Greetings!

Executive Director Search Update

We’re reminded every day how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated, talented staff. Their commitment to water quality, pollinator conservation, Iowa’s cultural and natural heritage — and to Prairie Rivers itself — keeps our mission moving forward without pause. And we’re just as grateful for you — our readers, partners, and supporters — who make our work possible.

Our Executive Director position remains open and we continue to welcome applications. If you know someone who might be a great fit, we’d be grateful for your help in spreading the word.

Now more than ever, your support matters.

If you’re able, a year-end donation to Prairie Rivers of Iowa will strengthen our programs during this transition and help ensure we start the new year on solid footing.

Now is the Best Time to Give!

Your tax-deductible gift is appreciated!

Donate

Another way to give is using your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Donating using your RMD is tax-free to you and Prairie Rivers of Iowa. This is an excellent option to limit your taxable income. Talk with your IRA Financial advisor to get started.

We are a federal 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization uniquely focused on serving natural and cultural resources. We rely in part on the generosity of our supporters.

Seed Bank

Prairie Rivers of Iowa is a partner of Pollinator Friendly Ames. We worked together to create this simple guide to creating a pollinator garden.

As snow covers the ground, now is the perfect time to plan your garden!

If you need technical help or recommendations, please reach out to Katelyn Rinicker at krinicker@prrcd.org

You can use our seed bank to get all the seed you need for your project.

We are open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday. We have over 30 species just waiting for you to plant!

Seed Inventory

Byway Buzz

Byway Carnegie Libraries to receive $10,000 Gifts

by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

Many Carnegie Libraries were located along the Lincoln Highway when they were first established with the help of Andrew Carnegie. Now they will receive another grant to celebrate the Declaration of Independence.

3 Minute Read

Conservation Connection

Pollinator of the Month

Tricolored Bumblebee

By Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist

The Tricolored Bumblebee, also called the Orange-belted Bumblebee, is easy to spot with its bright yellow, orange, and black coloring. While they especially enjoy nectar from goldenrods and milkweeds, they are generalists and will feed on a wide variety of flowers. In Iowa, you’re most likely to see them in the north. Like other bumblebees, they are social and nest in colonies. Queens typically measure 0.67–0.75 inches, workers range from 0.31–0.51 inches, and drones measure about 0.37–0.51 inches.

Although they do possess a stinger, it lacks barbs, meaning they can sting multiple times. Fortunately, like most bees, they are not aggressive and usually only sting when threatened or handled roughly. During peak foraging times, they can become so focused on foraging that it’s possible to gently touch them. However, use great care as bumblebees are delicate creatures and can be easily harmed or startled.

Our Nitrogen Moment Video Series

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

We have released 11 short videos about the nitrogen cycle on our YouTube and Instagram channels.

These are a light-hearted complement to my more serious research on nitrogen management and water quality. Be sure to check out the latest episode, which is a parody of the Great British Baking Show. I had plans for more videos, but I will need to take a break until I can recover the files lost in a computer crash and catch up on some other projects.

Watch here!

Story County Water Quality Updates

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

Here are some basic results from water testing in November. I hope to resume my usual reports once computer repairs are complete. We continue to see elevated nitrate levels and low phosphorus levels in most streams. E. coli bacteria is less of a concern outside the recreation season (March 15-November 15), but we continue to monitor to understand sources of contamination.

View the Latest Data

The Economics of Nitrogen Have Changed. Has Our Thinking?

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

The scenarios in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy all assumed that nitrogen application rates could be reduced to levels that no longer make economic sense. there may be another path to clean water in Iowa, but both critics and defenders of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy are stuck on some outdated assumptions.

5 Minute Read

Environmental Groups Call For Strengthened IA Drinking Water Quality Standards

by Iowa Environmental Council

In October, Prairie Rivers joined a coalition of Iowa environmental and public-health groups in submitting comments to the Iowa DNR during its triennial review of state water quality standards. The coalition urged the DNR to strengthen protections for drinking and recreational waters, including updated nitrate, nutrient, and toxic-pollutant criteria.

1 Minute Read

Watersheds and Wildlife Events

We don't have anything planned right now, but check our website for more up-to-date information throughout the month!

Byway Events

Iowa Valley

Prelude to Christmas and the Tannenbaum Forest

Nov 28th - Dec 21st

Festhalle Hall will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday when the barn will be filled with trees and a 17 foot tall multi-tiered, rotating German Christmas tradition takes center stage.

Shopping specials during this time is a Prelude to Christmas!

Amana Traditions Weekend

December 5th - 7th

This weekend offers once a year experiences, including the Amana Church Bazaar, a Cookie Walk, an Amana Traditional Christmas Communal Meal, the Annual Holiday Haus Walk, and of course, the Tannenbaum Forest every weekend in December.

Jingle Around the Square

December 6th, 5 - 7 pm

Marengo. Begin the day at the Elementary School with pancakes with Santa, then warm up with a hearty soup supper at the American Legion before the festivities at the

square begin. Parade starts at 6:45 and end the evening with a drive through the holiday lights at the Iowa County Fairgrounds!

Old Fashioned Christmas

December 13th, 10 am–10 pm

Uptown Victor. Enjoy the Bob Barker Memorial Luminary Display, Rolle Bolle, a Green Truck photo opportunity, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fireworks! Music will be featured from 7 pm to 10 pm at the 214.

Lincoln Highway

Merry and Bright Holiday Weekend

December 4th - 7th

Kick off the holiday season in and around Ames, Iowa. You’ll find festive shopping, music, food, family fun, light shows, and more. Make this your best holiday weekend ever!

Clarence Christmas Walk

December 5th, 4 - 8 pm

This is an annual tradition on Clarence Main Street. Businesses throughout the district open the doors for visitors, fun events for the kiddos can be found throughout the community, and a stroll down the sidewalk might even be met by The Grinch!

Magical Mount Vernon

December 6th, 2 - 7 pm

Presented by the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group. This year’s event moves from Thursday night to Saturday for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience — and we’ve extended the fun to five hours!

Boone Historical Society Soup Supper

December 6th, 4:30 - 7 pm

FIVE types of soups available! The potato soup is a vegetarian option. Only $8.00 for adults. It looks like a great evening for some soup and conversation!

Christmas on Main-Ogden

December 6th, 5 - 8 pm

Celebrate the magic of the season right here in Ogden! Join us along Walnut Street as local businesses open their doors for an evening full of Christmas cheer, community fun, and festive traditions.

Old World Christmas Market-Cedar Rapids

December 6th - 7th

Experience a delightful market with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment and activities for people of all ages. This enchanted celebration of culture, community, and holiday cheer is free for the entire weekend, including admission to NCSML galleries.

Winter Festival-Jefferson

December 6th - 7th

This year, the Winter Festival committee has been hard at work to create an unforgettable holiday experience filled with new and returning attractions that bring everyone together in celebration. And in the true spirit of the season, all proceeds from this event will go directly to support Adopt-A-Family, helping make the holidays a bit brighter for families in need.

Lyons Christmas Walk-Clinton

December 7th, 4 - 6 pm

A cherished tradition where neighbors gather, storefronts twinkle, carolers sing, and family memories are made! Join us for a magical night with live reindeer, Santa at his red house, and much more along Main Avenue in Clinton, IA.

Winter Snowcial-Dension

December 11th, 4 - 8 pm

FREE festive fun and a holiday celebration in Uptown Denison.

Drinks with the Dows-Dow City

December 13th, 1 - 4 pm

Come enjoy festive treats, 5 holiday drinks, and plenty of cheer. $10 per adult.

Christmas Night In Lisbon

December 19th, 6 - 8 pm

Check out the Christmas Parade starting at 6 pm followed by a dance performance, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Linn County Bake Sale!

Symphony of Lights-Clinton

Through December 30th

This is an impressive light display featuring over 250 displays along the 1.1 mile loop of Eagle Point Park, located off Highway 67 North.