This Week in Iowa Nature

Bumblebee queens emerge from their winter hibernation.

The Iowa Nature Calendar, by Jean Prior and James Sandrock

Midwest Nature Quote of the Week

Many species of sunflowers, asters, and goldenrods bring up parade’s end in September and early October, some flowering well after the first autumn frost. Canada goldenrod, with a plumelike flower head, and rigid goldenrod, with a flat-topped flower head, are two of the most common species. Four species of asters are often abundant in central Iowa.

Carl Kurtz, A Practical Guide to Prairie Reconstruction