(Radio Iowa) – A new population report on monarch butterflies finds conservation efforts in Iowa and elsewhere are starting to show promising results. Mykayla Hagaman, a program specialist at the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium, says researchers track the progress of the vital orange-and-black insect by measuring how much land the pollinators take up when overwintering in Mexico. “They occupied 4.4 acres, which is nearly double last year’s size of about 2.2 acres,” Hagaman says, “so, this is really encouraging to see this increase.” The annual survey from the World Wildlife Fund-Telcel Foundation Alliance demonstrates a sizeable boost in monarch numbers, but it’s still a long way from where the experts say the population needs to be.

“It does highlight the need for continued voluntary conservation efforts,” Hagaman says. “Scientists recommend to maintain a sustainable population of monarchs, we need, on average, about 15 acres of overwintering habitat, but we haven’t really seen those numbers since about 2018.” About 40-percent of all monarchs that overwinter in Mexico are estimated to come from Iowa and neighboring Midwestern states. In recent years, many thousands of Iowans have carved out portions of their properties to offer a haven for the butterflies, but Hagaman says additional help is needed.

“We can do so through establishing more monarch habitat,” Hagaman says. “Monarch butterflies really rely on people planting native milkweed, such as common milkweed or butterfly milkweed, and there’s other species that are native to Iowa as well. So people can go online and search up what milkweed are native to their areas.” She says plantings should include a variety of native species that bloom from early spring to late fall, to help provide nectar resources for monarchs during their migration.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in December of 2024.

(Iowa DNR News) – Breeding Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) disappeared from Iowa in the mid-20th Century. Peregrine Falcons historically nested on cliff ledges, but have also adapted to nest on human-made structures like tall buildings and bridges.

Adult Peregrine Falcon and nestlings sit in a shallow “scrape” that serves as a nest. Photo by Randy Cook.

Iowa DNR began a Peregrine Falcon restoration program in 1989 with 23 birds released in Cedar Rapids followed by another 19 released in Des Moines in 1991. Between 1989 and 2003, a total of 169 birds were released in Iowa feeding into a regional restoration effort that saw 875 birds released across the Midwest. In 1999, the first pair of birds nested on their historic nesting grounds along the Mississippi River bluffs. As of 2024, most of the Peregrine Falcon nesting occurs in the eastern half of the state in three main environments: Urban, Mississippi River bluff faces, and energy plant towers.

Monitoring of nest sites is accomplished by a network of volunteer and professional surveyors. The Raptor Resource Project monitors and bands a number of Peregrine nest sites in the northeastern corner of the state. Several of the nest sites are on power plants which have restricted access so we rely on employees who not only monitor the nest sites but are often wonderful stewards for the birds. Surveyors collect data on the nest’s activity and whether the pair are successful in producing fledglings. Some opportunistic reports of nesting activity are also accepted if no formal data are available.

There were a total of 17 nests monitored in 2024 with no new nests reported. Of these 17 nests, 15 were active and 2 were inactive. Of the 15 active nests, 11 were reported as successful, 2 were reported as failed, and 2 had no outcome reported. The average number of young produced per nest with a known outcome was 2.77, a notable increase from last year (1.92).

Compared to recent years, 2024 was an above average year for Peregrine reproduction, with a higher percentage of successful nests (73.3%) than the previous four years. A minimum total of 36 young fledged from the 11 successful nests, notably higher than 2023 (25 young fledged), and the average of 2.77 young produced per nest is the highest since 2016.

Though Peregrine Falcon nest success increased in 2024, continued monitoring is warranted with ongoing disease threats such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N12.3.4.4). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) predominantly affects wild waterfowl and shorebirds but can also be spread to species that eat waterfowl and shorebird prey, such a Peregrine Falcons and Eagles. In 2022, the Iowa DNR documented the loss of one nesting Peregrine to HPAI and in 2023 documented the loss of one Peregrine that wasn’t a nesting individual. Overall, Iowa’s nesting population of Peregrine Falcons appears to be stable, with birds generally returning to historic nesting sites each year, but this recovering population continues to warrant annual monitoring.

The DNR will continue to monitor nest sites with the partnership of volunteers and others who care about falcons in Iowa. Falcon nest sites can be very challenging to monitor because of their location and the territoriality of the birds so any data received are much appreciated. Please contact the Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program coordinator if you are interested in helping with monitoring in the future; vwmp@dnr.iowa.gov.

(Radio Iowa) – Keep Iowa Beautiful is now signing up volunteers for its annual Pick-Up Iowa event. Executive Director Andy Franz says this is the 25th year of volunteers picking up trash along roadways, parks, and in cities across the state. “You know it can be anything, any group you know. It can be a family member, a sports team, a school, a church group, any sort of community you know, group that wants to get together,” Franz says. Franz says the event has two goals. “It helps to not only pick up the community and make it look better and so forth, and create that civic pride, but also it helps building leadership and volunteerism, which is what we strive for with all of our programs,” he says. Franz asks you to register your group.

“Just go on the website at KeepIowaBeautiful.org, and there’ll be a pickup Iowa icon to click on. And you go in and it’s from April 1st to June 30th,” he says. Franz says they like everyone to schedule their event during this time. “We tried to have a time frame so that we’re able to capture that and then record it and feed it back out, that these are the things that have happened. And you know, historically, over the past five years, we’ve hosted 150 plus clean up events statewide,” Franz says. He says they have a special goal for the event this year. “We are shooting for 25-hundred volunteers, picking up 25-hundred bags of litter because Keep Iowa Beautiful is 25 years old this year,” he says. ”

Keep Iowa Beautiful Facebook photo

Started by former Governor Ray and Don Lamberti, the founder of Casey’s 25 years ago. And the cornerstone program was initially picking up litter and so forth, but it’s grown into all sorts of programs that are aimed at helping small and large communities, particularly the rural communities.” Keep Iowa Beautiful is an affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful program.

(Radio Iowa) – A documentary about an ambitious canoe trip will make its Iowa debut tonight in Davenport. The film called “Columbia River Canoe Project” is about two young Montana men who make a difficult odyssey in a special canoe that was hand-made in the Quad Cities. Todd McGreevy is Chief Paddling Officer at Navarro Canoe Company, based in Rock Island, Illinois. McGreevy says the movie is a must-see for all outdoor adventurers. “And it follows the journey of two cousins, Robert and Braxton, from Butte, Montana, all the way to the Columbia River system, all the way to the Pacific Ocean,” McGreevy says, “1,300 miles over 52 days and they did that in a single Navarro Canoe.”

He says it took more than 100 hours to handcraft the canoe into what’s considered an “heirloom, floating work of art.” It’s constructed of materials including fiberglass, Kevlar and cherry wood. “Our 17-foot expedition canoe designed by Bob Foote back in the ’90s, a famous canoeist, and he’s still alive,” McGreevy says. “He designed this model, and we’ve named it the Oberholtzer after Ernst Oberholtzer from Davenport, Iowa. He helped form the Wilderness Society.” The documentary is beautifully shot, he says, and displays the excitement, the exertion, and the exhaustion of the challenging trek across parts of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Still courtesy of Columbia River Canoe Project

“The journey was photographed by four film experts from the University of Utah, and they spent about a year editing it down to the 70-minute film that it is,” McGreevy says. “And it’s been showing out west in all kinds of film festivals and won documentary awards and so forth, out in Oregon and Utah and Montana, and we’re excited to have it premiere here in Iowa.” He says the documentary is partly a coming-of-age film about the two young cousins, facing their fears and the elements. “And then it’s also about stewardship of our environment,” McGreevy say, “and how Robert and Braxton go through the lock and dam system and talk about where some of these locks and dams can be retired so that the fish can flourish again.”

The first Iowa screening of the film is tonight at 6 at The Last Picture House in downtown Davenport, with more screenings every Wednesday through April 16th.

(HARLAN, Iowa)  – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding a public meeting on March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Harlan Public Library to discuss an upcoming alum treatment to improve water quality in Prairie Rose Lake.  DNR will present an overview of the proposed treatments and how this treatment will help reduce the frequency and intensity of harmful algae blooms (or HABs) in the lake.

Alum (aluminum sulfate) is a nontoxic substance used in everything from cooking to treatment of drinking water. It is commonly used to reduce phosphorus concentrations in lakes. Phosphorus, a key nutrient for algae growth, stems from runoff in the watershed. While much of the phosphorus that ends up in a lake is buried in the lake sediments, it can also be recycled within the lake under the right environmental conditions and released from the lake sediments when bottom waters have no oxygen. These “internal releases” of phosphorus often fuel large algae blooms, especially in the late summer and early fall. When applied to a lake, alum binds with the phosphorus in the water and settles as a thin flocculant on the lake bottom, where it will continue to inactivate phosphorus being released from the sediments. This process can significantly reduce the likelihood of HABs, which can be harmful to the ecosystem and limit recreation.

Prairie Rose Lake has experienced several blooms over the past few years. Recent research shows that watershed inputs and internal phosphorus recycling are driving these blooms, and a series of alum applications will likely help alleviate the frequency and duration of HABs. The alum will be applied using specialized barges over a one week, between April 1 and May 15, depending on weather conditions. During this time, lake users may see boats, barges, heavy trucking equipment, and storage tanks around the park. DNR asks that you maintain a safe distance from the equipment to allow the crews to work efficiently.

There should be minimal disruption to regular activities on the water. The application dates were selected to minimize interference with spring fishing activities. No swimming or boating restrictions are anticipated. DNR staff will be on site to monitor the application. This treatment is one part of a broader effort to continue to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at Prairie Rose Lake. An additional treatment is scheduled for Fall of 2025.

(CRESTON, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding a public meeting on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room (Room 124) in the Performing Arts Center Building on the Southwestern Community College to discuss an upcoming alum treatment to improve water quality in Green Valley Lake. The DNR will present an overview of the proposed treatments and how the treatment will help reduce the frequency and intensity of harmful algae blooms (or HABs) in the lake.

Alum (aluminum sulfate) is a nontoxic substance used in everything from cooking to treatment of drinking water. It is commonly used to reduce phosphorus concentrations in lakes. Phosphorus, a key nutrient for algae growth, stems from runoff in the watershed. While much of the phosphorus that ends up in a lake is buried in the lake sediments, it can also be recycled within the lake under the right environmental conditions and released from the lake sediments when bottom waters have no oxygen. These “internal releases” of phosphorus often fuel large algae blooms, especially in the late summer and early fall.  When applied to a lake, alum binds with the phosphorus in the water and settles as a thin flocculant on the lake bottom, where it will continue to inactivate phosphorus being released from the sediments. This process can significantly reduce the likelihood of HABs, which can be harmful to the ecosystem and limit recreation.

Green Valley Lake has experienced several significant HABs over the past few years and generally has very poor water clarity. Several research efforts have shown that watershed inputs and internal phosphorus recycling are driving these blooms, and a series of alum applications will likely help alleviate the frequency and duration of HABs. The alum will be applied using specialized barges over a period of two weeks, between April 1 and May 15, depending on weather conditions. During this time, lake users may see boats, barges, heavy trucking equipment, and storage tanks around the park. DNR asks that you maintain a safe distance from the equipment to allow the crews to work efficiently.

There should be minimal disruption to regular activities on the water. The application dates were selected to minimize interference with spring fishing activities. No swimming or boating restrictions are anticipated. DNR staff will be on site to monitor the application. This treatment is one part of a broader effort to continue to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at Green Valley Lake. An additional treatment is scheduled for Fall of 2025.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook wild turkey, to participants age 16 and older who have little to no wild turkey hunting experience. The workshop is a two-part series which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., on April 8 and April 10, near Polk City. Both evenings will feature knowledge and skills building sessions with instructors who will provide hands-on learning that will teach the basics.

“For those interested in the challenge of wild turkey hunting as a means of sourcing their own protein, this program provides the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, Hunter Education coordinator with the Iowa DNR. Participants will learn basic strategies for hunting wild turkey, such as proper equipment, where to hunt, safe shooting practices, and how to field dress, butcher and cook them. For more information, including costs, location, times and to begin the registration process, visit: http://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=3398

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. This program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.

CLIVE, IA – Are you the king or queen of backyard barbecue? It’s time to put your skills to the test! Amateur grillers from across Iowa are invited to showcase their talent at the backyard BBQ competition, part of the BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event this summer in Des Moines. Presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Cubs, the third-annual BBQ & Brew is a fun-filled, charitable event happening Saturday, June 21 at Principal Park. Open to the public, attendees will enjoy mouthwatering Iowa pork, locally brewed craft beers, live music, and expert cooking demonstrations—all while supporting food pantries across the state.

A Chance to Win Big & Earn Bragging Rights

“This event is all about celebrating Iowa’s love for pork and barbecue,” said Aaron Juergens, IPPA president and a pig farmer from Carroll. “It’s a great opportunity for backyard pitmasters to step up, show off their barbeque techniques, and compete for top honors—and some serious cash.” The all-pork BBQ & Brew Contest will award nearly $12,000 in total prizes, with competitors vying for top spots in three categories: pork loin, pork butt, and St. Louis-style ribs. Cash prizes will go to the top 10 overall competitors, as well as the top 10 finishers in each category. Certified judges will evaluate entries based on appearance, taste, and tenderness.

But the competition doesn’t stop there! BBQ & Brew attendees will have the chance to taste samples from the competitors and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Contest, where winners will receive:

·        $1,000 cash

·        $1,000 to donate to a hunger-relief charity of their choice

Sign Up & Fire Up the Grill

Registration is now open for teams to claim one of just 30 competition spots. The entry fee is $250 per team. The deadline to enter is May 16. Once spots are filled, a waiting list will be available. BBQ & Brew admission tickets will be available for purchase soon. For full competition details and to register, visit iowapork.org/bbq-brew.

Cass County: Corn $4.26 Beans $9.55
Adair County: Corn $4.23 Beans $9.58
Adams County: Corn $4.23 Beans $9.54
Audubon County: Corn $4.25 Beans $9.57
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.29 Beans $9.55
Guthrie County: Corn $4.28 Beans $9.59
Montgomery County: Corn $4.28 Beans $9.57
Shelby County: Corn $4.29 Beans $9.55

Oats: $3.14 (same in all counties)

Cass County: Corn $4.23 Beans $9.60
Adair County: Corn $4.20 Beans $9.63
Adams County: Corn $4.20 Beans $9.59
Audubon County: Corn $4.22 Beans $9.62
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.26 Beans $9.60
Guthrie County: Corn $4.25 Beans $9.64
Montgomery County: Corn $4.25 Beans $9.62
Shelby County: Corn $4.26 Beans $9.60

Oats: $3.15 (same in all counties)