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IWTA
Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
March, 2016
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| QUICK LINKS | |
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| BE PREPARED for 2016 waterway cleanups. To order these reusable blue trash bags, contact Todd Robertson, IDNR Rivers Program Outreach Coordinator.
todd.robertson@dnr.gov
or 515-725-2960 |
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We weren't able to attend all three days of the Iowa Paddle and Pedal Expo, but we enjoyed Saturday's excellent presentations and exhibits, plus visiting with presenters, CSO staff, and many IWTA Newsletter subscribers. Many thanks to Canoesport Outfitters for 20 years of hosting this annual event.
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| CSO Co-Owner Jeff Holmes
during pool demo at 2015
Iowa Paddle & Pedal Expo.
G.Stark photo. |
The next shows will be Canoecopia Mar 11-13 in Madison, followed by the renamed Apr 2 Outdoor Adventure Fest in Waterloo.
This issue includes numerous events and announcements relating to Water Trails, watersheds, and the folks who care about our Iowa waterways. Whether you want to learn about, advocate for, or paddle through our waterways, we hope you find some items of interest as we transition from winter to spring.
It is time to renew memberships in the paddling, photography, and environmental or advocacy groups which rely on our support. And remember the "Chickadee Checkoff"---the "Fish and Wildlife Fund" line--on your Iowa State Income Tax form.
Astronomical spring begins on March 19, and while we may start experiencing warmer air temperatures, water temperatures will continue to present the risk of hypothermia. Proper training, a PFD, necessary gear, a paddle plan, and the buddy system are especially important for winter paddling. Be careful out there.
Your info and support makes this newsletter relevant, so please keep it coming.
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Where Is It? Quiz
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Make your best guess, then click on:
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Mar 5; "Slices of Time" Photography Workshop in Quad Cities
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| Exhibitor area, with opportunities to compare and try a
variety of cameras and lenses, was a popular part of the
2015 Photography Workshop in the Quad Cities. |
"Slices of Time," a full day of photographic enrichment, will be held Saturday, March 5, 9:00 am--3:00 pm on the St. Ambrose campus. From novice to professional, all can benefit from attending. The venue at St. Ambrose is spacious, easily accommodating all attendees in a tiered presentation theatre.
The information-packed day will begin with a morning series of lively presentations:
- Gregg Alliss--storm and weather photographer; regular contributor to National Weather Service training programs
- Lou Brems--photojournalist Quad City Times
- Anna Pagnucci---Professor of Fine Art at Ashford University
- Gregg Stark--Editor and photographer of lowa Water Trails Association Newsletter
- Brian Tugana--documentary photographer and founder of Shared Talents
From noon till 3:00 pm, enjoy a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and photoshoot opportunities. Learn about drone photography, data storage, printing options and more. Experts from the major camera and equipment companies will be available to field questions and demonstrate new products.
From 1 pm till 3 pm an optional 2 hour workshop, "An Introduction to Photography," will be held, led by four expert photographers---Patrick Cheak, Ted Doty, Trent Foltz, and John Schultz. For those interested in feedback about some of their pictures, we have lined up experts to give confidential feedback.
$5 for general admission to the morning presentations and afternoon exhibits and demonstrations, with an additional $5 charge to attend the afternoon workshop.
G.Stark photo.
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Mar 5; RRWA "Life in the Raccoon River," Hotel Pattee, Perry
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Mar 5-12-19; Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program Hosts Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Workshops
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DNR Wildlife Diversity Program has three Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring workshops scheduled in March:
- March 5, 2016 - 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. - CLAYTON COUNTY in partnership with the Clayton County Conservation Board. Location: Osborne Park Nature Center near Elkader, IA
- March 12, 2016 - 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. - WAYNE COUNTY in partnership with the Wayne County Conservation Board. Location: Bobwhite State Park, Wayne County Conservation Offices, near Allerton, IA.
- March 19, 2016 - 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. - SAC COUNTY in partnership with the Sac County Conservation Board. Location: Sac County Conservation Center near Sac City, IA.
All the workshops are scheduled in areas where we have eagle nests that need a volunteer monitor. So if you know of someone who would enjoy and be a good fit for this citizen science program, I'd appreciate you letting them know about the workshops! Space is limited and it will be first come, first served. Learn more about the program and download a registration form at www.iowadnr.gov/volunteerwildlifemonitoring.
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Mar 11-13; Canoecopia in Madison, WI
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| If you attend Canoecopia, make time to visit
Kathy Stevens in the NE Iowa Whitewater booth
(shown above), and other exhibitors with Iowa ties. |
The annual Canoecopia event in Madison, Wisconsin is the world's largest paddling sports show. It has always been a great place to see new paddling gear, learn about paddling destinations, and improve paddling skills. In recent years, we have seen increased participation by Iowans exhibiting on behalf of whitewater activities, special events, travel destinations, and now products manufactured in Iowa.
2016 Canoecopia exhibitors known to have Iowa ties:
- Northeast Iowa Whitewater--Charles City, Manchester, Elkader
- Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau
- Portage Pal Canoe/Kayak Trailers, Humboldt, IA
- Great River Rumble info will be available in the Wenonah booth
Iowa events and destinations such as Floatzilla, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, etc. may be promoted within an "umbrella group" booth.
G.Stark photo.
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Mar 20; "Paddles in the Pool" Kayak & Canoe Clinic Added in Cedar Rapids
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| Winter Pool Sessions are a great opportunity to
practice and perfect your rescue skills.
G.Stark photo. |
Cedar Rapids at Bender Pool:
March 13, 4:30-6:30 pm, will be the final "Drop-in Sunday Pool Session" at Bender Pool in Cedar Rapids. These informal sessions began in December, sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department, in cooperation with Linn County Conservation.
On Sunday, March 20, the same two organizations will be sponsoring two sessions of a kayak & canoe clinic, with one session starting at Noon, then repeated at 3:00 pm. The fee will be $10 per person, no registration required. Participants should bring swimwear and a lifejacket. Boats and paddles are being provided by CrawDaddy Outdoors. For more information, call Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation, (319) 286-5731.
Check www.linncountyparks.com or follow this on Linn County Conservation's Facebook page for the latest updates. Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation and Linn County Conservation are teaming up to provide this paddle event. CrawDaddy Outdoors will bring in some demos for you to learn more and to try for yourself. Participants can also learn and practice skills with a number of local enthusiasts. We anticipate having kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards available. Expect a chance to learn about whitewater kayaking and safety. Start the process of learning your Eskimo roll if you wish. Experienced paddlers may come practice their skills with others, and perhaps learn some new tricks. Beginners can learn about the gear and the hows and whys of safety gear for these activities. For additional information, call (319) 892-6485. - See more at: http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Linn/Park/Wickiup-Hill-Learning-Center/Events/7802/Kayak-Stand-Up-Paddleboard-and-Canoe-Event.aspx?utm_source=Warmer+Weather+-+Time+to+Get+Out%21+&utm_campaign=End+of+February+2016&utm_medium=email#sthash.e4K7Z8El.dpuf
Indianola at Indianola "Y" Pool:
Formal paddling skills classes are offered by CanoeSport Outfitters at the Indianola "Y" Pool. Visit the CanoeSport Outfitters website for details:
Waverly at Waverly "W" Pool:
Formal paddling skills classes are offered by CrawDaddy Outdoors at the Waverly "W" Pool. Visit the CrawDaddy Outdoors website for dates and details:
We would be glad to publicize any additional off-season opportunities to develop or practice paddling and safety skills. Please forward your information to iowawta@gmail.com
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Mar 22; Annual IEC Environmental Lobby Day / REAP Day at the State Capitol, Des Moines
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| Exhibits and presentations in the Capitol Rotunda
during the 2015 IEC Lobby Day / REAP Day event. |
The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) will host its annual Environmental Lobby Day / REAP Day at the State Capitol on the morning of March 22.
Each year, organizations and individuals from across the state come together at the Iowa State Capitol to speak with legislators about the importance of protecting Iowa's natural resources at Environmental Lobby Day. Speaking face-to-face with legislators and showing that there is a broad base of support for a healthy environment is one of the most important ways to help advance programs and policies that protect Iowa's water, land and climate.
Find more info about attending, participating, exhibiting, scheduling meetings with your legislators, etc. at:
http://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/council-events/environmental-lobby-day#sthash.1hxcU6P3.dpuf
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Mar 23-24; 10th Annual Iowa Water Conference, Ames
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"AtTENtion - EnlighTEN - InTENsify: TEN years of the Iowa Water Conference" is set for March 23-24 at the Scheman Building in Ames.
The conference features six plenaries, eight breakout session tracks, two optional workshops, and an evening reception and community event that combines art and the sciences.
Through general and concurrent sessions, conference goers will explore current trends across water resource management in both urban and rural landscapes, with a particular emphasis on the interconnected nature of our water resources, and the opportunities this offers for collaboration. There are 8 different tracks offered with 4 sessions each:
- Strategies for Social Engagement
- Green Infrastructure: Function
- Green Infrastructure: Benefits and Maintenance
- The Soil/Water Connection
- Water Quantity
- Current Technology
- Nutrient Management
- The Next Generation of Water Professionals
The conference will also offer sessions for research and educational posters from water professionals, as well as a poster competition for students. The 2016 Iowa Water Conference Photo Contest entry deadline is March 1, 2016. See the full rules at:
View the full agenda, plenary topics, and program information at:
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Mar 28 & 31, Apr 7; River Restoration Workshops by Cedar River Watershed Coalition & IRR
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| Sandbars along the Cedar River near Palo.
G.Stark photo. |
Iowa Rivers Revival and the Cedar River Watershed Coalition are collaborating to present an introduction to natural river restoration benefits and practices. Landowners, farmers, policymakers, city staffers, conservationists, educators, and the public are invited to attend the free, 1.5 hour-long workshop. Presentations will provide an overview of river restoration techniques and benefits, as well as highlight current river restoration efforts in the area.
Natural river restoration can be an affordable and practical solution for addressing streambank erosion issues across Iowa. Eroding streambanks can mean the loss of crop buffer areas, productive farmland, and local infrastructure. In addition, streambank erosion is a major contributor to sediment and nutrients in our water. Understanding river dynamics can lead to much more cost-effective, fish and wildlife friendly solutions to these problems. River restoration also enhances aquatic ecosystems and improves river recreation, fishing, and hunting - boosting local economies and quality of life.
These workshops are being coordinated by Erica Blair and Marybeth Stevenson. There is no fee to participate, but advanced registration is recommended due to limited space. Please RSVP by emailing info@iowarivers.org
The workshop will be offered in three locations on three dates (local contact person):
- March 28, 5:30 pm - Lime Creek Nature Center (Todd Von Ehwegen, TVONEHW@co.cerro-gordo.ia.us)
- March 31, 3:00 pm - West Branch City Hall (Matt Muckler, matt@westbranchiowa.org)
- April 7, 5:30 pm - University of Northern Iowa Business Building (Josh Balk, Joshua.Balk@ia.nacdnet.net)
April 4; Technical River Restoration Workshop in Fort Dodge
In addition to the above workshops, a Technical River Restoration Workshop will be hosted in Fort Dodge on April 4.. This will be similar to the workshop hosted on the West Nishnabotna last fall. Watch for more info and updates. Staci Williams with American Rivers is contracted to coordinate the workshop. Contact: SWilliams@americanrivers.org
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Mar 30-31; IRR Master River Steward Program "Train the Facilitator" Sessions
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Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR) is looking for a few dynamic river-loving facilitators for their Master River Stewards Program (MRSP). If you and/or your organization or agency are interested in teaming with IRR to provide MRSP workshops to adults in your area, consider applying to attend the MRSP Train the Facilitator training on March 30 and 31 at the Fire Station in Webster City.
MRSP provides 32 hours of instruction to adult Iowans on:
- Watersheds
- River and stream dynamics
- River and riparian habitats and wildlife
- River paddling and navigation
- River chemistry and water monitoring
- River and stream restoration and stewardship
- Policies related to protecting river and stream water quality
Find more information on the MRSP program and the training sessions at:
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Seeking Crew Members for Wilderness Canoe Trip, Nueltin Lake to Hudson Bay
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| Canoe "Iowa Rose" negotiates
wilderness rapids during 2014 trip. |
Vern Fish is at it again, recruiting crew members for a wilderness canoe trip, paddling part of the Oberholtzer and Magee epic 2,000 mile, 1912 canoe trip to Hudson Bay. The 1912 trip is summarized in the book "Bound for the Barrens," by Jean Replinger. This year's route will retrace approximately 250 of those miles in 16 days. Add the drive to Manitoba and this will be a 3 week adventure, tentatively set for late June to early July.
Vern is seeking 3 adventurous souls to join him on this trip. Expect some world class northern and grayling fishing, and the chance to see barren land caribou, wolves, an occasional freshwater seal, maybe a polar bear. Paddling will include lakes, rivers, and some Class I-III whitewater. There are no established portgages.
Training sessions will include paddling Lizard Creek in Webster County on April 24, and the Big Cobb River in southern Minnesota June 4.
Interested paddlers should contact Vern Fish for more detailed information: Email vernfish@aol.com or Cell 319-215-7830.
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Iowa Rivers Revival Seeks New Executive Director
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Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR) is seeking new executive leadership to build on IRR's legacy of successful river advocacy, river education, and outreach in Iowa. Founded in 2007, IRR is a non-profit organization that works to help Iowans restore, protect, and enjoy our rivers. IRR envisions clean, free-flowing Iowa rivers teeming with life, surrounded by diverse landscapes, and connecting vibrant communities.
The Executive Director is the chief administrator of Iowa Rivers Revival. Responsibilities include overall strategic and operational responsibility for IRR programs, financial management, and staff. The Executive Director is accountable to IRR's Board of Directors including implementation of the board's policies and directives.
The Executive Director's duties include:= Leadership and management
= Program management = Fundraising and organizational strength
= Outreach and communications
Applications were due Feb 25, but that deadline may have been extended. Find more detailed information about duties and qualifications at:
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New Livery Opening This Spring in Bentonsport
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| | "Belle of Bentonsport" on Lower Des Moines River. Photo from "Paddle, Pedal, and More" website. |
A new livery will be opening this spring in the Historic District of Bentonsport, along the Lower Des Moines River in southeast Iowa. "Paddle, Pedal and MORE" will be owned and run by Sandi and Keith Dimmitt near the Des Moines river ramp in Bentonsport.
The livery will rent kayaks, canoes, all types of bicycles, including a surrey, tandem bikes and electric bikes. A shuttle service will be offered along the Des Moines River and to Lake Lacey and Lake Sugema.
Pontoon excursions aboard the "Belle of Bentonsport" will be given each week with different topics being covered during each month. A Kids' Corner will include scheduled activities, in addition to a library for kids and adults. 12 vendors will be joining them with nature inspired hand-crafted items. Frozen and packaged food and minimal groceries will be carried.
Reservations are recommended. 641-919-9414
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Taxes May Be a Given, But Keeping Our Fish and Wildlife Friends Requires Your Help
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Since the 1980s, thousands of Iowans have supported Iowa wildlife by making donations when they prepare their taxes. Today, 100 percent of those dollars go to the state's Wildlife Diversity Program, which protects nongame and vulnerable species through habitat development, data collection and research, education and much more.
Donating is easy. Simply enter your donation amount in the Fish and Wildlife Check-Off contribution line (usually between lines 55-59 on form 1040), and the sum is either automatically deducted from the refund or added to the amount owed. As with all charitable contributions, these dollars are deductible from next year's taxes. Don't forget to talk to your tax preparer if you have your taxes done professionally - many tax preparers forget to mention donation opportunities.
If every Iowa taxpayer donated just $1 on the Fish and Wildlife Check-off, it would mean $1.5 million for natural resource conservation! So, if you're able, take a moment this tax season to get a little wild and consider making a donation. The 1000+ species of birds, butterflies, mammals, frogs, toads, turtles and dragonflies that call Iowa home will thank you.
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What IWTA Newsletter Readers are Following & Recommending
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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:
Cornelia Mutel Publishes "A Sugar Creek Chronicle: Observing Climate Change from a Midwestern Woodland." Mutel is a senior science writer at IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering in Iowa City, but most of you probably know "Connie" for her quiet advocacy on behalf of prairies, watersheds, and many other environmental concerns. In a departure from her previous writings, Mutel adopted a more personal approach, writing for readers who have "loved family, treasured a special place, worried about illness, been drawn to things non-human, wondered about our rapidly changing world and worried about where the future is taking us."
Mutel edited the book "A Watershed Year: Anatomy of the Iowa Floods of 2008," (2010) and authored "Fragile Giants: A Natural History of the Loess Hills" (2010) and "The Emerald Horizon: The History of Nature in Iowa" (2008). To learn more about "A Sugar Creek Chronicle," and order a copy, visit: To read Orlan Love's Cedar Rapids Gazette article about Mutel and her new book, visit:
Update From the Folks Monitoring the Decorah Eagles, Received Feb 22.
We are excited to share with you that after quite a bit of suspense the third egg has been laid in Decorah! The egg was laid at 6:59 PM CT on February 25, 2016.
We have added video of the third egg to the site.
We look forward to keeping you update!
Watch the Video Now!
Watch the Live Feed Now!
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| | Nikon Ambassador Moose Peterson will be featured at an April 23 photography seminar in Cedar Rapids. |
Bald Eagle Watch Events Are Still Being Held Around the State.
Eagle Watch events are winding down, but at least these two remain.
Mar 6; O'Brien County Bald Eagle Watch. Prairie Heritage Center with elevated viewing deck, in Peterson, 2 pm live bald eagle program, 712-295-7200.
Mar 12; Sioux Rapids Eagle Watch. Outdoor viewing at selected sites, live eagle programs at American L
egion Building in Sioux Rapids, 10 am-2 pm, lunch at noon, 712-296-4920
For more info about Eagle Watches and other wildlife events,
visit the Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program website:
Apr 23; Linn Area Photo Club (LAPC) Seminar, Nikon Ambassador Moose Peterson, Cedar Rapids. 8:30am-5:00pm. Anyone interested in outdoor photography should find this full day seminar to be informative, interesting, and inspiring.
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Apr 2-3; Outdoor Adventure Fest in Waterloo on Saturday; Optional Paddle on Sunday
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| | Dr. Jim Pease encourages a young naturalist. |
Named "PaddleFest" for its first two years, this Black Hawk County event has been re-branded as "Outdoor Adventure Fest" to broaden its focus to include all types of outdoor recreation, including paddling. The Outdoor Adventure Fest will be held at the Black Hawk County YMCA in Waterloo.
Saturday's keynote speaker, Dr. Jim Pease, will address the "Status of Iowa Rivers." A series of concurrent morning and afternoon presentations will include:
- Bill Schoon "Views from the Cockpit"
- Prairie Rapids Audubon Chapter "Birding in Iowa"
- Kip Ladage "Nature Photography of Iowa"
- Vern Fish (topic TBD)
An optional outdoor float will be hosted on Sunday.
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Apr 2; Iowa River Friends Annual Meeting, First "Iowa River Report," Marshalltown
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Iowa River Friends (IRF) will host its Annual Meeting on April 2 in Marshalltown.
This "Whole Watershed Gathering" will include major presenters on water quality, making change, and enjoying the Iowa River. IRF will release its first "Annual Iowa River Report." This will be an opportunity for people of common purpose & vision, from all along the length of the Iowa River, to begin strategizing for the River's betterment.
The public is encouraged to attend, but only members may vote.
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Apr 15; First of Six 2016 Paddling Adventures Announced by Clinton County
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Mark your calendars for these six paddling adventures, just announced by Clinton County Conservation:
Paddle the Refuge ~ April 15th, 6 PM till Dark ~ Rock Creek Marina and Campground, Camanche, Iowa ~ Meet at the paddle craft racks near the Mississippi River Eco-tourism Center at 5:45 PM to register. The trip will start promptly at 6 PM and as the sun will set at 6:45 PM we plan to be off the water by 7:15 PM. We will spend our time exploring the hidden pools and channels of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. This is a great warm season opener for paddlers and is family friendly. Afterwards we'll light a fire pull out the guitar and roast some snacks. You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 15th of April.
Details on the following events will be posted on the IWTA website Events Calendar, and will be included in the IWTA Newsletter as we approach the date of each event: Paddle the Wapsi ~ Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove ~ June 10th, 9 AM till 4 PM ~ Walnut Grove Park, Toronto, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, cover 10 miles on the Wapsi, complete paddle and vehicle shuttle approx. 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 9th of June. Paddle the Wapsi II ~ Walnut Grove to Syracuse ~ July 25th, 9 AM till 4 PM ~ Syracuse Wildlife Area Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, complete trip approx. 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 22nd of July. Paddle The Wapsi III ~ Syracuse Wildlife Area to Sherman Park ~ July 26th, 9 AM till Noon ~ Sherman Park Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, lunch at Sherman Park, shuttle drivers back to Syracuse WA. You must register for this event by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 22nd of July.
Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project (32.3 Miles) ~ Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access ~ August 19th thru 21st ~ Sherman Park, Calamus, Iowa. Gather and camp at Sherman Park off 160th Avenue. On Friday we'll have an early bird half day clean-up from 1 till 4 PM covering 6.3 miles above the park. Saturday's stretch is 11.5 miles and 14.5 on Sunday. You must register online at coordinator@ lowerwapsicleanup.org or by calling 563-349-0811 by noon on the 12th of August.
35th Old Time & Blue Grass Festival Paddle Trip ~ Maquoketa River/Canton Access to Millerton Access (5.6 Miles) ~ October 7th, Noon till 4 PM ~ Eden Valley Refuge, Baldwin, Iowa. Meet at Eden Valley Refuge Nature Center at 11:45 register and car pool to Millertown Access to deposit a shuttle vehicle. Launch at 12:30 pm. After supper, the park will be filling with music around many campfires as the 35th Annual Old Time & Blue Grass Festival begins. Saturday there will be stage shows from various bands, a pot luck dinner at the Nature Center and more music into the night. You must register for the paddling event by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 30th of September.
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
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Mar 5; "Slices of Time" Photography Workshop, Quad Cities, 9:00am-3:00pm, St. Ambrose campus. Five morning presentations include weather, photojournalism, sports, art, on-water, & documentary; plus afternoon demonstrations & exhibits; for novice to professional. www.SharedTalents.org
Mar 5; "Life in the Raccoon River: Prairie Ecology and Farming," 9:00am-4:00pm, Hotel Pattee in Perry. Presentations on current research, practices implemented, progress reports, outdoor photography, sponsored by RRWA.
Mar 8; Best Time to View Planet Jupiter. Jupiter and 4 of its moons visible with binoculars.
Mar 23; Tree Day at the Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines. Displays, discussions with legislators, sponsor
Mar 23-24; Iowa Water Conference in Ames; annual gathering of water professionals, researchers, educators and students from across Iowa and surrounding states. Event agenda, registration, & photo contest rules at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/iwc/
Mar 23; Full Moon. Wednesday, Sunrise 7:04, Sunset 7:23, Moonrise 7:46 CDT
Apr 2; Iowa River Friends (IRF) Annual Meeting, Marshalltown. Presentations, release of first Annual Iowa River Report; open to public, only members may vote. This "Whole Watershed Gathering" will be held in Marshalltown, with major presenters on water quality, making change, and enjoying the River. Opportunity for people of common purpose & vision to begin to strategize for the River's betterment. Contact Mel Schlachter melschlachter@gmail.com or visit http://iowariverfriends.org/
Apr 7; CrawDaddy Outdoors "season-opener" Kayak Demo Day, Ave of Saints Lake, Waverly. Free. Full calendar of demos, classes, trips at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/crawdaddy-events/ Apr 9; Canoesport Outfitter DemoFest, Lake Ahquabi, south of Indianola. Fee, preregistration. Full schedule of events on website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/calendar.php
Apr 15; Paddle the Refuge, 6:00 pm till Dark ~ Rock Creek Marina and Campground, Camanche. Meet at the paddle craft racks near the Mississippi River Eco-tourism Center at 5:45 PM to register. Explore the hidden pools and channels of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. This is a great warm season opener for paddlers and is family friendly. Followed by campfire, songs, snacks. You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 15th of April.
Apr 17; Jones County Earth Day Fair & Grant Wood Trail Pancake Breakfast, Anamosa. Sunday, 8:00 am-1:00 pm, Lawrence Community Center. Exhibits, food, music. Michele Olson, (319) 81-7987 naturalist@co.jones.ia.us
Apr 18; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in western sky just after sunset.
Apr 18; Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline for Iowans (Iowa State Income Tax filing deadline Apr 30). Apr 19; Iowa Legislative Session Target Close; (Day 100 of session, per diem expenses end). Apr 22; Full Moon. Friday, Sunrise 6:15, Sunset 7:56, Moonrise 8:29 CDT Apr 22; Earth Day. Annual observance of the first Earth Day in 1970. Apr 22-23; Lyrids Meteor Shower Peaks. Average shower, peaking at 20 meteors/hour. Apr 22-24; Outdoor Adventure Expo, Midwest Mountaineering, Minneapolis, MN. Apr 23; Linn Area Photo Club Seminar, Nikon Ambassador Moose Peterson, Cedar Rapids. 8:30am-5:00pm. See Peterson's aviation & outdoor photography at http://www.moosepeterson.com/
Apr 30; Iowa State Income Tax Filing Deadline. Remember the Chickadee Check Off.
Apr 30; Iowa 3-Year Boat Registrations Expire. Remember to apply those decals.
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
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Where Is It? Quiz ANSWER
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| | "Before" photo of Dry Run Creek near the UNI Tennis Courts. |
Info from the Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District website
"Dry Run Creek is a 15,177 acre watershed which flows through residential, industrial, and commercial areas including the city of Cedar Falls and the University of Northern Iowa before outletting into the Cedar River. In 2002, a segment of the southwest branch was listed on Iowa's 303(d) list of impaired waters due to a lack of diversity and abundance of aquatic life. In 2008, the creek received a second impairment designation when it was placed on the 303(d) list for bacterial impairment.
"Because the watershed is impaired, it is eligible for state and federal funding to improve it. The focus of the project is to improve water quality in both rural and urban sectors of the watershed; the three major components of the watershed are project installation, monitoring and outreach and education." Improving Dry Creek and all of the waterways in the Cedar River Watershed will be the focus of upcoming River Restoration Workshops sponsored by IRR and the Cedar River Watershed Coalition, coordinated by Erica Blair and Marybeth Stevenson. There is no fee to participate, but advanced registration is recommended due to limited space. Please RSVP by emailing info@iowarivers.org
The workshop will be offered in three locations on three dates (local contact person):
- March 28, 5:30 pm - Lime Creek Nature Center (Todd Von Ehwegen, TVONEHW@co.cerro-gordo.ia.us)
- March 31, 3:00 pm - West Branch City Hall (Matt Muckler, matt@westbranchiowa.org)
- April 7, 5:30 pm - University of Northern Iowa Business Building (Josh Balk, Joshua.Balk@ia.nacdnet.net)
(See full article elsewhere in this IWTA Newsletter.)
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| | "After" photo of Dry Run Creek near the UNI Tennis Courts in Cedar Falls. |
Photos courtesy of Josh Balk
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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 participation. Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.
- Readers who forwarded info about WT-related events around Iowa.
- Readers who are already providing items for the IWTA 2016 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!
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 continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, suggestions, and corrections 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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