Russ Benedict, a biology professor at Central College, is tracking some of the most dramatic bat population declines in the country. His surveys this summer show some Iowa bat numbers have fallen by 85 to 95 percent in the last 12 years.
Experts share the best places in Des Moines County to see fall foliage thehawkeye.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thehawkeye.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Find your southeast Iowa campsite this weekend
Numbers are as of 10 a.m. April 15
Big Hollow Recreation Area, 152nd Avenue, Sperry
Camper spots: 8
Welter Recreation Area, Skunk River Road, Wever
Camper spots: 11
Camper spots: 20
How to reserve a camping spot
Reserving a camping site at Big Hollow costs $25 per night. Buddy site cost is $50 and must be done on the conservation s camping registration website at mycountyparks.com/County/Des-Moines.aspx.
Reservations are nonrefundable and must be made 5 days in advance. Weekend reservations must be for both Friday and Saturday nights, except for Memorial Day and Labor Day which require reservations for Sunday night as well.