Clean Water
We work to improve water quality in rivers and lakes found in Iowa. We accomplish this work through robust education, monitoring, and by partnering with both private landowners and local government.
Here is what we’re up to now:
Water Monitoring in Story County
Water quality in most creeks and lakes in Story County is not tested by state agencies, so in 2020, we worked with 9 partner organizations to plan for how we could sustain a monitoring program at the local level. We continue to support the effort by collecting samples, organizing volunteer events, and making sense of the data.
Creek Clean Ups
So far, we have helped organize six volunteer events that removed over 12,700 pounds of trash from Ioway Creek, the Skunk River, and other streams in central Iowa. Depending on the weather, we may be walking, wading, or paddling canoes, but it’s always a good time!
Educational Videos
FAQ
What’s a watershed? Confused about water quality? Here’s an FAQ with links to some of our most accessible resources.
Past Projects
Past projects have focused on the Ioway Creek and Skunk River watersheds in Story, Boone, and Hamilton counties.
Conservation Connection Blog
A big part of our work is telling engaging stories to help explain the science and policy behind the environmental issues we work on. Here are three of our latest posts from the Conservation Connect Blog.
The economics of nitrogen have changed. Has our thinking?
The scenarios in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy all assumed that nitrogen application rates could be reduced to levels that no longer make economic sense. There may be another path to clean water in Iowa, but both critics and defenders of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy are stuck on some outdated assumptions.
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 maintaining a small pollinator garden.Lawn Maintenance Costs The average lawn...
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.