Gavin McGough
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Iowa Public Radio
Casey Lake is one of the latest to benefit from the state's Lake Restoration Program, which is marking 20 years of addressing water quality issues at recreation sites across Iowa.
Courtesy of Visit Mason City
Maura Curran
/
Iowa Public Radio
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Internationally renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo is known for creating towering, whimsical trolls that can be found all around the world. Built from reclaimed materials, they've popped up in hidden, natural locations all across the globe. Now, there are four to find in Iowa. -
The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City shared plans to reopen its visitor center, which has been closed for nearly two years due to major damage caused by a severe hailstorm. It's also seeking public input as it reevaluates what educational opportunities it can offer. -
The Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake takes place on the lake's frozen surface, which has thinned near the shore due to unseasonably warm weather. The unsafe ice conditions have caused the event organizers to cancel this year’s festival.
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Iowa has seen below-normal snowfall since December, creating what weather experts call a "snow drought." The dry conditions have disrupted winter recreation and raised concerns about the ecosystem at a wildlife preserve in northwest Iowa. -
A team of researchers at the University of Northern Iowa is exploring the deepest caves in the U.S. with NASA funding. This could inform the search for life on other planets. UNI associate professor Josh Sebree discusses the research he’s been leading with an interdisciplinary team of UNI students. We also hear from one of those researchers, Jacqueline Heggen, and Cheryl Johnson, president of the state’s chapter of the National Speleological Society. -
Beaches at two dozen state parks and recreation areas had at least one "swimming not recommended" advisory this summer because of high E. coli levels. Years-long efforts at the Iowa DNR aim to pinpoint potential sources, better understand the health risks for beachgoers and find solutions.
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We tour the Corriell Nature Preserve with Robin Wall Kimmerer and talk about the tools of land preservation. -
Scientists discussed pollution, bacteria and other challenges plaguing central Iowa's rivers at an event in Des Moines Monday. The presenters contributed to a two-year assessment of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which includes recommendations at the local, regional and state level. -
A major plan is in the works to enhance Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, a recreational area in the Loess Hills of western Iowa. A Pottawattamie County official says the plan is to raise at least $25 million to make the area a four-season destination. The project would include a new tubing hill at the ski area, cabins, an amphitheater and more public space.
