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IWTA
Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
October, 2016
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| PICK, CLICK and READ |
| Iowa River Friends Seeking Outfitters Serving Iowa River | | Thru Oct "Wednesday Geode Paddles" on Lower Des Moines River | | Oct 1 "Jones County Fall Colors Float," South Fork Maquoketa River | | Oct 1 "Walnut Creek Watershed Festival," Colby Park | | Oct 6 IEC Annual Conference "ECOnomics: Dollars, Sense & Sustainability" at DMACC Ankeny Campus | | Oct 7 "Old Time & Blue Grass Festival Paddle Trip," Maquoketa River | | Oct 8 "Freedom Float: The Underground Railroad Along the River," Lower Des Moines River | | Oct 8-9 "Motor Mill Free Tours," Turkey River WT; also Heritage Days at Osborne | | Oct 9 "Wapsi River Kayak/Canoe Float" Central City | | Oct 18-19 "Stream Bank & Natural Channel Design Workshop" at UNI | | Nov 1, Apps Due for Two Wildlife Diversity Grants | | Nov 5 "Migration Paddle," Mississippi River Backwaters, Louisa CCB | | Nov 8 Vote in Elections, National, State, Local | | Retailers Offer Fall Trips & Sales, Prep for Winter Classes & Trips | | What Readers are Following & Recommending | | A Look at The IWTA Planning Calendar | | Thanks to IWTA Readers |
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"Due to recent flooding. . ."
Please keep that phrase in mind as you consider heading out on our WTs. "Due to recent flooding," water levels may still be high, accesses may be difficult to use getting on or off the trail, new strainers and other obstacles may have been created, and planned events may have been canceled, rescheduled, or relocated.
Also, "due to recent flooding," we may issue extra emails to inform you of event changes in the next few weeks. Any such changes will also be reflected on the IWTA Website Calendar.
According to the Iowa DNR, the recent wet weather may delay the onset of fall colors. Mother Nature's fall decorations are a great motivation to pack a lunch and enjoy an Iowa WT. Iowa paddlers are probably familiar with a relaxing float past multicolored slopes and emerging rock outcroppings. But those without a boat, or without an interest in paddling, can enjoy much of the same by just visiting a WT access, with lawn chair or fishing pole optional. If your favorite river isn't cooperating, try a local lake. For weekly updates on fall color around Iowa contact the DNR fall color hotline at 515-233-4110. A pdf version of the weekly updates along with other fall color information can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/fallcolor For fall festivals, scenic byways, places to stay and other ways to enjoy fall in Iowa, visit http://www.traveliowa.com/
It's also the season to contact your legislators and share your concerns/ideas/opinions about improving water quality, funding the Water and Land Legacy, or other issues of interest to WT supporters. Most proposals or initiatives will be developed well before the legislative session begins on Jan 9, 2017. It's best to speak up now.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the IWTA Newsletter.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming.
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Iowa River Friends Seeking to ID Outfitters Serving the Iowa River
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The "Iowa River Friends" group is seeking contact information for outfitters serving any portion of the Iowa River in Iowa. The group is preparing a new brochure and would like to include the outfitter list as a way to encourage increased recreational use of the river, and to support the development of outfitter services. If you are an outfitter or know of such an outfitter, please email Mel Schlachter at: melschlachter@gmail.com
Learn more about Iowa River Friends at:
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Thru Oct; "Wednesday Geode Paddles" on Lower Des Moines River
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"Paddle, Pedal & MORE," a Bentonsport kayak and canoe livery, is hosting weekly Geode Paddles from Bentonsport to Bonaparte on the Lower Des Moines River. The paddle outings start at 3:30 pm in Bentonsport and end at Bonaparte with a barbeque. These paddles will be held each Wednesday through October, weather permitting.
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.
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Oct 1; "Jones County Fall Colors Float," South Fork Maquoketa River
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This year's annual Jones CCB Fall Colors Paddle will feature "A Paddle Back Through History" on the South Fork of the Maquoketa River from the Hwy 136 Access to Canton on Saturday, Oct 1.
Plan for 9:00-10:00 am Staging, 10:00 am On River
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.
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Oct 1; "Walnut Creek Watershed Festival," Colby Park
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The Walnut Creek Watershed Coalition, along with its community and business partners, is sponsoring a celebration of the Walnut Creek Watershed, featuring a creek clean-up, an Ecovillage of demonstrations and exhibits about the environment, storm water, water quality, and conservation. The Seventh Annual Walnut Creek Watershed Festival will start at Colby Park Pavilion with a 9:00 am yoga session, followed by a cleanup from 10:00 am-Noon. Speakers, vendors, activities and demonstrations continue Noon to 3:00 pm.
Many people in Iowa enjoy using our streams, creeks, lakes and rivers to fish, kayak, canoe, swim and wade. Everyone in the watershed has a stake in the health of its water, and this outdoor celebration will show how we all impact our water quality and what we can do to protect it. In addition to the creek cleanup, events will include river trash sculpture build (live), community gardening, electric vehicle demonstration, rain barrel build (available for purchase), environmental resource information, IOWATER sampling demonstrations, catching and identifying bugs, urban chickens, various children's activities, live entertainment , music, and food.
The clean-up is great for families, scout, school groups and anyone who loves the environment and clean water. All ages are welcome to join in the clean-up.
Gloves, trash bags, water, and snacks will be provided. Volunteers will meet at the Colby Park Pavilion at 10:00 a.m. to head out to a number of locations along Walnut Creek and North Walnut Creek.
After the clean-up, volunteers are invited to join in a trash tally, music, refreshments, and a BBQ.
Follow Walnut Creek Watershed at:
Event details at:
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Oct 6; Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Annual Conference at DMACC Ankeny Campus
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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.
For questions about exhibitor space, sponsorship opportunities, or other info, contact Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210 or Heggen@iaenvironment.org
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Oct 7; "35th Old Time & Blue Grass Festival Paddle Trip," Maquoketa River, Canton Access to Millerton Access
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Join Clinton County Conservation from Noon to 4:00 pm on October 7 for a paddle trip in conjunction with the 35th Old Time & Blue Grass Festival.
The paddle trip will cover 5.6 miles on the Maquoketa River from the Canton Access to the Millerton Access. Meet at Eden Valley Refuge Nature Center at 11:45 to register and car pool to Millertown Access to deposit a shuttle vehicle. Launch at 12:30 pm, finish approx. 4:00 pm.
After supper, Eden Valley Refuge Park will fill with music around many campfires as the 35th Annual Old Time & Blue Grass Festival begins. Saturday features stage shows with 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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Oct 8; "Freedom Float: The Underground Railroad Along the River," Paddle Austin Park to Keosauqua
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This Oct 8 "Freedom Float: The Underground Railroad Along the River" paddling event will be held from 10:00 am--2:00 pm, from Austin Park to the Keosauqua Boat Ramp on the Lower Des Moines River.
Uncover secrets, legends, & stories of the Underground Railroad in SE Iowa as you paddle along the Lower Des Moines River. Includes tour of the Pearson House, a confirmed station on the Railroad. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
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| Oct 8-9; 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. This is the last scheduled 2016 free tour date.
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.
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| Oct 9; "Wapsi River Kayak/Canoe Float," Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City |
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| | Mary Lundby Bridge in Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City |
The Linn County Conservation Department will host a kayak and canoe float trip down a pleasant stretch of the Wapsipinicon River on Sunday, Oct 9. Meet at the Watercraft Concession parking lot at Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City at 10:00 am, drive to the launch point along Sutton Road, expect to be on the water by 11:00 am, arrive back in Pinicon Ridge Park by 1:00 pm or so. Rides back to the Sutton Road drop off will be arranged within the group to pick up vehicles.
The float is scheduled near the peak of fall leaf color and we should have great views of the river and the surrounding forest. Chuck Ungs, Naturalist with Linn County Conservation Department will share information on leaves, along with how and why they change colors and drop. You will also be treated to unique views of Pinicon Ridge Park as well as the Mary Lundby Bridge from the Wapsi and a chance to view a wide variety of wildlife from the river.
Participants will be responsible for their own boats, gear and lifejackets. Pack water, a lunch or snacks, and dress for the weather. Water temperatures at this time of year are cold so synthetic clothing is suggested rather anything cotton. To register for this event please contact Chuck at 319-892-6485 or by e-mailing Chuck.Ungs(at)LinnCounty.org by October 6. There is no cost to participate. Weather or river conditions may determine if the float will be held. Pinicon Ridge Park is located 12 miles north of Marion on Highway 13 near Central City. The watercraft concession is located on the day use side of the park, accessed via Maine Ridge Road on the South side of the Wapsipinicon River, and then by turning north (right) on Horseshoe Falls Road.
Photo by Linn County Conservation
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Oct 18-19; Classroom & Field Venue Workshop at UNI--
Natural Channel Design & Urban Streambank Stabilization |
Learn about urban stream bank stabilization techniques from Iowa and Minnesota experts. This workshop will include both classroom and field time. Participants will visit recently-constructed stream bank projects and likely be able to follow a local bank reconstruction project. Please dress for field visits.
Featured speakers will be Nate Hoogeveen and Jon Lore. Hoogeveen is the director of river programs for the Iowa DNR, and oversees river science evaluations, surveys, stream bank stabilization, data & mapping dam mitigation and planning. Lore is a Senior Watershed Specialist with the Minnesota DNR, and assesses the stability of southern Minnesota rivers, correlating that with water quality and biological impairments.
Additional speakers include Amy Kay (City of Cedar Falls), Monica Smith (Robinson Engineering), and Joshua Balk (NRCS).
This workshop will be of particular benefit to stormwater managers and technical staff, consulting engineers and landscape architects, watershed coordinators, contractors, and others interested in stream bank stabilization and habitat restoration.
There is a fee for this workshop. Download a pdf event flyer and registration info at:
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Nov 1; App Due Date for Two Wildlife Diversity Grants
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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. .
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Nov 5; "Migration Paddle," Mississippi River Backwaters, Louisa County
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Louisa County Conservation will host a "Migration Paddle," along the Mississippi River Backwaters, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm on Saturday, Nov 5.
Iowa's fall is filled with sunny days, beautiful colors, and migrating animals. Where better to experience all three than in a boat floating along the Mississippi River? This paddle will start at the Port Louisa Access and end at the Toolesboro Boat Access. Participants will paddle mostly backwaters, staying close to the Iowa shoreline. There is a short portage around the spillway at Lock and Dam 17.
A shuttle service will be available to participants.
Registration is required for this event, and participation is limited to twenty boats. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. The canoe rental fee is $20 while the kayak rental fee is $15. If participants are bringing their own boat, the registration fee is $5. Due to the intensity of the river, this trip is open to experienced paddlers only.
To register please call 319-523-8381 or email Lana Artz-McComb at lmccomb@lccb.org
More info at:
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Nov 8; Elections at National, State, Local Levels. Prepare to Vote!!!
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On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, Americans will have the right, opportunity, and responsibility to vote for candidates at the national, state, and local, along with bond issues and/or other initiatives.
On the national level, Iowans will be voting for President/Vice President, one U.S. Senator, and U.S. Representatives in all 4 Iowa districts.
On the state level, Iowans will be voting for State Senators in even-numbered districts 2-48, and State Representatives in districts 1-100.
On the county level, Iowans will be voting for some members of county boards of supervisors, county auditor, county sheriff, and any vacant offices needing to be filled.
Ballots may also include some township officers, public hospital trustees, soil and water conservation district commissioners, county agricultural extension council members, or judges standing for retention.
Find information about voter registration, important dates, absentee voting, candidates, sample ballot, voting sites, special elections, links to political parties, etc. on your county's election web page.
Example: Linn County Auditor's Election Web Page: http://linncounty.org/157/Election-Services
Enter your address on the Iowa Legislature "Find Your Legislator" web page: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find to identify the districts for your residence, and the state senator or representative currently representing you. This site will also indicate current state senators/representatives by county, and U.S. senators and representatives.
General information about the Iowa 2016 elections, key dates, voting provisions for persons in the military, disabled, or absent on Nov 8, candidate filings, etc. can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State website at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/general/
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Retailers Offer Fall Trips & Fall Sales, Prep for Winter Indoor Classes & Winter Trips to Warmer Climes.
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| | Iowa Paddle Shops offer great opportunities to expand your knowledge of boats, gear, and skills. |
While the seasons for warm-weather paddling may come and go, our paddle shop friends always maintain an inventory of information, advice, and encouragement to help you enjoy your time on the water and in the outdoors. When you're ready to upgrade your boat, your gear, your paddling skills, or your paddling horizons, they're great places to start.
Crawdaddy Outdoors in Waverly organizes outdoor adventure trips year-round, hosts special in-store events, and offers indoor classes at the Waverly/Wartburg "W" facility. Learn more about demos, classes, trips, and sales at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/
Canoesport Outfitters in Indianola maintains an online list of new and used boats, hosts special off-season promotions, offers classes at the Indianola "Y", and organizes winter trips to warmer areas like Louisiana and Georgia. Find details at http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/
Find info on event schedules, skills class content, fees, pregistration on the CSO website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/kayakInst.php
G.Stark photo. |
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 summaries and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting.
Here They Come, There They Go. Ducks, geese, pelicans,songbirds, hummingbirds. . . a great variety of winged creatures appear briefly in Iowa, teasing us with their ability to escape the snow and cold weather. Watch for them on your favorite WT, on a nearby pond or lake, or in your backyard. Topping off your nectar or seed feeders will help ensure that they have the energy to continue their journey. Guest Dr. Jim Pease and host Cherity Nebbe discussed Iowa's migrating visitors during a Sep 13 broadcast of the Iowa Public Radio "Talk of Iowa" program. You can replay it at: http://iowapublicradio.org/post/when-critters-do-shuffle
New IPTV Nature Episode Oct 12: "Super Hummingbirds." Enter the fast-paced world of hummingbirds through high-speed cameras and breakthrough science. For the first time, see them mate, fight and raise families. They are super hummingbirds-great athletes, yet tender moms who are up for any challenge! Nature: Super Hummingbirds airs Oct 12 at 7:00 pm on IPTV.
Mel Schlacter, Episcopal Priest and Iowa River Friends Leader, Shared an Op-Ed Piece on Rivers and Public Health in the Sep 18 CR Gazette. "To say it again, we need to bypass the blame game and collaborate on solutions that will involve all those affecting the life of our creeks and rivers, setting goals with dates and accountability and resources. People who do, or would, enjoy water recreation need to put their shoulder to the solutions, too. After all, I want to get that kayak out of the garage. I also want my grandsons to swim in the river and eat the fish they catch."
Read full article at:
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| | Higgins Eye Mussel |
Iowa DNR Mussel Blitz Leader Scott Gritters Shared Link to Good News Re Endangered Mussels in the Wisconsin River. Article states, "Nearly 15 years after state and federa
l biologists first used bass and walleye to deliver endangered freshwater mussels to their new home on the Wisconsin River, biologists from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other state and federal agencies have returned to find good news." Get the details at:
 Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa's Water & Land Legacy Coalition Positions Updated in Sep 20 CR Gazette Article by Orlan Love."Environmental groups warmly welcomed the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's recent statement of support for long-term, dedicated state funding of water quality initiatives. But they said they will resist Farm Bureau's efforts to exclude the acquisition of public land from the funding formula.
If elected officials approve a sales tax increase to fill the state's empty Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, 'the $180 million (anticipated annual proceeds) should be dedicated to water quality improvement and soil retention,' Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill said Tuesday.
"'You can't do all things with limited funds, and the sentiment of delegates (to the Iowa Farm Bureau's recent policy conference) is that we need to target the funds to efforts that will yield the greatest water quality benefits,' Hill added.
"Conservation practices on land in public ownership improves water quality at least to the same extent as practices on private land and does so permanently, said representatives of the more than 20-member organizations of the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy Coalition, formed to promote passage and enactment of the trust fund."
Read the full article at:
Upcoming Cedar River Watershed Coalition Meeting in Parkersburg Oct 28.
The Cedar River Watershed includes a wide swath of our state, and both impacts, and is impacted by, a large number of communities and citizens, as well as agricultural, environmental, and economic interests. The CRWS Coalition coordinates and supports the many governmental entities, agencies, and groups working to address and manage these impacts. The Friday, October 28 meeting is free, open to the public, and will be held in Parkersburg. More information will be posted on the CRWS website: http://www.iihr.uiowa.edu/cedarriverwatershed/
Linn County Conservation Board Works to Gain Support for $40 Million, 20 Year Bond Proposal; Will Need 60% Approval in Nov 8 Vote. Could Be Model for Other Counties.
IWLL Statewide vs. IWLL by County. If passed, the proposal would be only the third such conservation bond in the state, joining similar bonds in Johnson and Polk counties. While such efforts may reflect citizen impatience with the legislature's unwillingness to fund the statewide Iowa Water & Land Legacy Fund, the local entities would still be eligible to participate in that larger funding mechanism, if and when it becomes available. In 2008, Johnson County voters passed a similar conservation bond issue - of up to $20 million - with a narrow 61 percent approval. Of the $5.6 million of bond funds spent so far, another $4.7 million has been leveraged from grants.
The "Linn County Water and Land Legacy" proposal would fund water quality and land protection, park improvements and trails. Responding to concerns regarding a lack of specifics on project funding, the Conservation Board approved a resolution establishing percentages - 55 percent for water quality and land protection, 30 percent for parks and 15 percent for trails. The proposed bond would cost the average Linn Co homeowner $27 per year in increased property tax.
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A Quick Look At the IWTA Planning Calendar!
Have We Missed Something for the Balance of 2016?
Do You Have Any Event Dates for 2017?
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Oct 1; Jones CCB Fall Colors Paddle will feature "A Paddle Back Through History" on the South Fork of the Maquoketa River, Hwy 136 Access to Canton, 9:00-10:00 am Staging, 10:00 am On River. Travel back through history along 10 miles of the Maquoketa River, quietly passing by the long deserted but not forgotten town of Clay Mills. View Iowa's beautiful fall colors, croplands, pastures, wooded bluffs, boulders, limestone outcroppings, and soaring cliffs. Enjoy a lunch break to stretch your legs on a sandbar and learn about the people and place that was once the small thriving community of Clay Mills. Limited number of canoes and equipment available. Pre-register by emailing or calling Michele at (319)481-7987 or naturalist@co.jones.ia.us prior to noon, Sept. 30.
Oct 1 Walnut Creek Watershed Festival, Colby Park. Creek cleanup plus events, demonstrations, music, food, and activities for the whole family. Cleanup volunteers meet at the Colby Park Pavilion at 10:00 a.m.Follow Walnut Creek Watershed at:
Oct 6; The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Annual Conference, DMACC Ankeny Campus, titled "ECOnomics: Dollars, Sense and Sustainability." 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. Registration at http://www.iaenvironment.org/get-involved/council-events/annual-conference/2016-annual-conference-registration For questions about exhibitor space, sponsorship opportunities, or other info, contact Communications & Outreach Director Katy Heggen at 515-244-1194 x210 or Heggen@iaenvironment.org
Oct 7; 35th Old Time & Blue Grass Festival Paddle Trip, Maquoketa River/Canton Access to Millerton Access (5.6 Miles), Noon till 4 PM, Eden Valley Refuge, Baldwin, Iowa. Meet at Eden Valley Refuge Nature Center at 11:45 to register and car pool to Millertown Access to deposit a shuttle vehicle. Launch at 12:30 pm. After supper, the park will fill with music around many campfires as the 35th Annual Old Time & Blue Grass Festival begins. Saturday features stage shows with 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.
Oct 7; Draconids Meteor Shower. Minor shower, peaking at only 10/hour.
Oct 8; "Freedom Float: The Underground Railroad Along the River" paddle, 10:00 am--2:00 pm, Austin Park to Keosauqua Boat Ramp. Uncover secrets, legends, & stories of the Underground Railroad in SE Iowa as you paddle along the Lower Des Moines River. Includes tour of the Pearson House, a confirmed station on the Railroad. 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/
Oct 8-9; 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/
Oct 9; "Kayak & Canoe Float," Wapsipinicon River near Central City. Linn County Conservation Department will host a kayak and canoe float trip down a pleasant stretch of the Wapsipinicon River on Sunday, Oct 9. Meet at Watercraft Concession parking lot at Pinicon Ridge Park at 10:00 am, drive up river to Sutton Road launch point, on the water by 11:00 am, float to Pinicon Ridge Park by 1:00 pm or so. Shuttles to be arranged within the group. Float is scheduled near the peak of fall leaf color, offering great views of the river and forest. Naturalist Chuck Ungs will share info on leaves, how and why they change colors and drop. Enjoy unique views of Pinicon Ridge Park, the Mary Lundby Bridge, and likely wildlife sightings. Participants responsible for their own boats, gear and lifejackets. Pack water, lunch, and dress for cooler weather & water. To register for this free event, call Chuck at 319-892-6485 or email Chuck.Ungs@LinnCounty.org by October 6. For a map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?msa=0&mid=1Nxvd7fF-JUQBXfwOw12D69NcRXY
Oct 10; Columbus Day.
Oct 15; Full Moon (Super Moon). Saturday, Sunrise 7:20, Sunset 6:24, Moonrise 6:29 CDT
Oct 15; Best Time To View Planet Uranus. Blue-green dot visible all night.
Oct 21-22; Orionids Meteor Shower. Average shower, peaking at 20 meteors /hour.
Oct TBD (Late Oct or Early Nov); "Dennis Wendel Mussel Move," Waterloo. Annual event to move mussels to deeper water following seasonal deflation of the downtown bladder dam on the Cedar River. City of Waterloo decides on date of reduction each year. Over 1,000 mussels were saved in 2015 by Cedar Valley Paddlers working withthe Chris Wendel family and mussel expert David Kesler. CVP Coordinator Pam Wolter at 319-231-0541 or cedarvalleypaddlers@gmail.com.
Nov 4-5; Taurids Meteor Shower. Minor shower (5-10/hour) but long-running (Sep-Dec).
Nov 5; "Migration Paddle," Mississippi River Backwaters, Louisa County. "Migration Paddle" will be held 9:00 am-Noon, launch at Port Louisa Access, and takeout at the Toolesboro Boat Access. Experience crisp fall day, beautiful colors, migrating animals as you paddle mostly backwaters, close to Iowa shoreline. Short portage around spillway at Lock & Dam 17. Shuttle service available. Registration is required, participation limited to 20 boats. There is a fee, and canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Due to the intensity of the river, this trip is open to experienced paddlers only. Registration at 319-523-8381, info packet at http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/images/documents/event-documents/Participant_Letter_MP_16.pdf
Nov 6; Daylight Savings Time Ends, set clocks back one hour, replace smoke alarm batteries.
Nov 8: National, State, Local Elections. Vote!
Nov 11; Veterans Day.
Nov 14; Full Moon. Monday, Sunrise 6:56, Sunset 4:46, Moonrise 5:24 CST
Nov 17-18; Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks. Average shower, peaking at 15 meteors/hour.
Nov 24; Thanksgiving, Thursday.
Do you have more WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
Or event dates for 2017?
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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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