Family-Outdoors

Map of the Des Moines River watershed. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Head outdoors this fall to stay Healthy and Happy. Iowa’s Healthy & Happy Outdoors---or H20 program connects Iowans with the activities and places to improve their health and reduce stress. And while they are at it, they can log in, to win prizes. In southeast Iowa, that might be walking through a state forest or along the Des Moines River, enveloped by the sight, sounds and shades of autumn. It could be paddling along one of Iowa’s dozens of water trails, fishing in a hidden pond or trekking the fields or woods, hunting. With a click at  https://programs.iowadnr.gov/ healthyhappyoutdoors/Pages/ Home.aspx  , you can take your pick of state parks, county parks, canoe routes and wildlife areas, as decide whether to hike, paddle, watch wildlife, camp, hunt or fish. And each time you log in, you receive credit for your outdoor activity; increasing your odds in monthly drawings for outdoor gear. More im...

Free Basics of Fishing Workshop in Portage Lakes Intrigued by fishing fun? Let Division of Wildlife show you how it’s done!   AKRON, OH - If you are looking to learn more about very basic fishing in order to start up a hobby or to take a child fishing for the first time, join Division of Wildlife personnel for an introductory short-course on “Basics of Fishing.” The program will take place on Tuesday, June 28 th , 2011 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Akron.   This course will be coupled with an opportunity for youths 15 and under to experience hands-on fishing at the popular  Akron youth fishing ponds  in North Reservoir. These ponds are well-stocked, very accessible, and bait and equipment is provided, so youngsters are encouraged to attend the course. Adults will not be permitted to fish in the youth area but public access is located within walking distance.   Topics that will be covered include an overview of fish life history and identification, habitat, handling...