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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
Iowa Water Trails Association
June, 2015
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Jun 17 SUP Clinic, Lake Odessa | | Jun 19 & 26 IOWATER Volunteer Training Sessions | | Jun 19 Live Music & Hog Roast, Manchester Riverfront | | Jun 20-21 "Let It Flow, Riverfest 2015," Manchester | | Jun 20 Timber City Adventure Race, Maquoketa | | Jun 20 & 21 Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT | | Jun 21 Father's Day Float, Prospect Park, Des Moines | | Jun 25-27 Preserve Iowa Summit in Winterset | | Jun 26 IOWATER Volunteer Training Sessions | | Jun 28 TRI-P Triathlon with a Twist, Turkey River WT | | Jun 29 Shores of Clinton County Clinton to Shaft Creek Landing | | Jun 30 Shores of Clinton County Rock Creek to Printon | | Jul 3 Paddling History Tour of Des Moines River, Des Moines | | Jul 11 Iowa River Float, Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access | | Jul 11 & 12 Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT | | Jul 11-18 Project AWARE Coordinates with Two Other Cleanups to Impact Wapsi | | Key Dates & Details Announced for Statewide & Midwest Events | | Training, Trips, & Test Paddles at Local Paddle Shops | | Aug 5-6 Canoe & Kayak School Sessions | | Aug 14 TAKO Needs Your Help to "Seize the Carp!" | | Quick Look At the Calendar Ahead | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
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| QUICK LINKS | |
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| Order Reusable Blue Trash Bags to Promote Iowa's "Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun" Initiative at
Your 2015 WT Events.
Contact Todd Robertson, todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov
or 515-979-9538 |
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|  A big "Thanks" goes out to all the WT supporters who attended last week's Iowa Trails Summit on the UNI Campus. The sessions on both days were very informative, and those presenting on WT-related topics delivered timely information in an entertaining and professional manner. The growing presence of WT folks at these annual Summits helps establish us as partners with the supporters of the many kinds of land trails, complete with both opportunities and responsibilities. Kudos to all! If you missed out this year, we suggest that you put a reminder in your calendar to attend the June 2016 Iowa Trails Summit. Father's Day is officially June 21, but feel free to celebrate on whichever date or at whichever WT event fits your family schedule. Take Dad for a cool WT float--save him from working around the hot BBQ grill until next month. The IWTA 2015 Calendar now includes over 140 events, celebrations, floats, races, tours, cleanups, presentations, shows, workshops, meetings, full moon dates, and holiday reminders. You can find those calendar items in the Newsletter, on the Website, and in the PDF. Iowa weather and water levels can change quickly. Please contact us as soon as possible with your event additions or corrections. We can't send a special email newsletter issue for every minor change, but we'll do our best to share critical changes via email and/or the website calendar. Please be careful out there! The last few days have brought significant rainfall to some areas of Iowa, resulting in significant changes in water levels and water flows. When in doubt, check it out--before you launch. Remember to wear your PFD, paddle with others, know your capabilities, and file a float plan. |
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Jun 17; Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic, Lake Odessa, Louisa County
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| | Photo of Stand Up Paddlers by Louisa CCB |
Try something new this summer!
Louisa County Conservation will host a Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic on June 17 at Snively Campground, Lake Odessa, Louisa County.
Reserve a 30 minute session with a trained SUP instructor from Fin and Feather H20. Pre-registration is required; sessions begin at 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:00 pm; $20 per session, under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Register at www.LouisaCountyConservation.org or call 319-523-8381.
For more info, email Brittney at btiller@lccb.org.
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Jun 19 & Jun 26; IOWATER Volunteer Training Sessions
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Facing similar budget pressures as most areas of state government, Iowa's citizen volunteer water monitoring program, IOWATER, relies even more heavily on trained citizen-scientists to conduct basic water chemical, physical and biological measurements. Volunteers are provided with the tools, equipment, and training to understand and help protect Iowa's valuable water resources. You are encouraged to register and participate in any of the training sessions listed below. If you are already a trained volunteer, but possibly discouraged by recent problems reporting your data, a new website is now up and running.
IOWATER Introductory Training dates in June:
June 19, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Upper Iowa University, Baker-Hebron Bldg, Rm 106; 605 Washington St., Fayette, IA 52142
June 26, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; 11730 SE 6th, Runnells, IA 50237 (Environmental Learning Center facility)
Visit the IOWATER webpage and click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information: www.iowadnr.gov/iowater
More info at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WaterMonitoring/IOWATER/
Or email iowater@dnr.iowa.gov
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Jun 19; Live Music & Hog Roast at Watershed Kayak & Canoe, Manchester
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Kick off the weekend celebration of the opening of the Manchester WW Park with LIve Music & a Hog Roast at Watershed Kayak & Canoe, River Street in Manchester.
This will be a free event, held from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. The Dunshee Moon Band will be playing 60's-70's rock & roll. Enjoy free pork sandwiches. Bring your family, friends, beverage of choice, and a lawn chair.
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Jun 20-21; "Let It Flow, Riverfest 2015," Celebration of Manchester WW Park Opening
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Join in the fun of "Let it Flow, Riverfest 2015," to help celebrate the opening of the new Manchester Whitewater Park.
Saturday will be busy from 9:00 am-9:00 pm. On the river front, watch kayaking demonstrations throughout the day, and a brief ceremony at 11:00 am. The downtown area will host a street fair, food vendors all day, a beer tent, a street dance, and a live band from 4:00-8:00 pm.
This will be a fun-filled event for all ages!
Watch for more details about activities on both Saturday and Sunday. http://manchesterwhitewater.com/index2.php#/home/
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Jun 20; Timber City Adventure Race, Maquoketa River, Maquoketa
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Canoe eight miles on the beautiful Maquoketa River to the Royertown Bridge, switch to your bicycle to continue for 14 miles to the Historic Hurstville Lime Kilns, run the last 5k leg to beautiful downtown Maquoketa.
Compete by yourself or bring your two or four person team. Stay for the "Taste of Maquoketa" in the afternoon, then the "Fireball" downtown concert featuring Standing Hampton. Fun for all ages and all day long. Info & registration at http://maquoketachamber.com/experience/timber.cfm
or email cheryl@maquoketachamber.com
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Jun 20 & 21; Free Tours of Motor Mill, Turkey River WT
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| | Photo of iconic Motor Mill by Larry Stone. |
Enjoy these opportunities to combine a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT with a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Scheduled open weekends for 2015 are listed on the website. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader, IA 52043. For more information about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org
Paddling Elkader (Access 39B) to Motor Mill (Access 32)
Visitors are drawn to Elkader's unique history, eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants, performances at the Elkader Opera House, campgrounds, B&Bs, and multi-use trails. This 6.5 mile scenic Water Trail section of river is accessed from historic downtown Elkader (#39B), below the dam. The river is relatively straight until you pass the mouth of Robert's Creek, where it begins to meander between the wooded bluffs of a narrow valley, offering occasional riffles. Rounding a bend, you will encounter the iconic stone Motor Mill. Takeout #32 will be just past the mill, on your left. Beyond the Motor Mill Access, the next take-out point is 12.4 miles downstream at Garber (#20). Find more info about the Turkey River WT, order hard-copy maps, or download pdf maps at: http://northeastiowarcd.org/publications/water-trail-maps-guides/
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Jun 21; 4th Annual Father's Day Float, Prospect Park, Des Moines.
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Families are invited to celebrate dad with this Father's Day paddle from Prospect Park to Birdland Park. Beginning paddlers and families encouraged to attend.
Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birland Park will take about half an hour.
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.
Beginning paddlers and families encouraged to attend. While this is considered a safe route, being on the river always poses some risk. Life jackets are required. We recommend that new paddlers come with a more experienced paddler and share a canoe.
This event is sponsored by Des Moines Park and Recreation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration is required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
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Jun 25-27; 2015 Preserve Iowa Summit in Winterset
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This 3rd annual Summit is the premier statewide conference for professionals and volunteers involved in historic preservation in Iowa. Attendees will learn how historic preservation can give us the tools to discover, retain and enhance our community's unique sense of place.
The Summit will feature 25 educational sessions held on or near the historic Winterset Courthouse Square. The event will include 3 nationally-recognized keynote speakers, inspirational "Three-Minute Success Stories" from around the state, "Preservation at its Best" awards, an exhibit hall, local tours, receptions, and plenty of networking. An all-day Underground Railroad workshop, with educational sessions and a tour of related historic sites in southwest Iowa, is scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
Find the program schedule, presenter biographies, and registration at
http://madisoncountyhistory.net/ or http://www.iowahistory.org/historic-preservation/preserveiowa/index.html
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Jun 26; IOWATER Volunteer Training Session; Last Scheduled in 2015
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Facing similar budget pressures as most areas of state government, Iowa's citizen volunteer water monitoring program, IOWATER, relies even more heavily on trained citizen-scientists to conduct basic water chemical, physical and biological measurements. Volunteers are provided with the tools, equipment, and training to understand and help protect Iowa's valuable water resources. You are encouraged to register and participate in any of the training sessions listed below. If you are already a trained volunteer, but possibly discouraged by recent problems reporting your data, a new website is now up and running.
IOWATER Introductory Training dates in June:
June 26, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Environmental Learning Center, 11730 SE 6th, Runnells, IA 50237
Visit the IOWATER webpage and click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information: www.iowadnr.gov/iowater
More info at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WaterMonitoring/IOWATER/
Or email iowater@dnr.iowa.gov
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Jun 28; TRI-P--A Triathlon with a Twist!, Clermont, Turkey River WT
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This unique triathlon combines a 3.1 mi canoe/kayak race, 3.4 mi bike ride, and 9 hole 2-person best shot golf round. The TRI-P is held annually at the Pleasant Valley Sports Club in Clermont.
Registration will be open 7:30 am-8:45 am, race begins 9:00 am. Participants must be 18 or older, wear a PFD on the water, and provide their own equipment (rentals available for additional fee). Register by June 12 to receive event t-shirt.
(Rain/flood date will be July 19.)
Find event details and registration at
http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/turkey-river-tri-p-triathlon/
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Jun 29; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Clinton to Shaft Creek Landing (Meet at Rock Creek)
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Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles" at 9:00 am on Monday, June 29. Meet at Rock Creek, 3942 291st St., Camanche.
Check in, ready to carpool to Clinton by 9:00 am. Paddle 9 miles including Sunfish Slough, Beaver Slough, Marais D'Osier Slough, Swan Slough, Sodus Slough arriving at Shaft Creek Landing on Rock Creek around 4:00 pm. May want to camp here, and continue trip in the morning. 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
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Jun 30; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Rock Creek to Printon (Meet at Rock Creek)
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Clinton County Conservation Board will host another in its series of "Shores of Clinton County Paddles" at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 30. Meet at Rock Creek, 3942 291st St., Camanche.
Check in, ready to launch from Rock Creek by 9:00am. Paddle 5 miles including Shaft Creek into Sodus Slough, down Hansen Slough to mouth of the Wapsipinicon, then on to Steamboat Slough, Grant Slough, landing at Printon Public Use Area access. 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
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Jul 3; Paddling History Tour of Des Moines River, Downtown Des Moines
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This paddling event will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on the evening of Friday, July 3. Meet at the launch site, Prospect Rd between MLK Parkway and Hickman Rd.
Join trip leader/speaker John Wenck, IDNR Water Trails Coordinator, to learn about local history & culture, & hear stories of how residents have been connected to this important resource over the past 150 years. At the end of the float, visit the century-old Victorian Curt Systma & Ellen King Huntoon House to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the home. This event is co-sponsored by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Iowa DNR.
Note: This event includes the same content as the July 30 Pontoon History Tour, so paddlers are encouraged to sign up for July 3 event, rather than July 30.
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Jul 11; Iowa River Float, Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access
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| | Photo of boats resting on an Iowa River sandbar, courtesy of Louisa CCB. |
Louisa County Conservation will host an Iowa River Float from 9:00 am-3:00 pm on July 11.
Travel back in time as we explore the natural history of the Iowa River. This paddle starts at Sturgis Ferry Park in Iowa City and ends nine river miles downstream at Hills Access, just outside of Hills, Iowa.
Participants will enjoy a leisurely paddle down the river, stopping to examine cut banks exposing sands and gravels laid down by huge floods that occurred as the glaciers melted to the north of us at the end of the last Ice Age. There will be many chances to see cross sections of postglacial point sand bars and meanders, letting participants have a look into how a river works.
Registration is required for this event, and participation is limited to twenty boats. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. The canoe rental fee is $20 while the kayak rental fee is $15. If participants are bringing their own boat, the registration fee is $5. The trip is open to everyone, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Online registration: https://fs3.formsite.com/bats4623/form23/index.html
Please call (319)-523-8381 or email rgerard@lccb.org if you have any questions or concerns!
For more info, visit www.LouisaCountyConservation.org
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Jul 11 & 12; Free Tours of Motor Mill, Turkey River WT
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| | Photo of iconic Motor Mill by Larry Stone. |
Enjoy these opportunities to combine a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT with a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Scheduled open weekends for 2015 are listed on the website. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader, IA 52043. For more information about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org
Paddling Elkader (Access 39B) to Motor Mill (Access 32)
Visitors are drawn to Elkader's unique history, eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants, performances at the Elkader Opera House, campgrounds, B&Bs, and multi-use trails. This 6.5 mile scenic Water Trail section of river is accessed from historic downtown Elkader (#39B), below the dam. The river is relatively straight until you pass the mouth of Robert's Creek, where it begins to meander between the wooded bluffs of a narrow valley, offering occasional riffles. Rounding a bend, you will encounter the iconic stone Motor Mill. Takeout #32 will be just past the mill, on your left. Beyond the Motor Mill Access, the next take-out point is 12.4 miles downstream at Garber (#20). Find more info about the Turkey River WT, order hard-copy maps, or download pdf maps at: http://northeastiowarcd.org/publications/water-trail-maps-guides/
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Jul 11-18; Project AWARE Coordinates with Two Other Cleanups For Big Impact on Wapsi
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July Project AWARE Now Has "Book-End" Cleanup Events on the Wapsi.
Jul 11; Wapsi River Cleanup, Buchanan County Upstream of Independence. Meet 9:00 am at Bathing Beach Park in Independence, carpool to put-in, 5.5 mile river cleanup, estimated completion 11:30 am. Limited canoes available, event is free, but registration required. Dovetails with Project AWARE programming beginning at 1:30 pm. Info & registration by sponsor Buchanan County Conservation Board at bccbdan@iowatelecom.net or 319-636-2617
Jul 11-16; Project AWARE on Wapsipinicon; Reg by Jun 19 to Avoid $10 Late Fee. In 2015, this all volunteer Annual Watershed Awareness River Expedition will perform a 65-mile river cleanup on the Wapsipinicon River from Independence to Olin. It will include paddling & gathering trash up to 16 miles per day, limited number of canoes available, daily educational programs, catered meals, & tent camping. Info, schedules, and registration forms can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/ProjectAWARE.aspx Jul 16-18; Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup, between Olin and Wheatland. Base camp for this section of cleanup will be at Walnut Grove County Park in Toronto. Piggy-backed onto the Project AWARE cleanup, this 10th Anniversary Lower Wapsi Cleanup will include a celebration with a great meal, music and prizes. Contact Melisa Jacobsen, coordinator@LWRCP.org The LWRCP Registration, Schedule, etc. are now available at http://www.lwrcp.org/
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Key Dates & Details Announced for 2015 Statewide & Midwest Events--Mark Your Calendar
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Jul 16-18; Iowa Prairie Conference: Working Prairies, UNI campus, Cedar Falls.
Event for natural resource practitioners, educators, students, & prairie enthusiasts will include presentations, workshops, field trips, & networking. Abstracts are due June 5. Info, program schedule, & registration at http://www.tallgrassprairiecenter.org/2015-prairie-conference
Jul 25-Aug 1; Great River Rumble (GRR) To Launch in Elkader.
GRR has announced the daily segments for its 106-mile 2015 trip on the Turkey and Mississippi Rivers. Registration is due by July 15. Find details at: http://www.riverrumble.org/
- Sunday 7/26; Elkader, IA to Garber, IA, 19 mi
- Monday 7/27; Garber, IA to Osterdock, IA, 8 mi
- Tuesday 7/28; Osterdock, IA to Cassville, WI, 14 mi
- Wednesday 7/29; Cassville, WI to Mud Lake, IA, 17 mi
- Thursday 7/30; Mud Lake, IA to Massey Marina, IA, 17mi
- Friday 7/31; Massey Marina, IA to Bellevue, IA, 16 mi
- Saturday 8/1; Bellevue, IA to Savanna, IL, 15 mi
Oct 2; Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Annual Conference, Des Moines.
Each year, Iowa's environmental and clean energy leaders gather in Des Moines for the annual IEC Conference. This year's event will dive into how we - as individuals and a community - can take our work to the next level to create lasting change. Watch for info about speakers, session topics, exhibitor space, and registration as the event draws closer. http://www.iaenvironment.org/
Oct 21-23; Iowa Tourism Conference, Bridge View Center in Ottumwa.
Annual educational and networking event for tourism professionals. Registration opens June 23.
http://www.traveliowa.com/conference
Oct 25-28; Mid America Trails & Greenways (MATAG) Conference in Des Moines--Save the Dates.
MATAG is a regional event held every other year, bringing together trail and greenway interests from IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH and WI. The conference is intended to showcase great projects, share ideas, and network.
 Iowa is hosting the event this year for the first time. Outdoor activities and field trips will include the new Water Works Park plans and paddles, Des Moines River walks, High Trestle Trail rides, Jester Park equestrian rides, and possibly OHV/snowmobile activities as well as indoor presentations in the areas of funding, maintenance, design, and health. The conference will be headquartered at Embassy Suites Des Moines and central Iowa trails. Preliminary info has been posted on their website, and details will be added as finalized: http://www.matag.org/ Nov 9-10; Iowa Nonprofit Summit 2015, Ames.  Biennial conference offering learning opportunities and resources for Iowa nonprofit & volunteer management professionals; keynote presentations, break-out sessions, networking, and exhibitors. General and registration info at https://www.regonline.com/npsummit2015 The Call for Session Presenters is currently open, deadline is July 10. Presenters/trainers who can offer interesting and relevant trainings are encouraged to visit: http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20150410/c0/db/55/33/14fd3caed8d89c8806817752/Workshop_Call_for_Presenters_2015-FINAL.pdf or contact Jody Benz, Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, at icvs@iowa.gov or 515.725.3094. Return to Top |
Opportunities for Training, Trips, & Test Paddles at Local Paddle Shops
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Your local Iowa paddling shops are a great resource for advice on selecting gear to match your needs. They provide opportunities to "try before you buy" as well as engage in classes to improve your skill set.
We need their services, they need our support.
Seatasea Watersports in Cedar Rapids will continue its "Discover Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboarding," free demos on Jun 6, Jun 27, Jul 18, Aug 15. Seatasea supports the January ICNC Paddle Day and September VA Vets Paddle, stocks kayaks and gear for paddling, SCUBA, and triathlon. Events & boat inventory at http://www.seatasea.com/
CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly continues free "Kayak Paddles" on Jun 4, 13, 18, Jul 2, 11, 16, 30, and other dates into October. They also offer guided trips and skills training sessions. CrawDaddy supports the March NE Iowa PaddleFest, stocks boats and gear for paddling, camping and other outdoor activities. Check their website for upcoming events: http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/crawdaddy-events/
CanoeSports Outfitters in Indianola continues its schedule of canoe, kayak, & SUP instruction, SUP Yoga, and Red Rock kayak and SUP tours through July. CSO hosts the February Iowa Outdoor Expo, stocks boats and gear for paddling and cycling. Check out their training events, trips, & inventory at: http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/index.php
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Aug 5-6; IDNR Kayak School; Only Two More Canoe School Courses After That
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 | Canoe School Participants Navigating Rapids
on the Boone River. Photo by Todd Robertson |
From Todd Robertson, IDNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator:
"The Iowa DNR 2-day Canoe/Kayak School courses (including a one-day flat-water class) are a great way to improve skills for people who help get others out on the water. You are expected to have some previous experience, but not expertise. The intent is to increase safety, lower stress, have fun, and pay knowledge forward, based on American Canoe Association instructional foundations. Time is divided between some classroom and hands-on experience on a lake environment and then a river.
"Participants from past schools rated the training extremely helpful. They were also surprised by how much there was to learn and how intensive this course is. The one-day flat-water class will be held at Gray's Lake in Des Moines. All of the two-day classes will be held along the Boone River at Briggs Woods, in Hamilton County. By popular demand, we have added a second kayak school for this year. Class size is limited, and these classes will fill up fast."
Details about course content, accommodations, gear to bring, & registration forms for all classes:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
For any questions, contact Todd Robertson at 515-979-9538 or 515-725-2960 or email: todd.robertson@dnr.iowa.gov
Aug 5-6; IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders (80% Filled). Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management. Two days, for kayaks only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required.
Aug 25-26; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders. Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management. Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required.
Sep 14-15; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders. Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management. Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required.
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Aug 14-15 "Seize the Carp!" in Coralville, Aug 14-15; TAKO Needs Your Help
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Take A Kid Outdoors (TAKO) is seeking individuals and organizations to help, present, host, exhibit, or sponsor during a planned Aug 14-15 event at Iowa River Landing in Coralville.
Dubbed "Seize the Carp!," the event is intended to introduce (or re-introduce) folks to a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, fly fishing, bow fishing, spear fishing, native & invasive species identification, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor cooking, river cleanups, slack-lining, rock climbing, environmental art, foraging, bird watching, star-gazing, and ??? "Seize the Carp" will also include a recycled kayak construction & race competition.
Visit www.takeakidoutdoors.org or contact Judith Joyce, email earthview01gmail.com or phone 319-358-2542.
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PLANNING CALENDAR: A Quick Look at the Weeks Ahead
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Jun 14; Flag Day.
June 17; Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic, Snively Campground, Lake Odessa, Louisa County. Try something new this summer! Reserve a 30 minute session with a trained SUP instructor from Fin and Feather H20. Pre-registration required; sessions begin at 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:00 pm; $20 per session, under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Registration or more info at (319)-523-8381 or email Brittney at btiller@lccb.org.
Jun 19; IOWATER Introductory Training for Water Testing Volunteers, Upper Iowa University, Fayette. 8:30am-4:30pm. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/iowater & click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information.
Jun 19; LIve Music & Hog Roast at Watershed Kayak & Canoe, River Street in Manchester, free event. Held 6:30 pm-9:30 pm, Dunshee Moon Band playing 60's-70's rock & roll, free pork sandwiches. Bring your family, friends, beverage of choice, & lawn chair.
Jun 20-21; "Let it Flow, Riverfest 2015," Celebration of Manchester Whitewater Park Opening. Saturday 9:00 am-9:00 pm will be busy, with kayaking demonstrations throughout the day, brief ceremony at 11:00, many vendors all day, beer tent, and a live band from 4:00-8:00. Should be a fun filled event for all ages! Watch for more details about activities on both Saturday and Sunday. http://manchesterwhitewater.com/index2.php#/home/
Jun 20; Timber City Adventure Race in Maquoketa. Canoe eight miles on the beautiful Maquoketa River to the Royertown Bridge, switch to your bicycle to continue for 14 miles to the Historic Hurstville Lime Kilns, run the last 5k leg to beautiful downtown Maquoketa. Compete by yourself or bring your two or four person team. Stay for the "Taste of Maquoketa" in the afternoon, then the "Fireball" downtown concert featuring Standing Hampton. Fun for all ages and all day long. Info & registration at http://maquoketachamber.com/experience/timber.cfm or email cheryl@maquoketachamber.com
Jun 20 & 21; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Enjoy a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader. For more info about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org
June 21; Father's Day.
Jun 21; 4th Annual Father's Day Float, Noon-3:30 pm, Launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, Des Moines. Celebrate dad with this Father's Day paddle. Beginning paddlers and families encouraged to attend. Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birland Park will take about half an hour. Sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
June 21; Summer Solstice, 1st Day of Summer.
CANCELED: Jun 24-25; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders. Updated schedule at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
June 25-27; Preserve Iowa Summit in Winterset. Premier statewide conference for Iowa historic preservation professionals and volunteers. Educational sessions, keynote speakers, success stories, awards, exhibits, tours, & networking. Schedule, presenters, registration http://madisoncountyhistory.net/ or http://www.iowahistory.org/historic-preservation/preserveiowa/index.html
Jun 26; IOWATER Introductory Training for Water Testing Volunteers, Environmental Learning Center, Runnels. 8:30am-4:30pm. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/iowater & click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information.
Jun 27; Iowa Games Summer WW Slalom Venue in Charles City, 7:30 am-5:00pm. http://www.iowagames.org/Summer/WhitewaterSlalom
Jun 28; TRI-P-A Triathlon with a Twist!, Clermont, Turkey River WT. Unique triathlon combines 3.1 mi canoe/kayak race, 3.4 mi bike ride, and 9 hole 2-person best shot golf round. The TRI-P is held annually at the Pleasant Valley Sports Club in Clermont. Registration open 7:30 am-8:45 am, race begins 9:00 am. Participants must be 18 or older, wear a PFD on water, provide own equipment (rentals available for additional fee). Register by June 12 to receive event t-shirt. Details and registration at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/turkey-river-tri-p-triathlon/
Jun 29; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Clinton to Shaft Creek Landing. Meet at Rock Creek, 3942 291st St., Camanche. Check in, ready to carpool to Clinton by 9:00 am. Paddle 9 miles including Sunfish Slough, Beaver Slough, Marais D'Osier Slough, Swan Slough, Sodus Slough arriving at Shaft Creek Landing on Rock Creek around 4:00 pm. May want to camp here, and continue trip in the morning. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx
Jun 30; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Rock Creek to Printon. Meet at Rock Creek, 3942 291st St., Camanche.Check in, ready to launch from Rock Creek by 9:00am. Paddle 5 miles including Shaft Creek into Sodus Slough, down Hansen Slough to mouth of the Wapsipinicon, then on to Steamboat Slough, Grant Slough, landing at Printon Public Use Area access. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx
Jul 1; Full Moon (1st of 2 in July). Sunrise 5:35, Sunset 8:46, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
Jul 3; Paddling History Tour of Des Moines River, Downtown Des Moines. Paddling event held 6:00-8:00 pm. Meet at launch site, Prospect Rd between MLK Parkway and Hickman Rd. Trip leader/speaker John Wenck, IDNR. Learn local history & culture, & listen to stories of how residents have been connected to this important resource over the past 150 years. At the end of the float, visit the century old Victorian Curt Systma & Ellen King Huntoon House to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the home. Co-sponsored by Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Iowa DNR. Note: Same content as July 30 Pontoon History Tour, so paddlers are encouraged to sign up for July 3 event, rather than July 30. Space is limited, so reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wFMwK_cG6YuZ3gma0dNIMp9APPrX-DXnYoDX59zxyF4/viewform?c=0&w=1 For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
Jul 4; Independence Day, Saturday.
Jul 11; Iowa River Float, Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access, 9:00am-3:00pm, Louisa CCB, www.LouisaCountyConservation.org or call 319-523-8381.
Jul 11 & 12; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Enjoy a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader. For more info about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org
Jul 11; Wapsi River Cleanup, Buchanan County Upstream of Independence. Meet 9:00 am at Bathing Beach Park in Independence, carpool to put-in, 5.5 mile river cleanup, estimated completion 11:30 am. Limited canoes available, event is free, but registration required. Dovetails with Project AWARE programming beginning at 1:30 pm. Info & registration by sponsor Buchanan County Conservation Board at bccbdan@iowatelecom.net or 319-636-2617
Jul 11-16; DNR Project AWARE, Wapsipinicon River from Independence to Olin. In 2015, the Annual Watershed Awareness River Expedition will be a 5 day event, performing a 65-mile river cleanup on the Wapsipinicon River from Independence to Olin. It will include paddling & gathering trash up to 16 miles per day, limited number of canoes available, daily educational programs, catered meals, & tent camping. Info, schedules, and registration forms can be found att http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/ProjectAWARE.aspx
Jul 16-18; Annual Lower Wapsi Cleanup, between Olin and Syracuse, with base camp at Walnut Grove County Park in Toronto. Piggy-backed onto the Project AWARE cleanup, this 10th Anniversary Lower Wapsi Cleanup will include a celebration with a great meal, music and prizes. Contact Melisa Jacobsen, coordinator@LWRCP.org The LWRCP Registration, Schedule, etc. is available at http://www.lwrcp.org/
Jul 16-18; Iowa Prairie Conference: Working Prairies, UNI campus, Cedar Falls. Event for natural resource practitioners, educators, students, & prairie enthusiasts will include presentations, workshops, field trips, & networking. Abstracts are due June 5. Info, program schedule, & registration at http://www.tallgrassprairiecenter.org/2015-prairie-conference
Jul 17; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Walnut Grove Park, Toronto. Check in, ready to depart by 8:00 am. Participants will join the Lower Wapsipinicon River Clean-up Project. Can sign up for catered meals and free camping on the Cleanup website. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx
Jul 18; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Walnut Grove Park, Toronto. Check in, ready to depart by 8:00 am. Participants will continue the Lower Wapsipinicon River Clean-up Project until offload at Syracuse Wildlife Area, then relax and enjoy river downstream to Sherman Park. Celebration of 10th annual cleanup will be held at 10th Annual C. Can sign up for catered meals and free camping on the Cleanup website. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx
Jul 18; Iowa Games Summer Flatwater Venue in Ames. http://www.iowagames.org/Sports/SummerGames/CanoeKayak.aspx
Jul 19-25; RAGBRAI, www.ragbrai.com.
Jul 25 & 26; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Enjoy a tour of the historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River WT. Free tours are available Noon - 5:00 pm on scheduled weekends during May-September, or group tours by appointment. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader. For more info about Motor Mill or the tours, call: 563-245-1516 or visit: www.motormill.org
Jul 25-Aug 1; Great River Rumble (GRR), Elkader on Turkey River to Savanna on Mississippi. Annual weeklong 100+ mile paddle with shuttles, campsites, meals, & gear transport. Info, itinerary, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/.
Jul 30; Pontoon History Tour of Des Moines River, Downtown Des Moines. Pontoon float held 6:00-8:00 pm. Meet at launch site, Prospect Rd between MLK Parkway and Hickman Rd. Trip leader/speaker John Wenck, IDNR. Learn local history & culture, & listen to stories of how residents have been connected to this important resource over the past 150 years. At the end of the float, visit the century old Victorian Curt Systma & Ellen King Huntoon House to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the home. Co-sponsored by Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Iowa DNR. Note: Same content as July 3 Paddling Tour, so paddlers are encouraged to sign up for July 3 event, rather than July 30. Space is limited, so reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19a3TgGURa-v8chZqS9BmZo79MZdsARaRzPH9SkgJkK4/viewform?c=0&w=1 For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
Jul 31; Odessa Full Moon Paddle, Lake Odessa, 9:00pm-11:00pm, Snively Campground, Louisa CCB, www.LouisaCountyConservation.orgor call 319-523-8381.
Jul 31; Full Moon (2nd of 2 in July). Sunrise 5:59, Sunset 8:27, Moonrise 8:29 CDT
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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. That is only possible with your support and participation. Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.
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