The UI WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development) department passionately provides programs that awaken awareness, nurture appreciation, and inspire action for all things Wild in our students and program participants.
Iowa Raptor Project
Connect to conservation and learn about the care and preservation of birds of prey.
Iowa Wildlife Camps
Iowa Wildlife Camps offer hands-on experiences to excite and kindle a love for nature.
School of the Wild
Take your student teaching outside of the classroom and teach middle school students across the state of Iowa.
News
MNRA winter hours
Effective Thursday, October 1, Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) will transition to winter hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
This change is occurring approximately one month earlier than usual due to an inoperable gate. A new gate will be installed within the month and is expected to be back in full operation by late October or early November.
Despite this temporary adjustment, MNRA will remain open to the public during winter hours, and all UI WILD programs will continue as planned.
Extended MNRA hours will resume on April 1, 2026. We appreciate your understanding and continued support. Please check back here or follow us on social media for updates on park access and operations.
In the news: Iowa Raptor Project continues outreach and conservation efforts
Staff from UI WILD’s Iowa Raptor Project discuss the unit's future conservation efforts and transformative educational experiences.
School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project will continue
All College of Education UI WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development) Programs – School of the Wild, Iowa Wildlife Camps, and the Iowa Raptor Project – will continue, even though the University of Iowa will not renew its lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) when it expires on July 1, 2029. All camps and programs will continue at their current locations through August 2026 and in new locations after that time. Click here to read more