Your adventure awaits...

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This article first appeared in INHF's Spring 2006 magazine.

by Leah Scheppers

Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming and more people are venturing outdoors again. Let the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation help you find exciting outdoor adventures near you.

Online resources

INHF’s website offers an extensive network of information regarding events and outdoor activities. Click the “Explore Iowa” tab for these helpful sections:

1.Upcoming events: From hikes to project dedications, this page is the official list of public events with an INHF connection.

2. Outdoors guide: This handy links page is arranged by activity or site type—from biking to bird-watching and from state parks to scenic byways—along with general Iowa tourism information.

3. Featured destinations: These pages offer an in-depth look at two special INHF project areas: the Iowa River Greenbelt and the Upper Iowa River. You’ll find detailed descriptions, maps, activities in the area, public recreational areas and links to local recreation and tourism information.

4. Iowa trail guide: This section features 42 multi-use recreation trails throughout the state. Contents now include INHF’s Iowa by Trail guidebook: trail descriptions, lists of amenities, maps and contact information. We’re now adding even more maps and links for select trails.

5. Visit INHF projects: Since 1979, INHF has protected more than 85,000 acres throughout the state. Many of these projects are now public parks and wildlife areas. To find INHF projects near you, click the county-by-county map at www.inhf.org/landprojects.htm.

Additional resources

1. INHF wall calendar: INHF’s 2006 wall calendar, free to all members, lists outdoor events going on around the state throughout the year. For even more details and contact information about each, visit www.inhf.org/2006events.htm.

2. Other organizations: Local county conservation boards, the Iowa Division of Tourism, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and other groups also offer resources on finding outdoor events. Find links at www.inhf.org or check your phone book.

Leah Scheppers is a Drake University student and a Robert R. Buckmaster Internat INHF.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.