to joining the DNR and was the president of Boddy Media Group from 1996-2004.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with the DNR and helping the new administration reach its goals in protecting and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources,” said Boddy.

The DNR has more than 1,100 employees and an annual operating budget of more than $100 million dollars.

The Cold Season is Here: Iowa State Parks Open for Winter Recreation

Iowa's state parks are open all winter, providing opportunities for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, ice fishing and to witness spectacular winter scenery.

"We don't hibernate completely," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of state parks for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "We have a lot of unique opportunities during the winter months and our parks are open all winter long."

A solitary camping experience is available in state park cabins at Lake Wapello, Backbone, Pine Lake, Lake of Three Fires, Wilson Island, Black Hawk, Springbrook and Waubonsie. For a more rustic feel, there are camping cabins and the DNR's only heated shower building at Honey Creek State Park. Click this link to see the cabins, their amenities and to make a reservation.

Honey Creek Resort State Park offers cottages with more amenities, a hotel, an indoor water park, a restaurant and organized activities. Information on the resort is available online. 

Many state parks offer fishing, from northeast Iowa's trout streams to lakes across the state. Iowa trout streams hold fish through the winter and since the streams consist of spring fed, 50 degree water, they rarely freeze. Trout streams are in some of the most scenic areas in the state and offer a near solitary experience during the winter.

Ice conditions are favorable over most of the state and many lakes in Iowa state parks will offer excellent fishing this winter. Lake Anita, Viking Lake, Lake Macbride, Green Valley, Lake Rathbun, Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, Big Creek, Lake Ahquabi, Red Haw and more are already producing excellent fishing for panfish and walleyes.

The trail systems in state parks are popular venues during the winter for hiking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Some state parks have trails that accommodate snowmobiling. For a listing of state parks, go to the Iowa DNR's website  then click on the state parks link in the column on the left. Select the park from the interactive map at the bottom of the page to see if snowmobiles are allowed on the trails.

 

IOWA OUTDOORS – PREMIERES ON IOWA PUBLIC TELEVISION DECEMBER 16 AT 8 P.M.

On Thursday, December 16 at 8 p.m., viewers across the state can enjoy the first in a new series focusing on outdoor recreation, environmental issues, conservation initiatives, and Iowa’s outdoor natural resources. The occasional series, called Iowa Outdoors, is created through a partnership between Iowa Public Television and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The premiere episode of Iowa Outdoors brings viewers to frozen farm silos in northeast Iowa for a one-of-a-kind ice climbing experience, record-breaking ice fishing on Spirit Lake, pheasant restoration efforts across Iowa, and the beauty of fall migration at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

Every edition of Iowa Outdoors will also offer how-to outdoor cooking recipes and nature photography tips from Iowa’s top wildlife shutterbugs.

Following the December 16 premiere, viewers can see the first episode again December 18 at 8 a.m., December 20 at 6:30 p.m., December 24 at 8:30 a.m., and on IPTV LEARNS January 3 at 8:30 a.m.

The series of six high-definition programs broadcast on Iowa Public Television will coincide with the publication of Iowa Outdoors magazine, which is published six times a year. 

 

Special Gift to Iowa Parks Foundation Investors	Make an investment of at least $125.00 in the Iowa Parks Foundation to Transform Iowa's Parks in 2011 and receive a complementary subscription to Iowa Outdoors Magazine. Just click on the INVEST NOW button on the right side of this page.