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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
Iowa Water Trails Association
September, 2015
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Oct Newsletter Will Feature Reports from Summer 2015 Events--Let us Hear from You! | | Sep 19 Dragoon River Romp, Des Moines River, Boone County | | Sep 26 Upper Iowa River Cleanup, Chimney Rock Campground | | Sep 26 & 27 Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT | | "Owl-y Paddling" with Jim Pease--Help Solve the Mystery | | Oct 2 IEC Annual Conference, Register Now! | | Oct 3 Clinton County Paddle, Wapsi River Near DeWitt | | Oct 4, Clinton County Paddle, Wapsi River Near McCausland | | Oct 10, Jones County Fall Colors Float, North Fork Maquoketa River | | Oct 15 Maquoketa River Midweek Paddle, Jackson County | | Network! Key Dates & Details for Statewide & Midwest Events | | Quick Look At the Weeks Ahead | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
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| Paddlers enjoying a fall float on the Maquoketa River.
Photo courtesy Bill & Joyce Schoon.
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The Autumnal Equinox, the astronomical start of fall, occurs on September 23. The crisp air, bright skies, and colorful foliage make fall one of our favorite paddling seasons in Iowa. The chance to enjoy that experience draws many newer paddlers onto the water each fall, many of whom may not be aware of the effects of lower temperatures and shorter days, or the risks of hypothermia.
Paddler groups will be advocating for dry bags of backup clothing, avoidance of cotton fabric, extra snacks, and other safety procedures (true cold-weather paddling will require more). But those groups can only reach so many folks, so we ask you all to help spread the word, and be alert on the water for people who need assistance.
As always -- Please be careful out there! Remember to wear your PFD, paddle with others, know your capabilities, dress appropriately, and file a float plan.
Please note the environmental and tourism conferences in Oct and Nov, great opportunities to learn, network, and share your enthusiasm for "all things water trail."
We do our best to include all corrections, cancellations, and reschedules ASAP in our newsletters and other materials, but the most current info on events will probably always be the Events Calendar on the IWTA Website. Please contact us with your further additions or corrections:
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October IWTA Newsletter Will Feature Reports From Summer 2015 Events--Toot Your Horn!
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It's time to "toot your horn!"
Reports, results, lessons learned, and future plans, all based on the summer events of 2015, will be featured in the October IWTA Newsletter. With the noteworthy increase in all types of Water Trail-related events this year, newsletter space was devoted to publicizing coming events. October will give us a bit of a breather, and a chance to begin reflecting back on the "busy season."
We look forward to sharing your successes, lessons-learned, and maybe some new ideas to improve your (and others') programming for 2016.
We have already received some event reports, and some events have been covered by the media, but we welcome emails summarizing your events from YOUR perspective.
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Sep 19; 10th Annual Dragoon River Romp, Des Moines River, Boone County
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Saturday, September 19 is the date of the 10th Annual Dragoon River Romp on the Des Moines River in Boone County. The cleanup will cover the stretch from the E-57 boat ramp to the 210 boat ramp.
At the conclusion of the cleanup, all volunteers will be transported back to Seven Oaks for lunch and an awards presentation. Canoes and transportation to and from the river are provided. This event is free, with paddlers limited to 100, land based volunteers to 45.
For more info, visit the web site:
Or contact Lois Powers, Program Coordinator Phone: 515-433-0591
E-mail: kbcb@boonelandfill.org
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Sep 26; Annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup, Chimney Rock Campground
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Chimney Rock Campground will host its annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Saturday, September 26.
Meet for light breakfast & sack lunch at 8:00 am, then dispatch to an 8 mile river section. Volunteers receive one night free camping.
Cleanup photo from Chimney Rocks website.
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Sep 26 & 27; Free Tours of Motor Mill, Turkey River WT
Last Scheduled Tours for 2015
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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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Jim Pease Requests Our Help: "Owl-y Paddling" Along Iowa Rivers
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| | Great Horned Owl photo by Jim Pease |
"Owl-y Paddling" article from Jim Pease
Over the past 2 paddling seasons, I've been doing interpretive and biological surveys for the Iowa Water Trails Program. I've now paddled over 1100 miles of 10 Iowa rivers and have observations and photos of many Iowa wildlife species. I've learned a tremendous amount about Iowa rivers and river critters, Some of the more curious have been the sightings of owls.
Paddling alone, I've been privileged to see hundreds of owls. Paddling quietly and alone, they flush from the shoreline as I round a corner or come within their view. Some have been barred owls, Strix varia. They are the most diurnal (day-dwelling) and the most aquatic of Iowa's owl species. The vast majority, however, have been great horned owls, Bubo virginianus. Twice I observed them carrying snakes in their talons, indicating that they had been actively hunting-in the daytime! And mostly they flush not from the trees but rather from the banks, often only 3-5 feet above the water level. Curious, to be sure, for a supposedly nocturnal, arboreal owl,
I have developed some ideas about just why I am seeing so many great horned owls and why they are so common along our rivers. But, I'd like to hear about other paddlers' observations first. Please tell me about any that you have seen while paddling. On what rivers have you seen them? What time of day or night? What kind of numbers are you seeing, in say, owls per river mile paddled? What species have you been seeing? Be as specific as possible BUT I'll also be happy to receive any anecdotal information and stories. Please send them to me as soon as possible at: jlpease@iastate.edu
Thanks for your help. More on this topic later in this space!
Jim Pease
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Oct 2; Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Annual Conference, "Elevate," Des Moines
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Latest Event Updates!
Join more than 200 of Iowa's top environmental leaders at the Iowa Environmental Council's 2015 Annual Conference, "Elevate: Creating an Environment of Action," on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Drake University in Des Moines.
This year's conference, which also marks the Council's 20th anniversary, promises to be an informative and engaging day, featuring keynote speaker Chad Pregracke, 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and founder and president of Living Lands and Waters; a nonprofit river cleanup organization.
Seven sessions featuring a dynamic slate of speakers hailing from across Iowa, the Midwest and as far as Washington D.C. will take the stage to share their knowledge and expertise at the Iowa Environmental Council's 2015 Annual Conference, Elevate: Creating an Environment of Action, on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Drake University in Des Moines.
Learn about work being done in Iowa to elevate agricultural action on climate issues, be inspired by one man's quest to clean up our rivers one piece of garbage at a time, dive into the sociology of sustainability, engage in conversations about bridging the clean energy divide, and more!
As always, the conference will also feature networking opportunities, top-notch exhibitors and a delicious lunch featuring seasonal produce.
More info about speakers, session topics, exhibitor space, etc. at http://www.iaenvironment.org/ or contact Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210.
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Oct 3; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Wapsi River Near DeWitt.
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Meet at Gambrill Access, Old Hwy 61 South of DeWitt. Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am.
Plan to enjoy the fall colors, but prepare for cooler weather. Paddle 8 miles to McCausland Access, arriving around 4:00 pm. Optional camping on the river to continue trip in the morning.
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Oct 4; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Wapsi River Near McCausland
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Meet at the McCausland Access in McCausland. Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am.
Expect to enjoy fall colors, but prepare for cooler weather. Paddle 10.5 miles through the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, out the mouth of the Wapsi, up Hansen Slough into Sodus Slough, Shaft Creek, arriving at Rock Creek Park by 4:00 pm.
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Oct 10; Annual Jones County Fall Colors Canoe Outing, North Fork Maquoketa River
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| Fall paddling on the North Fork Maquoketa.
Photo by G.Stark |
Invitation from Jones County Naturalist Michele Olson:
Attention seasoned paddlers! Join the Jones County Conservation Department Staff on a spectacularly scenic and secluded canoe outing on the North Fork of the Maquoketa River on Saturday, October 10th.
Put in will be at 9 AM at the D61 Whitewater Bridge and take out will be at the Caven Bridge Access for a total trip length of 16 river miles. Participants should meet at the Whitewater Bridge at 8 AM to shuttle vehicles.
This trip will include a quick stop at the new North Fork Wildlands property and lunch on a sandbar. This trip is recommended for experienced paddlers only. Low water levels are best for soloists. Participants should bring a sack lunch, snacks, beverages, camera, aquatic footwear, dry bags, and extra clothing. Participants should be prepared to be on the river most of the day.
Those planning on attending should contact Michele at (319)481-7987 or at naturalist@co.jones.ia.us to register by noon on Oct. 9th. This outing is weather and river level dependent.
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Oct 15; Maquoketa River Midweek Paddle, Jackson CCB.
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A Maquoketa River Midweek Paddle, sponsored by the Jackson County Conservation Board, will be held on Thursday, October 15,
starting at 4:00 pm.
Sign up for this midweek paddling trip to enjoy the fall colors along a beautiful stretch (Bridgeport to Iron Bridge) of the Maquoketa River.
Canoes & kayaks are available free on a first-come-first-serve basis. RSVP is required by Oct 12. Call Jackson CCB at Home 563-652-3783 or visit http://www.jacksonccb.com/
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Key Dates & Details for 2015 Statewide & Midwest Events--Opportunities to Promote Your Events, Explore Ideas About Marketing & Funding, and Spread the Word About Iowa Water Trails!
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Oct 21-23; Iowa Tourism Conference, Bridge View Center in Ottumwa.
Annual educational and networking event for tourism professionals.
Oct 25-28; Mid America Trails & Greenways (MATAG) Conference in Des Moines.
Early registration deadline: Sept. 18, 2015
Regular deadline: Oct. 9, 2015
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. 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).
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PLANNING CALENDAR: A Quick Look at the Weeks Ahead
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Sep 17-19; Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards Fall Conference, Cedar Rapids. Tours, exhibits, demonstrations, presentations. http://mycountyparks.weebly.com/2015-fall-conference.html
Sep 19; 10th Annual Dragoon River Romp, Des Moines River, Boone County. River cleanup from the E-57 boat ramp to the 210 boat ramp. At the conclusion of the cleanup, all volunteers will be transported back to Seven Oaks for lunch and awards presentation. Canoes and transportation to and from the river are provided. Event is free, paddlers limited to 100, land based volunteers to 45. Web site: http://www.boonecounty.iowa.gov/index.aspx?page=373 Or contact Lois Powers, Program Coordinator Phone: 515-433-0591 E-mail: kbcb@boonelandfill.org http://www.boonecounty.iowa.gov/landfill
Sep 23; Autumnal Equinox, 1st Day of Autumn. Sep 26; Annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup, Chimney Rock Campground. Volunteers receive one night free camping. Meet for light breakfast & sack lunch at 8:00 am, dispatch to 8 mile river section. http://www.chimneyrocks.com/events.html
Sep 26 & 27; 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
Sep 27; Full Moon. Sunrise 6:59, Sunset 6:56, Moonrise 6:49 CDT
Oct 2; Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference, Drake University, Des Moines. Join more than 200 of Iowa's top environmental leaders at the Iowa Environmental Council's 2015 Annual Conference, "Elevate: Creating an Environment of Action," on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Drake University in Des Moines. This year's conference, which also marks the Council's 20th anniversary, promises to be an informative and engaging day, featuring keynote speaker Chad Pregracke, 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and founder and president of Living Lands and Waters; a nonprofit river cleanup organization. Early-bird registration ends September 4: http://iaenvironment.org/conference/2015/register.php More info about speakers, session topics, exhibitor space, and registration at http://www.iaenvironment.org/ or contact Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210.
Oct 3; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Meet at Gambrill Access, Old Hwy 61
South of DeWitt. Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am. Enjoy fall colors, but prepare for cooler weather. Paddle 8 miles to McCausland Access, arriving around 4:00 pm. Optional camping on the river to 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
Oct 4; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Meet at McCausland Access, McCausland. Check in, ready to launch by 9:00 am. Enjoy fall colors, but prepare for cooler weather. Paddle 10.5 miles through Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, out the mouth of the Wapsi, up Hansen Slough into Sodus Slough, Shaft Creek, arriving at Rock Creek Park by 4:00 pm. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx
Oct 10; Annual Jones County Fall Colors Canoe Outing, Jones CCB. Plan to float North Fork Maquoketa River, 16 river miles, 8:00 am shuttle, 9:00 am put-in. Trip recommended for experienced paddlers only.
Oct 15; Maquoketa River Midweek Paddle, Jackson CCB. Sign up for this midweek paddling trip to enjoy the fall colors along a beautiful stretch (Bridgeport to Iron Bridge) of the Maquoketa River on Thursday, Oct 15, starting at 4:00 pm. Canoes & kayaks available free on a first-come-first-serve basis. RSVP is required by Oct 12. Call Jackson CCB at Home 563-652-3783 or visit http://www.jacksonccb.com/
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 and Greenways (MATAG) Conference in Des Moines. Indoor presentations, outdoor activities to showcase great projects, share ideas, and network with participants from eight Midwestern states. Details and registration at: http://www.matag.org/
Oct 27; Full Moon. Sunrise 7:33, Sunset 6:08, Moonrise 6:38 CDT
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the "Award-Winning" IWTA Newsletter
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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.
- Readers who forwarded info about WT-related events around Iowa.
- Readers who provided updates to the IWTA 2015 Planning Calendar.
- Readers who shared items they are reading, or otherwise found interesting.
- Other groups who have added our IWTA Website link to their own website; we like to network!
Please continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, and suggestions with us at
If you are not one of over 1,200 Iowans who currently subscribe to this free, monthly email IWTA Newsletter, please click on the convenient "Join Our Mailing List" button to get on board.
And, please share the IWTA Newsletter with your friends via the "Forward this email" or "Share on Social Media" buttons.
Sincerely,
Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter
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