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Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage AreaAgricultural landscape in Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
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Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
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Iowa experiences a climate with extremes of both heat and cold. The average annual temperature at Des Moines is 50°F (10°C) while for some locations in the north the figure is under 45°F. Winters are brisk and snowfall common, the capital receiving an average of 36.3 inches per season. Spring ushers in the beginning of the severe weather season, as well as bringing increased precipitation and warming temperatures. The Iowan summer is known for heat and humidity, with daytime temperatures sometimes exceeding 100°F (37.8°C).
The petrified forest trees include huge dawn redwood, magnolia, ginkgo, cypress, date and palm trees that once grew 60 million years ago.  

Did You Know?
Rocks that make up the petrified forest in the park's South Unit came from huge dawn redwood, magnolia, ginkgo, cypress, date and palm trees that once provided shade from steamy heat 60 million years ago.
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Last Updated: October 18, 2006 at 16:23 EST