(Late update: This paddle is full. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please call (319)-523-8381.)

 

Celebrate Mother's Day while you enjoy a leisurely paddle, with naturalist guides, around Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. You do not need to bring your Mother, although it is encouraged!  This paddling trip will be held on the Odessa Water Trail, and is open to the public. Expect to see birds and other mothers as you leisurely paddle through the marsh, viewing wildlife and listening to the sounds of nature.

 

Participants will paddle from 9:00 am-11:00 am, launching from the Inlet Tubes at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge on the Odessa Water Trail, 120th Street, Wapello, IA 52653.  Registration is required and participation is limited so make sure you register early. If you do not have your own kayak or canoe, a limited number are available for rent. The trip is open to everyone but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

This trip is an official Odessa Water Trail event cosponsored by Port Louisa Wildlife Refuge, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Louisa County Conservation. The event is free but all participants must be registered in advance. There is a limit of 20 boats for this trip, so get registered early!  Canoes and kayaks are available.  Info and registration at www.LouisaCountyConservation.org  or call 319-523-8381. 

 

Return to Top 

Photo of pile of mussels by Robin Fortney.

 

The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) will offer a special indoor program on "Freshwater Mussels" beginning at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 29 at Hillview Recreation Area near Hinton.

 

Join Iowa DNR Biologist Jennifer Kurth for a closer look at these "one-footed" wonders roaming the many rivers and streams of our state.  Freshwater mussels play an important role in the health of freshwater ecosystems and help keep water clean by acting as natural water filters.  For creatures that look like living rocks, mussels have unique life cycles and

 

Jennifer Kurth is a Natural Resources Biologist in the Watershed Improvement Section of the Iowa DNR.  She has a BA in Theatre and a BS in Biology from the U of Minnesota, and a MS in Ecology & Environmental Science from the U of Maine.  She works on streams which are listed as impaired for aquatic life use, and explains it as "environmental CSI."  She is currently in the midst of a six-year , statewide survey of freshwater mussels in Iowa rivers and streams.

 

This program is free of charge, but preregistration is requested.

Click on the link below to register online:

 

140529a FW Mussels SIMPCO

 

Find more information about SIMPCO at http://www.simpco.org/

This event is cosponsored by SIMPCO and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

Return to Top 

 

Join us at the Calkins Nature Area Interpretive Center on Saturday, May 31 from Noon-approx. 4:30 pm as Archaeologist Elizabeth Reetz explains the rich cultural history along the Iowa River Water Trail.  

 

Participants will be introduced  to Iowa's archaeological past, a chronology of Iowa's cultural history, and the importance of Iowa's water trails to people throughout time.  A classroom presentation will be followed by an optional float on the Iowa River, 4.8 miles from Alden River Access to Weaver's Cove in Iowa Falls. 

 

Elizabeth Reetz is the Education Director at the UI Office of the State Archaeologist.  She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota and an MA in Landscape Archaeology from the National University of Ireland.  She is particularly interested in late prehistoric cultures of the Midwest, pottery analysis, and community-based archaeology.  Her work experience has included time as an archaeologist in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

 

This event is free, but preregistration is required.  To register, contact Chris Barber at calkinsnatureareahccb@gmail.com or (641) 648-9878.

 

This event is sponsored by Hardin County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Find more information about Hardin County Conservation and Calkins Nature Center, at: http://hardincountyconservation.com    

Find more information about the Iowa River Greenbelt Water Trail at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/riverprograms/Iowa%20River,%20Hamilton%20Co.pdf?amp;tabid=868 

 

Return to Top

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer a special program on "Aquatic Insects (Invertebrates)," beginning at 3:30 pm on Saturday, May 31 in the South Tailwater Recreation Area at Lake Red Rock.  Participants should gather in the parking lot next to the large shelter, and dress appropriately for walking a wetland.

 

Join Iowa DNR Biologist Jackie Gautsch to explore the fascinating diversity of life that dwells beneath the surface of the water.  Participants will use dip nets to collect and investigate the aquatic invertebrates that call water their home.  Learn about their adaptations for life in the water, their interesting life cycles, and how they are used as bio-indicators for water quality.

 

Jack Gautsch is a Biologist with the Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Section of the Iowa DNR.  She holds a BS degree in biology and earth science from the University of Wisconsin, and has participated in projects as varied as herpetological studies, caddisfly research, and fish monitoring on the upper Mississippi.

 

This program is free of charge, and preregistration is not required.  For more info:

South Tailwater Recreation Area:

http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/LakeRedRock/Recreation/SouthTailwaterRecreationArea.aspx.

Lake Red Rock US Army Corps of Engineers website: http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/LakeRedRock.aspx 

Contact the Corps office at (641) 828-7522 or (641) 628-8690 or via email at lakeredrock@usace.army.mil.

 

This event is cosponsored by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

Return to Top 

 

Iowa Rivers Revival has been recognized with a 2014 Environmental Impact Award for developing and delivering the Master River Stewards Program.  The MRSP was created to educate and raise awareness about river and water quality issues.  The MRSP is a comprehensive river course that focuses on riverine systems, paddling skills, river navigation, restoring aquatic habitat, improving water quality, and understanding policies related to floodplains, river protection and restoration.

 

IRR leaders indicated that the success of the MRSP is a direct result of the leadership and expertise of Jim Pease (IRR Advisor), Mary Skopec (IRR Board Member), Robin Fortney (IRR Board Member), and program partners which include the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP), Iowa DNR IOWATER, Iowa DNR River Programs, Growing Green Communities-Metro Waste Authority, Des Moines Water Works, Polk County Conservation Board, and many other dedicated volunteers.

 

Additional 2014 Environmental Impact Award winners include Blank Park Zoo, Meredith Corporation, City of Johnston, World Food Prize Foundation, and Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.

 

The winners will be honored at the Environmental Impact Awards luncheon from 11:30 am-1 pm on Wednesday, May 21, at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge in West Des Moines.  Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and registration is available online until May 16 at www.desmoinesmetro.com/events.  The award sponsors are The Center on Sustainable Communities, Des Moines Water Works, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Metro Waste Authority, and MidAmerican Energy.
 
IRR's Master River Stewards Program is in it its third year, and is currently training 24 participants near Iowa City through June.  For more information about the Master River Stewards Program, visit www.iowarivers.org.

 

Return to Top 

 

Registration Open for July 12-19 Project AWARE on Big Sioux River

This year's 12th annual Project AWARE event, to be held July 12-19 on the Big Sioux River in NW Iowa/SE South Dakota, will be hosted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

 

The registration deadline is June 20, so check out the changes for 2014 on the Project AWARE website and download your registration form http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/ProjectAWARE or contact: Lynette Seigley (319)-335-1598 Lynette.Seigley@dnr.iowa.gov 

 

 

IDNR Canoe & Kayak School Sessions Have a Few Remaining Openings

Each one or two-day course will cover skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. All courses will be taught at Briggs Woods, along the Boone River in Hamilton County. 

 

Each paddling school is limited to 10 students, and is taught by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors--Glenn Harmon, Todd Robertson, John Wenck or Nate Hoogeveen. To register or get more information, contact Todd Robertson, DNR River Programs, 515-979-9538 or email todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov.

• May 6, Flat-Water Essentials (lake only) Special One Day Class for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, & Youth Group Instructors
• May 20-21, Canoe School - ONE OPENING
• June 25-26, Canoe School
• Aug. 20-21, Kayak School - FILLED!
• Sept. 17-18 Canoe School

  

IDNR New Blue "Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun" Trash Bags Arriving at a WT Near You

The  new, reusable, blue trash bags are being received by county conservation boards, outfitters, retailers, paddler groups, and others in support of the Iowa DNR's expanded 2014 public relations campaign to improve behavior on Iowa's rivers.  The bags display the "Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun" logo and message used on posters and decals. WT supporters are encouraged to display the materials on vehicles and boats, and during public events and activities.

 

The message is simple: 

Keep It Clean.  Pick up trash as you go and pack out the trash you bring in. 

Keep It Fun.  Use respectful language & behavior.

For Everyone!  Respect private property.

 

Groups interested in helping to display and distribute "Keep It Clean" promotion materials may contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov . 

 

 

"Non-meandered Stream" Sign Now Available in Smaller 24x36 Size

Many recreational users along non-meandered streams don't understand that the river beds, sandbars, and banks up to the high water line are privately owned.  While incidental use is allowed, such as, having lunch on a sandbar, fishing, or portaging around an obstruction, the land is privately owned and not public. After stepping out of a paddlecraft or tube, one is standing on private property.  Therefore, when recreating on a non-meandered stream one should behave as a guest and respect the land by removing trash and not camping or partying on sandbars.

 

The IDNR River Programs recently developed a sign that helps communicate this message to recreational users along non-meandered streams.  The original sign measures 30 x 48 inches, and is now also available in a smaller 24 x 36 inch size.  It is intended for placement in strategic locations at accesses where the sign can be easily seen, yet protected from high water events and ice outs.  

 

This sign is available free from the DNR for all land managers who maintain access points along non-meandered streams. The signs are not required, and won't prevent all abuse of private lands, but it is hoped that they will help communicate responsibilities and expectations.  To request signs, contact WT Coordinator John Wenck at John.wenck@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-281-8085.

  

Return to Top 

 

Louisa CCB's May 11 "Mother's Day on the Marsh (MOM)," a leisurely Sunday morning naturalist-guided paddle on the Odessa WT, will kick off the 2014 WT Education Programs.  Details for several more events in late May are being finalized, and we will forward information as soon as it is available.

 

Many presentations and locations have already been scheduled, but the IDNR continues to encourage and consider additional requests. Most of the topics available for 2014 can be adapted to a presentation in a classroom, in the field, or a combination of the two. Contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov . 

 

Fish Assemblage & Sampling; Biologists with IDNR Watershed Improvement or Water Monitoring Sections.

Observe electro fishing techniques & learn the unique features of each fish species & their role in the river ecosystem.

Aquatic Insects; Jacklyn Gautsch, Biologist with IDNR Watershed Monitoring & Assessment Section.

Discover the interesting adaptations & life cycle of aquatic invertebrates which dwell below the water surface.

Freshwater Mussels; Jennifer Kurth, Natural Resources Biologist in IDNR Watershed Improvement Section.

Meet these valuable components of freshwater biodiversity-Mother Nature's water filters.

Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys; Geologists from IDNR Geology & Groundwater Section.

Learn about the origin & evolution of Iowa's river valleys & the surrounding upland landscape.

River Critters & Wild Life; Wildlife and Interpretive Specialist Dr. Jim Pease.

Find & understand the wide variety of interconnected wildlife along Iowa's rivers, from birds & mammals to trees & shrubs.

Riparian Plant Program; IDNR Botanist John Pearson.

Learn to recognize the trees, shrubs, & wildflowers which inhabit our waterways, lakeshores, riverbanks & floodplains. 

Iowa's Archaeological Past, A History of Iowa Cultural History; OSA Staff Cherie Haury-Artz & Elizabeth Reetz.

Reflect on the importance of Iowa's water trails to various people and cultures through time.

 

Return to Top 

 

Bill & Joyce Schoon have enjoyed kayaking and photography throughout the Midwest, along with the coasts of Maine, the Carolinas, and Texas.  Bill shared this "lesson-learned" from their most recent photo-paddling adventure in the Sea of Cortez along Baja.

 

Joyce and I recently returned from Loreto, Mexico, where we paddled the Sea of Cortez for five days.  A description of this trip, along with a video is for different distribution, and is forthcoming. 

 

The lesson from Mexico is this:  "If you care at all about your water, you will take care of it."

 

We were on this trip with eight other people plus four Mexican guides.  Joyce and I, along with two of the guides, were the only real paddlers.  The others had some paddling experience, along with extensive travel/adventure experience (hiking, backpacking, horseback camping, etc.), and would be considered environmentalists.

 

We paddled in a huge National Park that was absolutely pristine, and they are working really hard to keep it that way.  Geologically, this area is young volcanic and very, very fragile.  Our guides were well-schooled and made sure we knew what to do and what not to do.  Here is the list: 

• Whatever you carry in, you carry out, and nothing more.
• You do not pick up rocks, shells, wood, or animal or plant life.
• There are only designated places to land and camp, and they must be reserved in advance.
• There are no fires allowed, even though there is an abundance supply of driftwood.
• There are clearly marked trails for hiking, and you don't step off of them.
• You can pull a leaf to smell, but not a branch.
• You could pee on the beach, but not above the high tide mark.  Our ladies were provided a bucket behind a rock-a big rock.
• All solid waste went in a different bucket behind the big rock.
• Used toilet paper was burned in a metal pan and the ashes put in the solid waste bucket.
• All cans and bottles were kept to be recycled.
• All organic waste (orange peels, etc.) were kept separate for composting.
• All solid trash was collected and carried out.
• The only things we left behind were footprints.

In five days paddling, I saw one crushed coke can which I picked out of the water, and one plastic cup which had washed up on the beach.

 

Our Iowa waterways should be half as well taken care of.

 

Return to Top

 

Four Iowa students have received national recognition for art and poetry they submitted to the 2014 River of Words Environmental Poetry and Art Contest.

 

The Grand Prize in Art (10th to 12th Grades) was awarded to 18-year-old Hannah Harms of Waverly for her artwork titled, "Genesis: A Drop of Life."  Three additional Iowa students were also selected from thousands of entries and recognized as national finalists:

• Emily Delleman, 15, of Davenport  for her artwork titled, "Drought"
• Elizabeth Heidt, 17, of Davenport for her artwork titled, "Have Confidence in Your Reflection"
• Mitchell Oberfoell, 10, of West Des Moines, for his poem titled, "Spiderlings."

"Having Iowa students selected as a grand prize winner and as finalists really shows the talent of Iowa's youth and their appreciation for natural resources," said Jacklyn Gautsch, Iowa DNR River of Words coordinator.  "Iowans should be proud of the accomplishments of these young people."

 

All national winners and finalists are posted on the River of Words website at: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/center-for-environmental-literacy/river-of-words. Following the national competition, all Iowa entries are returned to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which holds an annual statewide contest.  For more information about Iowa River of Words, visit www.iowadnr.gov/riverofwords. The 2014 Iowa winners will be posted in May.

 

The annual River of Words contest is a program of the Center for Environmental Literacy at Saint Mary's College of California. The River of Words program inspires youth to translate their observations about their local watersheds and environment into creative expressions in poems and art.

   

Return to Top

Your IWTA editor stumbled upon another WT perspective while passing time in a waiting room.  I later learned that Parks & Recreation Magazine has been around for nearly 50 years, informing park professionals of key issues, trends, and ways to better serve the public.  The July 2013 issue included a cover story titled "For the Love of Water Trails," in which author Sue Abbott discussed how the creation of a water trail can provide new recreational opportunities for your community.  Here's an excerpt:

 

"It's the Experience that Counts

 

"While most of us can daydream about getting out on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, or an Okefenokee Canoe Trail, chances are we are going to become most familiar with the waterways close to home.  This is a good thing!

 

"No matter what the craft-canoe, kayak, raft, rowboat, scull, sailboat, stand-up[ paddleboard or small motorboat-experiencing life from sea level offers a different perspective on the world, and maybe even ourselves.  You could say that water trails are pathways to discovery, connecting us to history, our heritage, the sea life below us and the nature all around us.  They are routes to better health and wellness, getting us acquainted with our own muscle power and our powers of observation.  And noticing our surroundings-perhaps with the help of interpretive materials-often leads to greater awareness, care and respect, instilling a sense of stewardship for the environment around us."

 

To read the full article, you may have to register at http://www.parksandrecreation.org/2013/July/For-the-Love-of-Water-Trails/.  Or maybe you could visit with some of your friends in the park and recreation business?

 

One of several focal points of The Principal Riverwalk, the iconic Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge spans the Des Moines River.  The popular pedestrian bridge along Center Street in downtown Des Moines links the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. The bridge features two separate pathways - one for walkers/joggers and one for bicyclists. The Principal Riverwalk, completed in early 2013, has helped strengthen the heart of the city, unite the east and west sides of downtown, encourage outdoor recreation, and spur additional development in the area.

 

Each year, local citizens nominate notable women from Iowa's history for recognition on the bridge. A committee reviews the nominations and selects several to honor. Selections include women who have made a positive impact on the lives of others, achieved extraordinary accomplishments, inspired future generations and who have been agents of change for the betterment of the state of Iowa, our nation or the world. Plaques will be added to the bridge to recognize the honorees. In October 2013 the first four Iowa Women of Achievement honorees were announced: https://www.principal.com/riverwalk/iowa-woman-achievement-bridge.htm

 

"Allow for a way to get people on the water" was one of four key themes expressed by the community during the original feasibility study for the Riverwalk. While "on the water" activities are not part of the first phase of The Principal Riverwalk, it is hoped that future development of the area will focus on ways to make the water accessible for recreation.

 

More info: https://www.principal.com/riverwalk/

Unfortunately, all of the above questions are true.  So, other than locking ourselves indoors, how are we going to cope?

Links to more info about wild parsnip:

Learning is a first step toward awareness, understanding, support, and (hopefully) commitment.