Conservation Connection
Iowa’s Native Milkweed Species
Milkweed are important! Not only do they provide beautiful flowers, but they are the host plant of Monarch Butterflies. Iowa has 18 native species of Milkweed.
The Legacy of the IOWATER Program
The IOWATER volunteer stream monitoring program was ended years ago but its legacy of citizen science and watershed education is alive and well. This article is an invitation to the upcoming Iowa Water Summit, a reflection on this year’s river cleanup with Iowa Project A.W.A.R.E., and a cautionary tale about Lake Darling.
Say No to Neonics: What They Are and Why We Should Care
Neonicotinoid pesticides are detrimental to pollinator health. If you have never heard of Neonics, and aren’t sure why you should care; I urge you to keep reading.
Birds from Erv
Let’s raise our binoculars in memory of Erv Klaas, Prairie Rivers of Iowa board member, ornithologist, and conservation leader! Here are six birds (plus one plant and two insects) that remind me of his life and legacy.
How Big is the Elephant in the Room?
Are Iowa’s water quality woes being driven by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)? I analyzed correlations between livestock density and five water quality metrics across 60 watersheds in Iowa. The results suggest that manure from feedlots has less influence on E. coli bacteria but more influence on nitrate than is often assumed.
South Skunk River Cleanup – Spring 2024
During a chilly morning of paddling, 16 volunteers removed 2100 pounds of trash from the South Skunk River.
Water quality results for 2023 in Story County
Our annual report for the 2023 water monitoring season in Story County is now available, along with a summary of key findings. Another drought year brought high E. coli and low dissolved oxygen, but some encouraging trends.
Paddling While Impaired
Iowa’s draft 2024 Impaired Waters List is up for public comment. If you are wondering where to find cleaner lakes and rivers for recreation, we have an interactive map to help you, as well as some observations on this latest assessment.
Green Stuff in the Skunk River
No it’s not an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration! That strange color in the South Skunk River is probably a blue-green algae bloom, stimulated by unseasonably warm weather. If you see water like this, be cautious, they can produce toxins.