Monthly Archives: August 2023

Wings2Water awarded two $500 grants to Iowa State Extension and Outreach – Johnson County. The funds were used for two educational workshops for women in agriculture and female landowners to learn the basics and economics of tile drainage, as well as other water quality considerations.

The Tile Drainage Workshop answered questions on the benefits of tile drainage and what makes a good design. They also addressed typical costs and the economic return. Tile drainage is a type of agricultural drainage system designed to remove excess water from soil.

The Water Quality Workshop focused on water quality practices for fields, how tenants and landowners can work together on water quality goals, and cost share opportunities.

The John County division of Iowa State Extension and Outreach serves Iowans in these program areas: agriculture and natural resources, health and human sciences, 4-H youth development, and community economic development. According to their website, the Johnson County Extension Council, county staff, and ISU Extension and Outreach staff work together to provide research-based learning opportunities. They also carry Iowa State University’s land-grant mission across the county.

Learn more about Iowa State University Extension and Outreach here.

Wings2Water awarded a $1,500 grant to Friends of Lakeside Lab to support the stabilization of the shoreline at Little Millers Bay on West Okoboji Lake. A collapse of a shoreline would impact the diverse fisheries and recreational activities that take place in Little Millers Bay.

Founded in 1996, Friends of Lakeside Lab is a nonprofit in Milford, Iowa at Okoboji Lake. They’re focused on water quality monitoring, environmental education, and research initiatives at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. The organization furthers its impact through scholarships, internships, and financial support of an in-house scientist. Opportunities to get involved include donating, volunteering, or attending events.

Learn more about Friends of Lakeside Lab here.

Wings2Water awarded a $5,000 grant to Iowa Rivers Revivals (IRR) to help plan, support, coordinate, and execute a series of river cleanup events across Iowa.

One of the river cleanup events took place on August 14, 2024. Volunteers walked over two miles of Indian Creek, filling a canoe with tires, bikes, plastic, and other trash. In 2023, IRR removed nearly 62,000 pounds of trash from Iowa rivers and waterways.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to garbage in U.S. streams, rivers, creeks, etc. as “aquatic trash.” Littering isn’t the only contributing factor. Illegal dumping and garbage that isn’t properly contained or disposed of easily become aquatic trash when carried by wind or rain into our waterways. All of the trash in our waterways affects water quality, marine animals and plants, and contributes to the pollution in areas used for tourism and recreation. The EPA provides detailed information on environmental, social, and economic impacts here.

Connect with Iowa Rivers Revival on Facebook here.

Wings2Water awarded a $7,500 grant to Linn County Conservation (LCC) to be used for a wetland at The Bird Preserve. The Bird Preserve is an 83-acre natural area located along Ellis Road NW that was donated to LCC in 2022. An additional 57 acres of woodland is along the Cedar River.

Today, The Bird Preserve provides the community with fishing access, a pavilion, and a number of trails. This includes the Wetland Loop Trail off of Ellis Road, a 0.6-mile loop that passes by Morgan Creek.

Wetland areas are crucial for water quality, controlling floods, and healthy ecosystems. A healthy wetland system serves as a type of filter for downstream waters, keeping rivers and lakes clean. Healthy wetlands also serve as an important ecosystem and habitat for various plants and animals.

Linn County Conservation, a department in Linn County (Iowa), provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the community while preserving and enhancing natural spaces. The department oversees more than 30 parks, 100 miles of trails, 300+ campsites, and various natural areas. Their work ensures the community can spend time in nature through hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and hunting, while they remain dedicated to protecting natural resources.

You can learn more about Linn County Conservation and The Bird Preserve here.

Wings2Water awarded a $10,000 grant to Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC) to support the Etzel Sugar Grove Farm in Marion, Iowa. The funding provided allowed ICNC to focus their efforts on a 40-acre field that was previously conventionally farmed. ICNC began the process of converting the field to organic by preparing and planting the hay and cover crop. They also planted seeds to create a prairie buffer along the borders of the field. That seed mix included 18 grasses and sedges and 61 flower species. These measure help prevent soil loss, improve soil conditions, and help reduce runoff to improve overall water quality. Soil samples were taken before the project began and will be taken annually to monitor progress. This field’s transition will be a three-year process before it’s fully converted to a certified organic portion of the farm.

Indian Creek Nature Center was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973, with their first public program held in 1974. The organization’s mission “is to promote a sustainable future by nurturing individuals through environmental education, providing leadership in land protection and restoration and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.” In addition to their efforts in sustainability, Indian Creek Nature Center is known for several events, including Backcountry Film Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, and Indian Creek Cleanup.

Explore more about the Etzel Sugar Grove Farm here.