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Find IWC on FaceBook!

IWC is pleased to announce we now have a presence on FaceBook! Visit the link below, then "like" our page so that we can pass along IWC updates, educational tidbits and newsworthy notes. Ask questions, share opinions, offer ideas -- we're here for you, and Iowa's wildlife!

We're also active on Twitter (@IowaWildlifeCtr).  "Follow" us there, if you wish!

Thank you for your online support!

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Iowa DNR Provides Guidance and Caution About White-Nose Syndrome & Rehabilitation of Bat Species! 

There aren't many licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Iowa who care for our various bat species, but those who do should take note: White-Nose Syndrome is knocking on Iowa's door!

Daryl Howell, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) zoologist and environmental specialist, contacted IWC executive director Marlene Ehresman recently and shared his concerns regarding Iowa's bats and their rehabilitation. While very few of Iowa's licensed wildlife rehabilitators rehabilitate bats (Marlene is one of them), these few should know about important changes regarding caring for these mammals. If any bat, especially if it may have come from an area with natural caves, is found during the winter that has questionable symptoms such as tattered wings or white fungus on the nose (see US FIsh and WIldlife site for information on symptoms), immediately contact either Howell (515-281-8524; Daryl.Howell@dnr.iowa.gov) or Ehresman (515-233-1379; marlene@iowawildlifecenter.org) or a local wildlife rehabilitator. 

Wildlife rehabilitators must also now use extra precautions when over-wintering or rehabilitating bats. Tree foliage-roosting bat species, such as the Silver-haired Bat, and cave-roosting bat species, such as the Big Brown Bat, must be kept isolated from each other.  This means home-based rehabilitators must keep these two groups in completely separate houses, while facilities with appropriate ventilation will need to keep them in separate isolation rooms. Additionally, prior to release the bat(s) must be thoroughly examined to ensure that no bat has developed the fungus while in captivity.Upon release, each bat must go back to the area from which they were originally found.

See Creature Feature for more detailed information about White-Nose Syndrome.




Events
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BioBlitz!

As one of the steps to creating a land stewardship plan for WildWay, our 75-acre grassland, savanna, wetland and woodland complex in Boone County, we are hosting a series of free, family-friendly BioBlitz events for the spring and summer months. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour race -- a day of discovery, identification and assessment to begin to unlock the secrets of the land by figuring out what plant and animal species live on a particular property. The information we'll gather with your assistance, will help us determine how best to manage WildWay for native plants, animals and insects. It's part education, part science and part celebration of the biodiversity around us! It's also a gathering of scientists and educators, who lead the teams into the field to conduct the species surveys, and citizens, who want to learn more about the world around them.

Curious about birds or bats, ferns or frogs, dragonflies or dogwoods, snail or fungi? Be ready to blitz for biodiversity! Registration for the May 19-20 event is now open! For more detailed information before you register, though, go to our Event Overview page.

In the meantime, save the dates for the other two BioBlitzes planned for June 30-July 1 and September 8-9 and check back often for the next event registration!

We told you that the Iowa Prairie Network's Central Region (IPN-CR) chose IWC's BioBlitz project as the recipient of $3100 from the proceeds of their annual silent auction held in January. We also were awarded a grant of $500 from the Iowa Native Plant Society. Further financial support is pending, so cross your fingers! We're so grateful for everyone's support!
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