|
 
IWTA
Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
August, 2016
|
|
|
| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Aug 5-6 "Four County Float" on Little Sioux River | | Aug 6 "Aquatic Life of the River" Paddle Lower Des Moines River, Bentonsport | | Aug 6-7 & 20-21 Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT | | Aug 16 "Kayak Training" Lake Sugema & Lower Des Moines River | | Aug 11-21 Iowa State Fair, DNR and Photography Exhibits | | Aug 16-17 Iowa DNR Kayak School Session | | Aug 19 "Geode Paddle," Lower Des Moines River, Bentonsport | | Aug 19 "Through the Eyes of the River" Presentation, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park | | Jul 11-15 Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River | | Jul 11-15 Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River | | Jul 11-15 Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River | | Jul 11-15 Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River | | Aug 27 "Rugged Toad Adventure Tri" in Waverly | | Jul 9 Demo Day at Kohlman Park in Waverly | | IWTA Outdoor Photography Box -- Visit State Fair, New Photo Club List | | What Readers are Following & Recommending | | A Look at This Month's IWTA Planning Calendar | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
|
|
| QUICK LINKS | |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
1300 Subscribers!!!
We are very pleased and proud to announce that our IWTA Newsletter subscriber list recently topped 1300!
Zero to 1300 in 4 years: Our first IWTA Newsletter issue was July of 2012. Here we are, 4 years and 48 Newsletters later, with 1300 subscribers. Sustaining and growing the IWTA Newsletter was made possible by your support, input, ideas, and encouragement. Sharing your event info, and encouraging friends to subscribe will helps us continue this growth.
August is a busy part of the summer. Check out the items and events in this issue, and get out there before the kids head back to school. We must add a word of caution that water levels on some WTs are unseasonably high. Check river levels before you head out.
OBTW, there is no quiz in this issue, for a couple of reasons. 1) We had so many events and other items, that we thought it best to shorten the newsletter, and 2) the quizzes are primarily opportunities for readers to share, and our inbox was empty. Let us hear from you!
We hope you enjoy this issue of the IWTA Newsletter.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming.
|
|
Aug 5-6; "Four County Float," Little Sioux River
|
The Cherokee County Conservation Board is partnering with the Sanford Museum, Clay County, Buena Vista County, and O'Brien County Conservation Boards to provide you with a unique opportunity to paddle the Little Sioux River with an archeologist and four naturalists on August 5th and 6th!
Enjoy this leisurely float down the Little Sioux River while stopping at various sandbars along the way. Megan Stroh, the Sanford Museum's Archeologist, will be sharing her expertise with us about local history and helping identify potential artifacts that we may find along the way. Each naturalist will also be helping with bird, mussel, and turtle identification as well.
The paddle will begin each day at 9:00am and will take around 5-7 hours depending on weather and water conditions. On August 5, the float will begin at the Linn Grove Dam and end at Wanata Park near Peterson. On August 6, the float will begin at the Prairie Heritage Center and end at Martins Access. Participate in one day or both!
Plan on bringing a lunch and/or various snack items, dress for the weather, and wear sunscreen and bug spray.
Participants can bring their own canoe or kayak to the event or they can borrow one from one of the conservation board's for $10/vessel. Registration is required by August 1st. The paddle is open to everyone, but children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 6; "Aquatic Life of the River" Paddle, Lower Des Moines River, Bentonsport
|
Aug 6; "Aquatic Life of the River" paddle,10:00 am--Noon, Bonaparte Boat Ramp.
Join the State Hygienic Laboratory team from the University of Iowa as they use electroshocking and other techniques to collect and sample the aquatic life of the river. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
|
| Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT |
Putting in at Elkader and floating down the Turkey River WT past the iconic 1860's Motor Mill is an Iowa paddling tradition. 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.
Remaining free tour dates in 2016 are 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 downstream from the mill and bridge on the left, with a path leading back upstream to the site. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader.
|
|
Aug 10; "Kayak Training," Lake Sugema & Lower Des Moines River
|
Aug 10; "Kayak Training," 9:00 am--4:00 pm, Lake Sugema & Des Moines River.
Opportunity for first-timers or the more-experienced to build some paddling skills. Class will be taught by certified instructor. Morning will be on flat water of Lake Sugema before heading out on the river. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
|
|
Aug 11-21; Iowa State Fair, Des Moines
|
 |
| | You just never know what you will find at the Iowa State Fair. |
The Iowa State Fair will run from August 11 through 21. There will be lots of rides, entertainment, prize winning animals, fruits, vegetables, 4H projects, and, of course, plenty of "food on a stick."
If you attend, be sure to stop by the Iowa DNR building to view the exhibits, pick up maps, and put in a few good words on behalf of Iowa Water Trails. FYI, the DNR is not seeking volunteers to help staff the exhibits this year.
If you have an interest in outdoor photography, we encourage you to spend some time perusing the Photography Salon exhibit. Outdoor photographers can learn much from considering why judges awarded prizes to specific photos, and a similar amount by considering the subjects, lighting, vantage points, and more in all of the photos selected for display.
Photo at 2013 Iowa State Fair by G.Stark
|
|
Aug 16-17; Iowa DNR Kayak School Session; Last Canoe School Session in Sep!
|
Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, reminds us that only two sessions remain in the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" series, and notes that there are a few openings remaining in each session. Last chances for 2016, so sign up now!
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
- 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
|
|
Aug 19; "Geode Paddle," Lower Des Moines River, Bentonsport
|
The August 19 "Geode Paddle" will be held from 1:00 pm--5:00 pm, traveling from the Bentonsport Boat Ramp to the Des Moines River Access.
Paddle this beautiful stretch of the Lower Des Moines, stopping on sandbars to search for geodes. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
|
|
Aug 19; "Through the Eyes of the River" Presentation, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Keosauqua
|
This August 19 "Through the Eyes of the River" presentation will begin at 7:00 pm, in the Beachhouse at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Historian Michael Sahs will share history through the eyes of the Des Moines River, including early river traffic, a proposed lock & dam system, exploration along the river, the Mormon crossing, and the CCC. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
|
|
Aug 19; "River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2)," Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers
|
The 15th Annual River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2) will be held on Friday, August 19, starting at 8:00 am.
Volunteers will be cleaning areas from Saylorville to Yellow Banks Park on the Des Moines River, and from Walnut Woods Park to Waterworks Park on the Raccoon River.
This event allows volunteers the opportunity to remove trash from the river or along its adjacent trails. Paddlers, rowers, power boaters, walkers, hikers, bicyclers, mountain bikers, birders, etc are all welcome, and encouraged to participate!
For more info, use these links:
|
|
Aug 20; "7th Annual Floatzilla" in Quad Cities
|
Join hundreds of paddlers for the 7th Annual Floatzilla in the Quad Cities on August 20. This annual celebration of paddlesports includes a variety of floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, and, of course, a world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes.
|
|
Aug 19-21; "Lower Wapsi River Cleanup," Syracuse WA to Gambril Access
|
This annual demonstration of love for the Wapsipinicon River continues. The 2016 Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project will cover 32.3 Miles from Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access, 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 or by calling 563-349-0811 by noon on the 12th of August.
|
|
Aug 24-26 (tentative); Annual Iowa Mussel Blitz," Harpers Ferry
|
|
| | Participants in 2015 Iowa Mussel Blitz |
Scott Gritters notes that this is the time of year when mussels fans come out of the river ooze to scavenge for some of the world's most endangered creatures.
The 2016 Iowa Mussel Blitz is tentatively set for Aug 24, 25 and maybe 26 at Harpers Ferry, Iowa on Beautiful Pool 10 of the Mississippi River.
It has been years since the last mussel survey of this area. In its prime in the 1980's, Harpers Slough was a heavily clammed resource that suffered greatly from over-exploitation. Then zebra mussels dealt it a second blow, and the mussel populations declined dramatically. Gritters and the volunteers are anxious to determine the current status of the mussel population.
To learn more, or to volunteer to participate in the Mussel Blitz, contact
Scott Gritters scott.gritters@dnr.iowa.gov
|
|
Aug 27; "Rugged Toad Adventure Tri" in Waverly--Volunteers Needed
|
So, maybe you're not up for participating in all that rigorous peddling, paddling, and running? You can still be part of the fun by volunteering to help with such roles as timer, kayak start help, kayak safety crew, kayak sweep, kayak transition, kayak hauling & transporting, run course helper, creek crossing assistant, bike transition, bike course helper, food & beverage, or first aid.
Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon Scheduled for Aug 27!
Get your wart on with the Rugged Toad Adventure Tri -- Paddle, Trail Run and Mountain Bike. Paddle (4.6 miles) on the Cedar River from Waverly to Ingawanis Adventure Base, trail run (3.4 miles) through the camp, then mountain bike (7 miles) through Ingawanis Woodland.
Race begins at Brookwood Park, Waverly at 9:00 am. Registration closes on Aug 25, 2016, 12:00:00 PM CDT. Event is held rain or shine. Event will be delayed due to severe weather / lightning.
UPDATED REGISTRATION LINK:
For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visit
|
|
Retailer "Demo Days" Winding Down, Trips Popular, Fall Deals Coming
|
|
| | Iowa Paddle Shops offer great opportunities
to expand your knowledge of boats, gear, and skills. |
Whether it's an organized demo day, boat rental, informal test paddle, or whatever, our paddle shop friends want to help you find the boat that fits your needs, skills, interests, and body size. When you're ready to upgrade your boat or gear, they're great places to start. And they lead trips to destinations in Iowa and beyond.
Crawdaddy Outdoors continues its se ries of area Saturday Free Kayak Demos, addition to weekly events in Waverly. These Demo Days are free, require no pre-registration, and offer a fleet of 16+ kayaks to test-paddle. Saturday Demo Days are from 10 am to 2 pm. More info at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/ Upcoming demo dates and locations (in addition to regular Waverly events): = August 6 - Lake Meyer - Calmar = September 17 - Rodgers Park - Vinton
Fin & Feather in Iowa City continues to host events, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, and informal instruction at Fin & Feather H2O located in the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. More info at http://finfeather.com/pages/paddle-winter-sports/fin-feather-h2o.php
Canoesport Outfitters holds numerous paddling classes at Lake Ahquabi, south of Indianola. From quick start and fundamentals, through intermediate, advanced, and safety rescue, they offer classes to build your skill set and work toward ACA certification. Find info on schedules, class content, fees, pregistration on the CSO website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/kayakInst.php
|
|
IWTA "Outdoor Photography Box"
|
Digital photography, available via a wide range of devices, has made it possible for folks to take photos wherever they go, and some of the more fascinating places are along our Water Trails. This monthly "Outdoor Photography Box" is an opportunity to share tips, ideas, events, etc. to encourage interest in outdoor photography. We welcome your input at iowawta@gmail.com
AUG 11-21 IOWA STATE FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT WILL PROVIDE IDEAS, INSIGHT, & INSPIRATION
If you are planning to attend the Aug 11-21 Iowa State Fair, we encourage you to spend some time perusing the Photography Exhibit. Outdoor photographers can learn much from considering why judges awarded prizes to specific photos, and a similar amount by considering the subjects, lighting, vantage points, and more in all of the photos selected for display.
SKYLIGHT FILTER SAVES LENS!
We sometimes hear discussions regarding the cost, potential benefit, negative impact of a "protective filter" (skylight, etc.) installed on a lens. Recently, a camera in a padded bag tumbled from a car seat to the driveway when a car door was opened. The camera landed directly on the lens, and the results are evident. The skylight filter was broken, but the lens and the exterior threads were not damaged. One vote for the use of a filter.
IOWA PHOTOGRAPHY CLUBS PROVIDE INFORMATION, EDUCATION, & ENCOURAGEMENT
Special thanks go out to Charley Starnes for sharing his updated list of Iowa Photography Clubs. Charley is the superintendent of the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon.
Here is a link to Charley's pdf listing of 22 Iowa photography clubs that would welcome your participation:
Return to Top
|
What IWTA Newsletter Readers are Following & Recommending
|
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 summaries and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting.
Heritage Matters! Iowa's Water Trails and Iowa's Heritage are inextricably linked, from the fossil record, through prehistory, Native American history, pioneer history, and into the modern era. Iowa waterways have provided humans with food, water, transportation, and power over hundreds of years. They have determined the location of villages, mills, bridges, and cities. They have facilitated the development of trade routes, industries, and economies.
Recent programs, sponsored by County Conservation Boards or other organizations, and facilitated by the Office of the State Archaeologist, have tapped into Iowans' deep interest in their heritage. From arrow head collectors to historians to pioneer genealogists, we want to know more about the life and lives of earlier residents of the land now called Iowa. Funding to support such programs has just been cut, and you can help.
Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT Aug 20- Aug 21.
"Bike Van Buren XXX," their 30th anniversary, is planned to be their biggest and best ride yet!!
As always, technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support will be available on the ride.
The route crosses the Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. The event will include a Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. Find more info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
 New Coordinator of Sep 14 Disabled Vets Paddle Announces Updates, Calls for More Volunteers & Boats.
Tom Sabotta, new coordinator of Vets Paddle volunteers, encourages all past and new volunteers to save the date, plus contact him to confirm their participation, number and types of boats they are bringing, and participant T-Shirt sizes. Among the changes for 2016 are the provision of free T-Shirts to aid identification of volunteers vs. Vets, a 4-wheeler & trailer to shuttle boats to and from the beach area, and expanding the event to 3 sessions beginning at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 1:00 pm. More volunteers and boats are needed. Contact Tom at tsabott@gmail.com
While the "TEE Tournament" began as a golf tournament for disabled Veterans, TEE actually stands for "Training Exposure Experience." The Vets Paddle is an "alternative activity," (others include bowling, horseback riding, and fishing) to expand the variety of experiences offered to the participating Veterans. The VA introduced paddling in 2009, with equipment contracted from out of state. Beginning in 2010, the event became a totally volunteer effort, combining the resources of Seatasea Watersports and members of the Saukenuk and Sticks In the Water paddler groups. Volunteers are now compromised of paddlers from many parts of Iowa, linked via email, recruiting friends to maintain the "pool" of people, kayaks, and canoes. Interestingly, the wider, recreational class kayaks are most appropriate for the Vets, some of whom have issues with mobility and balance.
Indian Creek Nature Center will Host "Amazing Space" Grand Opening Weekend of Sep 15-18. "Amazing Space" is Indian Creek Nature Center's vision for the future! A comprehensive project that will enhance Indian Creek Nature Center for generations to come, this project focuses on developing an enhanced outdoor campus and a new, completely sustainable 12,000 sq ft building. Of particular interest to Eastern Iowa paddlers, this will be the site of the 10th Annual ICNC Paddle Day in January 2017. ICNC has just posted a detailed schedule of events for the 4-day Grand Opening Weekend celebration on their website: http://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/amazing-space-grand-opening/
The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Announced that the Oct 6, 2016 Annual Conference Theme will be "ECOnomics: Dollars, Sense and Sustainability." The event will explore the bond between our environment, communities and economy, and will feature keynote speaker Jon D. Erickson, fellow of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics and professor at the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Erickson has published widely on climate change policy, renewable energy economics, environmental management and the theory and practice of ecological economics; led international research and education programs; produced Emmy award-winning documentary films on water, energy and food system transitions; and founded and led numerous non-profit organizations.
Iowa Rivers Revival Has Created a New Booklet, "Iowa Low-head Dam Modification Success Stories". The 28 page IRR booklet includes stories and details of 13 low-head dam modifications in towns across Iowa - 12 since 2010. Stories include local partnerships and decision-making, cost of modification, funding sources, design features and photos. The booklet also discusses the history of low-head dams in Iowa, benefits of dam modification, sources of planning assistance, and a guide for community action. Access the booklet to read or download at:
|
|
A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar! Have We Missed Something?
|
Jul 31-Aug 6; Great River Rumble (GRR), Eau Clair on the Chippewa River to Winona on the Mississippi. Paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Annual weeklong 100+ mile paddle with shuttles, campsites, meals, & gear transport. Info, itinerary, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/
Aug 5-6; Four County Paddle on Little Sioux River. Cherokee CCB is partnering with the Sanford Museum, Clay County, Buena Vista County, and O'Brien County Conservation Boards to provide you with a unique opportunity to paddle the Little Sioux River with an archaeologist and four naturalists. Paddle will begin each day at 9:00am and will take around 5-7 hours depending on weather and water conditions. On Aug 5, float will begin at Linn Grove Dam and end at Wanata Park near Peterson. On Aug 6, float will begin at Prairie Heritage Center and end at Martins Access. Participate in one day or both. More info and registration: Contact Cherokee CCB at 712-225-6709 or e-mail cccblaura@gmail.com. Visit on Facebook or on the web at www.cherokeecountyparks.com
Aug 6; "Aquatic Life of the River" paddle,10:00 am--Noon, Bonaparte Boat Ramp. Join the State Hygienic Laboratory team from the University of Iowa as they use electroshocking and other techniques to collect and sample the aquatic life of the river. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more info call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21; 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/ /Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Aug 10; "Kayak Training," 9:00 am--4:00 pm, Lake Sugema & Des Moines River. Opportunity for first-timers or the more-experienced to build some paddling skills. Class will be taught by certified instructor. Morning will be on flat water of Lake Sugema before heading out on the river. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration required, participation limited. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets provided for all participants. Register at (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Aug 11-21; Iowa State Fair, Des Moines. Visit IDNR Building & Courtyard, with River Programs, Water Trails, & Project Aware displays. Also find inspiration in the Photography Salon exhibit. http://www.iowastatefair.org/
Aug 12-13; Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks. One of the best to observe, peaking at 60 meteors/hour.
Aug 16; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in western sky just after sunset. Aug 16-17; (Wed-Thu) Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). Oriented toward naturalists guiding groups on trips or conducting kayak 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. This for kayak only. Cost approx. $25 (you can camp, rent a cabin or stay in town at a motel). Maximum 10 participants. Instruction conducted by two American Canoe Association certified instructors. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf info & registration: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
Aug 18; Full Moon. Thursday, Sunrise 6:18, Sunset 8:02, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
Aug 19; 15th Annual River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2), starts at 8:00 am. Cleanup of the rivers, banks, & adjacent trails from Saylorville to Yellow Banks Park on the Des Moines River, and from Walnut Woods Park to Waterworks Park on the Raccoon River. Paddlers, rowers, power boaters, walkers, hikers, bicyclers, mountain bikers, birders, etc are all encouraged to participate! Website: http://riverstewards.org/
Aug 19; "Geode Paddle," 1:00 pm--5:00 pm, Bentonsport Boat Ramp to Des Moines River Access. Paddle this beautiful stretch of the Lower Des Moines, stopping on sandbars to search for geodes. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration required, participation limited. Some boats available for loan. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by adult. Register at (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Aug 19; "Through the Eyes of the River" presentation, 7:00 pm, Beachhouse at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Historian Michael Sahs share history through the eyes of the Des Moines River, including river traffic, proposed lock & dam system, exploration along the river, the Mormon crossing, and the CCC. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more info, call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Aug 19-20; Annual Floatzilla in Quad Cities. Floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes; http://www.floatzilla.org/
Aug 19-21; Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project (32.3 Miles), Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access, 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.
Aug 21; Senior Citizens Day.Aug 20-21; "Bike Van Buren XXX" Criss-crosses New Lower Des Moines River WT. Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT. Bike ride crosses Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. Technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support. Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. More info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
Aug 24-26 (tentative); Annual Iowa Mussel Blitz. The time of year when mussels fans come out of the river ooze to scavenge for some of the world's most endangered creatures. Tentative set for Aug 24, 25 and maybe 26 at Harpers Ferry, Iowa on Beautiful Pool 10 of the Mississippi River. For more info, contact Scott Gritters scott.gritters@dnr.iowa.gov Aug 27; Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon in Waverly. Get your "wart on!" Paddle (4.6 miles) on the Cedar River from Waverly to Ingawanis Adventure Base, trail run (3.4 miles) through the camp, then mountain bike (7 miles) through Ingawanis Woodland. Race begins at Brookwood Park, Waverly at 9:00 am. Registration closes on Aug 25, 2016, 12:00:00 PM CDT. Event held rain or shine, delayed due to severe weather / lightning. For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visit http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=38271 or contact Darrin Siefken at 319-352-9129 or info@crawdaddyoutdoors.com
Aug 27; Conjunction of Venus & Jupiter. Extremely close in western sky just after sunset. Sep 3; Best Time To View Planet Neptune. Blue giant will be visible all night (as a tiny dot). Sep 3-4, Sep 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/ Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Sep 4; Sticks In the Water Annual Annual Pre-"Half Chicken Dinner" Float, Volga River, dinner at Wadena Fire Station. Route always dependent on water level. Contact Nick Gaeta,
319-360-0220 (c).
Sep 5; Labor Day.
Sep 11: Patriot Day.Sep 11; National Grandparents Day. Sep 13-14; (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. This is for canoe only. 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 instructors. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf Info & registration: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
Sep 14; Disabled Veteran Kayaking/Canoeing Event at Riverside. In conjunction with VA National TEE Tournament, Riverside Casino, Riverside, IA; info at http://www1,.va.gov/opa/speceven/tee/index.asp. Volunteers & boats needed; contact Volunteer coordinator Tom Sabotta tsabott@gmail.com
Sep 16; Full Moon. Friday, Sunrise 6:48, Sunset 7:13, Moonrise 7:23 CDT Sep 17; IARVCP Iowa River Cleanup, Iowa City. Sturgis to Hills. Registration at http://www.iarvcp.org/. Event info available via Carol Sweeting carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org or 319-541-2385, or via Dan Ceynar, dlceynar@engineering.uiowa.edu
Sep 17; Boone County 11th Annual "Dragoon River Romp," Des Moines River cleanup. Canoes and transportation provided, followed by lunch and awards. http://www.boonecounty.iowa.gov/
Sep 22; Autumnal Equinox, 1st Day of Autumn. Sep 24; "Birding Basics" program, 9:00 am--Noon, Ely Ford Picnic Area at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Local birding experts Ray & Connie Morris will share birding basics, bird identification, and area birding "hot spots." Feel free to come and go during this "open house" style program. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more info, call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Sep 28; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in eastern sky just before sunrise.
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
|
|
|
We Hope That You Are Enjoying the "Award-Winning" IWTA Newsletter
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
