Watersheds and Wildlife

The Watersheds and Wildlife Program works to improve water quality in rivers and lakes and to restore habitat for the 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of bees found in Iowa. We accomplish this work through robust education and monitoring, and by partnering with both private landowners and local government.

What’s a watershed? Confused about water quality? Here’s an FAQ with links to some of our most accessible resources.

Past projects have focused the Ioway Creek and Skunk River watersheds in Story, Boone, and Hamilton counties.

Here is what we’re up to now:

Ames Pollinator-Friendly Community Plan

Prairie Rivers and the City of Ames have a vision to become a leader in developing and sustaining pollinator habitat that will enrich the quality of life for the people and wildlife of Ames.

Prairie Seed Bank

Monarch and Bumblebee on Swamp Milkweed at Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor

A Seed Bank is a place to share and preserve seeds that are important to our environment. Over 80% of Iowa used to be tallgrass prairie; now there is less than 0.1% remaining. Check here for our seed bank inventory or stop by the office to pick some up!

Creek Cleanups

So far, we 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! Keep an eye on our Events page–we usually plan one for late April or early May.

Water Monitoring in Story County

Story County Water Monitoring & Interpretation Plan 2021-2030

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. Prairie Rivers continues to support the effort by collecting samples, organizing volunteer events, and making sense of the data.

Environmental Education and Community Events

Monarch Magic is an annual monarch tagging and educational event in Ames aimed at families. We also participate in tabling events and regularly give talks about water quality, pollinators, and conservation to community groups around the state.

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. We’ve also compiled some of our most accessible content related to soil and water (which can get complicated) as an FAQ.