A New Memorial to Lincoln

by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

On February 17th, Presidents Day, the Union Pacific Railroad unveiled their newest commemorative locomotive. The Abraham Lincoln No 1616 – a symbolic tribute to the nation’s 16th president.

2 Minute Read

IPBS Road Trip Iowa Spring 2025: The Lincoln Highway Episodes

by Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway- A National Scenic Byway will be showcased by Iowa Public Television during Season 2 of the Road Trip Iowa Series.

1 Minute Read

Conservation Connection

Pollinator of the Month:

Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii)

by Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist

If it looks like a boxelder bug but is gathered on a milkweed plant, then it’s probably a milkweed bug! Small Milkweed Bugs are less than a ½ inch long and have an X pattern on their back whereas the Large Milkweed Bug is ½ - 1 inch long and have more of a striped pattern.

The bright coloring is a warning to predators: like monarch caterpillars, these insects pick up nasty tasting chemicals from their favorite food—milkweed seedpods. Unlike monarchs, they don't migrate, instead overwintering as adults in Iowa and breeding and laying their eggs on milkweed in spring.

Create a Native Plant Sensory Garden!

by Katelyn Rinicker,

Pollinator Conservation Specialist

A sensory garden involves all of your senses (taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight) making it a great learning opportunity for young children, adults with mental disabilities, or really anyone! These are the plants I would use if I wanted to create an Iowa native sensory garden!

2 Minute Read

Troubleshooting a Rain Garden

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

Rain gardens are a stormwater management solution that’s simple enough to tackle as a DIY project. However, I’ve noticed a few things that can go wrong. Here are some tips to avoid them!

3 Minute Read

Story County Water Quality Updates

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

We're trying a new format: interactive maps. Let me know if this is an improvement or not, and what information you'd like to see included with these updates (dhaug@prrcd.org).

View the Latest Data

Watersheds and Wildlife Events

PACRAT: Paddle And Cleanup Rivers Around Town

April 26, 9am-2pm

Ames, meeting place TBD

Canoe the South Skunk River or Ioway Creek 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, space is limited.

Byway Events

Lincoln Highway Tour

June 18- June 25

The Lincoln Highway Association's 2025 Middle Third Tour of the 1928 Lincoln Highway alignment comes through Iowa on June 19-21 with overnight stops in Cedar Rapids and Ames. Daily itinerary here.