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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 20, 2024
AMES - The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers spring delivery in April and May for hardwood, conifer and shrub seedlings. Seedlings can be ordered through May 24.
Customers can choose to have their order shipped or they can pick it up at the State Forest Nursery in Ames. The bare-root (no container, soil root ball or moss include) seedlings are packaged in bundles of 25 inside sealed and labeled plastic bags.
Tree varieties include 23 species of native hardwoods, eight evergreen species and 15 smaller trees and shrubs. Prices range from $.70 to $1.20 per seedling. Seedlings are sold in three age classifications, and range in size from 10-30 inches depending on the species.
The State Forest Nursery in Ames was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and has operated continuously ever since. All trees are grown from Iowa seed sources to harvest the bounty of native genetics that have thrived in our soils and weather against disease, insects, droughts and floods for many thousands of years.
For more information visit the online sales site at http://nursery.iowadnr.gov/ or call 1-800-865-2477 Monday – Friday, during regular business hours. The DNR’s expert nursery staff can assist with species selection and answer questions about your tree needs and nursery offerings.
An estimated 2,300 students from more than 140 schools from across Iowa will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on March 1-3, to participate in the 18th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. This is the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.
Iowa student participation in the National Archery in the Schools Program has grown each year beginning from scratch in 2006 to now more than 4,600 participants in 2024.
"The National Archery in the Schools Program is an excellent youth sports program because it has no limitation. Students of all physical and athletic abilities can partake and succeed," said Zach Benttine, archery coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Archery is safe, personally rewarding, and teaches many life lessons."
Competition begins at 5 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The bullseye competition will be in the Jacobson Center where 50 targets will be set up allowing 100 participants to shoot at a time. The 3D competition will be in the 4H building with 30 targets set up allowing 60 participants to shoot at a time.
Admission is $5 for 18 and older, 17 and younger are free. Participants and coaches are allowed free admission to the Iowa Deer Classic at the Iowa Events Center upon showing their official wristband.
Archers Shoot for College Cash & Equipment
Archers participating in the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program can earn money for college. More than $20,000 will be awarded in college scholarships based on performance at the state tournament.
An additional $10,000 will be awarded outside of the state competition to archers participating in the program based on academics, essays, and other established criteria.
Teams also placing at the state tournament will also be eligible to receive an estimated $18,000 in equipment for their schools.
Scholarships are provided by Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Iowa Bowhunters Association, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Haney Family Foundation, Chuck Hallier Memorial, and the National Archery in the Schools Program.
For more information on the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program visit www.iowadnr.gov/nasp.
Media Contact: Zach Benttine, Archery Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, zachary.benttine@dnr.iowa.gov
The weather is starting to feel like spring, but water temperatures are still dangerously cold.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for consistent warm weather to allow the water temperatures to rise slowly. It could be several weeks before water temperatures are ideal and safe as water and air temperatures continue to change.
“Air temperatures are warmer than normal this year, but the water is still dangerously cold,” said Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs water trails coordinator. “We have not had enough consistently warm days to raise water temperatures adequately. Cold water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly if you fall into the water at current temperatures.”
Safety Tips for Paddling in Cold Water Conditions
- Always wear a life jacket. Not only does the life jacket help keep your head above water, it helps to keep your organs warmer.
- Don’t paddle alone, especially in cold water, use a buddy system. Go with a small group of paddlers and know which paddler has the most experience.
- Let a friend or loved one know where you are going and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Plan as if you were to be in the water at some point. A wetsuit or drysuit is a must. Dress in layers so you can peel a layer off if you get overheated.
- Bring along a dry bag with extra clothing to change into should you get wet. Get out of wet, cold clothing as soon as possible. Having the right gear and understanding the stages of hypothermia is crucial for remaining safe.
- Stay away from strainers, wood/branch piles that can pull a paddler under. These are usually found on outside river bends where the current is going and are deadly hazards that must be avoided.
Media Contact: Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator, 515-205-6845.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through a partnership with Alliant Energy, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.
Alliant Energy customers can purchase up to two trees to be picked up at the following locations:
- Thursday, April 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Awaysis Park (1409 E Lakeshore Dr., Storm Lake)
- Tuesday, April 30, 4-6 p.m., Greene County Extension Office (104 W. Washington St., Jefferson)
- Thursday, May 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Grimes Farm and Conservation Center (2349 233rd St., Marshalltown)
- Tuesday, May 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Burlington Depot (300 S Main St., Burlington)
- Saturday, May 11, 9-11 a.m., Swiss Valley Park (13069 Swiss Valley Rd., Peosta)
Submit an order form, available online at www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Urban-Forestry/Residential-Tree-Programs, to reserve your trees.
Media Contact: Shaila Claibourn, Urban and Community Forestry Technician, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-381-8876 or shaila.claibourn@dnr.iowa.gov.
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