Greetings!

Leadership Update: Our Search Continues

Last month, we shared the news of Tina VanDyk’s departure as Executive Director of Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Her leadership left a lasting impact, and we remain grateful for the clarity, organization, and team spirit she brought to our mission.

Since then, our board has been actively engaged in the search for a new Executive Director. We’ve received a number of promising applications and have begun the interview process. The position remains open as we continue to seek the right candidate to lead Prairie Rivers into its next chapter.

We’re still welcoming applications and referrals! This role is central to our work in sustaining Iowa’s natural, cultural, and historical resources through programs in Water Quality, Pollinator Conservation, and Iowa Byways. Based in Ames, the Executive Director oversees staff and finances, drives fundraising, and builds meaningful community partnerships.

We’re looking for:

- Strong leadership and nonprofit management experience

- Fundraising skills and strategic vision

- A passion for conservation and community impact

Learn more: http://www.prrcd.org

Apply now to: search@prrcd.org

Prairie Rivers of Iowa RC&D, 3116 South Duff Ave. Suite 201, Ames, IA 50010

Thank you for helping us spread the word. We’re excited about the future and grateful for your continued support.

— Reed Riskedahl, Board President, Prairie Rivers of Iowa

Seed Bank Update

We partnered with Project Wingpan and Story County Conservation for a seed harvest last month. Because of the wonderful volunteers, we are now able to add Brown Eyed Susan, Boneset, Rattlesnake Master, and more to our available seed! Now is the perfect time to plant.

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

2 Minute Read

Our Lincoln Highway

by Reed Riskedahl, Board President

While promoting the byways, I often say, “that site is along my byway,” or, “your town is one of my communities.” I may have a few stories about visiting “my” communities but it is the people who live, work, and/or grew up in the communities who belong to the Lincoln Highway and Iowa Valley stories. I

want to hear those stories. This month we are re-running our Prairie Rivers of Iowa’s Board President’s take on “his” Lincoln Highway. As you travel home for the Holidays, reminisce about your “Lincoln Highway,” and send me your stories. I would love to hear them (even the “tall tales”)

---Jeanie Hau, Byway Coordinator

Conservation Connection

Pollinator of the Month

Leaves

By Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist

While I usually feature pollinators themselves, this month’s spotlight is on their overwintering habitat, leaves! Fallen leaves are vital to pollinator survival. Many native butterflies and moths don’t migrate; they stay here, tucked safely in the leaf litter through winter. Luna moths and swallowtail butterflies, for instance, form cocoons and chrysalises that resemble dried leaves to blend in and avoid predators. Some queen bees also use leaves for insulation and shelter.

When we shred or remove fallen leaves too soon, we are destroying next year’s pollinators. A thin layer of leaves is actually beneficial to our yards. It helps retain soil moisture, fertilizes the soil, and suppresses weeds. If you can’t leave them where they fall, rake them into a quiet corner of your yard or spread them in garden beds as natural mulch.

Leaves don’t just protect pollinators; they shelter countless other creatures like beetles, worms, and spiders. Together, these insects feed birds, reptiles, and even us. Proving that something as simple as leaving the leaves can make a big difference for our ecosystems.

We have "Leave the Leaves" yard signs for sale for $15.

This is a great way to support us and pollinators at the same time!

Stop by the office or give us a call to get yours.

Our Nitrogen Moment Video Series

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

"Hi, do you have a moment to talk about the nitrogen cycle?"

Since our last newsletter, we've released five more short videos on our YouTube and Instagram channels:

Why doesn't the timing of nitrate in rivers match fertilizer application?
How much nitrogen comes from the soil?
How much nitrogen comes from the rain?
How much nitrogen comes from legumes?
Which rotainon is better for water quality?

And we'll continue adding to the playlist each week through the end of the year. The next few episodes will focus on fertilizer and manure management. We hope many Iowans will spare a moment, get better informed, and join the conservation!

Watch here!

Story County Water Quality Updates

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

The water was clear (low suspended sediment) but not clean (high nitrate and E. coli bacteria) when we tested rivers in October.

View the Latest Data

In case you missed it - 2025 event recap

by Dan Haug, Water Quality Specialist

A review of the Watershed and Wildlife program's volunteer events, speaking engagements, and tabling events in 2025.

3 Minute Read

Does Adding a Pollinator Garden Really Save You Money?

by Katelyn Rinicker, Pollinator Conservation Specialist

Most people don't think twice about what it costs to maintain a traditional lawn, but the numbers can add up quickly. Let's break down how much it costs and what you can save by adding even a small pollinator garden.

2.5 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!

Lincoln Highway

Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail Celebration and 19th Annual Chili Cookoff

Nov 1st

Uptown Mount Vernon. Check out the new additions to the Sculpture Trail from 2:30-3 pm, then head uptown for the Chili Cookoff 3-6 pm!

Holiday Homecoming Light Parade & Small Business Saturday

Nov 29th, 9 am- 5:30 pm

Belle Plaine Main Street Historic District. Start your day shopping for the perfect gift, take in a matinee at King’s Theatre, and end the day with the lighted parade and tree lighting!

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Socials

Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway Socials

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Socials

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Support Us

We are 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.

Donate

Your tax-deductible gift is much appreciated!

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.

Prairie Rivers of Iowa | 3116 South Duff Avenue Suite 201 | Ames, IA 50010