We are excited to say that we have just launched a store page on our website!

We have hats, Monarch Magic shirts, and yard signs available. Check out the web page to see all the options and stop by our office to pick something up today!

3116 South Duff Ave, Suite 201,

Ames, Ia 50010

We had a wonderful volunteer help us clean seed this past month! He spent roughly 9 hours cleaning Boneset, Bee Balm, Common Milkweed, and Brown Eyed Susan. We are grateful for his positive attitude and continued support.

We made a seed purchase from Prairie Moon Nursery and Shooting Star Nursery for 16 shade-tolerant native plants, thanks to a grant from the Izaac Walton League. The seed will be added to our bank and inventory soon!

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

Carnegie Libraries Byway Tour: Cornell & Mt Vernon

by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

In 1901, Cornell College and the City of Mount Vernon were offered a grant from Andrew Carnegie. This collaboration is possibly the only one of its kind in the country. Although the library outgrew itself, the collaboration did not.

Pure Green Sweat Bee

Augochlora pura

By Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist



The Pure Green Sweat Bee is a shocking metallic green, matching their tribe name, Augochlorini, which means “exceedingly green”. They can start foraging in March, just in time to show off their brilliant green shine for St. Patrick's Day! They mostly nest in bark and wood. A great way to support them is to have a log pile in your yard. Don’t move them because the females overwinter under the logs. They are generalists and feed on many different flowers. Unlike most bees, which only have 1 generation, they have 2-3 a year!

March is Iowa History Month, so celebrate by donating! We are dedicated not only to conserving the environment, but also preserving our history.

The Lincoln Highway tells the story of Iowa’s people, places, and progress. Your contribution supports interpretation, preservation, and community engagement along this nationally significant historic byway, keeping its stories alive for travelers today and tomorrow.

If you want to help, give today!

The 2026 Impaired Waters List

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

St. Patrick’s Day is the only day of the year it’s acceptable to have bright green water. It’s also the last day to make public comment on Iowa’s 2026 Impaired Waters List, which features some waters that sometimes turn green for other reasons.

Lost Lakes and Found Lakes

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

March is Iowa history month and that’s a good opportunity to dust off some material from the archives to share the history of lakes in Iowa, some lost and some found.

Story County Water Quality Updates

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

When we sampled in February, most of the ice had melted, and the water looked clear, but we're still waiting on results from the lab. If you missed it in the last newsletter, we have created an interactive map showing the results of volunteer monitoring in 2025.

Iowa Wildlife Action Plan Turns 20!

by Iowa DNR

Over the past twenty years, Iowans have been implementing conservation actions outlined in the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan, such as conducting wildlife research and monitoring, improving habitat, and educating others about the fascinating lives of Iowa’s wildlife.

Watershed Talk Featuring Dan Haug

March 17th, 7 pm via zoom

St. Patrick’s Day is the only day of the year it’s acceptable to have bright green water. It’s also the last day to make public comment on Iowa’s 2026 Impaired Waters List.

The Clean Water Act created a framework for determining whether our waters are safe for fishing, swimming, and drinking. So what does Iowa’s 2026 “Impaired Waters” list actually tell us? Why do so many waterways remain stuck on it year after year? And what causes that troubling green tint we sometimes see?

Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day

March 24th, 10 am - 1 pm

Join us and many other conservation-minded organizations at the Iowa State Capitol. The day will feature a meal, engaging speakers, displays, and the opportunity to share your own motivations for celebration. This year’s celebration will culminate in the Iowa DNR’s annual Gift to Iowa’s Future Day, an event that honors Iowans who’ve donated their land in the past year.

Your presence will help show lawmakers that Iowans care about nature.

Day of Insects

March 28th, 8 am - 4:20 pm

Celebrate the 18th annual Day of Insects at Reiman Gardens. Enjoy a day filled with presentations from professionals, academics, advocates, and enthusiasts. From beginners to seasoned veterans, Day of Insects

has something for anyone interested in or involved with insects. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m., with presentations starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:20 p.m. Registration required.

Katelyn will be presenting on Pollinator Friendly Ames from 9:30 am - 9:50 am

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.