Wildlife

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.

Bison once dominated North America, with estimates between 30 and 60 million once roaming and shaping the prairies and grasslands. Westward expansion and U.S. policy greatly diminished the species, and by 1870, there were no more bison in the state of Iowa. On this episode, we learn about the keystone species with wildlife experts Jim Pease and Pete Eyheralde, and how the species became a conservation success story. We'll also learn about a herd of 70 bison at the Neil Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa from visitor services manager Nancy Corona.

According to new DNR reports, raptor surveyors and volunteers documented 58 osprey fledglings and 28 peregrine falcon fledglings in 2025. The positive numbers stem from years-long restoration efforts in Iowa.

A nonprofit that grew out of one woman’s basement in Des Moines rehabilitates thousands of wild birds every year. But as it nears capacity, the founder plans to build Iowa's first wild bird hospital and education center.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is recommending a 5% increase in hunting, fishing and trapping license fees to keep pace with inflation and increasing costs. License fees go to the state's Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund.

We honor Jane Goodall’s legacy with a look back at her 2025 conversation and reflect on her impact with wildlife biologist Jim Peases.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources discovered two pallid sturgeon for the first time in the lower Des Moines River earlier this year. The ancient fish is considered one of the rarest and most endangered species in North America.

Author Peter Simons discusses his book Global Heartland: Cultivating the American Century on the Midwestern Farm. Then, an ISU wildlife extension specialist offers a new resource for Iowans who want to support wildlife.

Once considered nonexistent in Iowa, peregrine falcons have had a comeback since the species was reintroduced in 1989.

Expert birders share all you need to know as millions of birds pass through or make the journey to Iowa this spring.