The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hoping this year’s tax filers will be more generous toward the Chickadee Checkoff after receipts fell in 2014. “It’s disheartening after a five-year positive trend to see donations drop,” Stephanie Shepherd, wildlife diversity biologist, said in a statement. “Those donations go directly to research and habitat development for some of Iowa’s most vulnerable animal species, so the funds are very important for natural resources.” According to Shepherd, Iowans donated roughly $132,000 last spring, a 3 percent drop. If you want to participate, you can write the amount to donate next to the Fish and Wildlife Checkoff, line 57 on Form 1040, and the sum is either automatically deducted from the refund or added to the amount owed. You can deduct the donation from next year’s taxes. Read the full news release