Iowa Wildlife Federation

10/19/2026

You're going to need tissues for this one. ❤️

For many of us, our pets are the extra push we need to get outside and enjoy nature. For Lowell, that was Sandy. She brought a lifetime of outdoor wonder and excitement to all who knew her. 🐕🐾

In honor of Sandy, we're asking our friends and supporters to take their best pals for a walk and share a photo of them enjoying the outdoors in the comments. ⬇
..and maybe share a bite of your sandwich, too.( A favorite of Sandy's) 🐶

Read "Sandy" in Washburn's Outdoor Journal: https://iawildlife.org/blog/sandy/

Photography courtesy of Lowell Washburn, all rights reserved.It was late afternoon by the time the man and his dog reached the top of the hill.   Kneeling to the ground, the man laid his carefully wrapped bundle on the grass.   Standing […]

10/16/2026

There are more than 570 national wildlife refuges across the country, and this , we're celebrating one right here in Prairie City, IA.

From winter to spring, summer to fall, there's something special about every season at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. ❄️🌸☀️🍂

National wildlife refuges provide important habitat for wildlife while giving us opportunities to get outdoors, explore and enjoy nature through hiking, wildlife watching, photography and more.

Whether you've visited before or have yet to explore one, this week is a great reminder to get outside and visit a national wildlife refuge near you.

📸: Joan Van Gorp

10/14/2026

Join nature advocates from across the state for two days of learning, conversation and connection at the 2026 Iowa Nature Summit, November 18–19 in Des Moines.

Hear from experts, connect with others working to protect Iowa’s natural resources and explore ways we can work together toward a stronger future for nature in Iowa.

🎫 Early bird tickets available now! 📲 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-iowa-nature-summit-tickets-1995716227961?blm_aid=18626

The ultimate gathering of nature advocates and organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting nature's diversity!

10/12/2026

🍂 What a fun weekend at Osborne Days!

Ranger Rick made plenty of new friends this weekend at Osborne Park in Elkader! 🦝🌿

We had a great time connecting with visitors, sharing ways to help Iowa's wildlife and enjoying all the fall festivities!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the IWF table to say hello, ask questions and join in the fun. And a big thank you to Clayton County Conservation for putting together such a wonderful event!

📸 Check out some of our favorite moments from the weekend!

10/09/2026

🎃🍎🍂 Looking for some fall fun this weekend? Head to Osborne Days in Elkader, Iowa!

Join us October 10–11 at Osborne Park for two days of outdoor adventures, local vendors, delicious food and family-friendly activities!

Here's a sneak peek at the fun:

🎃 Biggest Pumpkin & Best Decorated Pumpkin Contests (Sunday!)
🥾 Hiking, scavenger hunts and outdoor demonstrations
🍯 Local honey, maple syrup, handmade crafts and more
🎨 Hands-on workshops and activities for all ages
🍕 Food trucks, BBQ, pizza and sweet treats
🦊 Wildlife and conservation demonstrations

🌿 Be sure to stop by IWF's table! Have questions about certifying your backyard as a wildlife habitat, why you should leave the leaves this fall or other ways to help Iowa's wildlife? We'd love to chat! Plus, grab some IWF stickers and join our scavenger hunt!

📍 Osborne Park | Elkader, IA
📅 October 10–11
⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days

See you there!

📸: Clayton County Conservation

10/09/2026

Ranger Rick and the Iowa Wildlife Federation stopped by Everyday Iowa to talk about some fun fall events happening this weekend! 🦝🍂

Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/n8srpe8c

10/09/2026

IWF Executive Director Ryan Smith joined board member Sue Wilkinson and Ranger Rick on Everyday Iowa to talk about Osborne Days this weekend, the upcoming Iowa Nature Summit, why you should leave the leaves in your yard this fall and how you can become a member of IWF! 🍂🌿

📺 Watch the full interview here:

Ryan Smith, Sue Wilkinson, and Ranger Rick stop by with some fun outdoor events to take in this warm Fall weekend!

10/08/2026

Light pollution affects more than our view of the stars. It can disrupt wildlife, interfere with bird migration and impact the health of our ecosystems.

DarkSky Iowa is working to raise awareness about light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting practices that protect wildlife, conserve energy and preserve Iowa’s beautiful night skies.

We're proud to support their efforts to keep Iowa's skies dark for wildlife and future generations! 🌌

Learn more 📲 https://iawildlife.org/darksy-iowa/

10/06/2026

Did you know that fallen leaves provide food and shelter for pollinators, insects and small animals?

🍁Butterflies and moths lay eggs in leaf litter.
🍁Bees, beetles and other insects use leaves for shelter.
🍁Birds and small mammals rely on the insects that overwinter in leaves for food.

This month, consider leaving the leaves to support Iowa’s wildlife. Even leaving a corner of your yard untouched can make a big difference. 🐝🐞🦋