Explore the Outdoors with the Iowa DNR banner

Explore the Outdoors

Did you know that Iowa is home to the second-largest deposit of loess—tiny, wind-deposited soil particles—and even has ice caves? 

The state is also full of fascinating wildlife, including the blue-spotted salamander, the Topeka shiner and the smoky shadowdragon. And when you look to the skies, you might spot raptors like peregrine falcons, bald eagles and, on rare occasions, snowy owls.

Join us as we explore the outdoors with our friends from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

See how water moves through the environment and learn how to prevent pollution

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Devon Ritter of the Memphis Zoo explains how habitats provide animals food and shelter.

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Explore Iowa state parks with outdoor fun and activities for all ages in beautiful natural spaces.

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Explore nature, set up camp, and solve problems through scientific inquiry.

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These birds of prey are fast flying hunters!

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Fly with falcons and discover some of the fastest, most powerful birds in the world!

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A variety of amphibians and reptiles call Iowa home. Learn about the characteristics of frogs and toads from experts at the Science Center of Iowa.

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The Wild Kratts team searches for a white-tailed deer fawn they helped years earlier.

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Oh no! Daisy’s butterfly playdate is at risk because there are no flowers for the butterflies to feed on.

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Butterflies come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Their traits reveal more about them and their habitats.

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Discover Iowa’s common birds and learn what makes each species unique and fun to spot!

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The Bumblebee Queen prepares for spring alone until Nature Cat and friends buzz in to help!

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Are Martin’s osprey powers strong enough to lift a full-grown hammerhead shark?

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Martin and Chris split up to follow tracks, leading one to a Gila monster and the other to a rattlesnake.

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The Qyah Canoers are competition-ready, but Molly, Tooey, and Trini still need to learn canoeing!

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Discover Nahant Marsh’s special Blanding’s turtles and how naturalists track and study them!

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What kind of scientist do you want to be?

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Chris and Martin go on an big adventure with a bite-sized bat.

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When the team is separated and stranded far from the Tortuga, they must brave a wild journey home.

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Elinor and her friends follow a bee to its hive to observe the honey-making process.

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Kratt brothers stop Chef Gourmand from hunting and cooking the largest wild turkey in the forest.

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