Author : James J. Dinsmore
Publisher :
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 35,43 MB
Release : 1994
Category : Nature
ISBN :
Iowa has been changed more than, perhaps, any other state. We can mourn the disappearance of the bison and mountain lion while we marvel at the recent success of the wild turkey and white-tailed deer. Listening to James Dinsmore tell the story of wildlife in Iowa can open a window onto the future as other areas of our planet are increasingly altered by humans.
Author : Erika Billerbeck
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 230 pages
File Size : 46,36 MB
Release : 2020-09-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 1609387147
In America’s Midwest, where “wilderness” is in short supply, working to defend what’s left of Iowa’s natural resources can be both a daunting and an entertaining task. In Wildland Sentinel, Erika Billerbeck takes readers along for the ride as she and her colleagues sift through poaching investigations, chase down sex offenders in state parks, search for fugitives in wildlife areas, haul drunk boaters to jail, perform body recoveries, and face the chaos that comes with disaster response. Using an introspective personal voice, this narrative nonfiction work weaves stories of Iowa’s natural history with a cast of unforgettable characters. Wildland Sentinel touches on what it means to be a woman working in the male-dominated field of conservation law enforcement.
Author : James J. Dinsmore
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 295 pages
File Size : 31,21 MB
Release : 2023
Category : Nature
ISBN : 1609389255
"This book tells the recent story of Iowa's wildlife from recovery and restoration to disappointing declines. During the pandemic, the number of visitors to state parks, wildlife areas, and other natural areas has increased greatly. For many, this is a new experience. This book will provide them with a reliable source of information about many of the animals that they are now seeing. Much has changed with Iowa's wildlife in the past 30 years. Some species like Canada goose, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer that once were rare in Iowa are now common, and others like sandhill crane, river otter, and trumpeter swan are becoming increasingly abundant. The goal of this book is to provide an up-to-date, scientifically based summary of changes in the distribution, status, conservation needs, and future prospects of about 60 species of Iowa's birds and mammals whose populations have increased or decreased in the past 30 years. Emphasis is given to several species that have experienced significant growth, some that show signs that they may experience future growth, and a few whose long-term future in Iowa is in jeopardy. This book is not an update of James and Stephen Dinsmore's earlier book, A Country So Full of Game, which discussed Iowa's wildlife up to about 1990. This is an entirely new book, discussing what has happened in the years 1990-2020. For species covered in the earlier book, only a brief discussion of earlier years is provided to connect the new material to what happened earlier"--
Author : Cornelia F. Mutel
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 329 pages
File Size : 13,99 MB
Release : 2008-03
Category : History
ISBN : 1587297477
In The Emerald Horizon, Cornelia Mutel combines lyrical writing with meticulous scientific research to portray the environmental past, present, and future of Iowa. In doing so, she ties all of Iowa's natural features into one comprehensive whole. Since so much of the tallgrass state has been transformed into an agricultural landscape, Mutel focuses on understanding today’s natural environment by understanding yesterday’s changes. After summarizing the geological, archaeological, and ecological features that shaped Iowa’s modern landscape, she recreates the once-wild native communities that existed prior to Euroamerican settlement. Next she examines the dramatic changes that overtook native plant and animal communities as Iowa’s prairies, woodlands, and wetlands were transformed. Finally she presents realistic techniques for restoring native species and ecological processes as well as a broad variety of ways in which Iowans can reconnect with the natural world. Throughout, in addition to the many illustrations commissioned for this book, she offers careful scientific exposition, a strong sense of respect for the land, and encouragement to protect the future by learning from the past. The “emerald prairie” that “gleamed and shone to the horizon’s edge,” as botanist Thomas Macbride described it in 1895, has vanished. Cornelia Mutel’s passionate dedication to restoring this damaged landscape—and by extension the transformed landscape of the entire Corn Belt—invigorates her blend of natural history and human history. Believing that citizens who are knowledgeable about native species, communities, and ecological processes will better care for them, she gives us hope—and sound suggestions—for the future.
Author : Paul L. Errington
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 30,47 MB
Release : 2015-11-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 1609383656
“I was a predator, myself, and lived close to the land.” With these words, Paul L. Errington begins this lost classic. Now in print for the first time, the book celebrates a key predator: the wolf. One of the most influential biologists of the twentieth century, Errington melds his expertise in wildlife biology with his love for natural beauty to create a visionary and often moving re-examination of humanity’s relationship with these magnificent and frequently maligned animals. Tracing his own relationship with wolves from his rural South Dakota upbringing through his formative years as a professional trapper to his landmark work as an internationally renowned wildlife biologist, Errington delves into our irrational fear of wolves. He forthrightly criticizes what he views as humanity’s prejudice against an animal that continues to serve as the very emblem of the wilderness we claim to love, but that too often falls prey to our greed and ignorance. A friend of Aldo Leopold, Errington was an important figure in the conservation efforts in the first half of the twentieth century. During his lifetime, wolves were considered vicious, wantonly destructive predators; by the mid-1900s, they had been almost completely eliminated from the lower forty-eight states. Their reintroduction to their historical range today remains controversial. Lyrical yet unsentimental, Of Wilderness and Wolves provides a strong and still-timely dose of ecological realism for the abusive mismanagement of our natural resources. It is a testament to our shortsightedness and to Errington’s vision that this book, its publication so long delayed, still speaks directly to our environmental crises.
Author : Jack W. Musgrove
Publisher : Hamlin Press
Page : 146 pages
File Size : 16,28 MB
Release : 2011-07-01
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781447418863
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Author : Kitty Norton
Publisher : Jack and Kitty Media Group
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 27,24 MB
Release : 2024-08-14
Category : Travel
ISBN :
UPDATED AND EXPANDED FOR 2025-2026! Iowa...a state filled with exciting adventures, heartwarming culture, and unforgettable experiences! Embark on a year-long journey through the diverse landscape and rich culture of the Hawkeye State with "Iowa's Best: 365 Unique Adventures - The Essential Guide to Unforgettable Experiences in the Hawkeye State (2025-2026 Edition)". From the rolling farmland to vibrant cityscapes, Iowa has a unique adventure waiting for you every day of the year. This meticulously curated guide invites you to explore Iowa like never before. Immerse yourself in essential experiences, delve into cultural treasures, find fun for the whole family, discover urban hotspots, bask in natural beauty, relish culinary delights, and indulge in a variety of activities that make Iowa truly special. Organized into distinct categories such as "Nature and Wildlife Adventures," "Outdoor Adventures," "Seasonal Adventures," "Culinary Adventures," and "Adventures at Quirky Roadside Attractions," this guide ensures that you have a trove of activities to choose from based on your interest. Also included are invaluable chapters on "Travel Basics," "Accommodation Suggestions," "Transportation," "Local Cuisine," and "Additional Resources," providing practical information to help you plan your journey more effectively. Each activity is presented with a detailed description, necessary information, insider tips, and reasons why it will make your Iowa trip memorable. No two adventures are the same - you're assured a unique experience each day, whether it's exploring a historic landmark, taking part in a local festival, or relaxing in a nature retreat. "Iowa's Best: 365 Unique Adventures" is not just a travel guide, it's your companion in discovering the hidden gems and local favorites that encapsulate Iowa's charm and spirit. Join us on this journey through the heartland of America and create your own unforgettable experiences in Iowa. So whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or a family on vacation, make the most of your Iowa adventure with this essential guide. Explore, experience, and enjoy Iowa in 365 unique ways!
Author : Ruth Herzberg
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 28,25 MB
Release : 2001-12-01
Category : Travel
ISBN : 1609380088
The Iowa state preserves system was created in 1965; a decade later, thirty preserves had been dedicated, including “six native prairies, a native White Pine stand, the state's only Sphagnum bog, a Balsam Fir stand, some of the oldest exposed rock outcrops in the world, an ancient fort, a fen, several Indian mound groups and a historical cemetery.” This new guide to all ninety Iowa state preserves—biological, geological, archaeological, historical, and scenic—describes the state's most treasured prairies and forests, quartzite outcrops and ice caves, and Indian mounds and wetlands as well as such historic sites as Fort Atkinson and Montauk. Each entry includes two-color, progressively scaled maps giving the location of the preserve within the state, within its county, relative to a nearby town (with a recommended driving route), and on the local landscape (using USGS 7.5-minute topo maps). Also included are written directions (using 911 street names and signs); a description of the preserve's size, features, and history; a list of nearby or similar preserves, parks, natural areas, and other attractions; recommended readings; and contact information. (There are a few exceptions for privately owned or fragile preserves.) For travelers, a map in the introduction numbers all the preserves both geographically and alphabetically by name. Although the preserves system emphasizes preservation rather than recreation, some preserves do have formal trails; some allow hunting, horseback riding, and canoeing; a few have museums or nature centers. This comprehensive guide allows visitors to plan active and informative visits to sites that highlight Iowa's natural and cultural heritage.
Author : Rebecca Conard
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 16,10 MB
Release : 2020
Category : Parks
ISBN : 9781609387136
In 1920, Iowa dedicated its first two state parks. In the century since, the Iowa State Parks system has evolved into a broad array of lands and waters that represent a legacy of tireless stewardship. Iowa State Parks commemorates the origins of our state parks and the riches they offer in the present. The photo essays at the heart of this book feature the artistry of well-known nature photographers such as Carl Kurtz, Brian Gibbs, Don Poggensee, and Larry Stone. The images help tell the stories of Iowa's state parks, recreation areas, preserves, and forests. A historical overview sets the stage, followed by essays on key aspects of our park system.
Author : Alex Troutman
Publisher : Adventure Publications
Page : 219 pages
File Size : 12,15 MB
Release : 2024-09-17
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 1647553547
Get the perfect kids’ introduction to Iowa’s mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Put nature in the hands of children! Critters of Iowa is your wildlife pocket guide that’s informative, concise, and easy to use. Written by wildlife biologist Alex Troutman, this handy book presents 64 critters of the Hawkeye State—if an animal is in this book, it’s found in Iowa. Each species is showcased in a professional-quality photograph that’s paired with such neat-to-know details as habitat, range, and preferred food sources. Illustrations of the critter’s tracks complement the information, and a “Did You Know?” paragraph provides fascinating trivia worth sharing with family, friends, and teachers. Critters of Iowa includes important-to-know mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Book Features: 64 critters—only Iowa animals Full-color photos of every species Concise descriptions and interesting “Did You Know?” facts Attractive layout with kid appeal A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book benefits Wildlife Forever to support their conservation efforts
