The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has some ideas for the outdoors enthusiast on your Christmas gift list. The D.N.R. launched the Iowa Nature Store in 2003. Profits from the sales of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, books and more benefit the Iowa State Parks system.

The D.N.R.’s Stacey Olsen is coordinator of the Iowa Nature Store.”After we pay for the expenses of the shirts and other items, for our costs, all of the profits after that go to Iowa State Parks for maintenance, park operations and some improvements,” Olsen said.

In 2009, the store raised over $12,500 for the State Parks. Olsen says most of their sales occur during the Iowa State Fair, but items are sold online year round. “We have a great selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts. We have hats available, as well as some books and guides,” Olsen said.

The t-shirts feature a theme. One shirt includes a picture of a tree and the words “Iowa – Hug It.” Other shirts focus on tent camping (“Iowa – Rough It”), fishing (“Iowa – Hook It”) and hiking (“Iowa – Trek It”).
The D.N.R. is running a promotion through December 17 offering 10% off items purchased online. The discount is available by using the code ‘Holidays2010’ at www.IowaNatureStore.com.