Owners Sandi and Keith Dimmitt indicate that they will need at least 6 paddlers renting kayaks or canoes to hold each Geode Paddle.  Kayaks rent for $35.00 and Canoes for $45.00, including boat, paddle, life jacket, bag for geodes, food, and shuttle. Make a reservation by calling 319-592-3220. Registrants will be notified if a cancellation is necessary. Paddle, Pedal & MORE is located at 21903 Hawk Drive in Bentonsport, IA.

 

• Sep 13-14; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). 

If you have questions, contact Carol Sweeting carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org or 319-541-2385, or via Dan Ceynar, dlceynar@engineering.uiowa.edu  

Invitation from Jones CCB Naturalist Michele Olson:

 

Join the Jones County Conservation Department Staff on our annual fall colors river outing.  This year we will travel back through history as we paddle 10 miles of the Maquoketa River, quietly passing by the long deserted but not forgotten town of Clay Mills.  Be spellbound by Iowa's beautiful fall colors as we transition from croplands and pastures to heavily wooded bluffs, boulders, limestone outcroppings, and soaring cliffs.  Bring a snack or your picnic lunch and enjoy a break as we stretch our legs on a sandbar and learn about the people and place that was once the small thriving community of Clay Mills.  

Participants should bring their own kayaks or canoes, paddles, pfd's, dry bags, extra dry clothing, warm aquatic footwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses.  A limited number of canoes and equipment are available for use by those who do not have their own.  This outing is river level and weather dependent.  Those planning on attending should pre-register by emailing or calling Michele at (319)481-7987 or naturalist@co.jones.ia.us prior to noon, Sept. 30. 

The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) 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.

The IEC Conference will be held on Thursday, October 6 at the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Registration is open at http://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/council-events/annual-conference/2016-annual-conference-registration 

Stephanie Shepherd, Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the Iowa DNR, has shared the announcement of two separate grant programs of possible interest to our readers. Deadline for submittal of each is November 1, 2016. 

 

1) Small Research and Education Grants:  The maximum ask is $2500 and is for small wildlife diversity focused research and education projects.  Organizations that do environmental education or which have a small research question to answer should apply.  

 

2) Habitat Management Grants:  The maximum ask for this project is $7500 and is for on the ground habitat management projects that will benefit wildlife diversity.  Applicants should be organizations which manage land with wildlife conservation objectives.  .

 

The RFPs are posted on the website:    http://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Wildlife-Stewardship/Non-Game-Wildlife/Inside-Wildlife-Diversity/Grants-Available-Funding