Learn to inventory flora and fauna

By Times staff | Sunday, May 11, 2008

A workshop that teaches how to collect information on wildlife species will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 17, at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, Dixon, Iowa. Cost is $30 and includes lunch and materials.

NatureMapping involves the public in conducting inventories of wildlife. Data is added to a database and used to make management plans. Volunteers record observations of wildlife around their homes and feeders, when hiking, canoeing or doing other wildlife-related activities. In Iowa, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds are the focus of current data collection.

Individuals and school groups can participate. To register, contact Jason O’Brien at (515) 294-6440 or jpobrien@iastate.edu or visit extension.iastate.edu/naturemapping.