Small remnant prairies continue to hold isolated populations of these reptiles. The last and most dinosaur-like reptile is the turtle. There is a variety of aquatic and terrestrial turtles in Iowa. It is amazing how little they have changed for millions of years. Aquatic turtles seem to eat almost anything, especially rotting fish, insects, snails, and some live fish.
Terrestrial turtles tend to eat insects and plants, especially mushrooms and berries.
There are simple ways to improve your own backyard for herps. Leave decaying wood, old logs, and wood piles for skinks, toads, and small snakes. Stop mowing wet ditches and low areas of your yard. These create great ephemeral or temporary wetlands for frogs in the spring. Install a small pond or wetland in your flower beds and save those chipped or broken flower pots, turn them upside down for a toad abode .