The University of Dubuque is tracking environmental and ecological changes at stream sites on the property of New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque County. The Abbey, along with help from UD Environmental Studies students, has been restoring streams on their property through the installation of artificial beaver dams (called beaver dam analogues) and the planting of forest and prairie buffer strips. Students are investigating how these restoration efforts in agricultural land will affect biodiversity. With the award from Wings2Water, they will also compare water quality between restoration and control sites.
The University hopes this project will provide a framework for farmers who wish to convert some of their farmland to natural ecosystems to improve local water quality and the biodiversity of riparian systems.
About The University of Dubuque:
At the University of Dubuque, they’re committed to helping students from Iowa’s community colleges complete their undergraduate degrees with direction, affordability, and efficiency.
Wings2Water offers two types of grants to deserving organizations and individuals that help fulfill the mission of our organization. One is for educational programs; the other is for projects that improve and/or restore water quality or help reduce nutrient pollution runoff.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all grant recipients this year,” said Rebekah Jones, Wings2Water Board President. “With a surge in applications, we’re seeing a growing commitment within our communities to address water quality issues, and we’re incredibly proud of the diverse range of initiatives these funds will support. Together, we’re making strides toward cleaner water locally and downstream.”
These grants are made possible by generous support from corporate sponsors including GreenState Credit Union, TrueNorth, and New Leader Manufacturing, as well as round-it-up donations from travelers at the Eastern Iowa Airport.