Conservation Corps Iowa

The National Park Service crews (Des Moines and Ozarks) got to see something pretty cool while working at Goerge Washington Carver National Monument in Missouri. They saw a number of crayfish impaled on branches. How and why would that happen? The likely culprit is a shrike, probably a Loggerhead shrike. Shrike’s, which are predatory songbirds, have the nickname of “butcher bird.” They impale their prey to immobilize them and cache them away in what are called “larders” or “pantries.” Nature is cool!

Welcome to our 2026 Field Specialists – Tricia, Abby and Madi! They are busy organizing, sorting, cleaning, and stocking for the 2026 program year. Tricia and Madi will be supporting the Des Moines and Driftless crews while Abby focuses her attention on the National Park Service crews. These seasoned AmeriCorps members are a vital part of CCMI.