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IWTA
Mid-Month
Reminders
Iowa Water Trails Association
May, 2014
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 | Dr. Jim Pease answers a youngster's
questions during a 2013 Iowa River float
in search of "River Critters & Wild Life.
Photo by GStark |
Louisa CCB initiated the 2014 season of WT special events with a very successful "Mother's Day On the Marsh," bagging its limit of 20 boats for a Sunday morning tour along the Odessa Water Trail.
A wide variety of special events are being planned for WTs across Iowa, and with your help, we'll publicize them all here in the IWTA Newsletter.
Whether you're interested in learning more about aquatic life, plants, animals, archaeology, geology, or history, looking for family fun, or just want to enjoy a relaxing float, you'll find what you are seeking on an Iowa WT.
Let the Water Trail fun begin!
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In the Eddy: Quick Summary of Collected Calendar Items
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PLANNING CALENDAR:
May 17; Armed Forces Day.
May 20-21; IDNR Canoe School. (See article in this issue.)
May 26; Memorial Day Observed.
May 29; "Freshwater Mussels Program," 6 pm at Hillview Recreation Area near Hinton. Presenter IDNR Biologist Jennifer Kurth. (See article in this issue.)
May 30; Memorial Day (observed May 26).
May 31; "Archaeology & Cultural History Program," Noon at Calkins Nature Area Interpretive Center, Hardin County. Presenter Archaeologist Elizabeth Reetz. (See article in this issue.)
May 31; "Aquatic Insect Program," 3:30 pm in South Tailwater Recreation Area at Lake Red Rock. Presenter Jackie Gautsch. (See article in this issue.)
June 6-8; Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend, on Cedar River. Kayak & SUP competition, music, food, beverages, prizes. (See article in this issue.)
June 7; Archaeology Classroom & Float," West Nishnabotna River WT, Cherie Haury-Artz. (See article in this issue.)
June 7; "Geologic Story Behind the Red Rocks," 1:00 pm at Lake Red Rock. Indoor presentation & outdoor exploration. Geologist Robert M. McKay. (See article in this issue.)
June 7; 4th Annual Forest City Adventure Race, Forest City on Winnebago River WT. Paddling, cycling, running race with variety of individual and group classes.(See article in this issue.)
June 7; Annual Middle River Cleanup, 9 miles Pammel Park Ford to Middle River County Park. Meet at 7:30 am, bring own lunch. Warm meal & concert provided after cleanup. Free, but registration required, 515-462-3536.
June 13; Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls on UNI campus. Noted speakers, presentations & displays relating to all forms of public recreational trails. (See article in this issue.)
June 14; 5th Annual Great Iowa River Canoe & Kayak Race, 9 miles Iowa City to Hills. Canoe, kayak, SUP and Company Challenge. Iowa Valley RC&D. (See article in this issue.)
June 14; "Odessa WT Full Moon Float," Louisa County, Naturalist-guided tour of Odessa WT, while learning about the night sky. (See article in this issue.)
June 14; "Archaeology & Cultural History," Lake Red Rock, Indoors at Visitors Center. Archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz. (See article in this issue.)
June 25-26; IDNR Canoe School. (See article in this issue.)
FULL MOON SCHEDULE 2014:
(Iowa 2014 dates, all times Central Daylight Savings Time at Cedar Rapids.)
June 12, Thu Sunrise 5:31, Sunset 8:43, Moonrise 8:14
July 12, Sat Sunrise 5:42, Sunset 8:42, Moonrise 8:43
August 10, Sun Sunrise 6:09, Sunset 8:14, Moonrise 8:00
September 8, Mon Sunrise 6:40, Sunset 7:28, Moonrise 7:08
October 8, Wed Sunrise 7:11, Sunset 6:36, Moonrise 6:52
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May 29; "Freshwater Mussels Program," Hillview Recreation Area Near Hinton, SIMPCO
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 | | 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 interesting adaptations to survive in their environment. Come learn more!
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.
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May 31; "Archaeology & Cultural History WT Program," Calkins Nature Area Interpretive Center, Hardin CCB
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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 cosponsored by Hardin County Conservation, UI Office of the State Archaeologist, 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
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May 31; "Aquatic Insect Program," Lake Red Rock, US Army Corps of Engineers
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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.
Jackie 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.
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June 6-8; "Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend", on Cedar River.
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JOIN THE FUN AT IOWA'S WHITEWATER COMPETITION!
For a complete list of community activities visit charlescitychamber.com. Find out more about Charles City WhiteWater at ccwhitewater.com. Registration for Whitewater Events begins on location at 9 AM; paddling events are scheduled to start at 10 AM. The course will be open to recreational paddling on Friday, and after events on Saturday and on Sunday.
Don't miss the Crazy Cardboard Boat Race, sponsored by First Security Bank & Trust at 1 PM on Saturday; click here for Registration Form and Rules.
Event organizers remind everyone that in preparation for the whitewater events, the course will be closed to recreational boaters, tubers and fishermen from Main Street Bridge to the Amphitheatre from 9 AM to approximately 6 PM on Saturday, June 7th.
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June 7; "Archaeology & Cultural History Classroom & Float," West Nishnabotna WT
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Enjoy a classroom presentation and float on the West Nish on Saturday, June 7 at 9:00 am, as Archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz explains the rich cultural history along the West Nishnabotna River. 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. Cherie Haury-Artz works in education and outreach at the UI Office of the State Archaeologist. She holds a BA and MA in Anthropology, and recently wrote "A River of Unrivaled Advantages: Life Along the Lower Des Moines River."
The classroom session will begin promptly at 9:00 am at the Oakland City Hall Council Chambers Room, located right off of Hwy 6/59 next to the Dollar General. The classroom session will take approximately 45 minutes. From there we will drive to the river access in Oakland, located in Chautauqua City Park, to leave our vehicles and shuttle up to Botna Bend Park in Hancock to begin our paddle by 10:30 am. We will finish in Oakland at our vehicles and be free to leave. Please pack a sack lunch as we will stop during our float to enjoy it on a sandbar. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy and wet.
Participants are not obligated to participate in both the classroom and float, and may choose just one or the other. The event is free of charge. Boats, paddles, and life jackets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of 20 boats for the on water float but no limit to the number of participants for the classroom session. Children and families are welcome to participate.
The City of Oakland will be hosting their city wide garage sale at this same time and will be offering a free-will donation pancake breakfast from 7:00 am - 11:00 am, if you would like to grab a bite to eat before the classroom session.
The float time will depend upon water levels, but we hope to be done by 4:00 pm, covering 8 miles of river. Be prepared to possibly go longer or shorter. We will be able to better read the river closer to the day of the event.
To ensure adequate safety and effective instruction, the on-water session, beginning at 10:30, will be limited to 20 boats. Participants may use their own boats or boats/paddles/PFDs will be provided. Follow the online registration instructions carefully to ensure that you are registering accurately for sessions and boats.
Link to Online Registration:
140607a Archaeology Classroom & Float West Nish WT
Online registration will be open until June 5. After that date, please contact Emily Haase at Golden Hills RC&D, 712-482-3029.
This event is cosponsored by Golden Hills RC&D, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. For more information, contact Emily Haase at Golden Hills RC&D; 712-482-3029 or Emily@goldenhillsrcd.org
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June 7; "The Geologic Story Behind the Red Rocks," Lake Red Rock
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer a special program on "The Geologic Story Behind the Red Rocks," beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 7. Participants should gather at the Red Rock Visitor Center.
Join Robert M. McKay, retired geologist from Iowa Geological Survey, for a look at the lake area's interesting geologic features and discuss the uniqueness of the formations. Participants will be hiking during this program, so please wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.
The program is free of charge, and preregistration is not required. For more info, visit the 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.
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June 7; "4th Annual Forest City Adventure Race," Winnebago River WT
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 | | Participants in 2012 Race. Photo by Anthony Mikes |
The Adventure Race is designed for teams and individuals interested in the challenge and excitement of an Adventure Race. The event will be held from 7:00 am-4:00 pm on Saturday, June 7 in Forest City. Family and friends are welcome to watch and join participants for a brunch in Pammel Park following the Race. All proceeds of this annual event go toward the upkeep and expansion of the Forest City Trails.
The course starts with a 7 mile canoe/kayak race from Ambroson Recreation Area south of Leland, Iowa to Pammel Park in Forest City on the Winnebago River. This is followed by a 12 mile bike ride, and then a 5k run. The course has one transition area from which participants will begin bicycling and running portions of the race.
For more info on the race, the wide range of individual and group classes, and registration: http://www.forestcityia.com/calendar/adventure-race/
Forest City Parks & Recreation 641-585-4860.
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June 13; "5th Annual Iowa Trails Summit," UNI Campus at Cedar Falls
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The Iowa Trails Summit is celebrating its fifth year, bringing together a group of trails and community development experts to share ideas and innovations that influence the future of trails, outdoor recreation, and economic development in Iowa.
This award-winning event has been recognized by the National Park Service's Mid America Trails and Greenways for its unique approach to trails users working together to build healthier communities.
This year's trials summit has over 20 expert presenters to address Iowa trails development, innovations that can change the future; ideas for building public engagement, climate change, and the wonders of a child's adventurous mind. There will be special presentations on new trails attractions from all corners of Iowa.
Featured speakers will include: ISU Economist Peter Orazem, "A vision for engaging people in trails development;" Iowa State Senator Rob Hogg, "Climate change and Iowa Trails;" and world famous ISU child psychologist Dr. Douglas Gentile with the keynote, "Media and a Child's Sense of Adventure."
Program details; optional evening events, and online registration at www.FriendsofIowaTrails.org. The event fee of $45 includes a buffet lunch at UNI's Rialto Dining Room, break snacks, and free parking!
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June 14; 5th Annual Great Iowa River Canoe & Kayak Race with Company Challenge, Iowa City
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The Great Iowa River Canoe & Kayak Race with Company Challenge serves as a community and fundraising event for the Iowa Valley RC&D.
The race is 9 miles from Sturgis Access in Iowa City to Hills Access in Hills. Divisions include canoe, kayak, racing, recreation, youth, company challenge, and new paddleboard! The race is sanctioned by the United States Canoe Association.
Check in from 7:00-8:15 am at the Fin & Feather parking lot in Iowa City (including pre-registrants); receive race instructions at Sturgis Access at 8:30; race starts at 9:00. Average run time is about 1.5 hours. A free shuttle will be available. A Pancake Breakfast will be available at Fin & Feather the morning of the race.
Find info about rules, T-shirts, and registration at http://www.ivrcd.org/projects-2/great-iowa-river-canoe-race.
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June 14; "Odessa WT Full Moon Float," Louisa County
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 | | Photo by Louisa County Conservation |
Under a nearly full moon, join Louisa County Naturalists to explore the calm waters of the Odessa Wildlife Complex and learn about the night sky.This round trip will start and end at Snively Campground on the Odessa Water Trail.
Participants will enjoy a leisurely paddle around Odessa, stopping along the way to hear various stories of the constellations and our night sky.
The event is free (thanks to funding from the Iowa DNR Rivers program) but all participants must be registered in advance. There is a limit of 20 boats for this trip, so be sure to register early! Canoes and kayaks are available.
Info and registration at www.LouisaCountyConservation.org or call 319-523-8381.
This trip is an official Iowa River Water Trail event cosponsored by Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Louisa County Conservation.
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June 14; "Archaeology & Cultural History," Lake Red Rock
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 | Archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz demonstrates atlatl.
Photo by G.Stark |
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer a special indoor program on the "Archaeology & Cultural History Iowa," beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 14 in the Red Rock Visitor Center. Join Cherie Haury-Artz from the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist for an introduction to Iowa's archaeological past, a chronology of its cultural history, and the importance of the state's water trails to people throughout time.
Cherie Haury-Artz works in education and outreach at the UI Office of the State Archaeologist. She holds a BA and MA in Anthropology, and recently wrote "A River of Unrivaled Advantages: Life Along the Lower Des Moines River."
The program is free of charge, and preregistration is not required. For more info, visit 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, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Updates From IDNR River Programs
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 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
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Expanded IDNR 2014 WT Education Programs Underway--IDNR Still Accepting Requests
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Kids enjoying a look at the variety of fish
found in the West Nishnabotna River.
Photo by Emily Haase.
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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.
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New Mobile Museum Could Be Part of Your WT Programming
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 | | University of Iowa Photo |
The UI Pentacrest Museums (Old Capitol Museum and the Museum of Natural History) and Office of the State Archaeologist are bringing some of the state's natural and cultural treasures to communities across the state in a new Mobile Museum. Launched in April 2014, the Mobile Museum will visit schools, libraries, RAGBRAI, the Iowa State Fair, and other special events across the state.
The Mobile Museum features an array of exhibits that focus on three very different eras in Iowa's history.
- Iowa's Ice Age Giants explores the great mammals that roamed the state during the last ice age and their sudden extinction.
- Glenwood: Iowa's Ancient Agriculturalists tells the story of the Glenwood culture centered in the Loess Hills and their connections to the Iowa landscape through agriculture.
- Cornerstones focuses on the founding of Iowa and writing of its constitution, the building of the Old Capitol building, and the creation of the University of Iowa.
The museum also features a new interactive digital wall that allows visitors to learn about UI space research, the Santos Virtual Soldier program, and the UI Flood Center's sophisticated flood-prediction mapping systems, as well as additional information on Iowa archaeology.
UI educators and curators can combine mobile museum visits with education programs or speaker visits for any age group or event. Email mobile-museum@uiowa.edu to invite the University of Iowa Mobile Museum to your community or event. More info and photos at http://discover.research.uiowa.edu/mobile-museum.
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the IWTA Newsletter
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 | Learning is a first step toward awareness,
understanding, support, & commitment.
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Special thanks to everyone who is working to deliver the WT Education Programs. It takes a lot of cooperation by the DNR, local organizers, and the presenters to plan, schedule, and execute the programs, but they have received extremely positive reviews from those who attend and participate.
The mission of the IWTA is to facilitate the exchange of information, ideas and encouragement among Iowans working to create, enhance, or utilize our water trails. We have grown to over 1000 subscribers, an indication of strong interest in our WTs, but the true success of the IWTA Newsletter will be measured by how much we share, how much we learn, and how much we contribute to improving the Water Trails experience across the state.
We hope that you will continue to share your events, reports, ideas, and suggestions with us at iowawta@gmail.com. Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.
We thoroughly enjoy meeting with current and potential IWTA Newsletter subscribers when we have the opportunity to display information at events across the state. Please contact us if you are planning an event at which our display might be appropriate. Our next scheduled display apearance will be at the June 13 Iowa Trails Summit in Cedar Falls. Hope to see you there!
If you are not already a subscriber to this free, monthly email newsletter, please click on the convenient "Join Our Mailing List" button to get on board.
And, please share the IWTA Newsletter with your friends via the "Forward this email" or "Share on Social Media" buttons.
Sincerely,
Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter
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