Photos by Kim and Cindy Risen / www.naturescapenews.com
Golden icon: An American Goldfinch is a welcome sight at any bird feeder in the Midwest. Appearing on Iowa’s Natural Resources licence plates, they become a symbol of bird conservation. You’ll find Common Loon, Morel Mushroom, Eastern Bluebird, White-tailed Deer, Ring-necked Pheasant and Gray Wolf decorating these special conservation plates from other Midwestern states.

By Jake Kulju

I am a great admirer of license plates. I remember family vacations to Mount Rushmore and reunions in Iowa, and especially long road trips to parts of Canada. We would count the numbers of Minnesota plates we saw, and keep track of the plates from other states, as well. Extra points were awarded to anyone who could spot Alaska or Hawaii plates. For some reason the distinct artwork and variety of colors, messages and even personal expression that license plates convey has stuck with me as both a reminder of my youth and as a reminder that the beauty of our vast regionalized country can be conveyed on just a few square feet of flattened metal.

Catch the rest of the story in the May Issue of NatureScape News!        Next Highlight