Lakeside Lab
Owned by the state of Iowa and operated through the Board of Regents, we seek to provide science classes and research opportunities for university students, and offer Outreach Programs and provide services through the state universities.
The Friends of Lakeside Lab was founded in 1994 to support Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and Regents Resource Center through scholarships and as a community resource for water quality monitoring, environmental education and research. The Friends is a tax-exempt, 501c3 non-profit organization.
Nature Connections is offering an on-line course on nature-based, early childhood education. The course will be offered both for relicensure credit through the University of Iowa Baker Teacher Leader Center and through UI Distance and Online Education for college credit. Enrollment information will be coming soon.
The value of young children’s direct experiences in nature through inquiry-based learning will be examined in this course. It is designed for preschool and kindergarten teachers so they can develop their student’s in-depth thinking by engaging their hearts and minds through experiences on a nature topic.
We encourage a healthy, respectful and life–long relationship between students and the natural world while nurturing every student’s innate curiosity about nature. Registration Opens March 19th. For information about camps, please 
click here!
The Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network conducts innovative science by sharing and interpreting water quality and weather data on West Okoboji.
In its partnership with the State Hygenic Lab, we provide water testing services, and educate citizens on how to better care for our natural lakes.
Registration is now open for the 2018 College Summer Classes. New classes including Glacial Geomorphology, Field Data Collection, Data Analysis, GIS, Environmental Nonfiction, Fungi, Bryophytes and more!! Register Now!
Internships available for college level students with majors in biology, environmental science, education or related course of study.
The goal of CLAMP is to provide long term monitoring data on regional lake conditions and educate local citizens about lake ecology. Click here to see CLAMP videos!
Lakeside Lab offers many opportunities for experiential learning. We will work with you in developing a program that is appropriate for your school. Contact our Education Coordinator at 712-337-3669 ext.7, jane-shuttleworth@uiowa.edu.
Lakeside also facilitates Nature Connections, a unique collaborative of early childhood educators, professionals and naturalists dedicated to introducing children to a life-long, meaningful relationship with nature while meeting their developmental needs.
The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program invites artists, musicians, composers, and performers of all genres to apply for a two to four week residency. Scientists and artists interact in new and innovative ways to understand and interpret the natural world. AIR also offers community events to highlight activities from their residency.
The Writer in Residence program offers 3 week residencies to undergraduate and graduate students. Students interested in writing about ecology, natural history, environmental ethics or related topics can become immersed in the Lakeside Lab campus and culture to enhance their writing.
Events
The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory offers a variety
of interesting events and initiatives.
Recent News
Tuesday Lecture Series - June 19th at 7 p.m. in Mahan Hall and Wild Wednesday June 20th at 7 p.m. in Waitt Lab.
Dr. Lori Biederman from Iowa State University will present "Using Citizen Science and Dark Data to Illuminate Secrets of the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid"
Learn about wildflower diversity and conservation.
Into the Water with Frog Camp Scientists
Join us for an evening of all things amphibian with Frog Camp students.
Community Pages
Free, fun, family–oriented science programs! 7:00 PM at Waitt Lab during the summer. Just as libraries contain collections of books that open us up to new worlds, nature is a collection of many plants, animals, and landscapes that do the same. What new worlds can nature open for us? Come find out at Wild Wednesdays!
June 1 – October 1
This self-guided nature exploration and tour of Lakeside grounds is perfect for children, families, and “kids at heart” of any age. Pick up a treasure map at Lakeside entrance and go exploring for hidden clues and secret messages.
COFFEE AND GROUNDS
Work hard and learn about native ecosystems while restoring prairie and oak savanna at Lakeside. Then relax and make friends over coffee and rolls. Meet at the Waitt Lab at 8:30 am each Tuesday during snow-free months.
VOLUNTEER FOR WATER QUALITY!
The Cooperative Lakes Area Monitoring Project is looking for volunteers to monitor lake health. Free training and equipment provided. Contact 712-337-3669 Ext. 7 for information.
Listen, learn and engage with scientists as they share their research. List of topics for 2018. 7:00 pm each Tuesday May - July in Mahan Hall.
Iowa Lakeside Lab and Regents Resource Center is pleased to offer a College Prep Diatom Course in 2018 for advanced high school students who have completed high school level or AP Biology. Accepted students will earn up to two credits free of cost from the University of Iowa. Click here for more information.