Iowa Resources for Phenology and Land Cover Protocols

The Iowa Gap Analysis Program (Iowa GAP)

Gap analysis is a scientific method for identifying the degree to which native animal species and natural communities are represented in our present-day mix of conservation lands.

The Iowa GAP Website includes information on the Iowa GAP Project, Iowa Landform Regions Map, Ecoregion Subsection Map, GAP Landcover data for Iowa on the Iowa Geographic Image Map Server and the Iowa GAP accuracy assessment plan.

Marcy wrote to Dr. Russell Congalton, PI for Land Cover Protocols, to ask him about the relationship between the landcover scheme that GAP uses [National Vegetation Classification System (FGDC 1996)] and the MUC codes used by GLOBE. Dr. Congalton responded:

" I am excited to hear about your work in Iowa. Yes, the GAP analysis is done with Landsat data just like GLOBE. As you suggested, the classification scheme is slighly different than MUC. However, we often create what is called a crosswalk that translates one scheme to another. I would guess that as we get more and more GLOBE land cover data that more scientists will be interested in using it. Currently, this is only the case in a few places. Please encourage everyone to collect more data to help in this matter."

Iowa State Extension Service Publications

"You can rely on ISU Extension for unbiased, research-based information and education to help you make better decisions today and tomorrow."

ISU Extension Publications for Reference with Land Cover Protocols (available as PDF online):

For MUCing:

• Iowa Environmental Issues Series - Iowa Habitat Loss and Disappearing Wildlife (IAN101)
• Iowa's Biological Communities Series - Iowa's Biological Communities (IAN201)
• Iowa's Biological Communities Series - Iowa Woodlands (IAN202)
• Iowa's Biological Communities Series - Iowa Prairies (IAN203)

For Biology Study Site and Phenology Protocols

• Iowa Plants - Iowa's Spring Wildflowers (IAN-301)
• Iowa Plants - Iowa's Summer and Fall Wildflowers (IAN-302)
• Iowa Plants - Benefits and Dangers of Iowa Plants (IAN-303)
• Iowa Plants - Iowa's Trees (IAN-304)
• Iowa Plants - Seeds, Nuts, and Fruits of Iowa Plants (IAN-305)
• Iowa Plants - Iowa's Mushrooms and Other Nonflowering Plants (IAN-306)
• Iowa Plants - Iowa's Shrubs and Vines (IAN-307)

Trees For Kids/Trees For Teens

"Trees for Kids and Trees for Teens are combination tree education and planting programs coordinated by the Forests and Forestry Division of the DNR. Tree for Kids targets 5th and 6th grade while Trees for Teens targets 7th through 12th grade students. Both programs are available statewide. Goals are to educate students about the values and benefits of trees, to make young adults aware of forestry career opportunities available in the environmental field and to encourage students to plant landscape-sized trees at their school or other public places." Includes Guide to Iowa Trees and Poster. New Info every year.

For additional information contact: John Walkowiak, Iowa DNR, Forestry Division; Wallace State Office Bldg; Des Moines, IA 50319; (515) 242-5966

Iowa Prairie Network

"To Learn About, Teach About, Enjoy and Protect Iowa's Prairie Heritage"

The IPN website has background material on Iowa's Prairie, pre-settlement land cover maps for Iowa, and resources for restoring prairie.

Iowa Farmer Today - Corn Cam

Iowa Farmer Today is a weekly newspaper for farmers. This website has information on yields, uses for corn, plant development, and CornCam footage of a field growing throughout the season from spring 2000 to today. Also see SoybeanCam link.

GLOBE Land Cover and MUC-A-Thon Website

This site includes downloads for MUC-A-Thon press releases, volunteer forms, group handouts, etc. It also includes the MultiSpec tutorials for learning MultiSpec and making and validating a computer aided land cover map and other information and slide shows related to training the Land cover Protocols.