Conservation Connection
A Full Plate: Little Things Deserve Our Thanks
As E. O. Wilson accurately put it, insects are the “little things that run the world”, and that includes pollinators. They are not only the key to the survival of nearly 90% of flowering plant species; they are also a major food source for other animals, and benefit about 35% of our world’s food crops.
The Great Mussel Rescue of 2022
Twelve volunteers dug up rare mussel species in Ioway Creek to relocate them ahead of a construction project.
The Real Meaning of WOTUS
This election season, remember the true meaning of WOTUS: development and flash flooding. Reflections on the Iowa Water Conference and a Supreme Court case.
Autumn’s Spooky Species: How to Appreciate Misunderstood Wildlife this Season
The crisp October air brings the excitement of changing leaves and a changing season. While making yards and gardens cozy for wildlife over winter is a common discussion this time of year, we are focusing on what kinds of important wildlife you may start seeing this month! With Halloween around the corner, now is the perfect time to better understand some of the spooky (or maybe not-so-spooky-after-all) animals that you may see in autumn!
PRI Iowa Water Quality Specialist Awarded as a New Voice in Water Quality
The Conservation Learning Group, a think tank based at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has announced the 2022 winners of its New Voices in Water Quality Awards. Prairie Rivers of Iowa Water Quality Specialist Dan Haug is one of 15 Iowans being awarded. Haug was recognized for his excellence in youth and/or community water education.
A Mother’s Love: The Race to Provide
A speck of sunlight warmed the face of a mother, causing her to wake and stand up. She took a few steps toward the sunlight, letting it warm her cold legs in her tunnel. Looking back at the wall of her nursery, she new she had limited time to finish her work.
Six Tips to Enjoy Iowa Lakes
A day at the lake can improve your attitude, but we’ll need a shift in attitudes to clean up Iowa lakes.
Peeling the Onion
Okay, so we’ve measured a water quality trend. How can sort out what’s changed because of weather and what’s changed because of people?
Container Gardening for Pollinators
Those of us who rent, have small yards, or can’t commit as much time to gardening are normally left out of the conversation – until now! Apartment dwellers and busy homeowners alike have the ability to provide important resources to pollinators through container gardening!