Local wildlife populations felt the effects of the drought conditions that existed for most of 2023 in Marion County, according to County Conservation Naturalist Marla Mertz.

Mertz says that many insects and animals in the area indicated that 2023 was a difficult year for the region due to the low level of precipitation received. While drought relief is dependent on precipitation, Mertz encourages residents to seek out other ways in which they can help the environment around them. 

“If you can’t physically do something you can learn more about it and maybe be a little bit more active with different agencies around if you’re interested. Just be aware of what you could do, you can’t really physically change the weather and physically change the drought, but just take note of what’s occurring around you.”

Hear more from Marla Mertz on today’s In Touch with South Central Iowa.