Easy Bird Feeders

Kids are fascinated by birds. If possible, set up a bird feeder outside your classroom window. Bird feeders can be as simple as stringing Cheerios or old pretzels onto yarn and tying the ends together. Birds love these winter treats.

Try these easy-to-make bird feeder ideas from the KinderNature website.

Pinecone Feeders

Have children pick out a pinecone, tie a string to its top end. Using spoons, children can smear either vegetable shorting or peanut butter onto the pine cone. Roll pinecone into birdseed, place into ziplock back for children to hang on a tree at home.

Drumlin Farm Fruit Bird Feeder

Cut a grapefruit or an orange in half. Core out the fruit inside the peel (kids can eat this part). Punch three holes into the peel’s sides and attach strings so you can hang the feeder. The children can mix the following ingredients together to make a bird pudding: 1 cup flower 4 cups birdseed, 1 cup hot water, 2 cups oatmeal, 1 pound lard or vegetable shortening. Help your kids spoon the bird pudding in the fruit feeder.

Biscuit Bird Feeders

Open a tube of refrigerated biscuits. Have your child poke a hole into the middle of the biscuit. Lay the biscuit into a bowl of bird seed until it’s covered in seed. Lay the biscuit on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake as directed. When it’s cool, tie a string through the hole and then hang your new bird feeder outside. Put close to a window so all can watch the birds devour every bite.

Bagel Bird Feeder

Have the children spread shortening onto one half of a bagel. Push bagel shortening side down into bird seed. Place a string though the hole in the bagel and hang outside.

Winter Fun

Bundle up the kids and head outside this winter for fresh air and exercise. Try these fun ideas to keep kids active.

• Shovel snow into big piles. Provide child-sized snow shovels and encourage children to transform the large piles of snow into snow caves and slides.
• Make igloos with ice cubes or larger blocks of ice (freeze water in cardboard milk cartons). Build a town of igloos.
• Make colored ice cubes by adding a few drops of food coloring to water. Hide them around the play yard and let the children hunt for them.
• Flood a section of the play area so that children can practice “boot” skating.
• Supply nontoxic, water-based paint so that children can turn snow sculptures into colorful creations.
• Place a heated water dish near your bird feeders and observe the tracks of animals that visit it.
• Blow bubbles. Do they freeze? What happens when they land?

Helpful Websites

Winter Activities Kids Love - http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/11/winter-activities-for-kids.html

15 Snow and Ice Activities - http://www.readingconfetti.com/2014/01/15-snow-and-ice-activities-kids-co-op.html

Build Animals Out of Snow - http://www.nwf.org/kids/family-fun/outdoor-activities/build-animals-out-of-snow.aspx

Bald Eagle Watch Events

Winter is the best time in Iowa to spot a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead. Attend a hawk watch event to take in this incredible sight. Visit the DNR website for more information about bald eagles.

2016 Bald Eagle Watch Events

* events with asterisk have a school day on Friday. For more information, contact the events directly.

Clinton Bald Eagle Watch 

Saturday, Jan. 9

This event is in its 32nd year.  In coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pam Steinhaus, with contributions from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clinton CCB, numerous conservation organizations and the Iowa DNR. Wonderful family entertainment                                             

• Outdoor viewing: Lock & Dam 13, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Live Bird and Nature Programs: Clinton Community College, 9:45-2
• Exhibits: Clinton Community College from 9 – 2
• Free bus service from college to the outdoor viewing area.
• For more information call 815-259-3628

Mississippi River Visitor Center, Arsenal Island

Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 2 - Feb. 7, Arsenal Island, Rock Island, Ill. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Combination Eagle Watch and Historic Clock Tower Tours

• Reservations are recommended as group size is limited.
• For more information contact Visitor’s Center Staff  at 309-794-5338
  

*Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days                                                       

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9-10

QCCA Expo Center, 2621 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island, Ill.  One of the largest bald eagle events in the nation with many exhibitors and wildlife artists and plenty of activities for the family. Hours: 4 – 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday

• Live eagle and bird of prey programs by The World Bird Sanctuary
• Special attractions
• Wildlife art show and sale and environmental fair
• For more information contact the Mississippi River Visitor Center at 309-794-5338 or Arlynn Hartwig at 309-788-2543

 

*Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch                                                         

Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Grand River Center with environmental-themed exhibitors.

• Outdoor viewing south of Lock and Dam 11 at A.Y. McDonald Park from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Live eagle and bird of prey programs by The World Bird Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m.
• Indoor exhibits from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Grand River Center - Port of Dubuque
• Trolley rides from Grand River Center to outdoor viewing area
• For more information call 563-556-4372 or 563-582-0881

*Keokuk Bald Eagle Days

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16 - 17 Midwest’s largest concentration of bald eagles.  World class environmental exhibitors. Native drum and dance continue a legacy of honor for our national symbol.                                              

• Indoor programs and environmental fair at the River City Mall, Keokuk
• Live eagle programs Saturday 9-3 and Sunday 10-3
• Outdoor viewing along the riverfront 
• For more information call 1-800-383-1219

Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch

Saturday, Jan. 23 - A chance to enjoy eagles fishing in open water provided by Dam 16.  Fantastic urban viewing.

·         Outdoor viewing from 9 - 3 at Pearl City Station and Lock & Dam 16

·         Live eagle programs at 9:30 and 11 a.m. at the Pearl City Station in Riverside Park

·         Environmental exhibits inside the Pearl City Station office

·         For more information call the Muscatine Ranger office at 563-263-7913

 

Coralville Bald Eagle Watch

Saturday, Feb. 6

Indoor Expo: Join the Iowa City Bird Club with Karen Disbrow, at North Central Junior High.

• Outdoor viewing at Tailwater West Picnic Shelter downstream from the dam at Coralville Lake
• Indoor programs 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at North Central Junior High, 180 Forevergreen Road, North Liberty
• For more information call 319-338-3543 ext. 6308 or 319-430-0315

Des Moines Bald Eagle Days                                                         

Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 - 13 

Friday, Feb. 13: Iowa DNR will be hosting a lunch with eagles at Grays Lake, 2100 Fleur Drive in Des Moines.  Outdoor viewing and replica nest 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14: Des Moines Parks and Rec Outdoor viewing with indoor live eagle at Fellowship Baptist Church 1503 SE Sixth Street, in Des Moines.  Ty Smedes, Urbandale author and photographer, will give a slide presentation on bald eagles at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. SOAR - Saving Our Avian Resources - will be present at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with a live education ambassador bald eagle and another guest education ambassador. SOAR will also be discussing the current hazards that bald eagles face in today’s environment and the steps taken when eagles are brought into wildlife rehabilitation.  All ages are welcome,

• Saturday outdoor eagle viewing, replica nest, live eagle indoors 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sixth Avenue Bridge, Fellowship Baptist Church 1503 SE Sixth Street in Des Moines.
• There will be children’s activities and the event is free and open to the public. 
• For more information call 515-248 6369.

Saylorville Bald Eagle Watch

Sunday, Feb. 28 A driving tour of Saylorville Lake with eagles at every stop.  Special live eagle program at Jester Park Lodge.

• Outdoor viewing at selected sites around reservoir, start at Visitor’s Center 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• For more information call 515-276-4656
 

Effigy Mounds Bald Eagle Watch                                                  

Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 - 27 Hoffman Hall exhibit area is extensive, packed with great exhibitors and exceptional live bird presentations.

• Friday 7 p.m. - free birding programs at Country Inn & Suites and the AmericInn, in Prairie Du Chien, Wis.    
• Outdoor viewing at Prairie Du Chien Visitor’s Center on the river
• Indoor Program at Hoffman Hall, 1600 S Wacouta Avenue, in Prairie Du Chien, Wis.
• For more information call 563-873-3491 or 608-326-8555 ext 11  

O’Brien County Bald Eagle Watch

Saturday, March 6 Prairie Heritage Center with elevated viewing deck.  Experienced birders on hand provide educational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

• Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Avenue, in Peterson
• At 2 p.m., Christina Roelofs from SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) will have a live bald eagle.  She will talk about the bird’s special adaptations and give other information about their current population status. Bring your camera and take advantage of this amazing opportunity to see a majestic bald eagle from an arm’s length! 
• For more information call Charlene Elyea at 712-295-7200.

 

Sioux Rapids

Saturday, Mar. 12 The event includes live eagles with interesting environmental presentations. It is hosted by Marian McNabb. American Legion Building, 200 Main Street, Sioux Rapids.   

• 10 a.m.. - 2 p.m. Registration from 8:30 - 10 a.m., Lunch served at 12:15, free will offering
• Speakers from 10 a.m. to Noon. Presentations include live birds.
• Outdoor viewing at selected sites. For more information call 712-296-4920 or 712-295-7200

Iowa State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes

Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 17 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. 

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. 

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks.  First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks,” said Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau.

“Last year, we hosted a record-breaking 41,000 people who hiked 72,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”  

Iowa’s state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. 

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” stated Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s executive director.  “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”

Staff and volunteers will lead First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 17 participating state parks. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer depending on the location.  Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes  and to see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit www.naspd.org.

Iowa First Day Hikes will take place at the following 17 state parks:

NORTHWESTGitchie Manitou State Preserve

Stone State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Ledges State Park
Springbrook State Park

SOUTHWEST

Wilson Island State Recreation Area
Green Valley State Park
Waubonsie State Park

SOUTHEAST
Walnut Woods State Park
Honey Creek State Park
Honey Creek Resort
Lake Darling State Park

NORTHEAST

Backbone State Park
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Pikes Peak State Park
Yellow River State Forest

America's State Parks is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children.  Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

Class Guide for Winter Fun

Create a class how-to guide for enjoying winter outdoor time. Include sections on what to wear, how to stay safe, and various fun activities your class can do (see below for ideas). Let your students help design the pages.

• Build animals out of snow.
• Use child-sizes shovels to clear sidewalks or play areas. Haul away snow using sleds.
• Make colored ice cubes by adding a few drops of food coloring to water. Hide them around the play yard and let the children hunt for them.
• Look for animal tracks in the snow.
• Make a snow shelter.
• Use diluted food coloring in spray bottles to color the snow.
• Leave birdseed on ground at night. Inspect the snow the next morning to see who came to lunch last night!
• Have a scavenger hunt in the snow. Use sticks to mark the hidden locations with an “X.”

Iowa State-Fish Art Contest

Contest Rules & Guidelines
2016 Entry Form

The Iowa DNR is partnering with the Wildlife Forever^® State-Fish Art^® Contest to host an Iowa State-Fish Art Contest. Students are encouraged to use their artistic skills to create an image of their favorite Iowa fish (see the eligible fish list) in its natural habitat.

The first place artwork in each judging category will be submitted for National Awards. First place winners at the state level will be honored at the annual State-Fish Art Expo this summer. Each student submitting an entry will receive a Certificate of Recognition.
 

Judging Categories

Group 1 – Kindergarten-Grade 3
Group 2 – Grades 4-6
Group 3 – Grades 7-9
Group 4 – Grades 10-12

 

All entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2016.

Connecting Children to Nature

Spending time in nature has many positive benefits for all ages. A young child’s connection with nature can be simple as sitting under a tree, listening to the chirping of crickets or planting a seed.

Try these simple tips from Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood to help connect your students to nature.

• Provide a variety of learning opportunities for auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.
• Provide a variety of ways for children to share what they have learned (e.g., drawing pictures, dictating information to an adult).
• Allow children to touch the physical objects.
• Provide a variety of books, pictures, and recordings, such as birdcalls and nature sounds.
• Label natural objects.
• Call on all the senses when observing nature.
• Embrace the knowledge you have.
• Model research skills – when you discover something unfamiliar, say, “I don’t know. Can we answer that question by ourselves or do we need a book?” Find answers together.
• Participate with the children – be a scientist and record your own observations. Be an artist and sketch along with them.
• Rediscover your own sense of wonder – share your favorite parts of nature and your favorite nature books with the children. Your enthusiasm will spread.
• Model care and respect for the natural environment – touch plants and animals gently. Return animals to the places you found them. Carefully replace logs and stones.
• Bring nature inside – collect and display natural objects and use them to enhance art, writing, math and play.
• Begin with simple outdoor experiences and expand from there – start by exploring right outside the classroom using simple equipment familiar to your children. As children become more comfortable being outdoors, they will naturally want to spend time playing outdoors.
• Be an enthusiastic model – your attitude is contagious!

Research shows many positive benefits to spending time in nature and that it is an important part of a child’s overall well-being. Children who have opportunities to play and learn in nature are more likely to:

• Handle challenges and problems more capably.
• Be more physically active, healthy, aware of nutrition, and less likely to be obese.
• Are more cooperative with other children.
• Have better mental and emotional health.
• Have a greater appreciation of the arts, music, history, and literature.
• Have higher self-esteem.
• Be happier and smarter.
• Are more creative.
• Feel more capable and confident.
• Are good problem solvers.
• Choose science or a science related subject as a career.
• Become better informed and environmentally aware adults.