Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz says the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program monitors many nesting species in Iowa, and tries to gather and compile as much information as they can. At this time, the DNR is collecting nesting data about Colonial Waterbirds, which may include the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Yellow and Black-crowned night-herons, Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron and the Double-crested Cormorant. The efforts to monitor these rookeries in the state and to try and compile as many locations as possible is vital information and without the public’s assistance, these inventories are not as comprehensive. The Marion County Conservation Board will assist the DNR in recording known rookeries in Marion County. Mertz says they would like as much information as possible as to the location so that they may locate them on area maps. If anyone has identified rookeries in Marion County, contact Mertz at 627-5935.