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:

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.

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.