Iowa River Friends is arranging a float/paddle on an interesting stretch of the Iowa River on Saturday, July 18, starting at 10am at Hills Access.  The trip will go down river to historic River Junction, with naturalists travelling with us to deepen our knowledge of the river, its flora and fauna, and the riparian area.  Among the naturalists coming along is Brad Friedhoff, Conservation Program Manager for Johnson County.  Participants should come away with enjoyment of the Iowa River and its life, and awareness of the challenges we have in its improvement.  (And paddling is fun!)

 

The trip is open to the public and families are encouraged.  People are invited to bring their own canoes or kayaks, and a limited number of canoes will be available for those without a boat.

 

People are encouraged to pack a lunch (in a waterproof bag, of course) for a picnic at River Junction park. The usual advisories about life jackets, water bottles and hydration, hats and sunscreen are in effect.  There is no cost but people are asked to register by July 15 by contacting John Christenson at jdchris36@gmail.com, giving name(s), email, need for a boat or have one to loan.  In case of inclement weather or other need for cancellation, news will be posted on the Iowa River Friends website, www.iowariverfriends.org.   For more information contact Bob Sessions at 471-0517 or sessions.bob@gmail.com. 

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The "Tri-P--Triathlon With a Twist" was rescheduled due to unsafe water levels.

 

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 from 7:30 am-8:45 am, and the 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 early to receive event t-shirt. 

 

Find event details and registration at 

http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/turkey-river-tri-p-triathlon/

 

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Event will be held 6:00-8:00 pm. Meet at launch site, Prospect Rd between MLK Parkway and Hickman Rd. Trip leader and speaker will be John Wenck, Iowa DNR Water Trails Coordinator.

 

As it passes through Iowa's capitol city, the Des Moines River trades a bit of its natural beauty for some history and culture. The city grew up along the banks of the river. Her residents depended on the river for sustenance and recreation, yet at the same time the river was a barrier to be bridged or forded.  Listen to the stories of how past residents of the city were connected to this important resource over the past 150 years.

 

After meeting at the launch site and shuttling cars to Birdland, we will float down to the Curt Systma & Ellen King Huntoon House to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the century old house they lovingly restored to its original Victorian grandeur. There is a white sand beach below this house where we can land our paddle craft, then climb the steep stairs to this beautiful Victorian home.

 

Dress for the weather, consider protection from the sun, and rain gear if appropriate. 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. We recommend that new paddlers come with a more experienced paddler and share a canoe. Event co-sponsored with the Department of Natural Resources.

 

Special Note: This event will include the same content as the July 30th Pontoon History Float, however participants will paddle at this event. Because of limited space, we ask that participants who are capable of paddling sign up for this day, rather than the 30th.

 

Space is limited, so reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wFMwK_cG6YuZ3gma0dNIMp9APPrX-DXnYoDX59zxyF4/viewform?c=0&w=1 

For more info about this event, or efforts to create a Des Moines Area Water Trails Master Plan, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/ 

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Floatilla "Locking Through" on the Mississippi River during Great River Rumble 2014. G.Stark photo.

Approximately 185 paddlers were involved in the 2014 GRR weeklong paddling and camping adventure covering 110 miles from Prairie duSac, Wisconsin, down the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers to Guttenberg, Iowa, with up to 132 boats on the water at any point in time. At least 51 Iowans participated, along with many folks from the midwest, and a few from as far away as Colorado and California.

The 2015 Great River Rumble, covering 106 miles, will originate in Iowa, ending in Illinois, with the following intinerary: 

Saturday 7/25; Optional shuttle of boats & gear from Savanna to Elkader, camping at Elkader

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

The Great River Rumble is an annual weeklong paddling event which began in 1995. Almost all of the trips have been totally or partially on the Mississippi River. "GRR" operates as a nonprofit organization, with no paid staff. Volunteers handle the planning, logistics, and support.  Volunteer "Landing Chairpersons" coordinate access, camping, sanitation, and meals at each overnight stop. Participants pay a fee to cover the cost of campground rental, shuttle busses, and the trucks which transport the camping gear from one overnight stop to the next. Evening and morning meals are available for purchase, paddlers are responsible for their own lunches.  

Covering up to 150 miles in whatever wind and weather Mother Nature delivers, GRR is is definitely a paddle, not a float.  This is not a trip for a beginner canoeist or kayaker who has never paddled long distances with the possibility of strong winds and rough water. The first day of GRR 2014 covered 26 miles into wind and rain.  It's a mix of colorful canoes and kayaks, and an even more colorful cast of characters!

Register by July 15 to ensure a free shirt and shuttle space.  

Find GRR trip and registration info at: http://www.riverrumble.org/

View a lot more photos of Great River Rumble 2014 at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/126844562@N07/collections/72157646660866511/  

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126844562@N07/

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Event will be held 6:00-8:00 pm. Meet at launch site, Prospect Rd between MLK Parkway and Hickman Rd. Trip leader and speaker will be John Wenck, Iowa DNR Water Trails Coordinator.

 

The Des Moines river loses a bit of its natural beauty as it passes through the city, but what it loses in natural beauty it gains in history and culture. The city grew up along the banks of the river. Her residents depended on the river for sustenance and recreation, yet at the same time the river was a barrier to be bridged or forded.  Listen to the stories of how past residents of the city were connected to this important resource over the past 150 years.

 

After meeting at the launch site at Prospect Park we will motor down to the Curt Systma & Ellen King Huntoon House to enjoy refreshments and a tour of the century old house they lovingly restored to its original Victorian grandeur. There is a white sand beach below this house where we will disembark, then climb the steep stairs to this beautiful Victorian home. Dress for the weather, consider protection from the sun, and bring rain gear if appropriate. Event co-sponsored with the Department of Natural Resources.

 

Special Note: This event will include the same content as the July 23rd History Float, however participants will ride on a pontoon. Because of limited space, we ask that participants who are capable of paddling consider the July 23rd event.

 

Space is limited, so reserve your spot https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19a3TgGURa-v8chZqS9BmZo79MZdsARaRzPH9SkgJkK4/viewform?c=0&w=1 

For more info about this event, or efforts to create a Des Moines Area Water Trails Master Plan, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/

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Photo courtesy of Louisa CCB

By the light of full moon we will explore the calm waters of the Odessa Wildlife Complex, learning about the animals of the night during this educational paddle. Our round trip will start and end at Snively Campground on the Odessa Water Trail. Participants will leisurely paddle around Odessa, stopping along the way to hear various stories of the nocturnal animals found at Odessa. 

 

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. Participants should pay the night of the event with cash or check. 

 

The paddle is open to everyone but, due to the darkness, is not recommended for young children or those with little paddling experience. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

More info and online registration at: 

http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=79:full-moon-float&Itemid=528

 

Please call (319)-523-8381 or email  btiller@lccb.org if you have any questions or concerns 

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Clean Water for Iowa will be showcased in a new partnership between Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR) and the Hinterland Music Festival. Hinterland Music Festival is a weekend of great blue grass and folk music under the Midwest stars and backdrop of the Des Moines skyline - located in Water Works Park, a 1,500-acre oasis in the center of the city.

 

The inaugural festival features a lineup handpicked by First Fleet Concerts' Sam Summers, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, TV on the Radio, Future Islands, Brandi Carlile, Yonder Mountain String Band and more.

 

Roz Lehman, executive director of IRR, said, "The festival provides an excellent opportunity to connect Iowans to important issues that affect Iowa's water quality and natural resources.  We look forward to this opportunity to build awareness and support for these important issues."

 

Hinterland Festival will feature IRR's "River Village" to provide an educational and interactive forum for kids and adults, and raise awareness about Iowa's water quality problems and opportunities for improvement. IRR is championing a statewide river restoration program to improve, protect and enhance Iowa's rivers for years to come.  Natural river restoration provides a low-cost, sustainable approach to help improve water quality, reduce flood damage, protect land and infrastructure (bridges, trails, roads), and enhance wildlife and the environment. The Festival's "River Village" will include a large collaborative art installation, hands-on activities at the Iowa State University "Water Rocks!" Conservation Station, "Clean Water" interactive displays and activities for all ages, plus information and maps about Iowa's 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.

 

Festival Tickets are $75/2-day or $45/day (camping is additional). River Village volunteers are needed, and volunteers will receive a festival ticket for a four-hour shift. Volunteers should contact IRR at: rlehman@iowarivers.org or 515.724.4093.

 

More details about the Hinterland Festival, including tickets and camping information, can be found at:

www.hinterlandiowa.com/   or www.cleanwaterfest.org   or www.iowarivers.org

 

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IWTA does not advocate for positions on issues, but readers occasionally ask questions or share articles about issues which may be of interest or concern to other readers & WT supporters.  To balance IWTA neutrality, reader participation, and the exchange of potentially useful information, while minimizing the impact on IWTA Newsletter space, following are brief comments and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting:

 

Iowa Outdoors programs on Iowa Public Television.

A new episode featuring both Okoboji"s antique boat festival and the Iowa DNR's efforts to rehabilitate Iowa lakes will air on IPTV (11.1 or 12) on Jul 2 at 6:30 pm, Jul 4 at 8:30 am, Jul 10 at 8:30 pm, and Jul 24 at 9:00 pm. It will also air at various times on the "Learns" channel. If you can't catch the show when broadcast, you can enjoy it later when it is posted to the Iowa Outdoors website:  http://www.iptv.org/iowaoutdoors/stories.cfm 

Cedar Rapids Gazette article about the June 13 "2015 Great Iowa River Canoe & Kayak Race," by outdoor reporter Orlan Love.

"If you doubt 60 is the new 40, check out the three fastest boats in Saturday's Great Iowa River Canoe and Kayak Race. The average age of the six people who paddled the first three canoes across the finish line is 62. 'You need strength and stamina, but experience counts for a lot in this sport,' said Jeff Schnelle, 52, of Irma, Wis., who with his partner, Jan Perrin, 61, of Janesville, Wis., covered the 9.25-mile course in 58 minutes flat. Just seconds behind in second place was the husband and wife team of Fritz Hansen, 74, and Jaya Elleson, 55, of Burlington, Wis., while Rick Hill, 60, of Iowa City and Jim Braig, 71, of Dubuque, finished third.  Read the full article at

http://cedarrapidsgazette.ia.ussrv06.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=2868a7b87

IRR hosts public meeting in Hamburg to talk with area residents and landowners about restoring the Nishnabotna River.

A June 17 Hamburg Reporter (SW Iowa) newspaper article highlighted public meeting re restoration of the Nishnabotna River.

Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR), a non-profit river advocacy and education group, held a public meeting in Hamburg last week to talk to area residents and landowners about restoring the Nishnabotna River. Lance Brisbois, Project Coordinator of the West Nishnabotna Water Trail, noted that the "Nish" was straightened 80-100 years ago, and has been slowly regaining its natural meander. John Thomas of Hungry Canyons explained how gradual changes have led to a series of prolems, including scours, unstable & eroding banks, excessive sediment & nutrients, algae blooms, and dwindling fish populations. Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR), is a non-profit river advocacy and education group, currently advocating on behalf of a statewide river restoration program.   Read the full article at

http://www.hamburgreporter.com/article/20150617/NEWS/150619907/?Start=1

Cedar Rapids Gazette article in advance of the June 20-21 "Let It Flow - Riverfest 2015" in Manchester, by outdoor reporter Orlan Love.

"The state's newest and largest white-water course will entertain hundreds of visitors this weekend at a celebration marking the official opening of the $1.8 million Maquoketa River project. Unofficially, the 800-foot-long white-water course with its six 18-inch drops and rocky pools has been open for several weeks. But the opening will be formally observed during "Let It Flow - Riverfest 2015."

"It's been very well received," said Mayor Milt Kramer, who has "been down there nearly every day" collecting feedback from river visitors. Kramer said he considers the white-water course one of the top development efforts accomplished during his nearly 41 years in office."  Read the full article at

Iowa Native Cara Miller named President of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA).

A native of Dayton, Iowa, Miller graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in general studies, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Miller brings more than 25 years of non-profit management and leadership experience to SSNHA. "I am thrilled to be returning to my home state of Iowa, and working on behalf of an organization that recognizes and celebrates the importance of farm life, agribusiness and rural communities in our state and the nation," says Miller.

SSNHA is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities - past and present. WT supporters are encouraged to welcome Miller back to Iowa, and explore partnership opportunities between Iowa WTs and the SSNHA.  Contact info: (319) 234-4567 |  info@silosandsmokestacks.org |  http://www.silosandsmokestacks.org/

Des Moines Register June 27 article about the flooding Raccoon River closing several roads, and nearly I-80.

Not everyone in a rubber boat is pursuing recreation. Some Des Moines folks were evacuated twice within a few hours.

Read the full article at

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/weather/2015/06/26/raccoon-river-nearly-swallows-clive-cleans/29365917/

Operation "Dry Water" concludes, but Iowa DNR emphasis on safety and enforcement continues.

Operation "Dry Water" focused on boating while intoxicated enforcement from June 26-28, with increased patrols, check points, and breath tests. While that high-visibility effort has ended, the ongoing work to inform about safe water recreation continues.  Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa DNR, said, "More than 71 percent of Iowa's boating fatalities involved alcohol in 2014 and many of those victims were innocent bystanders. The effects of alcohol can be intensified when combined with wind and wave action and an extended time spent in the sun.  Operators may not think they are under the influence, but their judgment, reaction time, balance and vision indicate that they are."  

Turkey River Watershed Management Authority (TRWMA) releases plan to knock top 10% off flood crests; Cedar Rapids Gazette article June 29.

TRWMA released the "comprehensive plan to reduce flooding in the 1.1 million-acre Turkey River watershed. The 20-year, $32.8 million plan--the first of its kind for a watershed of such scale--has a goal of knocking the top 10 percent off flood crests, substantially reducing the cost of major floods." The plan includes two main ways to reduce flooding effects--increased infiltration, and increased detention basins for controlled release. "The plan's water storage component calls for building 300 water and sediment control basins, creating or restoring 50 wetlands and establishing 10 linear miles of riparian buffers."
 

The article discusses improving infiltration using conservation practices already included in the nutrient-reduction strategy, and why board members preferred this plan to a system of levees and flood walls.  Read the full article at 

http://thegazette.com/subject/news/organization-launches-32-million-plan-for-turkey-river-flooding-20150629

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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.

 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. For the latest conference news, follow #IAnpsummit online, or visit www.regonline.com/npsummit2015  where you can join an event e-mail list.

If you have questions, or need more information, contact the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service at icvs@iowa.gov, or 515.725.3094 (toll-free: 800.308.5987).

 The Deadline for Session Presenters 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. 

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This is the small-eyed sphinx moth, Paonias myops, identified by J.E. Smith in 1797. It is not endangered, ranges widely across North America from parts of Mexico to southern Canada, and enjoys woodland, wooded, and suburban habitats. It garners our attention not by concern for its welfare, but by its beautiful colors, patterns, and unusual shape.

In the caterpillar stage, this moth feeds on a variety of plants including western chokecherry, black cherry, service berry, and basswood, but the adults simply do not feed. In the Midwest, they produce several broods during May through September.  Adults may reach a wingspan of nearly 3 inches.

Read more about this moth, and see detailed images of the caterpillar and adult stages at

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Paonias-myops

Identify & research other specimens, participate in research, or simply enjoy the beautiful photos on the "Butterflies and Moths of North America" (BAMONA) website

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/

Special thanks to Larry Gullet, Johnson County Conservation Director, for helping to identify this moth and the BAMONA website.

Did you know that July 18-26 is "National Moth Week?"

Photo of small-eyed sphinx moth, awaiting morning warmth on a brick wall in Cedar Rapids, by G.Stark.

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