The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.
External link for Iowa Department of Natural Resources
or
502 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319, US
Your first Fall Color Report is here, Iowa! 🍂 NE: Walnuts and some sugar maple are starting to turn yellow/orange. Virginia creeper and sumac are red. Rain and wind have knocked some leaves down already. NW: Silver maple and American sycamore trees are starting to turn yellow. Sumac shrubs are dark red. Central: Cottonwood, walnut and elms are starting to turn yellow. A few scattered maples are turning red. Roadside sumac and Virginia creeper are changing to maroon. SE: The landscape is still mostly green. Some yellows and browns are starting to appear; it is early for colors. South Central: Walnuts and cottonwoods are starting to turn yellow. Some urban maples are starting to change colors. West Central: Some leaves are just starting to turn. Sumac are changing colors. Cottonwoods should be turning yellow by this weekend. The last of the prairie flowers should be on full display throughout the week. Get more details and sign up for our weekly reports at iowadnr.gov/FallColor Pictured: Palisades-Kepler near Cedar Rapids by gracesscamera (via Instagram)
Let's see those youth deer season photos (excitable heart rate data optional)! When Adler harvested this deer, her dad told us she says the emotional excitement she feels from a successful hunt far surpasses any of her high school sports. And she had the receipts to prove it -- showing him the heart rate data from harvesting this deer! Youth deer season runs through Oct. 4.
100 years of amazing views at Waubonsie State Park! 🎉Dedicated in 1926, this southwest Iowa park is known for its exceptional vistas of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills, an extensive trail system, and more than 2,000 acres to explore. Plan a visit to celebrate: iowadnr.gov/Waubonsie
Tree stand hunters, don't forget the other tag you need this fall! 🏷️ Tree stands placed on *public land* are now required to have an identification tag that: 1. Includes the owner's DNR-issued customer ID number 2. Is attached to the stand 3. Is clearly visible from the ground. How to create your tag: 1. Buy a metal tag from a hardware store, trapper supply store or one of many online retailers (there is no size requirement, but it needs to be large enough to be easily read from the ground) 2. Clearly mark your DNR ID number on the tag 3. Attach the tag to the deer stand - good places include on the ladder, lower frame, platform support or the seat support 4. Make sure the tag is easily visible and readable from the ground If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to your local DNR conservation officer!
Two great opportunities to join the DNR team! Engineer (EIT): work with our PEs to ensure that state infrastructure—from state parks to wildlife areas—is safe, compliant, and built to serve the public for generations. (open to Dec. 2026 engineering grads!) Water Supply Permit Writer: play a vital role in protecting Iowa’s public drinking water systems and safeguarding public health by drafting, reviewing, issuing, modifying, and amending operation permits for Public Water Supplies More info on both at iowadnr.gov/employment
Don't take those feeders and flowers down just yet -- send Iowa's hummingbirds off for fall migration with a full tank! Hummingbirds, like other species, need to build up body fat (nearly doubling their body weight!) in order to make their large migration flights to Central America. That makes refueling locations like backyard feeders and pollinator gardens pretty important! Use nectar solutions of 4 parts water to 1 part white cane sugar -- no food color necessary. Clean and replace the food every few days. If the liquid in the feeder looks cloudy, that indicates fermentation and the production of toxic alcohol, which can be very hazardous to hummingbirds. Keeping your hummingbird feeder out into September and October will not discourage hummingbirds from migrating. Other factors like temperature and day length will encourage the birds to leave, even if you keep feeding them. Most hummingbirds will pass through or leave Iowa by the end of September.
Bird Alert 🚨🚨🚨 12.7 million birds are about to make their way through Iowa - TONIGHT. The highest numbers will be in NE Iowa, but the whole state will see a whole lotta birds. And they could use your help! A few things you can do to help: Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Why? It helps birds navigate better. Turn off unneeded indoor lights overnight and use stickers or other methods to help make windows more visible and reduce collisions. Oh, and keep those cats inside, too. Images: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Cast and Purdue AeroEco Lab
Do some team building, get some fresh air and give back! Statewide Volunteer Day in Iowa State Parks is Sept. 26: https://bit.ly/4xScOw3