The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says trumpeter swans will be released at four locations in southwest Iowa as part of the DNR’s trumpeter swan relocation efforts to restore a wild free flying population to Iowa.

Four swans will be released at 10-a.m., May 8th, at the Mt. Ayr Wildlife Area’s Walnut Creek Lake, with the help from the Ringgold County Conservation Board. Four swans will be released at 2 p.m., May 8th, at Summit Lake, near Creston. The swans will be released near the boat ramp on the south side of Hwy. 25. Four swans will be released as well, beginning 10:30 a.m., May 9th, at Viking Lake State Park, near Stanton, with the help from the Montgomery County Conservation Board. The swans will be released near the restaurant/beach area. And, four swans will be released at 2:30 p.m., May 9th, at Lake Anita State Park, near Anita, with the help from the Cass County Conservation Board. The releases will occur rain or shine.

The public is invited to the releases. There will be a 20 minute presentation including an opportunity to see the swans up close. Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America. The all white birds can weigh up to 32 pounds and have an eight foot wingspan.