This challenging annual kayak race is not an "Iowa" event, but four Iowans currently hold records in a variety of race classes.

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge (SDKC) is a 72-mile marathon-endurance paddling race. Racers attend a safety briefing Friday night, and the race starts at 7 am on Saturday. Racers must reach the finish line before 1 pm on Sunday. Racers must check in at each of four checkpoints on the route. There are no cut-off times for the checkpoints; they are for supply, support and logistics.

Racers of the SDKC face 72 miles of wind and waves on the Missouri River between Yankton, S.D. and South Sioux City, Neb. Most of the course is in the National Park Service's Missouri National Recreational River, a unique waterway that is the only NPS property that holds the designations of Wild and Scenic River, National Park and National Water Trail. The race is set for May 23-24, 2015, with pre-race briefing on Friday, May 22 in Yankton.

Registration costs $50 per person between Jan 1 and May 1. Thereafter, racers will pay $75 through the close of registrations on May 15. Find full race info, course map, rules, shuttles, & registration:  http://sdkayakchallenge.org/index.html

About those records currently held by Iowans:

Women's Solo-Adventure; Helen Harvey, Sioux City, 11 hr 31 min, 2014

Mix Tandem-Adventure; Diane Michaud Lowry, Ames, Eric Hart, Ames, 11 hr 10 min, 2012

Men's Tandem-Adventure; Gary Kingham, Ogden, Dick Pula, Plymouth MN, 8 hr 53 min, 2014

 The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) recently received funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop a regional water trails plan. Once developed, the plan will provide the region a road-map for enhancing citizen experiences in and along the water ways in Greater Des Moines.

The process will create a collaborative regional plan for water trails and adjoining greenways in the metro area and establish a vision for future development of water trails, public greenspaces and urban waterfront areas and a long-term plan for management of public areas in central Iowa. Improving water trails in the metro will improve recreation, enhance conservation, and improve economic vitality in the community. The planning effort will consist of four major phases:

• Community visioning and public input - spring/summer 2016
• Existing Conditions Report - fall 2015
• Draft Master Plan - spring 2016
• Final Master Plan - fall 2016

Several events will help kick off the planning process:

May 28; "Hudson Bay Bound" Presentation by Natalie Warren.

Presentation at 7:00 pm, Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines. Paddling the 2,250 miles from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay in 2011, Natalie Warren and Ann Raiho were the first women to accomplish the historic route featured in Canoeing With the Cree. Join Natalie as she speaks about her trip and the lessons she learned while on the river. This event is co-sponsored with Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration is required. Link to Canoe & Kayak magazine interview with Natalie Warren, including her observations on the role of rivers in promoting thriving communities:  http://www.canoekayak.com/canoe/thinking-like-river/ 

May 29; "Your Community from a Paddler's Perspective," Presentation by Natalie Warren.

Presentation at 7:30 am, Botanical Center, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines. As an avid paddler, Natalie Warren will focus this talk on how integration of recreation and the economy can impact the health of our rivers and our communities. Learn more about how nurturing water ways can spur community development.  Natalie is founder of the Wild River Academy and a national speaker on the relationships between rivers, paddling and communities. This event is co-sponsored with the Department of Natural Resources. No registration is required

May 29; "Paddling the Des Moines River" On-Water Event, Johnston.

Launch at 1:00 pm at the Sycamore Access of NW 66th in Johnston. Join Natalie Warren for a six mile paddling trip from the Sycamore Access to Prospect Park.  The trip will take between two and three hours depending on water levels. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty, bring sun screen and a water bottle. If you wish to bring personal items such as wallet, cell phone, camera and keys, a dry bag is recommended. While this is considered a safe route, being on the river always poses some risk. Life jackets are required. While all are welcome, this is a fairly long paddle on a stretch of river with some motor boat traffic. We recommend that new paddlers come with an experienced paddler and share a canoe. This trip is co-sponsored with Department of Natural Resources and Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Space is limited.  http://dmampo.org/water-trails/ 

May 30; "Rivers and Art" Launch Event, Water Works Park, Des Moines.

As a kick off to the Metropolitan Planning Organization's Water Trails Initiative, multiple family friendly events will take place near the pedestrian bridge at Water Works Park. The event will be keynoted at 1:00 pm with remarks from artist Mary Mattingly and DNR Director Chuck Gipp. Mary Mattingly, a visual artist from Brooklyn, New York, will install a temporary public art work in Water Works Park.  Interested in trying your hand at paddling? Float trips will start at the pedestrian bridge at 11, 12, 2 and 3; each will last approximately 30 minutes. This event is co-sponsored with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Des Moines Parks and Recreation. No registration is required.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/  or send an email: watertrails@dmampo.org.

Trees Forever is partnering with the North American Agroforestry Conference in Ames, Iowa. The conference will run May 31 thru Jun 3, with Trees Forever tracks on Jun 2 & 3. Tour the famous Bear Creek Buffer project Jun 2. 

Contact Heath Hupke at 319-373-0650 x 119.  Trees Forever website: http://http://www.treesforever.org/Home 

Have you ever wondered what is swimming in Iowa rivers? Join us from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm as Andy Otting and Ben Dodd exhibit several species of fish that reside in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, and talk about how we as humans impact their life cycle. In addition, Jennifer Kurth will discuss the life history of our native mussels. 

This event is informational as well as a fun outing for families. 

No registration is required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/ 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has designated June 5-6 for the annual 

"Free Fishing Days." 

Many fishing contests and local fishing derbies for kids will be held around the state, sponsored by County Conservation Boards, Community Recreation Departments, and a variety of fishing, conservation, and outdoor groups.

Find more info about Free Fishing Days and Iowa fishing regulations at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingLicensesLaws/AdditionalRegulations/FishingLicenses.aspx

Madison County Conservation will sponsor their Annual Cleanup of the Middle River on June 6. This year's cleanup will cover the stretch of the Middle River from Schildberg Access to Pammel Park. 

Volunteers should gather at 8:00 am at Pammel Park Lodge. Organizers will provide a continental breakfast and an evening BBQ meal with sides. Participants will need to provide their own lunch, water, & snacks while on the river.  

Find more details, registration forms, and the day's schedule at: http://www.madisoncountyparks.org/  or phone: 515-462-3536. 

Winnebago Outdoor, the brand that celebrates the heritage of the Winnebago RV lifestyle with apparel, gifts, and gear, is now the title sponsor of the Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race, an annual event formerly titled the Forest City Adventure Race. Participants will complete a 7 mile canoe or kayak race on the Winnebago River, bike 12 miles in a loop through Pilot Knob State Park and finish with a 5K race along Hynes Spur Trail in Forest City. 

"It is our goal to grow the race and showcase the outdoor opportunities in Forest City," said Winnebago's Director of Marketing Chad Reece. "As a company, we also feel our products are a great fit for those with an active, outdoor lifestyle." Registered participants will receive a Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race themed t-shirt and motorhomes will be on display for spectators and participants to view the day of the race.

The race is organized by the Forest City Parks and Recreation Department, and registration is available online at  http://forestcityparksandrec.com/programs/event-registration/ 

Join archaeologist Chérie Haury-Artz of the University of Iowa, Office of the State Archaeologist to learn about the culture of the Meskwaki along the South Skunk River and elsewhere in Iowa.  

Sponsored by the South Skunk River Water Trail, the presentation will be held from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm, on Saturday, June 6, at Carr Park in Ames. This event is free, open to the public, and no registration is required.  Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, or be prepared to stand for the presentation. If it rains, the event will be held at the PEO Room, Ames Public Library.

The Meskwaki and their Sauk allies settled in Iowa around 1650.  Their primary settlements were along the Mississippi, Iowa, and other rivers in eastern Iowa but the territory that they utilized ranged across the state.  In this presentation we will talk about archaeological and historic evidence for Meskwaki occupations along the South Skunk and learn about their lives and technology during the time between 1650 and 1842.  You will have an opportunity to examine artifacts from the period and experiment with making your own plant-fiber cordage, grind corn, and try out traditional Native American toys and games.

University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist: http://archaeology.uiowa.edu/

Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles," at 9:00 am on Monday, June 8, meeting at Bulgers Hollow Public Use Area, 3 mi North of Clinton, off Hwy 67. 

Check in, ready to carpool to Sabula by 9:00 am. Paddle 9 miles through Elk River Wildlife Area, Bird Island, Gomer's Lake to Bulgers Hollow. Trip is expected to finish by 4:00 pm. Some boats available for rent; please request in advance. 

Register at 563-259-1876. Find more info in the "Heron" newsletter  http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx

Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles" at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 9, meeting at Bulgers Hollow Public Use Area, 3 mi North of Clinton, off Hwy 67. 

Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am. Paddle 10 miles including crossing Pool 13 to the Illinois side, through Lock & Dam 13, down to Johnson Creek, then back to the Iowa side, hoping to arrive at Beaver Channel Access by 4:00 pm. Some boats available for rent; please request in advance. 

Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter  http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx

The annual Iowa Trails Summit, to be held in Cedar Falls on June 11-12, will be of particular interest and benefit to Iowans who are organizing or promoting the state's Water trails. 

The 6th Annual Iowa Trails Summit brings together a diverse group of trails people - from experts in building, promoting and maintaining trails to individuals and groups that share a passion for outdoor recreation, our natural environment, and community development - with the desire to share their ideas and vision for a vibrant and healthy Iowa. This award-winning event, recognized by the National Park Service's Mid America Trails & Greenways for its unique approach, features a power-packed group of experts on trails, sharing their experiences, innovations and ideas for Iowa trails.  

Thursday, June 11 will be Water Trails Day.  The morning session will focus on "Engaging the Public in our River Corridors:How we do this best." This session will explore how we can best provide a rich & meaningful experience for existing users of our rivers and streams, how we can attract more Iowans in ways that are safe, responsible, & fun, and how we can leverage river users to benefit our natural resources.

The afternoon session will be "Advancing the understanding of Local Archaeology by engaging Community Volunteers." Representatives of the Office of the State Archaeologist will share information and resources on how to coordinate pedestrian surveys with community volunteers to comb an archaeological site with a professional archaeologist, and activity which can advance the understanding of local archaeology and appreciation of cultural resources.

Following the formal Thursday sessions, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Iowa DNR Water Trails Citizen Advisory Committee.  It will be a full day devoted to Iowa WTs, a great opportunity to learn and network.  

Sessions on Friday, June 12 will address Iowa trails more broadly, including presentations relating to land trails, snowmobile trails, equestrian trails, and off-road trails. There will be special presentations on new trails attractions from all corners of Iowa, trails groups and trails supporters sharing information, and plenty of opportunities for networking, meeting new people, and sharing ideas.

The 6th Annual Great Iowa River Canoe & Kayak Race from Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access on the Iowa River WT will be held on June 13.  There will be divisions for Canoe, Kayak, Racing, Recreational, Youth, Paddleboard, & Company Challenge. Average time for the 9.25 mile race is 1.5 hours.

"This is a great way to get outside and have fun," says race coordinator Dora Bopp, "Whether you are looking to set goals in upper body strength or just wanting to join up with friends for an adrenaline challenge, this race offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Last year, for the first time, we had a SUPs (stand up paddles) division and it was impressive!"
 

Find more info about the race, rules, shuttle, free breakfast, and registration on the Iowa Valley RC&D website www.ivrcd.org  

Entries for the 2015 Iowa State Fair Photography Contest will be accepted Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14 from 10 am until 4 pm in the Cultural Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines.  Mailed entries must be postmarked by midnight on Saturday, June 6. All selected photos, including those winning awards in the many classes, will be on display during the annual Iowa State Fair, Aug 13-23. Find Fair info at http://www.iowastatefair.org/ 

The 2015 Theme Class is "Silhouettes," described as "an image of a person, animal, object, or scene that appears dark against a lighter background. The main subject appears as a solid shape, usually black, against the background. The interior of a silhouette is featureless and without detail. Because a silhouette emphasizes the outline of an object, only its shape and lines can give us a clue as to what the main subject may be. Silhouettes can often be used to convey feelings, emotions, mood, drama, and mystery of the subject."  Our Water Trails should provide many opportunities to capture silhouettes of people, trees, wildlife, bridges, historic structures, etc. against backdrops of sunrises, sunsets, rivers, lakes, or other natural settings.

Our Iowa Water Trails could inspire you to create winning photos in many of the other photo classes as well--consider entering Iowa Places & Landscapes; Things & Still Life; Plants, Flowers & Trees; Animals, Insects & Wildlife; People; Sports; Panoramic; and more.  

Find Photo Contest info, rules, registration, and helpful hints in this pdf: Iowa State Fair Photography Contest