Iowa Summer Games, Eagle Day at Blank Park Zoo, Lead-Free Ammunition, Recycling at ISU

The Iowa Summer Games, beginning August 14, give opportunity to everyday athletes, school children and senior citizens a chance to experience Olympic-style competition, complete with Olympic-style ceremony and events. Summer games Organizers: Director Katie Kramer and Assistant Sports Director Megan Hanson describe the games and invite you to experience the games even if you are not competing the Olympic-style Opening Ceremony, and an Athlete Jamboree. 

Jessie Lowry, Director of Conservation and Research at the Blank Park Zoo, extends an invitation to Eagle Day at the Blank Park Zoo on July 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Speakers will include KHOI's reporter and former DNR Wildlife Diversity Program manager Pat Schlarbaum, Stephanie Shepherd from the DNR, Bob Barnhill and Yankton Chief Golden Light Eagle who will drum and share native perspectives in eagles,  Des Moines Park and Recreation with activities for children, and an artist who will make sidewalk drawings that educate about raptors, and wildlife rehabilitators. Present will also be Liberty and Spirit, two live eagles who permanently live at the Blank Park Zoo.

Lowry describes the "Iowa Hunters Lead the Way" campaign, partnering with Iowa hunters and fishers for non-lead based ammunition. Lead ammunition leads to poisoning eagles since fragments are left in carcass remains from hunted animals that have been cleaned.  Eagles have recently made a come-back after near-extinction, since the banning of DDT.

ISU and Ames Sustainability Director Merry Rankin introduces Ayodeji Oluwalana, the new director for Recycling at ISU.