Natural history of Okoboji

The rich animal and plant life of the Okoboji lakes region comes to life in a new book published by the UI Press that explores the history of one of Iowa's most beloved natural areas.

Okoboji Wetlands: A Lesson in Natural History, by Michael J. Lannoo, presents an extensive natural history of the Okoboji region in northwest Iowa. Lannoo, a faculty member at the Lakeside Laboratory, highlights Okoboji's ecosystem as symbols of the worldwide crisis of pollution, declining biodiversity, and habitat mismanagement. Cautiously optimistic, he suggests directions for wetland management intended to preserve and restore this fragile area.

Lakeside Laboratory was founded in 1909 by Thomas Macbride, a noted naturalist and former University of Iowa president, as a way to study and preserve the wetlands region. The program provides summer academic opportunities for students at Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to support the student scholarship program at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.