Conservation Connection

(Don’t) Blame it on the Rain

(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.

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Subtle Spring

Subtle Spring

By Jim Colbert:
The beauty of an Iowa woodland in early spring is subtle, but once you get to be on a first-name-basis with spring ephemerals, they’re impossible to ignore!

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Calibrate Your Disgust

Calibrate Your Disgust

There is a 100-fold difference in E. coli levels between Iowa’s cleanest lakes and Iowa’s dirtiest rivers, and between new and outdated sewage treatment systems. That leaves a lot of wiggle room to enjoy Iowa’s waters while protecting your health, and to make things a little better by repairing our infrastructure.

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Troubleshooting a  Rain Garden

Troubleshooting a Rain Garden

Rain gardens are a stormwater management solution that’s simple enough to tackle as a DIY project. However, I’ve noticed a few things that can go wrong. Here are some tips to avoid them!

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