Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

Posts in tag Acorn crew

Iowa's owls

Iowa's Owls

Did you know that out of approximately 250 owl species found worldwide, there are only 9 that call Iowa home?

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Beaver

Building like a Beaver

Beavers are talented engineers — try this experiment to see how hard they work!

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Illustration of constellations in the night sky

Finding constellations using the North Star

You probably know about constellations, but do you know how to find them?

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Photo for What's that tree?

What's that tree?

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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Leaves on the ground

Why We Love Leaf Litter

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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Leaves background with family reading a book

Cozy books for you and your family to enjoy

As the days grow shorter and time spent indoors increases, many INHF staff members turn to the cozy comfort of a good book. Whether you're hunting for a captivating read for your own free time or need a great story to share with the kids in your life, we've gathered a list of our all-time favorites—perfect for fall, winter, or any season!

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Grey squirrel with a walnut photo by Larry Reis

Go nuts with nuts this fall

This fall, INHF predicts many happy squirrels, turkeys, deer… and KIDS! This is because many nut-bearing trees across the state are experiencing a mast crop of nuts.With the abundance of nuts, what better time to collect and explore them! With your family or on your own, try these activities the next time you find yourself in proximity to nuts.

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A child's hand reaching for a geocache on the ground

Iowa's Outdoor Cache

Summer may be ending, but there are still many ways to discover Iowa’s outdoors after the temperature turns cool. Geocaching is a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed wherever you are, regardless of season.

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A Forbes' tree cricket resting atop a sneezeweed. Photo by Larry Reis

Songs of Summer

Iowa has its own native rockstars that make a summer appearance! Learn more about the sounds of crickets, katydids and cicadas before you head outdoors to hear them. 

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Photo for Acorn Crew: Frost, Nature's Fingerprints

Acorn Crew: Frost, Nature's Fingerprints

You wake up on a chilly winter morning and look out the window to find the ground, your car and...
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Spider web photo by Larry Reis

Acorn Crew: Spiders

Orb-weaver spiders build wheel shaped webs that are excellent at catching prey. Photo by Larry Reis As households around the...
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Photo for Acorn Crew: Water Wonders

Acorn Crew: Water Wonders

Do you enjoy splashing in creeks, floating in the river, or going to the beach? You’re not the only one!...
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28 February

Loess Hills: Buresh Winter Workday

Crescent

02 March

Hikin' for Lichen

Strasser Woods State Preserve - 1552 E 36th St

14 March

Loess Hills: Buresh Winter Workday

Crescent

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