Conservation Connection
Does Adding a Pollinator Garden Really Save You Money?
Most people don’t think twice about what it costs to maintain a traditional lawn, but the numbers add up quickly. Let’s break down how much the average homeowner in Ames spends compared to...
In case you missed it – 2025 event recap
A review of the Watershed and Wildlife program’s volunteer events, speaking engagements, and tabling events in 2025.
Amending the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act no longer works very well in Iowa. The House is proposing amendments that would make it worse.
An Interview With a Botanical Artist
Amy Welch is a Botanical Artist that creates beautiful paintings of plants. I was able to interview her and get insight into her thought process for these art pieces.
How I Spent My Summer Glaciation
This summer I went to Alberta and walked on a glacier. It was fun. It reminded me of Iowa’s icy past and our warming future. I learned a lot. If you read this, you’ll learn something too!
Progress Tracking: Why It’s Lacking
If the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy had one of those United Way progress tracking thermometers, this is what it would look like. I knew we had a long way to go but I didn’t realize how much of our progress to date has been offset by increased fertilizer use.
In Your Nature: Lawn … Care?
Hi. My name is “Jim” and I’m a lawn deviant. With less effort, less money, less water, and zero use of herbicides and fertilizers you could be a lawn deviant too. You’ll still have to mow.
(Don’t) Blame it on the Rain
In an interview with KCCI, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds blamed the weather for high nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers that have led to an unprecedented outdoor watering ban for the Des Moines metro. Weather does have an influence on nitrate levels in rivers, but if we look at all the evidence, it’s clear that this spring is not a fluke.
Can Things That Don’t Matter Make a Difference?
The “Skunk River Navy” removed 80 tons of trash from rivers in central Iowa from 1998-2017. Trash isn’t the main problem affecting streams, so these kinds of efforts may not “matter” in the big picture but they can inspire us to work together to make a difference.