Updates & Stories

Restoration Efforts Continue

Brandon Clough, Natural Resource Specialist

Wildlife habitat restoration efforts are underway at Jennett Heritage Area! Jennett is a 171-acre property approximately three miles south of Nevada. Its diverse ecosystems and wildlife make this a truly special spot; it contains prairie remnants and reconstructions, riparian woodlands, wetlands, ponds, and two creeks (West Indian Creek and Grant Creek). In 2010, a plant survey revealed 277 native species – 65 of which were prairie species. In 2019, a bird survey detected 101 species – 29 of which are categorized as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. A grassland ecosystem of this size and quality is extremely rare in Iowa, which makes it critical habitat for a number of Iowa’s wildlife. The restoration efforts underway will further improve the habitat quality and reduce threats to these plants and animals.

Currently, staff are concentrating restoration efforts along the northwest section of Grant Creek. Many of the tree and shrub species along the creek are not native to Iowa and/or are deemed invasive species and should be removed. Some of the targeted species include Siberian elm, black locust, buckthorn, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, white mulberry, and eastern red cedar.

These undesirable species harm the native ecosystem in many ways. From a vegetative stand point, they are outcompeting native plants by rapidly growing in dense thickets. These thickets often expose bare soil underneath, which in turn leaves the area vulnerable to soil erosion and harms water quality downstream. These trees and shrubs are also starting to invade the nearby prairie remnant and prairie reconstructions. From a wildlife standpoint, they are breaking up the grassland into separate segments. Grassland birds in particular require large, contiguous suitable habitat. The trees also create perching sites and corridors for nest predators to thrive.

You may notice staff removing brush in a variety of ways. Heavy machinery is used to mow shrubs and a tree shear can efficiently remove the easily-accessible trees. Staff will collaborate with Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa to chainsaw the less accessible trees and shrubs (thank you CCI!). Brush piles will be burned in a year or two once they have had time to dry.

The Scoop

ON THE SOIL

Sara Qualley

Sara, our Outreach Assistant, is a recent gradute of the Univesity of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s in digital journalism. She enjoys camping, hiking, and collecting houseplants.

World Soil Day is on December 5. Being an ag-centric state, the quality of Iowa’s soil is of utmost importance. We wouldn’t see those familiar fields of corn and soybean without the rich soil here. Iowa’s lands haven’t always been farmed, though.

Prairies once covered much of Iowa. These prairies were home to an abundance of wildlife and plants. As organisms died, their nutrients were absorbed by the ground, becoming part of Iowa’s rich soil. The soil nourished long prairie grasses, whose extensive root systems prevented erosion. Along with severe drought, plowing prairies, excessive tillage, and lack of conservation practices caused the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. There were fewer root systems to help hold soil in place, resulting in dust storms. We learned some lessons from the Dust Bowl, certainly, but we did irreversable damage. Today, less than 0.1% of original prairie remains in Iowa.

Five factors contribute to soil development: climate, organisms, relief, parent material,

Did you know . . .

One of the most productive soils in Iowa is Tama soil. It’s even been suggested as Iowa’s official soil, much like the goldfinch is the state’s official bird. The soil, which is made of loess (windblown sediment), is found in 28 counties.

and time (ClORPT). Climate, which includes precipitation and temperature, dictates how materials weather and the decomposition of dead organisms. Organisms include plants, animals, and microorganisms. Relief (landform position) describes the land’s shape. Slope direction determines how much sunlight hits soil and how much water it retains. Parent material refers to the material soil formed from. Common Iowa soil material includes glacial till, loess, and alluvium. These materials can be deposited by wind, water, volcanoes, and gravity. Time impacts the processes that develop soil.

There are a few ways farmers can help preserve Iowa’s soil. One way is through planting cover crops. Farmers plant cover crops after fall harvest and before spring crop planting. Cover crops reduce erosion, absorb nitrates, improve soil health, suppress weeds, and provide livestock with feed.

Without efforts to preserve our soil, Iowa’s ecosystems will be jeopardized. Erosion results in nutrients washing away, making it more difficult for plants to grow. Not only do people rely on plants, but so do wildlife for food and shelter. Birds flock to trees for nesting and a safe place to sleep. Forests, prairies, and cornfields provide deer with places to hide and graze. Flowers are buffets for pollinators like bees, wasps, and ants.

Through efforts such as no-till systems, mulching, increasing plant diversity, and actively growing plants to produce compounds for soil microorganisms, we can help ensure Iowa’s soil is here to stay.

According to a December 2017 study conducted by the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, about 36 billion tons of soil eroded per year. Most soil loss occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. If we apply agricultural conservation practices correctly worldwide, we could save over a billion tons of soil per year.

Hunting Seasons Are Here

Remember that the parks are shared spaces for all

of us to use. Be courteous about how others choose to recreate outdoors.

Non-toxic ammunition is required for all hunting in SCCowned and managed areas (does not include Doolittle Prairie, Skunk River Flats, or Colo Bog).

Parks designated as public hunting areas (which means they are also open to trapping) are clearly signed at the entrance.

Blaze orange clothing provides increased visibility.

Be aware of what seasons are open; visit https://www.iowadnr. gov/hunting/hunting-seasondates for more information.

2021-22 Iowa Deer Hunting Seasons

Season Season Dates

Youth Sept. 18 - Oct. 3 Disabled Hunter Sept. 18 - Oct. 3 Archery Oct. 1 - Dec. 3 AND Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022

Season Shotgun

First: Second:

Season Dates

Dec. 4-8 Dec. 11-19

2021 Fall Turkey Hunting

License Types Season Dates

Gun/Bow Oct. 11 - Dec. 3 Archery Only Oct. 1 - Dec. 3 AND Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022

Muzzleloader

Early: Oct. 16-24 Late: Dec. 20 - Jan. 10, 2022 Nonresident Holiday Dec. 24 - Jan. 2, 2022

Shooting Hours

Gun: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Bow: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

Shooting hours for all deer seasons are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Hunters are required to report deer and turkey harvest either at iowadnr.gov or by calling the number printed on the harvest reporting tag.

2021-22 Iowa Trapping Seasons

Species

Season Dates Trapping Hours Daily/Season

Raccoon, Muskrat, Fox (Red and Gray), Coyote, Badger, Mink, Weasel, Opossum, Striped Skunk Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit Beaver Nov. 6 - April 15, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit Otter* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day 3 / 3 Bobcat* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day See p. 33 Civet Cat (Spotted Skunk) & Gray Wolf Closed

*Furharvesters must contact a conservation officer within 24 hours of taking an otter or bobcat to receive a CITES tag. See Iowa Hunting, Trapping & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for more information on bobcat zones and harvest restrictions.

Turn-In-Poachers 1-800-532-2020

SEASON DATES NORTH ZONE CENTRAL ZONE Small Game and Upland Hunting Seasons Bag Limits Species Season Dates Shooting Hours Daily PossessionSOUTH ZONE Youth Waterfowl Sept. 25-26 Oct. 2-3 Rooster Pheasant (Youth) Oct. 23-24 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1 Oct. 9-10 2 Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Oct. 2-8 & Oct. 9-15 & Rooster Pheasant Oct. 30 - Jan. 10, 2022 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 3 Oct. 16-22 & 12 Oct. 16-Dec. 7 Dark & Light Geese Sept. 25-Oct. 10 & Oct. 23-Dec. 14 Oct. 2-17 & Bobwhite Quail Oct. 30 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 8 Gray Partridge Oct. 9 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 8 Ruffed Grouse Oct. 2 - Jan. 31, 2022 Sunrise to Sunset 3 Oct. 30-Dec. 21 Oct. 9-24 & 16 16 6 (including Canada geese, Oct. 16-Dec. 7 & Oct. 23-Dec. 14 & Mourning Dove Oct. 30-Dec. 21 & Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 1/2 hour before 15 45 brant & white-fronted geese, Dec. 11-Jan. 8, 2022 Dec. 18-Jan. 15, 2022 Dec. 25-Jan. 22, 2022 sunrise to sunset white & blue phase snow Rabbit (Cottontail) Sept. 4 - Feb. 28, 2022 Sunrise to Sunset 10 20 geese & Ross’ geese) Rabbit (Jack) Closed Squirrel (Fox and Gray) Sept. 4 - Jan. 31, 2022 No Restrictions 6 12 Crow Oct. 15 - Nov. 30 and No Restrictions No Limit No Limit Doves Teal Snipe Sept. 1-Nov. 29 Sept. 1-16 Sept. 4-Nov. 30 Jan. 14 - March 31, 2022 Pigeon Continuous Open Season No Restrictions No Limit Furbearer Hunting Seasons Species Season Dates Shooting Hours Daily No Limit Possession Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov. 12 Coyote, Groundhog Continuous Open Season No Restrictions No Limit No Limit Woodcock Oct. 2-Nov. 15 Raccoon and Opossum Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit No Limit Fox (Red and Gray) Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day No Limit No Limit Bobcat* Nov. 6 - Jan. 31, 2022 8 a.m. First Day *See p. 33 *See p. 33

SHOOTING HOURS: 1/2-hour before sunrise to sunset except Special September Teal and woodcock which is sunrise to sunset

SEASON DATES NORTH ZONE CENTRAL ZONE SOUTH ZONE Youth Waterfowl Sept. 25-26 Oct. 2-3 Oct. 9-10 Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Oct. 2-8 & Oct. 9-15 & Oct. 16-22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 7 Oct. 23-Dec. 14 Oct. 30-Dec. 21 Dark & Light Geese Sept. 25-Oct. 10 & Oct. 2-17 & Oct. 9-24 & (including Canada geese, Oct. 16-Dec. 7 & Oct. 23-Dec. 14 & Oct. 30-Dec. 21 & brant & white-fronted geese, Dec. 11-Jan. 8, 2022 Dec. 18-Jan. 15, 2022 Dec. 25-Jan. 22, 2022 white & blue phase snow geese & Ross’ geese) S t a t e w i d e Doves Sept. 1-Nov. 29 Turn-in-Poachers Teal Sept. 1-16 1-800-532-2020 Snipe Sept. 4-Nov. 30 Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov. 12 Woodcock Oct. 2-Nov. 15

See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS for more information

SHOOTING HOURS: 1/2-hour before sunrise to sunset except Special September Teal and woodcock which is sunrise to sunset

SEASON DATES NORTH ZONE CENTRAL ZONE SOUTH ZONE Youth Waterfowl Sept. 25-26 Oct. 2-3 Oct. 9-10 Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Oct. 2-8 & Oct. 9-15 & Oct. 16-22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 7 Oct. 23-Dec. 14 Oct. 30-Dec. 21 Dark & Light Geese Sept. 25-Oct. 10 & Oct. 2-17 & Oct. 9-24 & (including Canada geese, Oct. 16-Dec. 7 & Oct. 23-Dec. 14 & Oct. 30-Dec. 21 & brant & white-fronted geese, Dec. 11-Jan. 8, 2022 Dec. 18-Jan. 15, 2022 Dec. 25-Jan. 22, 2022 white & blue phase snow geese & Ross’ geese) Doves Teal Snipe Sept. 1-Nov. 29 Sept. 1-16 Sept. 4-Nov. 30 S t a t e w i d e Turn-in-Poachers 1-800-532-2020 Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov. 12 Woodcock Oct. 2-Nov. 15

See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS for more information

SHOOTING HOURS: 1/2-hour before sunrise to sunset except Special September Teal and woodcock which is sunrise to sunset

SEASON DATES NORTH ZONE CENTRAL ZONE SOUTH ZONE Youth Waterfowl Sept. 25-26 Oct. 2-3 Oct. 9-10 Ducks, Coots, Mergansers Oct. 2-8 & Oct. 9-15 & Oct. 16-22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 7 Oct. 23-Dec. 14 Oct. 30-Dec. 21 Dark & Light Geese Sept. 25-Oct. 10 & Oct. 2-17 & Oct. 9-24 & (including Canada geese, Oct. 16-Dec. 7 & Oct. 23-Dec. 14 & Oct. 30-Dec. 21 & brant & white-fronted geese, Dec. 11-Jan. 8, 2022 Dec. 18-Jan. 15, 2022 Dec. 25-Jan. 22, 2022 S t a t e w i d ewhite & blue phase snow geese & Ross’ geese) Turn-in-Poachers

1-800-532-2020

Doves Sept. 1-Nov. 29 Teal Sept. 1-16 See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS for more informationSnipe Sept. 4-Nov. 30 Rails (Virginia & Sora) Sept. 4-Nov. 12 Woodcock Oct. 2-Nov. 15 SHOOTING HOURS: 1/2-hour before sunrise to sunset except Special September Teal and woodcock which is sunrise to sunset

S t a t e w i d e

Turn-in-Poachers 1-800-532-2020 See IOWA HUNTING, TRAPPING & MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS for more information