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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
& Updates
Iowa Water Trails Association
April, 2016
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Spring Cleanups | | Apr 14 & 15 First of Seven Paddling Adventures Announced by Clinton County | | Retailer "Demo Days" Begin in April | | Apr 23 "Crossing the Delaware," Paddling Event on Maquoketa River in Delaware County | | Wanted: Adventurous Crew Members for Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trip | | IDNR Announces Five Canoe & Kayak School Sessions | | IDNR Announces Five Canoe & Kayak School Sessions | | IDNR Announces Five Canoe & Kayak School Sessions | | Project AWARE Will Take On Lower Des Moines River in July | | Molly Hanson Named New Iowa Rivers Revival Executive Director | | What Readers are Following & Recommending: Buffalo River Trip Opening, Motor Mill, Blue Heron, Iowa Trails Summit, Decorah Eagle Egg Hatch, Moose Peterson, "Workender" Event, GRR Itinerary, Lower Iowa and Cedar Rivers News | | A Look at This Month's IWTA Planning Calendar | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
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| QUICK LINKS | |
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| BE PREPARED for 2016 waterway cleanups. Order these reusable blue trash bags from Todd Robertson, IDNR Rivers Program Outreach Coordinator.
todd.robertson@dnr.gov
or 515-725-2960 |
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Greetings!
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| | Make some noise about your
WT events & activities! |
Over 140 entries for 2016, including on-water & off-water events, extended trips, activities, meetings, conferences, holidays, observances, full moon & meteor shower dates, holidays, and observances are now available in the Events Calendar on the IWTA Website. Whether you're trying to find something to do or trying to avoid conflicts as you make your own event plans, we hope you find this IWTA Calendar to be a useful tool.
Check it out at
We know that many additional floats, training sessions, cleanups, etc. are still "firming-up" dates and plans, so we look forward to receiving and posting your event info as soon as possible.
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SPRING CLEANUPS
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| | Trash seems to bloom in the spring along our Water Trails. |
Watch for river and shoreline cleanups in your community.
Or organize one!
With reduced vegetation and improved visibility, spring is a great time to remove the accumulated off-season trash.
Apr 16; Friends of Cedar Lake in Cedar Rapids will host an Earth Week Shoreline Cleanup from 10:00--Noon. Meet at the Sag Wagon Deli & Brew, 827 Shaver Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 to receive assignments and trash bags.
Apr 20; A CITO Lower Bee Branch Clean-up will be held in Dubuque on Wednesday evening, April 20, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Meet at the Lower Bee Branch maintenance shed, 1553 Maple St. Dubuque, IA 52001. Contact Ben Alden, Manager of Port of Dubuque Marina, (563) 582-5524. Find info about the Bee Branch Creek restoration at
May 7; Ellis Harbor Neighborhood Association in Cedar Rapids will host its annual spring cleanup from 9:00 am--Noon. Meet at the Ellis Harbor restrooms. The group will focus on the Cedar River shoreline from Ellis Park to the 5-in-1 Dam. Refreshments will be provided. Contact Don Steichen 319-560-0367
Are you organizing a cleanup in your area? Let IWTA help spread the word.
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Apr 14 & 15; First 2 of 7 Outdoor & Paddling Adventures by Clinton CCB
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Apr 14; Spring Migration on Mississippi Flyway, Clinton County. 5:30 pm at Bulger's Hollow, off US 67 North of Clinton. Mississippi River's Lake Clinton is a perfect place to view the spectacle! Naturalists will have spotting scopes set up in search of returning waterfowl including ducks, cormorants, pelicans, swans, herons, cranes and eagles. At 6:30 pm paddle-craft will be on hand for those who wish to venture out onto the water for a closer look if conditions are right. No need to sign-up for this free event, but contact Clinton County Conservation 563-259-1876 with questions.
Apr 15; Paddle the Refuge, 6 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. 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 additional five 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: |
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Apr 16; Begin Retailer "Traveling Demo Days" Around Eastern Iowa
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| | Demo Days are great opportunities to learn about
boat design, handling, fit, and comfort. |
On April 16, Crawdaddy Outdoors of Waverly will begin its series of Saturday Free Kayak Demos, hosted at various locations around Eastern Iowa. These Demo Days are free and no pre-registration is required. Test from their fleet of 16+ kayaks to find "that one" that is right for you. Crawdaddy staff will explain the features and benefits of each kayak, and help you choose the right PFD and paddle to enhance your kayaking experience.
Saturday Demo Days are held from 10 am to 2 pm.
Upcoming dates and locations:
- April 16 - Hannen Lake - Blairstown
- May 14 - Otter Creek County Park - Tama Co Lake Meyer - Calmar
- June 18 - Lake Hendricks - Riceville
- July 9 - Kohlmann Park -Waverly
- August 6 - Lake Meyer - Calmar
- September 17 - Rodgers Park - Vinton
G.Stark photo.
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Apr 23; 4th Annual Crossing the Delaware Paddling Event, Maquoketa River in Delaware County
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| | Sam & Hannah on the Maquoketa River. |
Brother and sister team Sam Childs and Hannah Childs have announced plans for their 4th annual paddling event on the Maquoketa River through Delaware County.
The planned put-in is scheduled for 7:00 am at Joy Springs Park west of Strawberry Point. Take-out will be "as far as we can paddle down the Maquoketa River, or Hoeger's Bridge (Pioneer Road Access) south of Delhi off Hwy 38, whichever comes first." The approximate distance from Joy Springs to Hoeger's Bridge is 43 river miles.
Sam and Hannah cautioned that "Current water level the day of the paddle will affect how far up we can put in. This will be determined the evening before the paddle as river levels fluctuate.
"Plan A: Meet at the planned put-in or any put-in of your choice, and paddle down the river. Set your own shuttle, bring your own lunch; no cost, just join us on the river!
"Plan B: We will provide the shuttle and lunch on the river for $25.00 per person. You must have all your own paddling equipment.
"Please let us know you're coming (Plan A or B) so we can get a general count of how many paddlers to expect. Plan B participants must RSVP by April 16th, so we can get the shuttle and food rounded up."
For more info, Find them on Facebook. - Crossing the Delaware
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Training Sessions Begin Apr 24!
Seeking Adventurous Crew Members for Canadian 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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May 8; "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM)," Odessa WT near Wapello
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Celebrate Mother's Day while you enjoy a leisurely paddle around Port Louisa National WildlifeRefuge. You do not need to bring your Mother, although it is encouraged!
This paddling trip will be held on the Odessa Water Trail and is open to the public. Registration is required and participation is limited so make sure you register early. If you do not have your own kayak or canoe we have some available for rent. Participants should pay the day of the event with cash or check. The trip is open to everyone but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The "MOM" trip will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on the Odessa Water Trail on Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. Cost is $15 per Kayak, $20 per Canoe, & $5 to bring your own boat. (Register early- limited number of boats available!) The registration deadline is May 6 at Noon.
This trip is an official Odessa Water Trail event cosponsored by Port Louisa Wildlife Refuge and Louisa County Conservation.
Photo by Louisa CCB
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May 11; "Flat-Water Essentials" First of Five 2016 Canoe & Kayak School Sessions by Iowa DNR River Programs
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Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, has just released the dates and other details for the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" sessions.
All the sessions are oriented toward Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors-those who will be leading groups or conducting instruction. The focus is on paddling skills, hazard feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. The sessions differ in being geared for canoe or kayak, flatwater lakes or flowing rivers. Boats and life jackets are provided. Each session has a fee and a limit on the number of participants. The annual Canoe & Kayak School sessions fill up fast, so you are advised to register early. Find more info, directions to site, and registration at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
- May 11; "Flat-Water Essentials" One-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors, Gray's Lake, Des Moines, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. FILLING FAST--ONLY 2 SPOTS REMAIN!
- May 24-25; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Jul 5-6; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Aug 16-17; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Sep 13-14; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
Photo by Todd Robertson
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May 15; "Wild Edibles Hike" First of Eleven 2016 WT Events on Lower Des Moines River WT
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| | Paddling on Lower Des Moines River WT |
Eleven events are scheduled to be held on or along the Lower Des Moines River Water Trail during 2016.
The first of these is a "Wild Edibles Hike" beginning at 1:00 pm on Sunday, May 15th. Meet at the Beach at Lacey- Keosauqua State Park.
Participants will forage in the forest along the trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park! Join Naturalist Kathy Dice for a leisurely hike as she points out several wild edibles, how to identify them, prepare them and explain a few with medicinal values.
This is an official Des Moines River Water Trail event cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com
Details on the rest of the schedule will be posted in the IWTA Website Events Calendar, and included in future issues of the IWTA Newsletter. For more information, please call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com
May 21; Full Moon Float, Lacey-Keosauqua SP May 27; Forgotten Towns of the River Float, Keosauqua to Bentonsport Jun 11; Canoe Training, Lake Sugema and Des Moines River
Jul 23; Paddle into the Past: Geology & Archaeology of Des Moines River, Austin Park to Keosauqua Aug 6; Aquatic Life of the River, Bonaparte Aug 10; Kayak Training, Lake Sugema and Des Moines River Aug 19; Geode Paddle, Bentonsport Aug 19; Through the Eyes of the River, Beachhouse at Lacey-Keosauqua SP Sep 24; Birding Basics, Ely Ford at Lacey-Keosauqua SP Oct 8; Freedom Float: The Underground Railroad Along the River, Austin Park to Keosauqua
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Jul 11-15; Project AWARE 2016 Will Target Lower Des Moines River
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Project AWARE organizers have announced that volunteers will have an opportunity this summer to spend their vacations cleaning up, learning about and exploring 53 miles of the Lower Des Moines River between Eldon and Farmington from July 11 to 15.
Project AWARE, which stands for A Watershed Awareness River Expedition, is the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' annual volunteer river cleanup event. In addition to muscling trash out of the river, participants learn about watersheds, water quality, recycling, and other natural resource topics. This year's expedition marks Project AWARE's 14th year.
"We are excited and honored that Project AWARE has chosen the Lower Des Moines River for its project this year," said Stacey Reese, Executive Director of the Villages of Van Buren. "The river is a great asset for our tourism efforts and having it cleared of trash and debris will help make the experience more pleasurable for everyone who uses the river for recreation."
Volunteers participate by paddling down the river in canoes and cleaning up river trash along the way. Opportunities for land-based volunteers are also available. While the expedition lasts five days, volunteers may stay and help for as little or as long as they like. Project AWARE is family-friendly and provides the opportunity to experience a different river each year.
"Project AWARE is a great opportunity to introduce young and old alike to Iowa's rich natural resources by annually showcasing various areas of the state," said Dan Ceynar, an Iowa City resident and 10-year Project AWARE veteran. "With the abundant heritage and natural history of the Lower Des Moines River area, AWARE's proven organizational expertise and intriguing educational programming, the 2016 Project AWARE is sure to become another awesome enlightening shared experience."
In addition to river cleanup, Project AWARE also offers a unique blend of educational programs and demonstrations, volunteer camaraderie, camping and other outdoor recreation opportunities that enrich the experience.
"We're thrilled to have this worthwhile event coming to the Lower Des Moines River," said Detra Dettman, Executive Director of Pathfinders Resource Conservation & Development. "Compared to other rivers in Iowa, we feel the historic significance really sets this stretch of river apart. The route features two historic districts and nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places adjacent to the river."
In the past 13 years, more than 3,700 AWARE volunteers from across the state have cleaned up over 1,000 river miles, removing 337 tons of trash (76 percent of which has been recycled) from rivers all across Iowa.
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Molly Hanson Selected as Iowa Rivers Revival Executive Director
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| | Molly Hanson enjoying lunch break during
a Middle River canoe trip |
(The editor apologies for omitting this photo of Molly Hanson from the April 1 Newsletter. Would you accept that "the computer ate it?" Here's Molly's photo, so you can recognize her at IRR workshops, events, and meetings across the state.)
Iowa Rivers Revival has announced that Molly Hanson will be the group's first full-time Executive Director.
Hanson, 29, has been a Naturalist since 2012 with the Madison County Conservation Board, focusing on environmental education, outreach and collaboration. She earned her BA from UNI in 2009 in Earth Science and Geology. Hanson has served on the IRR Board of Directors for the past three years, and as Vice Chair of the Board for the last two. She is a YPC Young Professionals Connection Ambassador, a Mentor Iowa mentor, a Blank Park Zoo volunteer, and a Des Moines Music Coalition member.
"We're thrilled," said IRR Board Chair Jerry Peckumn of Jefferson. "Molly will build on IRR's legacy of successful river advocacy, education, and outreach."
Hanson, a native Iowan, stated, "The more I learn and travel and interact with the land and the citizens of Iowa, the more I understand my mission of helping to preserve, protect and enhance our natural resources. The rivers of Iowa have a long and rich story to tell, but the most important lesson we can learn from them is that we are all connected. I look forward to reaching out and connecting with scientists, public agencies and departments, legislators, students, teachers, business leaders, paddlers, sportsmen and women, and every single one of you. I will work to communicate the value and importance of our rivers -- everything from the habitat they provide, to the recreation they support, to the river restoration and protection efforts that will improve the quality of life for all living things in Iowa. It is an honor and a pleasure for me to work on strengthening our connections to each other and to our rivers."
Congratulations and best wishes to Molly in her new role.
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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:
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| | Motor Mill |
May 14-15; First of Motor Mill 2016 Free Tour Dates.
Putting in at Elkader and floating down the Turkey River WT past the iconic 1860's Motor Mill is an almost-mandatory trip for Iowa paddlers. You can make it even more memorable by scheduling your float to coincide with a free tour of the historic mill, related buildings and town site. Tour dates in 2016 are May 14-15, May 28-29, Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26, July 9-10, Jul 23-24, Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21, Sep 3-4, Sep 17-18, & Oct 8-9. Motor Mill will be open for tours from noon to 5 pm. Takeout for paddlers is just below the mill on the left, with a path back upstream to the mill and bridge. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader.
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| | | Blue Heron | |
"Blue Heron Eco Cruises" will resume in May, operating out of Rock Creek Marine & Campground, south of Camanche. The Blue Heron is a 26-passenger pontoon boat which gives cruisers an up-close and personal look at the Mississippi River. It's a fun way for people to talk, laugh and celebrate nature together. A naturalist conducts tours through backwaters, sloughs and the main channel. Fish, wildlife & bird habitat, hunting, fishing, recreational boating, gravel pits, barge traffic, endangered species and water quality are all part of the ecological puzzle of the river.
Free Public Sunset Cruises are offered Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM, May to October (earlier times in the fall). Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 563-259-1876 to make your reservation. Special cruises such as our moonlight music, bald eagle and fall colors cruise are also offered throughout the year; check the events page for dates and times. All children must be accompanied by an adult. See more at: http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton/Content/Blue-Heron-Eco-Cruises.aspx
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| Nikon Ambassador Moose Peterson will be featured at
Apr 23 photography seminar
in Cedar Rapids. |
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 photography seminar to be informative, interesting, and inspiring.
Apr 23; Bass Pro Shops "Workender" Event in Altoona.
On Saturday, April 23, from 3-6 pm, Bass Pro Shops in Altoona will host an event called "The Workender." It is geared toward the adventurous millennial crowd, with a "social gathering" from 3-6 pm. They are inviting naturalists, and other folks who are heavily involved with trails, camping, etc., in Iowa, to come in and spend time visiting with people about recreation opportunities in Iowa and beyond. This could be a great way to promote Iowa's Water Trails and to lend your expertise to others. It will be a very informal setting and an opportunity for people to learn more about all they can do in Iowa.
For more info, contact Gail McMahon, Social Media/Merchandising, Bass Pro Shops Altoona, at
GLMcmahon@basspro.com
Jun 17; "Iowa Trails Summit" Asks You to "Save the Date;" Offers Preliminary Program Info.
The 2016 Iowa Trails Summit will be held on Friday, June 17, in Cedar Falls. The annual Summit continues to provide a terrific opportunity to connect with developers, managers, and resources for all types of trails-water, hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, off road, etc. The 2016 Summit will focus on the "people" side of Iowa trails--inspiration, health, friendship, and connections to history, archaeology, geology, and our natural heritage. One panel session, moderated by John Wenck, will focus on water trails, and feature naturalist Brittney Tiller, geologist Joe Artz, and archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz. An annual highlight is the session of 5-minute progress and innovation reports from trails and recreation destinations across Iowa. The event will include an exhibitor area and lunch. Find Summit info and registration at http://iowatrailssummit.org/2016-summit/
Find related info at:
https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Iowa-Trails-111885842175013/timeline/
Great River Rumble Releases Itinerary for Jul 31-Aug 6 Paddling Adventure.
The 2016 "GRR" will paddle about 100 miles from Eau Clair, WI on the Chippewa River to Winona, MN on the Mississippi. Paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, and navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Itinerary for The Great River Rumble 2016:
- Saturday 7/30, Bus from Winona, MN to Eau Claire, WI
- Sunday 7/31, Eau Claire, WI to Caryville, WI, 13 mi
- Monday 8/1, Caryville, WI to Meridean, WI, 10 mi
- Tuesday 8/2, Meridean, WI to Durand, WI, 19 mi
- Wednesday 8/3, Durand, WI to Wabesha, MN, 21 mi
- Thursday 8/4, Wabasha, MN to Great River Harbor, WI, 13 mi
- Friday 8/5, Great River Harbor, WI to Fountain City, WI, 15 mi
- Saturday 8/6, Fountain City, WI to Winona, MN, 9 mi
- Saturday night, Farewell banquet in Winona, MN
Find more info about this annual weeklong 100+ mile paddling trip, shuttles, campsites, meals, gear transport, itinerary, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/
Update From the Folks Monitoring the Decorah Eagles, Received Apr 9.
We have been receiving a lot of emails regarding the status of the third egg in Decorah and wanted to touch base to update everyone. Egg #3 is now 44-51 day old. It continues to be rolled and incubated but prospects for a hatch seem unlikely. Eagle eggs have hatched as late as 44 days after being laid so there is still a remote possibility and we will keep our fingers crossed. It is possible that we witnessed the hatching of eggs #2 and #3 rather than #1 and #2.
Approximately 3% - 25% of bald eagle eggs fail to hatch and this can happen if the egg is either infertile (the ovum is not fertilized) or nonviable (the embryo fails to develop properly). The egg can become nonviable for several reasons including insufficient incubation (a very complex process), cracking of the shell, or bacterial or chemical contamination. Mom and Dad have had an incredible track record to date but it is important to remember that even excellent parents like these sometimes experience failure.
On a lighter note, we have added video of cute sibling rivalry between D24 and D25 as well as D25 "trying to make a run for it".
Watch the video now.
Watch the live feed now.
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
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Apr 14; Spring Migration on Mississippi Flyway, Clinton County. 5:30 pm at Bulger's Hollow, off US 67 North of Clinton. Mississippi River's Lake Clinton is a perfect place to view the spectacle! Naturalists will have spotting scopes set up in search of returning waterfowl including ducks, cormorants, pelicans, swans, herons, cranes and eagles. At 6:30 pm paddle-craft will be on hand for those who wish to venture out onto the water for a closer look if conditions are right. No need to sign-up for this free event, but contact Clinton County Conservation 563-259-1876 with questions.
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 (IA State Income Tax filing due Apr 30).
Apr 19; Iowa Legislative Session Target Close; (Day 100 of session, per diem expenses end).
Apr 20; CITO Lower Bee Branch Clean-up, Dubuque. Wednesday April 20, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Meet at the Lower Bee Branch maintenance shed 1553 Maple St. Dubuque, IA 52001.
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; 4th Annual "Crossing the Delaware" Paddle, Maquoketa River, Delaware County.
Hosted by brother and sister team Sam Childs and Hannah Childs. Put in 7:00am at Joy Springs Park, west of Strawberry Point. Paddle as far as we can or to Hoeger's Bridge, south of Delhi off Hwy 38, (43 miles) whichever comes first. Options for shuttle &/or lunch (RSVP by Apr 16). Questions and RSVP direct to Hannah at: hannah_rayj@yahoo.com or Sam at: 563-213-0839. More info on Facebook - Crossing the Delaware.
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.
May 6-7; Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peaks. Above average shower, peaking at 60 meteors/hour.
May 8; Mothers Day. May 8; "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM)," Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Odessa WT, near Wapello. Sunday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Leisurely paddle with naturalists to learn about birds & their broods. Canoes and kayaks are available, participation limited, registration required, fee. Open to everyone, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/ or call 319-523-8381.
May 11; (Wed) "Flat-Water Essentials" One-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors, Gray's Lake, Des Moines, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Oriented toward those taking groups onto lakes or those conducting canoe instruction for flat-water conditions (lakes). Focus is on paddling skills, hazard feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. This is for tandem canoe. Boats and life jackets are provided. Cost: $25. Maximum 6 participants (3 canoes). More info and registration: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
May 14-15, May 28-29; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Free tours of historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site, Noon-5:00 pm on scheduled weekends, group tours by appointment. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River Water Trail. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader; call: 563-245-1516 or visit: http://motormill.org/ Find Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Free tour dates in 2016: May 14-15, May 28-29, Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26, Jul 9-10, Jul 23-24, Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21, Sep 3-4, Sep 17-18, Oct 8-9.
May 21; Armed Forces Day.
May 21; Full Moon (Blue Moon). Saturday, Sunrise 5:40, Sunset 8:27, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
May 22; Best Time To View Planet Mars. Visible all night.
May 24-25; (Tue-Wed) Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). Oriented toward naturalists guiding groups on trips or conducting canoe instruction. About 1/3 classroom, and 2/3 on-water, focus is on skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. Cost: $25 (you can camp, rent a cabin or stay in town at a motel). Maximum 10 participants (5 canoes). Instruction conducted by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors: Glenn Harman, Nate Hoogeveen. May 28-29; South Dakota Kayak Challenge, 72 miles on Missouri River. Marathon-endurance paddling race thru 72 miles of wind and waves on the Missouri River between Yankton, S.D. and South Sioux City, Neb. Most of the course is in the National Park Service's Missouri National Recreational River.
May 30; Memorial Day (actual & observed).
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
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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 providing & updating 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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