Michael Leland
/
Iowa Public Radio
The new guide from Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development details 20 places to hike and explore in Western Iowa.
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A new outdoor climbing area in Jackson County is the first of its scale to open in the state in more than a decade. Volunteers passionate about opening more access to climbing in Iowa developed the site earlier this summer. -
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. -
Mason City will host mountain biking novices, thrill-seekers and spectators at its first Prairie Rock Trails Bike Fest this weekend. The three-day event begins with a ribbon cutting for a new destination bike park.
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Nine Des Moines metro communities are participating in the Ride Safe n’ Smart campaign to promote safe riding practices in public spaces. E-bikes and other electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, which is raising concerns about public safety on trails and sidewalks. -
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.
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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. -
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.
