The beautiful rolling southern Iowa landscape has been created by glaciers, wind, and erosion. Geologists call the natural area the Southern Iowa Drift Plain. I write from the center of the Drift Plain, from Marion County, about this unique natural and cultural setting. I am a native Iowan, an anthropologist, and work in radio for KNIA/KRLS in Knoxville/Pella. I am also the author of "Yellow Cab," among other work.
If there was a prettier place in Iowa than Lake Red Rock this week, I would love to see it. I went to check out the lake and the annual migration of birds with Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz. While we spoke about many birds, the thousands of pelicans stole the show. The photo above was taken by Ron Huelse of Knoxville, one of Iowa's finest nature photographers. To hear the full interview with Marla click here.
You wouldn't know it now but Marion County, IA was built on coal mining. Local historian Doug Wilson is an incredible source of information on Coal Mining in the county as well as other localities in Iowa. Here is my three part interview with Doug.
