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IWTA 

Mid-Month 

Reminders 

 
Iowa Water Trails Association 
 
September, 2014  
PICK, CLICK and READ
In the Eddy: Planning Items Not In the Newsletter
Sep 16 Archaeology Presentation & Mobile Museum Tour, Wickiup near Cedar Rapids
Sep 17-18 Last IDNR Canoe School Session of 2014
Sep 19 Fish Assemblage & Sampling Beuna Vista County
Sep 20 Freshwater Mussels Program Lyon County
Sep 20 River Critters & Wildlife Program Forest City
Sep 20 Native American Village Life Program Bentonsport
Sep 20 Iowa River Cleanup Needs Volunteers
Sep 22 Lower Des Moines River WT Stakeholders Meeting, Lacey Keosauqua
Sep 27 Fish Assemblage Program & Fish Hatchery Tour Manchester
Sep 27 Middle River WT Paddle Madison County
Oct 1 SSNHA Photography Workshop Fredericksburg
Oct 2,9,16,23 Low-Head Dam Classes, Des Moines
Oct 9 Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys Program Decorah
Oct 9 Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference Des Moines
Oct 11 Annual Fall Colors Float Jones County
Oct 13-16 Stream Restoration Workshops, Clive
Oct 23 Archaeology & Cultural History ProgramDecorah
2014 IDNR WT Education Programs for Fall-Winter
Event Planning Dates Early 2015
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Iowa Rivers Revival, Protector of Rivers, Streams & Watersheds

 
Report Kills & Spills Logo  
Keep It Clean Sticker IDNR

Welcome to the second half of September.  It's beginning to feel like fall, look like fall, even smell like fall.

 

You might have to choose your weather forecasts more carefully, but fall is a beautiful season to enjoy your Iowa Water Trails. Mother Nature will be adding touches of bright colors to the foliage, even as she begins to lift the green veil to reveal slopes, boulders, and bluffs which have been hidden all summer.

 

We're also heading into the final weeks of the election campaigns.  We hope that you are taking advantage of opportunities offered by IPTV, League of Wom

en Voters, and others to hear and compare the candidates. Do they have records or positions which support your beliefs regarding water quality, soil conservation, and other outdoors ethics? Do they engage or avoid these issues during debates or personal appearances?

 

IWTA isn't advocating for any candidate or position, but we do advocate for an informed electorate.  It's time to ask questions, be aware, get involved, and VOTE.

We hope to see you out there on our Water Trails.  And bring your camera! 

 

Visit the IWTA website: 

http://iowawatertrails.org/ 

 

And please keep us informed via email at:

[email protected]  

 

In the Eddy:  Quick Summary of Planning Items

PLANNING CALENDAR:  neotropical flyways

(Dates & Events Not in Newsletter Articles.)

 

September: Watch for migrating songbirds & butterflies coming through Iowa.

 

September 23; Autumnal Equinox, 1st Day of Autumn.

September 27; Annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup, Chimney Rock Campground http://www.chimneyrocks.com/events.html   

October 8; Full Moon. Sunset 6:36, Moonrise 6:52

 

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Sep 16; "Archaeology of Iowa's River Trails" & Tour of the U of I Mobile Museum at Wickiup near Cedar Rapids 

State Archaeologist Logo

You will find two great opportunities at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Linn County on the evening of Tuesday, September 16.  Tour the University of Iowa's Mobile Museum from 6:00-8:00 pm. And enjoy Elizabeth Reetz' presentation "Archaeology & Cultural History of Iowa's River Trails" from 7:00-9:00 pm inside the Wickiup Center. The Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center is located at 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville, IA 52341.


This program is free, and preregistration is not required.


 

Elizabeth Reetz, Education Director at the Office of the State Archaeologistwill share on an introduction to Iowa's archaeological past, a chronology of Iowa's cultural history, and the importance of Iowa's water trails to people throughout time, with added focus on the Cedar River. Elizabeth will also provide a sampling of authentic and replica artifacts that tell the chronology of Iowa's past.

 

The UI Mobile Museum serves to bring the University's research and collections to communities across Iowa, and 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.


 

Sep 17-18; IDNR Canoe School--Last Session of 2014

Iowa DNR Logo

The last two-day Canoe School of 2014 will cover skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. The course 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 [email protected]

 

Sep 19; "Fish Assemblage & Sampling," Little Sioux River, Linn Grove Dam, Buena Vista County

Buena Vista County Logo Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission and Buena Vista Conservation will offer a special program on "Fish Assemblage & Sampling," at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 19, at the Linn Grove Dam in Buena Vista County.

 

Join Ben Wallace, Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist, for a demonstration of electro-shock fish collection techniques, and identification of the fish species collected.  Ben will describe the unique features of each of the fish species collected and discuss how each fits into the Little Sioux River ecosystem.  The goal is to raise awareness of the types of organisms with which river users share the water.  

 

This event is free, but preregistration is required.  Call Buena Vista County Conservation at 712-295-7985 by Thursday, September 18 at 4 pm. The electro fishing program is subject to weather and water conditions, please call the conservation office the day of the program to confirm it will be held. 

 

This program is cosponsored by Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission, Buena Vista County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

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Sep 20; "Freshwater Mussels" Program, Lake Pahoja, Lyon County

Mussel PG
Pistol Grip Mussel
Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission will offer a special program on "Freshwater Mussels," at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 20, at the West Shelter at Lake Pahoja,1831 Buchanan Ave, Inwood, IA 51240 

 

Join Iowa DNR Biologist Jennifer Kurth for a closer look at these "one-footed" wonders roaming our water trails. Freshwater mussels can be found in many rivers and lakes 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.

 

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 Lyon County Conservation at 712-472-2217.

 

This program is cosponsored by Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission, Lyon County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

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Sep 20; "River Critters & Wildlife" Program, Forest City, Winnebago County

Dr. Jim Pease
Join former ISU professor Jim Pease as he introduces us to the many different kinds of wildlife that we can see along our rivers! Jim has an entertaining way of teaching people about the outdoors, and has shared his expertise through various publications, TV segments, podcasts, and a regular monthly program on Iowa Public Radio. Now, you can hear him in person!

 

This hour-long presentation will begin at 3:00 PM in the basement meeting room of the Titonka Savings Bank at the corner of Highway 69 and "J" Street in Forest City. 

 

The program will be free, and there is no need to preregister. For questions, contact Lisa Ralls,(641) 565-3399, or email [email protected]

 

This event is cosponsored by Winnebago County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

Sep 20; "Native American Village Life" Program, Bentonsport 

Here's a program for kids and their parents! Join the energetic and entertaining Jefferson County Conservation Naturalist Therese Cummiskey for a journey into the history of Native American village life along the Des Moines River. The event will include hands-on participation trying out the various tools used by Native Americans for all aspects of everyday living. There will be different stations including grinding corn, making bowls out of gourds, cleaning a deer hide, and throwing an atlatl.This program is geared toward elementary age children but younger kids can enjoy the activities with a parent/guardian.

 

Join us from 10:00 am-Noon on Saturday, September 20 at the Bentonsport Shelter, right on the river in Bentonsport, Iowa  GOOGLE MAP  This program is aimed at elementary school aged children but can be enjoyed by younger children with an adult. This official water trail event is FREE, thanks to funding from the Iowa DNR Rivers Program. 


 
Registration is not required but will help us know how many to expect.  Register online 

 

For more information, call Pathfinders RC&D at 641-472-6177 or visit  http://desmoinesriverwt.com/ 

 

This official water trail event is co-sponsored by Pathfinders RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

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Sep 20; Iowa River Cleanup Seeking Volunteers

Iowa River Cleanup 2012
Boatload of tires during a previous Iowa River Cleanup.
Volunteers are being sought for the annual Iowa River Clean-up, in which participants in canoes and on riverbanks will haul trash out of a 9.5-mile section of the Iowa River from Iowa City to Hills. This year's clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, September 20.

 

Volunteers who have their own canoes are invited to register and join the launch at 7:30 a.m. at Sturgis Boat Ferry, located on S. Riverside Drive just south of Hwy. 6 in Iowa City. A limited number of canoes will also available to loan to volunteers who sign up to help and request a canoe before September 12.

 

Volunteers are also needed to work on land the day of the clean-up, helping to clear trash from riverbanks, offload junk from canoes, and sort collected materials for recycling. Those interested in helping are asked to meet at noon on September 20 at Hills Access, a rural park located adjacent to the river one-half mile east of Hills on 520th Street.

 

The Sturgis Ferry-to-Hills Access section of the river is part of the Iowa River Water Trail, which offers scenic views of the river, the rural countryside, and local wildlife as it makes its way to the Mississippi River. The clean-up, which is being organized by the City of Iowa City Stormwater Division, Iowa Flood Center, and the Johnson County Conservation Board, is a National Rivers Clean-up-sanctioned event. The goal of the volunteer effort is not only to clear trash and debris from the river, but also to protect the future and integrity of this water resource.

 

To register as a volunteer or to request a canoe for the event, visit www.iarvcp.org. For more information about the event, contact [email protected]  or call 319/541-2385. Paddlers may also call Dan Ceynar at 319/321-1755 for more information.

 

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Sep 22; Lower Des Moines River WT Steering Committee Meeting at Lacey Keosauqua State Park

Lower Des Moines River WT Pic
Photo by Lower Des Moines River WT

Stakeholders are invited to join Pathfinders RC&D on Monday, September 22 for a meeting about the water trail from Eldon to Farmington. The meeting will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Beach House Lodge in Lacey Keosauqua State Park. Organizers want to hear stakeholders' thoughts about the river and how the water trail can be enhanced in the future.  Please invite anyone who you think would provide valuable input.


RSVP's are appreciated to help us in planning for the right number of people. RSVP now! 

Download the agenda with a map of the park at:  Steering Committee Meeting Info


Meeting Agenda

1.      Welcome & Introductions

2.      Steering Committee Purpose

3.      Water Trail Planning Process

4.      Current Water Trail Conditions: Use, Concerns, Good Things Ideas/Opportunities

5.      Next Steps

6.      Adjourn

 

Sep 27; "Fish Assemblage Program," Manchester Fish Hatchery, Manchester in Delaware County

DNR Photo.

Good to Great Manchester will offer a special program on "Fish Assemblage," from 9:00-11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, at the Manchester Fish Hatchery, 22693 205th Ave, Manchester, IA 52057.

 

Join Megan Thul and Mark Winn for a tour of the hatchery and a fish shocking presentation along Spring Branch Creek, which runs through the hatchery grounds.

 

Megan Thul works with the Iowa DNR Fisheries River Research Group, holds a BA from  Iowa State University in Natural Resource Ecology and Management, and is currently completing a MS in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from South Dakota State University.  She has a strong background in stream fish assemblages gained through experience on the Mississippi River and rivers and streams of Iowa.  

 

Mark Winn is a 1991 graduate of Iowa State University (Fisheries and Wildlife Biology) with twenty four years of experience working within fisheries with the Iowa DNR. He is a Fisheries Technician and has been part of the Manchester Fish Management Team for over twenty years. Mark has diverse knowledge in working with and managing many resources across N.E. Iowa that include both warm-water streams and cold-water trout streams, interior rivers and lakes and ponds.

 

This program is free of charge, but space is limited, so preregistration is required. 

Click on the link below to register online:

 

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oqgqe6jab&oeidk=a07e9q4eymu79d5c599   

 

Online registration will be open through September 25.  After that date, please contact Mary Hyland, (641) 373-6302.

 

The Manchester Trout Hatchery, located 4 miles SE of Manchester, Iowa has a long and storied history.  The first fish were produced here in the 1890's and until 1976 was operated by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service at which time it was given to the state of Iowa via a land trade.  Since 1976 it has functioned as Iowa's trout brood stock station where trout are spawned, incubated and hatched annually to produce over 600,000 fish for stocking in Iowa waters.  The facility also functions as the Iowa DNR NE Regional Office for Fisheries, Wildlife and Law Enforcement.

 

The office is home to the Manchester fisheries management team, who are responsible for fisheries management activities in the following counties:  Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson.  Station activities include:

  • Spawning, incubating and hatching of three trout species: rainbow, brook and brown.
  • Rear and supply fingerling trout of all species to both Big Spring and Decorah hatcheries.
  • Rear fingerling trout of all species for annual put-and-grow stocking program.
  • Rear and stock catchable size rainbow and brook trout for Iowa's stream and urban put-and-take programs.
  • Building, grounds and equipment maintenance.
  • A myriad of public relations duties including:  Guided tours, public speaking presentations, multi-media contacts, school career days, educational science class assistance and fish clinics.

For more information about the Manchester Fish Hatchery and a trout-spawning video, go to:

http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/DNRStaffOffices/FishHatcheries/ManchesterFishHatchery.aspx 

For more information about the city of Manchester, go to:

http://www.manchester-ia.org 

 

This event is cosponsored by Good to Great Manchester, Delaware County Conservation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

 

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Sep 27; "Middle River Water Trail Paddle," Madison County

Middle River Roseman CLiechty
Photo of one of the famous "Bridges of Madison County" by Carol Liecty.
Enjoy a 13 mile paddle from Pammel Park Ford to Holliwell Covered Bridge.  Meet at Pammel Park Ford at 9:00 am, shuttle canoes vehicles from there.  

Bring a sack lunch for a lunch break at Middle River County Park.  Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water and sun protection. 

 

This event is free, but registration is required.  Contact Madison County Conservation at 515-462-3536 or email [email protected] 

 

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Oct 1; SSNHA Workshop: "Discover How to Use Photos to Tell Your Story," Fredericksburg

Camera Line Art Image
It's said a photo is worth a 1,000 words, but what is your photo saying?  Silos and Smokestacks Natural Heritage Area has organized a workshop to help you learn the nuts & bolts of photography: composition, rule of thirds, and much more. Whether you have a point-and-shoot or a high-end digital camera, these simple skills will help you create more engaging photographs with any subject matter.  In a fast paced society, we have to be mindful of how we are capturing our audience's attention. Are the pictures on your website, on your brochure, in your exhibit, conveying the message you want for your site?

 

The workshop will be held from 10 am-3 pm on Wednesday, October 1 in Fredericksburg.  Participants may submit up to three photos when they register, from which a few will be selected to see "what are they saying." Participants are also encouraged to bring their camera, to practice newly acquired skills and share work.

 

Leading this discovery will be Charley Starnes, Photo Salon Superintendent for the Iowa State Fair and Director of Living History Farms Annual Photography Day. Charley's photographs have been featured in the Iowa Travel Guide and the cover of the Silos & Smokestacks' Visitor's Guide.

 

There is a fee for this workshop; registration deadline September 24.  Learn more about Silos and Smokestacks Natural Heritage Area and its partner network: http://www.silosandsmokestacks.org/ 

 

Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 "What's the DAM Solution?," Class on Low-Head Dams, Des Moines 

Iowa DNR Logo

 "What's the DAM Solution?" is an inside look at the danger, history, and alternative visions for low-head dams in Central Iowa.  If you like rivers, nature, or just support active recreation and economic opportunities in your community, this course will open your eyes to previously unrecognized problems with Iowa dams.

 

Led by Nate Hoogeveen, DNR River Programs Director, and Jon Garton, DNR Senior Environmental Engineer, this 4-session class will be offered from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, and 23 through the RaySociety, Drake University's lifelong learning program, on the Drake campus. 

 

The class will be highly visual, with imagery and videos that help explain both serious and fun topics. Then, the focus shifts to examples of safer, innovative solutions communities are embracing across Iowa. Three low-head dams in Des Moines - Center Street, Scott Street, and Fleur Drive dams - will serve as case studies where 19 deaths have occurred over the years and fisheries productivity is reduced. The technology and know-how is now available to fix these dams to reduce deaths. The same solutions can often reconnect fish movement while reducing navigation barriers. Learn about the latest research and exciting solutions to dam problems in central Iowa and beyond.

 

Thursday, October 2 - What's the DAM Problem?

Nate Hoogeveen's overview explores the hidden mysteries of Iowa's dams on major waterways, their general purpose, and problems with dams as they are today. For example, did you know catfish cannot thrive in many miles of Iowa's rivers due to dams? Did you know that one to two people die at dams each year? Did you know that many dams are damaged? Did you know most dams do not protect from flooding, and that many actually make flooding worse? You'll have the chance to splash around with a hands-on model of a low-head dam to understand why they are hazardous - even though they may look harmless! The ways communities like Des Moines think about these problems can have major effects on how regular people use rivers and riverfronts in Iowa communities.


 

Thursday, October 9 - Dams 101: Construction, Permitting, and Failure Risks

Learn from presenter, Jon Garton, how dams are designed, constructed, and function. Hear about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)'s role in dam permitting, inspection and compliance. We will discuss how dams can fail and how the public should be aware of the risks of dams including how can dam owners, regulators, officials, and the general public work together to ensure dams are safe. An overview of the 2010 Lake Delhi dam failure in northeast Iowa will be presented.

 

Thursday, October 16 - Fish, Mussels, and River Recreation

Go beneath the surface with Nate Hoogeveen's underwater videos and photographs. Take away information from the latest studies on how dams impact Iowa's fish and mussel species. We'll explore how mussels (which look like clams) use ingenious methods to lure fish into carrying their young up rivers. You will gain an understanding of how some species of fish have disappeared from some Iowa river segments and how fragmentation can be disruptive for overall numbers and sizes of numerous species of game fish. Also, begin to understand how recreation (boating, fishing, relaxing) opportunities may be limited by dams around the state, reducing quality of life and economic development opportunities.

 

Thursday, October 23 - What's the DAM Solution?

Nate Hoogeveen will show solutions from Iowa and beyond. These can range from replacing a dam with a rapids, removing a dam, or more fully restoring a river. A downtown can be enhanced by creating whitewater features. Downtown rivers can become more usable, accessible, and several kinds of barriers can be removed at

the same time. Usually, the actual infrastructure purposes of standard dams can be accommodated by using these innovative methods.

 

The class cost is $30 plus membership in the RaySociety. Membership entitles you to an array of classes and events through the fall and spring including free parking. To join the society and register for classes, visit www.drake.edu/raysociety or call Rena Wilson at 515/271-2120.

 

For questions, call Rena Wilson, 271-2120 or Linda Appelgate, 371-5419
 
 

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Oct 9; "Geologic History of Iowa River Valleys," Program, Decorah

NE Iowa RCD Logo

Learn about the powerful forces which shaped the Iowa 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. Artz will help us travel back through time, gaining a perspective on the prairie, glaciers, and plants & animals which have graced the landscape, exposing a few myths along the way.

 

This free, public event will begin at 6:30 pm on October 9 in the Decorah Library, 202 Winnebago, Decorah, IA 52101.

 

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=a07e9rj2hla2465fc4e 

 

Online registration will be open through October 7.  After that date, please contact Josh Dansdill, 563-864-7112 or email  [email protected] 

 

This event is cosponsored by Northeast Iowa RC&D and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

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Oct 9; "Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference," Drake University, Des Moines

IEC Logo

The 2014 Annual Conference of the Iowa Environmental Council will be held on Thursday, October 9, at the Olmsted Center Upper Level, Drake University, Des Moines.

 

The theme of the IEC Conference will be "ENGAGE IN YOUR FUTURE: Creating a healthier, sustainable tomorrow."
This year's conference will delve into the latest developments to Invest in clean water, Expand clean energy and Confront climate change. Keynote Speaker Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Project Climate Change Communication, will kick off a day of networking and presentations sharing the latest developments and research in the environmental field.

The Council's conference is known for bringing together a unique cross section of Iowa's environmental community, including the Council's member organizations, to share successes & challenges, and to learn from one another to move  collective efforts forward.

 

For more info, visit: http://www.iaenvironment.org/   or contact Development Director Amanda Samuelson at 515-244-1194 x202 or Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210.  Discounted registration is available to Council members and students. Early bird registration is available through September 15, 2014.

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Oct 11; Annual Fall Colors Float, Wapsipinicon River, Jones County Conservation

Jones CCB Fall Colors Float 2012 Michele Olson
Jones County Conservation will host its annual Fall Colors Float Saturday, October 11 on the Wapsipinicon River, from the Matsell Bridge Access to the Anamosa Access (above the dam).  Vehicles will be shuttled at 9:00 am, put-in time is 10:00 am.

 

Enjoy the colors and sights of fall as we paddle down the beautiful Wapsipinicon River.  This stretch of river is known for its beauty, history, and great fishing.  Bring snacks, sunscreen, and cold weather paddling gear.  The historic and scenic General Store Pub at Stone City is a great place to grab a bite to eat - take out here for lunch or bring your sack lunch to eat on the river.

 

Stone City is about halfway, and will serve as an optional and low/high water takeout.

 

Pre-registration required:  Please call (319)481-7987 or e-mail [email protected] by 4:00 pm Thursday, Oct 9.

 

More info about Jones CCB programs: http://www.jonescountyiowa.org/Pages/Conservation.aspx  

 

Photo of the 2013 Jones County Fall Colors Float by Michele Olson.

 

Oct 13-16; Natural Stream Restoration Workshops, Clive

IRR Logo

Over the past two years Iowa Rivers Revival has been raising awareness about the need for and importance of natural, ecological river restoration practices in Iowa. Iowa Rivers Revival is collaborating with the City of Clive, the Iowa Stormwater Education Program, and the International Erosion Control Association to present two unique opportunities to learn more about techniques and benefits of river restoration.

 
Natural Stream Restoration Mini-Workshop for Policy-Makers and Community Leaders
Monday, October 13, 2014, 7:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Clive Special Events Building - Aquatic Center, 1801 NW 114th St.
Iowa Rivers Revival is co-sponsoring a mini-workshop presented by national and state experts to demonstrate techniques and benefits of natural stream restoration.  The three hour workshop is for policy-makers and community leaders in or near the Walnut Creek Watershed in the Des Moines metro area.  Program agenda
There is no fee to attend the mini-workshop.  For more information or agenda details, go to www.iowarivers.org.  To RSVP, contact Jenn Dreier at [email protected].
 
Urban Streambank Stabilization and Stream Habitat Restoration Four-Day Workshop
Monday, October 13 thru Thursday, October 16, 2014
Clive City Hall and Special Events Center
The City of Clive and the co-sponsors also are hosting a full four-day field and classroom training for engineers, field technicians, and development professionals on the latest bioengineering techniques used for streambank stabilization and stream habitat restoration, and will include hands-on construction of the 73rd St. bridge project to address protection, bioengineering, public access and re-vegetation needs.  There is a fee for this workshop.
Training Agenda
Training Registration
 
If you have interest in attending the four-day training, but may require some financial assistance, please contact Rosalyn Lehman at [email protected]� 
to discuss available options. 


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Oct 23; "Archaeology & Cultural History" Program, Decorah

State Archaeologist Logo

Join Elizabeth Reetz, Education Director at the Office of the State Archaeologist, as she discusses Iowa's cultural history and the importance of waterways, such as the Upper Iowa River, to that history.

 

This free, public event will begin at 6:30 pm on October 23 in the Decorah Library, 202 Winnebago, Decorah, IA 52101.

 

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 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=a07e9rj7dslcf33469e 

 

Online registration will be open through October 21.  After that date, please contact Josh Dansdill, 563-864-7112 or email  [email protected] 

 

This event is cosponsored by Northeast Iowa RC&D, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

Expanded IDNR 2014 WT Education Programs Available for Fall & Winter
kids_learning.jpg

The "float season" is drawing to a close, but please keep in mind that most of the 2014 topics can be enjoyed as indoor presentations during the fall and winter. Contact Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for DNR River Programs, at 515-979-9538 or [email protected]

 

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.

 

Planning For & Around Winter Events in Early 2015
Chris Anderson NE Iowa PFest 2014 GStark
Black Hawk CCB Naturalist Chris Anderson
during NE Iowa Paddlefest 2014.

Whether you want to plan to avoid conflicts, plan to attend, or plan to participate as a presenter or exhibitor, here are the dates of some key paddling (and WT-related) events in early 2015.  Most of these events are recruiting low- or no-cost presenters, and offer opportunities for exhibits, displays, or a table for literature about your WT, event, or paddling group.  These events also provide a valuable and enjoyable opportunity to develop or renew contacts across our community.

 

January 24; Paddle Day at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids.  Will be the 8th annual gathering of paddlers and friends of the outdoors.  Send your speaker or topic recommendations to Education Facilitator Jan Aiels at [email protected]     Also, let Jan know if your organization would like to have a water &/or paddling-related display.  

February 6-8; Paddle and Pedal Expo at CanoeSport America in Indianola.  Grand-Daddy of the Iowa paddler gatherings, considered an "Iowa Homecoming" for supporters of paddling and river stewardship. Forward program or presentation suggestions to owners Jeff and Casey Holmes:  [email protected] 

February 8-11; PRRSUM 6th Annual UMSRS in Dubuque. Deciphering all those letters, the Partnership for River Restoration and Science in the Upper Midwest will host its 6th annual Upper Midwest Stream Restoration Symposium in Dubuque.  With stream restoration showing signs of gaining traction in the Iowa legislature, this could be a unique and convenient opportunity to network with practitioners in our "neighborhood."  More info at  http://www.prrsum.org/ 

March 13-15; Canoecopia in Madison, WI.  Not an Iowa event, but draws a lot of WT folks from our state, and our Iowa exhibitor presence is growing. http://www.canoecopia.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001

March 21; NE Iowa Paddlefest in Cedar Falls.  Second year for this event, based on a successful first.  Forward ideas for topics or presenters to Black Hawk County Naturalist Chris Anderson: [email protected]   

 

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Our special thanks to everyone who helps us "stay on top" of all of the WT-related events around Iowa.

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We hope that you will continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, and suggestions with us at [email protected].  Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.

 

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Sincerely,

Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter