January 31st was National Seed Swap day and we celebrated by having information on the Native Seed Bank at the Ames Public Library. 42 people stopped by to chat about our seed bank and what it can do for you!

Have questions? Then contact Katelyn at krinicker@prrcd.org

The Seed Bank is open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday or by appointment. We have over 30 species just waiting for you to plant. It operates on a free-will donation system, so take what you need and give what you can.

Carnegie Libraries Byway Tour: DeWitt, IA

by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

The DeWitt Public Library originated long before the Carnegie grant came to town. And the Carnegie Building remains long after the DeWitt Public Library outgrew the building.

Pollinator of the Month

White-Striped Black Mason Wasp

Pseudodynerus quadrisectus

By Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist



This wasp is found in southern Iowa from mid to late summer. The adults prefer flowers that are proficient nectar producers like goldenrod and mountain mint. They feed on this nectar and pick up pollen along the way, making them pollinators. The wasp is in the Mason Wasp family, meaning it is a solitary wasp that builds a series of mud chambers inside existing wood cavities. Along with each egg in the mud chambers, the female leaves a paralyzed caterpillar or spider. You can create habitat for them by drilling holes in a log and leaving it in your yard.

Story County Water Quality Updates

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

Nitrate was still above the drinking water standard in all rivers we tested in January.  The report for the 2025 season is in progress. Here's an interactive map showing results from the volunteer program.

End the No Swim Era

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

If you went to a beach at an Iowa state park last summer, you had a 1 in 4 chance of seeing a "Swimming Not Recommended" sign. 2025 was also a bad year for E. coli in the waters we monitor locally. What do we do about it?

Lungwort Lichen by Jim Colbert

In Your Nature: Useless Information

By Jim Colbert, PRI Board Member

Understanding the natural world around us is regarded as just "useless information'. But sometimes, we don't know what information is useless until we have it.

PACRAT

April 25th Rain date: May 2nd

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.

Photo of Golden Eye Lichen by Bjorn S...

Hikin' for Lichen

INHF is hosting our very own Jim Colbert! He will lead you around Strasser Woods State Preserve and teach you about the fascinating world of lichen.

Register and learn more below.

Clean water starts on the land. Your support helps improve water quality through conservation practices, education, and partnerships that protect our rivers and streams for future generations. Every gift makes a ripple of positive impact.

If you want to help, give today!