Environment

An increased emphasis on outdoor activities has been a rare silver lining to an otherwise difficult year dominated by the pandemic. But as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s easy to retreat inside and shelve outdoor activities until spring returns. On this episode of Talk of Iowa, four winter enthusiasts challenge you to put on your boots, grab your wooly hat and embrace winter for all it has to offer

The city of Des Moines has set new climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to use only carbon-free electricity.

Talk of Iowa's Charity Nebbe is joined by Massimo Marengo of Iowa State University to explain the best ways to view the upcoming alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21.

The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case that challenges the legislature’s voluntary approach to regulating nutrient pollution in the Raccoon River from farm runoff.

University of Iowa researchers have found unsafe levels of lead in the drinking water of some Iowa schools, but it’s unclear how deep this problem goes.

A conversation with two Iowans who fought wildfires in several western states this year.

IowaWatch reports Iowa's parks are employing fewer park rangers even though visits remain high.

The wood duck has a fascinating history of survival, conservation and they are stunningly beautiful. Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with author Greg Hoch to learn more.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources estimates hundreds of migratory waterfowl were killed by cars in northwest Iowa after they tried to land on wet roads they likely mistook for wetlands.

Chris Helzer describes what he learned by photographing one square meter of prairie for an entire year.