Iowa DNR news release Iowa law prohibits mowing roadside ditches each year between March 15 and July 15, to protect ground nesting birds and to prevent nest destruction. Roadside ditches, while not optimal habitat, can be the only grassy habitat available in certain areas of the state for ground nesting birds. As spring progresses, ground nesting birds, like eastern and western meadowlarks, Dickcissels, field and song sparrows, quail, gray partridge and pheasants, will use these marginal areas to incubate eggs and rear their young. The vegetation is also important to pollinators collecting nectar and for milkweed development that is critical … Continue reading Delay mowing of roadside ditches to protect ground nesting birds, pollinators