6-19-2023 Iowa Department Of Natural Resources
Staying active outside reduces stress and gives a dose of vitamin D.
Trees with shade below help us stay cool, relax and enjoy time outside. Large shade trees—bur and other oaks, sycamores, tuliptrees, London planetree and birches provide comfort shade even on the hottest summer days.
Many tree species that cast shade can also provide spring flowers, and bright fall colors. It’s best to choose a species that will thrive in your local environment. Planting trees that are native to your area have a much better chance of reaching their full potential and help create a productive ecosystem.
Learn more about how to select trees for your yard on the DNR webpage.
Make new memories this summer!
Make plans this summer to explore nature, get some fresh air, and make new memories. From forests, state and local parks, rivers and wildlife areas, there are so many great places in Iowa to spend time in nature by yourself or with family and friends.
Try one or more of these simple activities to start your outdoor adventure, whether it’s your first time or it has been a while.
- Hike a Local Trail – Local and state parks have easy to navigate trails that provide quick access to scenic areas close by or in our own neighborhood. Find a list of trails maintained in Iowa State Parks on the DNR webpage.
- Camp in a Tent – Sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sleeping under the stars is an experience you will always remember. Buy your firewood from where you will burn it instead of bringing it from home to help stop the spread of invasive insects like emerald ash borer that live in firewood.
- Paddle Your Favorite Lake or Pond – Explore all the nooks and crannies of your favorite lake or pond in a kayak or a canoe. If you don’t have a kayak or canoe, many state and local parks have rentals available. Earn points to redeem for prizes with the Hook n’ Paddle Passport.
- Cook on a Campfire – Meals around the campfire are often the most cherished memories. Nothing quite compares with the sound of crackling wood and the aroma of dinner in the works. Find recipes on the DNR’s Dutch Oven Recipes webpage.
Family Forest Exploration
Urban forests are filled with natural wonders the whole family will enjoy.
Explore Brown’s Woods in Urbandale, Saturday, June 24at 9:00 a.m. DNR foresters Chip Murrow and Emma Hanigan will lead your exploration along the loop that begins near the parking area.
Learn how to identify trees, the importance of a healthy forest, what animals live in a forest and how you can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.
Ready to explore Iowa’s happy trails and hidden gems? Download the State Park Passport for a chance to win prizes as you visit parks and forests across Iowa!
Along with checking into parks through the passport, visitors can then discover “Hidden Gems” as they explore. Each park and forest on the passport includes a description of a “Hidden Gem” feature, such as a historical marker, scenic overlook, special trail and more.
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