Posted: October 20, 2025

Written by: Hanna Meyer, Education & Outreach Coordinator

Many of these plants have bloomed and gone by mid-October in the wetlands of Winneshiek County. Wetlands were once a much more common habitat in northeast Iowa. In addition to providing food, water, and shelter for a variety of species, they also improve water quality, mitigate flooding, and stabilize soil. Test your knowledge on these wetland species to prepare for next year when you can go out and find them in the wild!

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – Wetland Species

Each Knowing Nature quiz features species found in Winneshiek County. By the end of the year, we’ll have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public. Most of the photos in these quizzes were taken by Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis.