Welcome to Our Newest Board Members! | | | | |
Rob Davis is the Watershed Program Manager at the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI), where he focuses on developing actionable watershed plans that support Iowa’s agricultural community. In this role, Rob leads the creation of place-based plans that integrate conservation practices with the broader goals of sustainability and productivity. He works closely with farmers, landowners, and various stakeholders to coordinate watershed planning activities and secure funding that enables the efficient implementation of conservation practices on the ground.
| | Originally from Solon, Iowa, Rob holds a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame. His academic background in biology complements his extensive experience in watershed management and environmental planning, which he uses to inform his strategic work with ISA. | | | | |
Wes Wiese grew up on a dairy farm near Parkersburg in northeast Iowa. He earned a degree in Environmental Studies from Iowa Lakes Community College in 1992. He then enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa to study Natural History Interpretation and Biology, graduating in 1995.
After graduation, Wes headed west to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Medicine Lake, Montana, where he focused on endangered species, waterfowl, and shorebirds. He later worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, serving as a resort naturalist. In that role, he led nature hikes, interpretive horseback rides, fly fishing excursions, and evening campfire programs on mountain flora and fauna.
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In 1999, Wes returned to Iowa to join Hardin County Conservation as a naturalist at the Calkins Nature Center. He served in that position until 2007, when he became the Hardin County Conservation Director—a role he continues to hold today.
He and his wife Pam live on his grandparents’ acreage, where they enjoy traveling, spending time with their grandchildren, and caring for a menagerie of animals.
| | Thank you Jan Paul Sherwood | | |
A former member of our board of directors, Jan Sherwood, passed away on July 13. We are grateful for the memorial gifts we have received in his honor. He will be missed by the staff and other members of the board who got to know him through his service to our organization.
| | If you would like to support the Prairie Seed Bank or educational talks, consider donating. | |
Prairie Seed Bank
We are proud to announce our new program: The Prairie Seed Bank! It will be open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday. We have over 30 species just waiting for you to plant! This includes native flowers, native grass, native prairie mixes, and non native flowers. Anyone can stop by the office to pick up seed to plant. We also hope to go to different communities with an educational program on the seed bank.
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A Coordinator Gone Tourist
by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator
Usually, when I talk about the Amana Colonies along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway, I am promoting a Festival; I mean, they do have the best festivals. I found out this past week that Amana is much more than that.
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Pollinator of the Month:
Clubbed Mydas Fly (Mydas clavatus)
by Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist
This fly isn’t your typical house fly. They are large, black, and roughly an inch long. They have a very distinct red-orange mark on their abdomen. These flies are often mistaken for wasps; however, they cannot sting or bite. The adults feed on a variety of flowers, including Milkweed, Mountain Mint, and Monarda. Eggs are laid on dead wood or soil, as the larval food is grubs. There have been few studies on this species, so if you need a research project, they're waiting to be studied!
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(Don't) Blame it on the Rain
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
In an interview with KCCI, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds blamed the weather for high nitrate levels in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers that have led to an unprecedented outdoor watering ban for the Des Moines metro. Weather does have an influence on nitrate levels in rivers, but if we look at all the evidence, it’s clear that this spring is not a fluke.
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Progress Tracking: Why It's Lacking
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
If the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy had one of those United Way progress tracking thermometers, this is what it would look like. I knew we had a long way to go but I didn’t realize how much of our progress to date has been offset by increased fertilizer use.
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Story County Water Quality Updates
by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist
Fields were flooded and rivers were running high when we sampled on July 23. Results are still pending, but will be posted at this link as soon as they are available.
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In Your Nature: Lawn ... care?
Guest Post by Jim Colbert, Board Member
Hi. My name is “Jim” and I’m a lawn deviant. With less effort, less money, less water, and zero use of herbicides and fertilizers you could be a lawn deviant too. You’ll still have to mow.
| | Watersheds and Wildlife Events | | |
Monarch Magic!
September 6th, 10 am - 1 pm
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
This is a free, family-friendly event for all ages. Experience the magic of finding native pollinators and making observations as part of a bioblitz!
There will be fun crafts, an obstacle course, a tattoo station, and much more.
| | | Calling all volunteers! If you are able to help with this event please contact Katelyn Rinicker at krinicker@prrcd.org, thank you! | | |
Iowa Valley & Lincoln Highway Events
Annual Bohemian Plum Festival
August 1, 5 pm- Clutier. Bakery, food, and Bands
Annual 50107 Summerfest
August 1-2 –Grand Junction Carnival, Water slides, petting zoo, 5K parade, and of course a Car Show!
4-County Fair
August 1-6 – Dunlap. The counties of Harrison, Crawford, Monona, and Shelby hold their annual 4-county fair!
109th Annual Meskwaki Powwow
August 7-10- Daily Themes with Grand Entries at 1 pm and 7 pm each day. All are welcome to attend this event to learn about the Meskwaki culture, learn powwow etiquette, and enjoy traditional food.
The Wall that Heals
August 7-10, 7 am - 11 pm; closing at 2 pm on the 10th – Nevada. The Wall That Heals is a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The exhibit features The Wall and a mobile Education Center. Local heroes will be honored, and daily ceremonies and programs will be available.
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days & Lisbon’s Sesquicentennial Celebration
August 14-16 – Lisbon. The annual Sauerkraut Days begin early this year to help celebrate Lisbon’s 150th Birthday!
Iowa Model A Day
August 16-17– Over 70 Model A vehicles will line 47th Avenue for the 16th Annual Model A-day in Amana.
Lincoln Highway Days
August 22-24 – A community celebration commemorating the Lincoln Highway in Nevada, IA.
Annual Calamus-Wheatland Fun Days
August 22-24—Lincolnway 5K, Car show and more!
Annual Sauerkraut Days
August 29-31- Blairstown. Food, fun, and a demolition derby!
Annual Dow City Fun Day
August 31—Fireman’s breakfast, street dance, the Dow House, Car Show, and more!
| | Prairie Rivers On the Web | | Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway on the Web | | Iowa Valley Scenic Byway on the Web | |
Prairie Rivers of Iowa is a federal 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization uniquely focused on conserving natural and cultural resources.
We rely in part on the generosity of our supporters.
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