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IWTA
Mid-Month
Reminders
Iowa Water Trails Association
July, 2014
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Volunteer for River Programs Booth at Iowa State Fair | | In the Eddy: Planning Items Not In the Newsletter | | July 17 Archaeology Winnebago River WT Program, Forest City | | July & Aug Mobile Museum Visits to Forest City, RAGBRAI, & State Fair | | July 19 River Critters Program & Hike, Manchester | | July 19 Prairie Hike Along Upper Iowa River Near Kendalville | | July 19 Archaeology Float on West Fork Des Moines River | | July 25 Geologic History Program in O'Brien County | | July 25 Wet & Wild Critters Program Bentonsport | | July 26 Freshwater Mussels Presentation, Clay County | | July 26 Wildlife Paddle, Des Moines River WT, Keosauqua to Bonaparte | | July 26 Archaeology Float on Des Moines River, Webster County | | July 26-27 Cedar River Cleanup & Festival, Cedar Falls | | Aug 2 Full Moon Paddle on Odessa WT, Louisa County | | Aug 9 Stress in the Rivers Float on West Nishnabotna WT | | Aug 9 Riparian Plant Program at Lake Red Rock | | Aug 10 Full Moon Paddle with S'Mores in Madison County | | Aug 15 Aquatic Insect Program at Koser Spring Lake Park in Cherokee | | Aug - Sep Dwindling Opportunities for IDNR Canoe or Kayak Schools | | Thanks to Our Subscribers |
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Barricades are no longer needed at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, but plenty of cleanup remains.
Photo by G.Stark
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River levels are coming down. Signs for detours, roads-closed, & unsafe bridges are also coming down. Let's hope that the trend continues. Caution is still the key word, as some waterways remain above normal levels, and any of our waterways could contain strainers, submerged objects, channel shifts and other surprises resulting from the spring floods. In this issue, and the upcoming August issue, you will see reschedule dates for most of the events which were canceled due to rough weather or high water levels. Kudos to the cooperative efforts of event organizers and presenters to make these reschedules possible. EARLY JULY 24 DEADLINE FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER ITEMS Due to an extended paddling event commitment (yes, even the editor gets to go paddling once in a while), items for the August 1 IWTA Newsletter will be due by July 24, and sooner would be greatly appreciated. |
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Volunteers Needed for the Iowa State Fair IDNR River Programs Booth, August 7-17
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It's time once again for the Iowa State Fair! Iowa DNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator Todd Robertson is developing a schedule of volunteers and would like to know who is interested in volunteering for a shift or two at the IDNR River Programs booth and display. You will receive a free ticket to the fair and a pretty cool hat!
This is your chance to talk to the public about your passions--water trails, paddling, and the future of our resources. The booth will include the low-head dam model to explain the dangers of these drowning machines to the public, especially children. There will be a selection of water trail maps to hand out, and examples of a canoe, kayak and stand-up-paddleboard on display.
Robertson explained, "Many of you have helped in the past and we would love to have you back. We would also love to see some newer members this year. Your enthusiasm is infectious and you make great spokespeople for this wonderful activity we call paddling!"
This year's Iowa State Fair runs August 7-17. Shifts will be approximately 4 hours. Do a shift and then spend the rest of the day enjoying the State Fair. Weekend and evening help would be especially appreciated. The DNR building opens at 9am and closes at 9pm.
Contact Robertson at todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov or call his DNR work cell at 515-979-9538 to sign up for a shift.
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In the Eddy: Quick Summary of Planning Items
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PLANNING CALENDAR:
(Dates & Events Not in Newsletter Articles.)
July 12 & Aug 2; Seatasea Watersports free demos,
http://www.seatasea.com/calendar/kayak-and-stand-paddleboard-free-demo
July 12 & 17; CrawDaddy Outdoor free demos, http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/crawdaddy-events/
July 20-26; RAGBRAI,www.ragbrai.com
July 27-Aug 2; Great River Rumble, paddling from Prairie duSac on Wisconsin River to Gutenberg on Mississippi. http://riverrumble.org/basic/People.htm
Aug 7-17; Iowa State Fair, visit IDNR building, River Programs, Water Trails, & Project Aware displays.
Aug 15-16; Annual Floatzilla in Quad Cities. Floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes; http://www.floatzilla.org/.
Aug 16; "River of Dreams" Poker Run, Cedar River WT, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, paddling fun, educational stations, fundraiser for terminally ill children; contact Pamela Wolter, cedarvalleypaddlers@gmail.com.
Aug 16; Archaeology & Cultural History Program, Manchester in Delaware County. Register online:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9hz6py0920cd414
FULL MOON SCHEDULE 2014:
(Iowa 2014 dates, Central Daylight Savings Time at Cedar Rapids.)
July 12, Sat Sunset 8:42, Moonrise 8:43
August 10, Sun Sunset 8:14, Moonrise 8:00
September 8, Mon Sunset 7:28, Moonrise 7:08
October 8, Wed Sunset 6:36, Moonrise 6:52
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July 17; "Archaeology & Cultural History of Iowa & Winnebago River WT" Program, Forest City
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Join Elizabeth Reetz, the Education Director at the Office of the State Archaeologist, as she discusses Iowa's cultural history and the importance of waterways, such as the Winnebago River Water Trail, to that history. Her informative presentation will begin at 7:00 PM in the basement meeting room of TSB Bank on the corner of Highway 69 and "J" Street in Forest City.
The program will be free and will last about an hour. Snacks will be provided and there is no need to preregister. For questions, contact Lisa Ralls,(641) 565-3399, or email lralls@winnebagoccb.com
Elizabeth Reetz holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Landscape Archaeology. 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 cosponsored by Winnebago County Conservation, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 17-18 and 19-26; UI Mobile Museum Will Visit Forest City, Trek Along with RAGBRAI, & Greet Visitors to the Iowa State Fair
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The "Dare to Discover" Mobile Museum is on the road, delivering a unique look at the history and culture of Iowa. Some of its major stops this summer include:
- July 17-18: The Mobile Museum will be at the Winnebago "Out of this World" Grand National Rally in Forest City, Iowa, to show off our incredible museum in a 'Bago! To learn more about this exciting annual tradition, please visit the Grand National Rally homepage.
- July 19-26: The Mobile Museum and Team Archaeology from the Office of the State Archaeologist will ride along for RAGBRAI XLII. We will be along for stops in Rock Valley, Okoboji, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Mason City, Waverly, Independence, and Guttenburg. Keep your eyes peeled for us!
- August 7-17: The Mobile Museum will be located just inside Gate 11, at the West end of Grand Avenue, during the Iowa State Fair. Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates on our hours, activities and giveaways each day!
Email mobile-museum@uiowa.edu to invite the University of Iowa Mobile Museum to your community or event!
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July 19; River Critters & Wildlife Program & Hike, Delaware County
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The public is invited to a special "River Critters & Wildlife" program and hike, beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 19 at the Delaware County Nature Center, 2379 Jefferson Road, Manchester, IA, 52057.
Dr. Jim Pease will tell tales about the unique critters and wild life that live in and along the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Jim has paddled Iowa's rivers since age 12, and is a wildlife and interpretive specialist who will help you find and understand the critters that call the Maquoketa River and surrounding area their home.
Now retired from Iowa State University, Jim consults on a variety of projects, leads international trips, and can be heard monthly on Iowa Public Radio's "Talk of Iowa" program. Jim has over 3 decades of experience as a front-line interpreter, 24 years as a professor of interpretation to undergraduate and graduate students, two decades as an Extension Wildlife Specialist, fifteen years in youth development and natural resources, and served as director of Iowa's Nature Mapping and Master Conservationist programs. He helped design and coordinate Iowa's new Master River Stewards Program with Iowa Rivers Revival.
Following the presentation there will be a hike along the nature trail to see if Jim can conjure up some critters. We recommend that you bring or wear: Tennis shoes or hiking boots, bug spray, water, sun glasses, jacket, and anything else you may need to be comfortable in the woods, plus an adventuresome attitude!
This program is free of charge, but space is limited to 25 participants, so preregistration is required.
Click on the link below to register online:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9eylzqw62598694
Online registration will be open through July 11. After that date, please contact Mary Hyland, (641) 373-6302.
For more information about Delaware County Conservation go to:
http://co.delaware.ia.us/offices/conservation/index.htm
For more information about the city of Manchester go to:
http://www.manchester-ia.org
This event is cosponsored by Delaware County Conservation, Manchester Iowa Good to Great, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 19; "Prairie Hike Along the Upper Iowa River" near Kendalville
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As part of ongoing efforts to connect the public with the Upper Iowa River valley, Northeast Iowa RC&D is sponsoring a free prairie hike to learn more about the insects and plants which can be found on an area of prairie along the Upper Iowa. This prairie is being reconstructed by MJ Hatfield, who will discuss the work and the dream she had over 14 years ago, when she began the project. She will share her knowledge about prairie reconstruction "do's and don'ts," the plants and insects found in her prairie, and the importance of native riparian plants to the health of the Upper Iowa River.
The hike will be held from 10:00 am-Noon, and will begin in the prairie. Those who wish to stick around are welcome to join in an optional walk through her oak forest. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy the beauty of the Upper Iowa River valley in the summer. Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water, sun protection, and insect repellent.
Preregistration is not required, but would be appreciated; contact Josh Dansdill, 563-864-7112 or email josh@northeastiowarcd.org
For more info and a map to the event, visit the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/743393669057142/
This event is cosponsored by Northeast Iowa RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 19; "Archaeology & Cultural History" Float on West Fork Des Moines River
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| | Not Criss Cove, but it is Madison County. Photo by Carol Liecty |
Emmet County Conservation will offer a special "Archaeology & Cultural History Float," on the West Fork of the Des Moines River Water Trail, from 9:00 am--1:00 pm on Saturday, July 19. This will be a half day guided paddle from the North Trailhead Access to the City of Estherville.
During the float, Archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz will explain the rich cultural history of the Des Moines River and the surrounding area. 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."
This event is free, but participation is limited to 20 boats, so preregistration is required. Call Jenna Pollock at Emmet County Conservation, 712-209-4829.
This event is cosponsored by Emmet County Conservation, Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 25; "Geologic History of Glaciers, Lakes, Wind & Rivers in O'Brien County," Peterson
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Learn about the powerful forces which shaped the O'Brien County we see today. Joe Artz, a Geoarchaeologist with Earthview Environmental, Inc., will discuss the impact of glaciers, lakes, wind & rivers on the geology of the area.
This free, public event will be held at 7:00 pm on July 25 at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave, Peterson, IA 51047. Please call Charlene Elyea, O'Brien County Naturalist, at 712-295-7200 to register.
This program is cosponsored by Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission, O'Brien County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 25; "Wet & Wild: Critters on Iowa's Rivers" Program, Bentonsport
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(Rescheduled from July 11)
Learn about the fascinating plants and animals that inhabit Iowa's waterways at the "Wet and Wild: Critters on Iowa Rivers" presentation planned for Friday, July 25, 7:00 PM at the Stone House in Bentonsport, Iowa. The event is free and suitable for all ages.
The presenter for the evening, Dr. Jim Pease, will talk about Iowa's diversity of river flora and fauna, threats to wildlife along rivers and ways to protect them. Pease, a Burlington native, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a teacher, interpreter, writer, consultant, director of the Master Conservationist program, developer of Iowa's new Master River Stewards program, and a regular guest on Iowa Public Radio's "Talk of Iowa" program.
Pre-registration for the event is optional, but appreciated. Registration and additional information are available at www.desmoinesriverWT.com or by calling (641) 472-6177.
The Lower Des Moines River Water Trail is one of 19 designated water trails in Iowa. This program is cosponsored by Pathfinders RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 26; "Freshwater Mussels Presentation," Clay County
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Clay County Conservation will offer a special presentation on "Freshwater Mussels" from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 26 at the Prairie Flower, west of Fostoria, 1760 290th St. A one hour presentation will be followed by an interactive part of the presentation on the water.
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 can be found in many rivers and streams in Iowa. They are valuable components of freshwater biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, and help keep the water clean by acting as Mother Nature's water filters. For something that looks like a living rock, they have a unique life cycle and interesting adaptations to the environment in which they live. Come learn more!
Jennifer 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 an MS in Ecology & Environmental Science from the U of Maine. She works on streams which are listed as impaired for aquatic life, referring to 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 event is free, but preregistration is requested. Call Stacie Young with Clay County Conservation at 712-262-2187.
This program is cosponsored by Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission, Clay County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 26; "Wildlife Paddle," Des Moines River WT, Keosauqua to Bonaparte
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Registrations for this event are filled, but contact organizers to be added to their waiting list.
(Rescheduled from July 12)
Spend a delightful day on the Des Moines River learning about the creatures that live there from wildlife biologist Dr. Jim Pease. The paddle will be held Saturday, July 26, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, beginning at the Keosauqua Boat Ramp and ending at the Bentonsport Boat Ramp. The event is free but pre-registration is required and participation is limited to 20 boats.
Pease, a Burlington native who has paddled southeast Iowa rivers since the age of 12, is now a wildlife and interpretive specialist who will provide an entertaining and educational experience on the leisurely 9-mile paddle. From birds and mammals to trees and shrubs, Jim knows them, and knows how to help you understand their relationship with the watershed.
Pease brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a teacher, interpreter, writer, consultant, director of the Master Conservationist program, developer of Iowa's new Master River Stewards program, and a regular guest on Iowa Public Radio's "Talk of Iowa" program.
A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available at no charge for participants who don't have their own. The paddle is open to everyone but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and additional information are available at www.desmoinesriverWT.com or by calling (641) 472-6177. A packet of detailed information about the trip, including a map and shuttling instructions is available for download on the website.
Note: Pease will also give an indoor presentation titled "Wet and Wild: Critters on Iowa Rivers" on Friday, July 25, 7:00 PM at the Stone House in Bentonsport. The program is free and suitable for all ages.
The Lower Des Moines River Water Trail is one of 19 designated water trails in Iowa. This paddling trip is cosponsored by Pathfinders RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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July 26; "Archaeology & Cultural History Float on the Des Moines River," Webster County
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Webster County Conservation will host a special "Archaeology & Cultural History Float" on the Des Moines River south of Lehigh at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 26.
During the float, Archaeologist Mark Anderson will explain the rich cultural history of the Des Moines River valley. 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. Mark Anderson is a Research Specialist at the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, with over 26 years experiencing conducting archaeological investigations across the state. One of his many research specialties is experiments in ancient technologies (projectile point manufacturing, atlatls and darts, fire starting, etc.).
Put-in will be at Deception Hollow, located approx. 2 miles south of Lehigh from P73, and 2 miles east toward the river. It will take several hours to paddle to Skillet Creek Access, the take-out point. Participants should register, even if they have their own vessels. A limited number of kayaks will be available for public use; first-come, first-served.
This event is free, but participation is limited to 20 boats, so preregistration is required. Call or email Karen Hansen at (515) 576-4258 or khansen@webstercountyia.org
This event is cosponsored by Webster County Conservation, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
(Note: This event was rescheduled from June due to river levels.)
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July 26-27; "Cedar River Cleanup & Festival," Cedar Falls
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Iowa's longest-running river cleanup group is gearing up for its 27th annual cleanup and festival. The Cedar River Festival Group is a local organization working to improve the quality of the Cedar River, with a mission to educate the community about celebrating and preserving the beauty of the Cedar River as a local natural resource.
This year's cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, will span the stretch of the Cedar that includes the Riverview Recreation Area (formerly Mitchell Avenue Sand Pits). A shuttle will pick up volunteers at 8:30 a.m. at Deerwood Park in Evansdale for a 9 a.m. launch.
A festival with art, music and education will be held to celebrate both the cleanup efforts of local volunteers, and to celebrate the Cedar River. Festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 27 at the Rotary Reserve on North Union Road in Cedar Falls.
"It's an opportunity for residents of the Cedar Valley to show gratitude and support for Iowa's longest-running, all-volunteer, local river cleanup," said Rebecca Kauten, CRF Group board president. "We also need a reminder that we all have a role to play in keeping our rivers clean."
For more information, check out the Cedar River Festival Group on Facebook or email crfgroup@gmail.com
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Aug 2; "Odessa Full-Moon Paddle," Odessa WT Near Wapello, Louisa County
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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 run from 9:00 pm -11:00 pm, starting and ending 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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Aug 9; "Stress in the Rivers" Float on West Nishnabotna River WT
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Enjoy a float on the West Nish on Saturday, August 9th at 9:00 am, as Natural Resources Biologist Jason Palmer identifies and discusses problems that cause stress for bugs and fish living in the West Nishnabotna River. Jason Palmer is a project leader with the Watershed Improvement Program's Stressor Identification Team at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He earned a bachelor's degree in fisheries and aquatic science, and a masters degree in environmental science/water resources.
We will meet at 9:00 am in Oakland (specific location TBD), 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. Children and families are welcome to participate.
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.
This event is free, but to ensure adequate safety and effective instruction, the float will be limited to 20 boats, so preregistration is required. Participants may use their own boats or boats/paddles/PFDs will be provided.
Click on the link below to register online:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9kp1xqq70288315
Online registration will be open through August 7. After that date, please contact Lance Brisbois, (402) 350-9267.
This event is cosponsored by Golden Hills RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Aug 9; "Riparian Plant Program" at Lake Red Rock
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer a special indoor program on "Riparian Plants of Iowa," beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 9 in the Red Rock Visitor Center.
Join Iowa DNR Botanist John Pearson to learn about the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and other plants which inhabit the waterways, lakeshores, riverbanks and floodplains of Iowa. Learn to recognize plants that you commonly paddle past or camp next to!
John is a well known botanist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with an M.S. in Forestry from the University of Southern Illinois and a doctorate in botany from the University of Wyoming. Since joining the IDNR in 1985, John has worked with natural areas inventory, threatened and endangered species and state nature preserves. As an avid kayak paddler, he is a frequent event trip leader for Project AWARE and he leads kayak eco-tours of Lake Red Rock for local paddle sport outfitter Canoe Sport Outfitters.
The program is free of charge, and preregistration is not required. For more info:
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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Aug 10; "Full-Moon Paddle," Criss Cove County Park, Madison County
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Meet at Criss Cove County Park (8 miles S of Winterset on Hwy 169) at 7:30 pm.
This will be a good event for beginner paddlers and families. Enjoy a shoreline campfire and s'mores following the paddle. Bring your own beverages.
This event is free, but registration is required. Contact Madison County Conservation at 515-462-3536 or email madccb@madisoncountyparks.org
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Aug 15; "Aquatic Insect Program" at Koser Spring Lake Park in Cherokee
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Join us on Friday, August 15 at 4:00 pm in Koser Spring Lake Park, Cherokee, IA 51012 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, interesting life cycles, and how they are used as bio-indicators for water quality.
This event will be led by Jackie Gautsch, 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 event is cosponsored by Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Find more information about SIMPCO at http://www.simpco.org/
This program is free of charge, but preregistration is requested.
Click on the link below to register online:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9kiupjhc0d4d31f
Online registration will be open through August 13. After that date, please contact Michelle Bostinelos, (712) 279-6286 or mbostinelos@simpco.org.
This event is cosponsored by Golden Hills RC&D, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Aug 20-21 & Sep 17-18; Only a Few Remaining Opportunities to Enroll in Iowa DNR Canoe or Kayak Schools
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The Iowa DNR Canoe & Kayak School has a few openings in the final Canoe School session of 2014. While the Aug 20-21 Kayak School appears to be filled, you might ask to be put on a standby list.
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.
- Aug. 20-21, Kayak School - FILLED!
- Sept. 17-18 Canoe School
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the IWTA Newsletter
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Project AWARE, Iowa's annual large-scale river cleanup, is underway on the Big Sioux River, gathering truckloads of trash, from small plastic bottles up to metal objects requiring the improvised flotation of two or more canoes. If you couldn't make it to Project AWARE 2014 this week, keep in mind that you can organize your own trash pickup effort on almost any day, on any river or at any access.
You can also make a difference by spreading the message (and the blue bags) to "Keep It Clean. Keep It Fun. For Everyone!"
Groups interested in helping to display and distribute "Keep It Clean" promotion materials should contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov .
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 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.
If you are not one of the over 1,000 Iowans who currently subscribe to this free, monthly email IWTA 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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