Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

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Collage image of a winter scene

The Science of Surviving Winter (Posted January 6, 2026)

Heated gloves, snow tires, cold-weather clothes and groceries purchased in bulk or delivered to your door… come December, our lives are supplemented with gadgets and remedies so that even in the biting cold of deep winter, life can continue uninterrupted by weather. But for other animals, there is no retreat to cozy fireplaces and piping hot soup. How do wildlife cope so well with the shift of seasons? Physiological and behavioral adaptations are the secret to their success — here are just a few of the strategies that help Iowa wildlife survive the winter. 

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Photo for What's that tree?

What's that tree? (Posted December 10, 2025)

Without leaves, trees can all start to look like the same big stick stuck in the ground. They aren’t all the same, though. Telling trees apart, especially without leaves, is a skill you can learn!

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When Wilderness Calls Us Together

When Wilderness Calls Us Together (Posted December 10, 2025)

With no roads in sight, this protection project in Madison and Clarke counties offers a truly immersive nature experience. 

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Snowy sidewalk

Dealing with Ice (Posted December 4, 2025)

It’s that time of year again! Time for early morning snow shoveling and freezing evenings tossing de-icing salts on your front steps. Deicers have all kinds of unexpected effects, impacting pets, plants, and even our larger environment. Learn about the issues and some safer alternatives. 

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Meet INHF's New Staff

INHF Welcomes New Staff This Fall (Posted November 21, 2025)

INHF welcomed three individuals to our team this fall! Get to know them in their bios below.

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Landscape view of Gray property

A Relict Reclaimed (Posted November 18, 2025)

Jim and Marcy Gray lovingly donate an oak savanna and prairie in Ida County.

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Leaves on the ground

Why We Love Leaf Litter (Posted November 4, 2025)

Fall is its own kind of fun: leaves changing colors, pumpkins, apple cider and giant leaf piles to jump into. Once we’re done with our fun, sometimes we bag those leaves up and take them away. But did you know that it’s a good idea to leave the leaves? Here are some good things fallen leaves can do for nature.

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Aerial view of the Arnolds Park project site

Arnolds Park Nature Area Protected (Posted October 30, 2025)

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce that it has reached its $1.9 million fundraising goal for the Arnolds Park Nature Area and will purchase the property to ensure it is protected and open to the public.  

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Image of Diane

INHF Says Farewell to Diane Graves, Administrative Assistant (Posted October 29, 2025)

INHF is known as a place where staff have longevity with the organization — Diane Graves is a perfect example. If you have ever called or visited the INHF main office, you would have probably met or talked to Diane. After 25 incredible years of dedicated service to INHF, Diane is retiring.

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Illustrated farm graphic

Navigating New Terrain (Posted October 22, 2025)

Meet Iowans navigating land ownership and transition decisions. 

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Aerial view of the Arnolds Park Nature Area

Arnolds Park Nature Area (Posted October 6, 2025)

Help permanently protect open space in Iowa's Great Lakes. 

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Boylan Farm field

Work begins at a Page County farm bequeathed to INHF (Posted October 3, 2025)

Travelers or residents passing eastbound through Shenandoah, IA down 190th St. may have noticed the noise and busy atmosphere of a hard day’s work on Boylan Farms. During the month of August, INHF and the tenant farmers at Boylan Farms were busy making improvements to the property, including two to homesteads.

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