A Warm Welcome and a Heartfelt Goodbye | | |
Kristine Micheletti Named NEW Executive Director
We are excited to welcome Kristine! She joins us following an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education fellowship with the USDA Midwest Climate Hub in Ames after completing her PhD at Iowa State University. Her work focused on outreach and building the capacity of agricultural and environmental educators to effectively engage with diverse communities. We are excited to welcome her to the team and invite you all to stop by, say hello, and join us in welcoming her into this role.
| | |
Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
After nearly a decade with Prairie Rivers of Iowa, Dan is moving on to serve as Story County’s Watershed Coordinator. He joined Prairie Rivers in 2017 as a Watershed Educator, when the organization’s watershed work was focused on outreach—field days, mailings, and encouraging adoption of conservation practices. His title was later changed to Water Quality Specialist, but more importantly, his work helped redefine what watershed work looked like.
| | | | |
If you shop at Wheatsfield, consider rounding up your change this month! Your change may seem small on its own, but it makes a BIG difference to us! The cashiers will ask after your transaction if you would like to round up to support Prairie Rivers, so just say yes! We will be tabling at Wheatsfield on Saturday, April 11th, from 9 am to 1 pm, so come say hi!
| | Congratulations to Steve Veysey! | | | | |
Steve Veysey received the 2025 Olav Smedal Conservation Award from Mike Meetz at the Prairie Rivers of Iowa offices last month. PRI board member Rick Dietz and employee Dan Haug had written nomination letters praising his dedication to protecting Iowa streams, so we were pleased to be able to host!
The Olav Smedal Conservation Award is presented annually by the Izaak Walton League of America Ames Chapter and the Story County Conservation Board to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to conservation in central Iowa. Established in 1988 to honor longtime outdoor writer and editor Olav Smedal, the award celebrates those who demonstrate leadership in protecting natural resources and promote ethical outdoor recreation and conservation awareness in the community. Steve has spent over 25 years advocating for the protection of
| | Iowa’s rivers and streams. Steve became involved in water quality issues in 1997 through the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association, where he now serves as Coordinator of Fisheries & Environmental Protection. He has played a key role in advancing stronger water quality protections—helping push for the adoption of Clean Water Act standards, supporting citizen engagement, and advocating for safeguards such as antidegradation protections and the designation of Outstanding Iowa Waters. More recently, Steve has devoted hours reviewing water use permits and manure/nutrient management plans for large livestock operations, bringing exceptional technical expertise and persistence to protecting Northeast Iowa’s trout streams. His deep knowledge, tireless advocacy, and commitment to Iowa’s waters have made a lasting impact on conservation across the state. | | | | |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
By Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist
Spring is on its way, and birds are migrating north! Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only hummingbird that breeds and is native to Iowa. It's common in all 99 counties. They start arriving in southern Iowa in mid-April and in central Iowa at the start of May. They overwinter in Mexico and Central America, and their migration can be a nonstop flight lasting 18 hrs and 500 miles! They love to nectar on tubular flowers that are red or orange. If you want to attract them, plant native cardinal flower and columbine.
| | | | |
A New Era Begins at the Reed-Niland Corner: Community, Preservation, and a June 14 Celebration
by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator
After a year of planning, meetings, and community collaboration, the historic corner officially has a new future.
| | |
Story County Water Quality Updates
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
Nitrate was above the standard, and bacteria was below the standard at every stream we tested in March.
If you missed it, we have created a map showing the results of volunteer monitoring in 2025.
| | |
Story County Monitoring Report
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
Our report for the 2025 monitoring season is done! It was a bad year for nitrate and E. coli, but we've tried to find the silver lining! The scale of the monitoring effort proves that there are many volunteers and local organizations who care about water, and if you look carefully, you can see some signs that infrastructure and conservation projects are making a difference!
| | |
Recap on Iowa's 2026 Impaired Waters List
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
We submitted this public comment letter about Iowa's 2026 impaired list, raising concerns about all the data that gets ignored or misinterpreted. Our interactive map makes it easier to tell which lakes and rivers in Iowa are better or worse for recreation. We also recorded a webinar about the impaired waters list and harmful algae blooms.
| | | | |
Iowa Women in Conservation
by Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist
Last month was not only Iowa History Month, but also Women’s History Month! While women have not always had recognition for their efforts, they have always been involved.
| | | | |
Environmental Education
Inspire the Next Generation of Stewards
Environmental education connects people to place and to solutions. Donations help us provide hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and community events that empower Iowans of all ages to care for their natural world.
If you want to help, give today!
| | Watershed and Wildlife Events | | | |
Step into Story Books
April 11th, 10 to 1 pm North Grand Mall, Ames
We will be tabling at this event. Come say hi and do an activity about pollination!
Step Into Storybooks is a FREE and fun family event that brings storybooks to life! This interactive event engages the whole family through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations inspired by children’s books.
| | | |
PACRAT
May 2nd, 9 am - 2 pm (Rescheduled from April 25th)
Canoe Ioway Creek or the Skunk River with frequent stops to pick up trash. If you don’t mind getting your feet wet and your hands dirty, you’ll have a good time! Lunch is provided. Registration is required.
| | |
Mark Your Calendars!
Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway: Iowa's America 250 Scenic Byway Road Trip:
May 1 -2:30: Insights into Iowa's Transportation History with a panel of experts, Ames Public Library
4 pm: Streamliners Across Iowa: Bob Bourne. Sponsored by Ames: A Glimpse Inside
May 2 11-11:30 Revolutionary Iowans Traveling Exhibit, Ames Public Library
12- 3 pm America 250: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College: Farm House Museum
Find the flyer for these days on our events page.
| |
A Celebration of the Reed-Niland Corner
June 14, 11 am
Join us for a date with Silly Sally, a pie-eating contest, music, bingo, and more as we
celebrate 100 years of Niland’s Café and America 250!
| |
Lincoln Highway
Consignment Crawl, Resale Tour, and Retail Shopping Spree
April 10-12th- Clinton.
Antiques, boutiques, looms, the Sawmill Museum and the Odd Shop are taking part in this 30+ shopping locations annual event to get you out and about in April!
Iowa Lincoln Highway Association Quarterly Meeting
April 11, 9:30-12 Jefferson.
Join us as our guests at the renovated JC Penney Building at 121 E. Lincoln Way
First Avenue Trail Walk, a Memories on the Mighty MO event
April 17, 2pm-Meet at Hy-Vee, 2323 West Broadway, Council Bluffs.
Help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Rails to Trails organization and 50th Anniversary of America’s Walking Club by walking this converted rail line through the heart of the city with native plantings, water fountains, and 15 vibrant murals.
Spring: Sip, Stroll, Troll
April 23, 4pm-8pm Downtown Clinton. Age 21 and up.
Explore downtown businesses with themed sips, bites, and décor in anticipation of the Dambo rolls coming to Clinton. Volunteer NOW to help construct the trolls in April by signing up!
Ed Morse Automotive Group 3rd Annual Car Show
April 25, 9am-2pm - DeWitt.
Bounce House, and music by 3-D Sound. Proceeds to Central DeWitt HS Band.
Arbor Day Celebration at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens
April 25, 9am-12pm
Learn about trees, play in the accessible Treehouse Village, enjoy a Kids Climb, and more!
| |
Iowa Valley
Halfway to Oktoberfest
April 11, 11am-10pm-Millstream Brau Haus.
Photo booth, beard contest, polka, and more!
Iowa's America 250 Scenic Byway Road Trip:
Iowa and the Meskwaki Nation (1856 - Present) with Johnathan Buffalo
June 6, 2 pm - Meskwaki Gymnasium 349 Meskwaki Rd. Tama, IA 52339
Check out the byway: Iowa Valley Scenic Byway
| | Prairie Rivers of Iowa Socials | | Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway Socials | | Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Socials | | We are a federal 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization uniquely focused on serving natural and cultural resources. We rely on the generosity of our supporters. | | |
All rights reserved. © 2025 Prairie Rivers of Iowa.
Prairie Rivers of Iowa | 3116 South Duff Avenue Suite 201 | Ames, IA 50010
| | | | |
