Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Municipal Inventory And Evaluation Of Natural Areas: History And Methodology, William R. Norris, Donald R. Farrar

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

An inventory of natural areas in the vicinity of Ames, Iowa was conducted (1990-1994) in response to conflicts arising when significant natural areas were encountered on lands approved for development by the City of Ames (Iowa) Planning Office. Methods for objective evaluation of woodland and prairie quality were developed for use during the inventory. The woodland method is based on four components: I) Diversity of expected species, H) Structure of canopy and understory layers, III) Fidelity of species to the habitat and IV) absence of Introduced Species. Rules are explicitly stated for the scoring of each component for both the …

Mammals Of Iowa: Holocene To The End Of The 20th Century, John B. Bowles, Daryl L. Howell, Richard P. Lampe, Howard P. Whidden

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

This review of Iowa's mammal fauna at the close of the 20th century summarizes changes in distributional patterns following Euroamerican settlement in the early 1800s. Data from historical records, museum specimens, and presettlement late Holocene fossils indicate presence of 69 resident mammals at that time. Hunting pressures and the conversion of prairie and forest to agricultural fields reduced the populations and ranges of many state mammals, and 14 species were extirpated by 1900. An additional 15 species are either uncommon or rare today, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources lists four species as endangered, three as threatened and one …

Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia Esula L.) Spread In Iowa, S. C. Huerd, S. E. Taylor

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.), a noxious perennial weed spreading south from the northern Great Plains into Iowa, is considered a threat to Iowa's Prairie preserves because it is an aggressive non-native plant that dominates the landscape through rapid sexual and asexual reproduction. Methods to control leafy spurge include cultural and chemical controls, and biological controls are currently being developed. In 1992 and 1993 we surveyed the extent of leafy spurge spread in Iowa and found 26 of 99 Iowa counties with leafy spurge populations. Iowa's leafy spurge populations are rapidly expanding on untilled lands such as roadsides, especially in …

Missouri River Basin: Balancing Upstream And Downstream Uses, John E. Thorson

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

20 pages (includes illustrations and maps).

Contains 1 page of references.

The Contributions Of J. A. Udden To An Understanding Of Iowa Geology, Richard C. Anderson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Johan August Udden served on the faculty of Augustana College from 1888 until 1911. His research during that time was directed toward an understanding of the geology of areas close at hand, the region around Rock Island and nearby areas in Iowa and Illinois. Udden's most significant contributions to Iowa geology were in his treatment of 1) Paleozoic, Cretaceous, and Quaternary stratigraphy; 2) subsurface geology, including information on bedrock elevations and topography; 3) characteristics and origin of the loess. Most of this information was included in the Annual Reports of the Iowa Geological Survey published between 1899 and 1903. He …

An Annotated Checklist Of The Spiders Of Northwestern Iowa And The Loess Hills Of Western Iowa, Barbara J. Abraham

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Spiders were collected by the author from various habitats in 16 counties of northwestern Iowa and the loess hills of western Iowa during the summers of 1985 and 1990-1992. Additional donated specimens from the same region in 1981and1989 were identified by the author. Twenty-three families, 92 genera and 184 species have been identified.

Bald Eagles Wintering Along The Des Moines River, Iowa, Neil Sabine

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Distribution, habitat use, and foraging behavior of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) wintering in southeast Iowa were studied in January - March 1990 and November 1990 - March 1991. Eagles were seen from November through March with the highest numbers in January and February. Adults had shorter winter residence times than immatures and they appeared to be less active during the day. Eagles concentrated their foraging efforts along certain river segments where they fed exclusively on fish. Timber harvesting along the river reduced eagle use and is considered to be the most serious threat to sustaining eagle use of the area. …

Current Status Of The Plains Pocket Mouse, Perognathus Flavescens, In Iowa, Gregory M. Wilson, John B. Bowles, Justin W. Van Zee

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Published and unpublished accounts of the plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens) were utilized to document the existence of extant populations and to summarize and report additional data about the biology of this state endangered Iowa species. Populations of P. flavescens exist in western (Harrison, Monona, and Plymouth counties) and extreme eastern (adjacent portions of Louisa and Muscatine counties) Iowa, the latter of which represents the eastern-most record for the species in North America. In addition, we document a new locality for P. flavescens from the interior of the state (Benton County). All known populations of P. flavescens in Iowa occur …

A Relationship Between River Modification And Species Richness Of Freshwater Turtles In Iowa, Terry J. Vandewalle, James L. Christiansen

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Comparisons were made of turtle populations in Red Rock Reservoir and the major rivers of the Mississippi River and Missouri River damage systems in Iowa. Of the inland rivers of the Mississippi drainage examined in this study, the Des Moines River had the least amount of remaining turtle habitat. Number of turtle species ranged from five in the Des Moines River to 11 in the Mississippi River, but only three species were found in Red Rock Reservoir. In the Missouri drainage, number of turtle species ranged from three in both the Little Sioux and Nishnabotna rivers to five in the …

Life History And Status Classifications Of Birds Breeding In Iowa, Louis B. Best, Kathryn E. Freemark, Barbara S. Steiner, Timothy M. Bergin

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Life history and status classifications were compiled for 145 bird species that breed in Iowa. Species were classified by food type and substrate, nest substrate, susceptibility to cowbird parasitism, migratory status, predominant habitat use and habitat-use specialization, body mass (an index of home range/territory size), area sensitivity, population trend and vulnerability, and beneficial/harmful aspects in relation to agriculture. Such information may be used to make interspecific comparisons, evaluate interrelationships among life history and status characteristics, and provide insights into the interpretation of previous research. This synthesis also can aid those responsible for making conservation and management decisions about Iowa's avifauna.

The Building Of Immanuel Lutheran Church In Kimballton, Iowa, Jeanette Lillehoj

The Bridge

Coming into the small Iowa town of Kimballton from any direction, the spire of Immanuel Lutheran Church, which stands on a high point in the town, is clearly visible. The early Danish immigrants who built this church intended the church spire to be a beacon to those entering the town. The centennial of Immanuel Lutheran Church will be celebrated in 1997. To those Danish immigrants who were responsible for building this church, this article is dedicated.

Post-Natal Survival Of Raccoons In Relation To Female Age And Denning Behavior, Jonathan J. Judson, William R. Clark, Ronald D. Andrews

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We measured post-natal survival of radio-collared raccoons 1-5 months old in southwest Iowa, 1988-1989. We compared survival of young nurtured by yearling and adult females and related den site selection to survival functions using proportional hazards models. Adult females used upland and farmstead habitats note frequently than yearlings, whereas yearling females used lowland habitats note frequently. Tree cavities and beds on the ground were used most frequently. Adult females denned in buildings 13% of the time and in holes in the ground 9.5% of the time, whereas yearlings frequently tested with litters in beds on the ground (31%). Microhab1tat characteristics …

Evaluation Of Implanted Radio Transmitters In Pheasant Chicks, Dean E. Ewing, William R. Clark, Paul A. Vohls

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We studied game-farm pheasant (Phasianus colchicus Linneaus) chicks implanted with miniature transmitters to determine if surgery and implantation affected growth, behavior, or survival. Transmitters (weighing 1.2 g) were implanted subcutaneously in the interscapular region in day-old chicks. In Experiment 1, biological effects on chicks with transmitters implanted were compared with data from a control group. In Experiment 2, the effects of anesthesia only, anesthesia with an implanted transmitter, and implanted transmitter only were compared with a control. We measured responses of weight gain, survival, and pecking behavior in each experiment. In Experiment 1, we found no significant differences in weight …

Ecoregions And Subregions Of Iowa: A Framework For Water Quality Assessment And Management, Glenn E. Griffith, James M. Omernik, Thomas F. Wilton, Suzanne M. Pierson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Ecoregion frameworks are valuable tools for inventorying and assessing environmental resources, for setting resource management goals, and for developing biological criteria and water quality standards. In a collaborative project between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we have refined boundaries of the EPA's five ecological regions of Iowa and defined six subregions of the Western Corn Belt Plains ecoregion within the state. Lists of candidate stream reference sites have been developed to date for the seven largest regions, and the sites were visited and evaluated by Iowa DNR and U.S. EPA personnel …

Some Significant Iowa Plant Records From The Herbarium Of University Of Nebraska At Omaha, Barbara L. Wilson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Though the herbarium of University of Nebraska at Omaha (OMA) lies outside the state boundaries, it contains a number of interesting western Iowa records. Publicizing these and other little-known Iowa plant records is especially important at this time, since a checklist of Iowa's vascular plants, compiled by Eilers and Roosa, is nearing completion.

Natural History In Iowa: The Early Phases, David C. Glenn-Lewin, Thomas R. Rosburg

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Natural history in Iowa prior to the 20th Century can be conveniently arranged into 4 phases: Native American, before the Louisiana Purchase, between the Louisiana Purchase and about 1850, and after 1850. Native American natural history was extensive and had a distinctly spiritual character. Natural history was a component of European exploration up to the time of the Louisiana Purchase, but was not treated as a separate endeavor; the evidence from this period comes from the journals and diaries of early exploreres, fur traders and the like. Between the Louisiana Purchase and about 1850, natural history changed from its status …

Geology Of Iowa Fens, C. A. Thompson, E. A. Bettis Iii, R. G. Baker

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Fens are peatlands which are dependent on groundwater discharge to provide nutrient enrichment. Fens are found in a variety of landscape positions and in most Iowa landform regions. This paper presents a classification system for Iowa fens based on landscape position, stratigraphy, and hydrologic factors. Iowa fens can be separated into six categories: 1) fens along valley wall slopes; the groundwater source for these fens is sand and gravel buried between glacial tills (inter-till); 2) fens in hummocky topography on the northwestern margin of the Des Moines Lobe landform region; the water source is sand and gravel buried within glacial …

Necklace Radio Transmitter Attachment For Pheasants, Terry Z. Riley, Bruce A. Fistler

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We tested a pre-assembled, necklace-radio-transmitter-attachment design on female ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in northern Iowa. Birds were captured by nightlighting and bait trapping between September 1989 and March 1990. Radio transmitters were attached to 128 using a wire necklace. Two birds had problems adapting to the necklace, and 3 birds removed them. Twenty-three birds were still alive and wearing necklaces at the end of the study, for an average of 318 (SD= ± 52) days. Ease of attachment, long durability, light weight, and minimal bulk make the necklace an effective alternative to harness and poncho mounts.

History Of Mammal Study In Iowa, John B. Bowles

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

The first records of mammals in Iowa were from explorers, survey parties heading westward and early seeders. Generation of checklists of state mammals began in 1840 and culminated with the annotated list by Scott (1937) and biogeographic analysis by Bowles (1975). Recent focus has been on rare species status and mammalian ecology, e.g., Loess Hills, riparian habitat, agricultural practices, and reestablished grasslands.

Charles Rueben Keyes And The History Of Iowa Archaeology, William Green

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Charles Reuben Keyes (1871-1951) achieved recognition during his lifetime as the "founding father" of Iowa archaeology, and later assessments confirmed and reemphasized Keyes' stature as Iowa's pioneer archaeologist. The collections and documents Keyes compiled, his interpretive publications, and the records of field work he coordinated have proven more valuable to Midwest and Plains archaeology every year. This article emphasizes Keyes' involvement in the development of professionalism in American archaeology and Iowa’s position in the growth of the discipline from 1920 to 1950. Keyes' contacts with the principal archaeologists of his era ensured Iowa’s involvement in the development of survey methods …

Radon In Iowa Homes: Results Of Screening Measurements, Laurent Hodges, Lynne Gillette

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Homeowner-initiated short-term radon screening measurements in Iowa homes show that only about 30% of the homes have low enough radon levels - below 148 Bq/m (4.0 pC1/L) - that no follow-up measurements are necessary. Over 6 percent of the homes have screening measurements in excess of 740 Bq/m³ (20 pCi/L), a level at which prompt follow-up measurements are recommended. In all parts of the state, the range of radon results extends from low levels (below 37 Bq/m³ = 1 pCi/L) to high levels (above 740 Bq/m³). The average radon results tend to be higher than the …

Results Of The August Roadside Survey For Upland Wildlife In Iowa: 1963-1988, Willie J. Suchy, Ronald J. Munkel, James M. Kienzler

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Results of the August roadside survey collected from 1963 through 1988 were examined to determine if trends could be detected in the counts of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), gray partridge (Perdix perdix), cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), and white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii). The counts also were compared to harvest estimates co determine if correlations exist. Statistically significant linear trends were detected statewide for pheasants, gray partridge and jackrabbits during the 1963 co 1988 period. Trends were downward for all species except gray partridge. During the late 12 years (1977 through 1988), the only significant trend detected was …

Food Habits Of The Northern Saw-Whet Owl In Central Iowa: Effects Of Roost Location, Stephen J. Dinsmore, William R. Clark

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

During the period 1979-89, 900 northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) pellets with identifable remains of prey were collected at 18 central Iowa locations. Peromyscus were the most frequent prey consumed, comprising 81.2% of all prey items. Other prey species were voles (Microtus), western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis), shrews (Blarina brevicauda, Sorex cinereus, and Cryptotis parva), and a single unidentified bird. Peromyscus comprised the largest proportion of pellets from different successional stages. There were significant differences for four prey groups (Peromyscus, Microtus, Reithrodontomys, and shrews) among years. Peromyscus and R. megalotis showed significant differences among locations. Microtus and shrews were variable …

Public Radio: Three Stations' Survival, Michael L. Hilt

Communication Faculty Publications

DI)very year Americans give millions of dollars to help support local public radio stations. In some communities only one radio station asks its audience for help- But in nearly half of the radio markets in the United States, two or more noncommercial radio stations solicit funds from the public. According to the 1983 Broadcasting Yearbook, 126 of the 259 radio markets have more than two public radio stations.

Holocene Vegetational Changes In Eastern Iowa, R. G. Baker, C. A. Chumbley, P. M. Witinok, H. K. Kim

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Pollen and plant macrofossil analysis from three sites along an east-west transect in southeastern Iowa provide evidence for Holocene vegetational development. Colo Marsh at the west end of the transect is relatively complete, with a late-glacial spruce zone ending about 11,500 yr B.P.; a deciduous forest zone from about 11,500 to 8300; a prairie zone from 8300 to 4500, and prairie with oak from 4500 to presettlement times.

Sediments from the site at the Indian Creek Nature Center, midway in the transect, date only from about 6000 to 1600 yrs B. P. This site also was dominantly prairie from 6000 …

Ada Hayden: A Tribute, Duane Isely

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Dr. Ada Hayden was a member of the Iowa State College of Botany faculty, 1920-1950. Her floristic studies of the lake region in northern Iowa are possibly the most authoritative for any part of the state. Hayden was curator of the Iowa State herbarium, 1934-1950, and contributed immeasurably to its development. This research facility has recently been named the Ada Hayden Herbarium. In the sense that L. H. Pammel was father of the Iowa State park system, her bequest is the state preserves. After some 25 years as a conservation activist, she published descriptions of 22 prairie areas in ten …

Perceptions Of Iowa And Nebraska Legislators Regarding Secondary And Adult Agricultural Education Programs, Bruce Burger

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Scholarship

As the capacity for rural communities -to provide education services decreases, educators are looking towards notate legislators for support. Jailed (1984) reported that legislators must become more familiar with vocational education as they address the economic and social needs of the future. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions held by Iowa and Nebraska Legislators regarding secondary and adult agricultural education programs conducted within the public school system. The population for this study consisted of state legislators in Iowa and Nebraska. Seventy legislators, thirty-five from each state, were randomly selected for the study. Legislators were mailed a …

Soil Erosion, Agrichemicals And Water Quality: A Need For A New Conservation Ethic?, Christine Olsenius

Water Quality Control: Integrating Beneficial Use and Environmental Protection (Summer Conference, June 1-3)

24 pages.

Contains references.

Pesticide Contamination Of Groundwater: Superfund Liability?, David R. Andrews

Water Quality Control: Integrating Beneficial Use and Environmental Protection (Summer Conference, June 1-3)

12 pages.

Contains references.

Predation By Ermine And Long-Tailed Weasels On Duck Eggs, Joseph P. Fleskes

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Ermine (Mustela erminea) and long-tailed weasel (M. frenata) predation on duck eggs was studied at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Kossuth County, Iowa, 1984-85. Captive individuals of both species ate 2-4 duck eggs at a rate of 0.5-2 eggs per trial day. All eggs were moved but some were not opened. One hole, ringed with small fragments and "bite-outs'', was made in all eggs opened by captive weasels. In the field, the appearance of opened eggs, the pattern of egg loss and the amount of nest bowl disturbance were used to determine the number of nests depreciated by weasels. Egg …