Posts in category: Water Warrior

With the issue of water quality gaining increasing traction in Iowa and the Iowa Legislature, Wings2Water is proud to recognize Cedar Rapids Farmer Jim O’Connell as its newest “Water Warrior” for his continued work to improve water quality through innovative conservation farming practices.

“Oftentimes, farmers get a bad rap for implementing practices that hurt water quality,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water Board President. “But Jim O’Connell is a leader in showing that you can farm the land and still be a good steward of our water resources.”

Building on practices his father began in the late 1970’s, Jim is mindful of the impact his farm has on the water downstream. Some of the farming practices he has implemented include:

• Cover crops to improve soil health and filtration
• Maintaining a wetland that naturally filters and slows runoff from nearby fields
• Bioreactors and riparian buffers to filter drainage and remove pollutants
• No-till farming to minimize soil erosion and nutrient loss

O’Connell’s farming practices play a significant role in maintaining the City of Cedar Rapids’ drinking water quality, as his farm is located just upstream of the source of Cedar Rapids’ drinking water.

As part of the Water Warrior recognition, O’Connell is now featured on custom signage throughout the Eastern Iowa Airport, which recently reported a record-shattering passenger count in 2025. Thousands of winter and spring break travelers will see the signage and be reminded about the need for all of us to do what we can for water quality. O’Connell is also being spotlighted across Wings2Water’s digital platforms, including social media and newsletters.

“We’re honored to recognize Jim O’Connell for all their efforts to clean our rivers and educate volunteers,” said Tara Wachendorf, GreenState Credit Union VP/Public Relations Director. “GreenState has a goal to invest $5 million in conservation causes over the next decade. We hope that by recognizing those making a difference in water quality, others will follow suit and duplicate their transformational efforts.”  

Jim O’Connell discusses farming practices and what he’s doing to help the City of Cedar Rapids achieve cleaner drinking water.

Interested in nominating a Water Warrior? Nominations taken here: https://www.wings2water.org/water-warrior/

An initiative empowering everyday people to test their water for nitrate contamination is the latest recipient of the prestigious Water Warrior recognition, as awarded by Wings2Water and GreenState Credit Union.

The Nitrate Watch Program, created by the Izaak Walton League, provides free nitrate test kits to anyone who requests one. Participants are encouraged to upload the test results to the Clean Water Hub, a public online database that tracks and visualizes nitrate levels across the country.

“We think the Nitrate Watch Program perfectly exemplifies what the Water Warrior recognition is all about,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water Board President. “It invites the public to learn about water quality while actively taking part in monitoring it. That kind of engagement drives real awareness and change.”

This summer, nitrate levels in Iowa rivers have made headlines, with warnings and even temporary water bans issued in some regions. Understanding how nitrates impact our health, environment, and local communities is more urgent than ever.

“We created the Nitrate Watch program to equip members of the public with simple tools that provide crucial water quality data,” said Heather Wilson, Midwest Save Our Streams Coordinator at the Izaak Walton League of America. “Hundreds of people across Iowa have already requested a free nitrate test kit just this year—this is a powerful sign that people are interested in getting more involved in understanding and measuring water quality. We’re excited to continue to grow this community science effort!”

As part of the Water Warrior recognition, the Nitrate Watch Program will be featured on customized signage throughout the Eastern Iowa Airport and be seen by thousands of summer travelers. The initiative will also be promoted online, on social media, and in email newsletters.

In recognition of National Water Quality Month, representatives from the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League will also be on hand at the airport on August 11 and 18 during select hours to answer questions and hand out Nitrate Watch kits to travelers.

Anyone interested in obtaining a free Nitrate Watch testing kit can also request one on the Izaak Walton League website.

“We’re honored to recognize The Nitrate Watch Program and the Izaak Walton League for advancing clean water efforts,” said Tara Wachendorf, GreenState Credit Union VP/Public Relations Director. “GreenState hopes that by recognizing those making a difference in water quality, others will follow suit and duplicate their transformational efforts.”

Do you know a Water Warrior? A Water Warrior is a person, farm, or oranization making a difference in local water quality. This can include farming practices, conservation initiatives, or individuals making a difference in water quality education. Nominate someone here.

At Wings2Water, we believe that protecting Iowa’s waterways starts with recognizing the individuals and organizations making a real difference. Our Water Warrior series celebrates those who are leading the charge in sustainable farming, conservation, and education — the people and projects working to reduce nutrient pollution, restore water quality, and help eliminate the Gulf’s Dead Zone.

Meet Our Water Warrior: Karen Wilke

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Karen Wilke, Associate Director of Freshwater at The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. Karen is making a lasting impact by restoring oxbow wetlands — former bends in rivers that have become disconnected from the main channel over time. Through careful restoration, she and her team remove sediment buildup and reconnect these wetlands to nearby waterways.

Why does this matter? Restored oxbow wetlands act like nature’s filtration systems. They trap and filter pollutants before they enter rivers, store excess water to reduce flooding, and create essential habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Karen’s work is proof that conservation and agriculture can work hand in hand, supporting both healthy communities and thriving ecosystems.

Why Oxbows Are a Game-Changer
• Cleaner Water – Natural filtration helps remove excess nutrients and sediment.
• Flood Protection – Extra water storage reduces downstream flood risks.
• Wildlife Habitat – Restored wetlands provide safe havens for diverse species.

Karen’s dedication to revitalizing Iowa’s waterways demonstrates how practical, science-based solutions can improve our environment for generations to come.

Check out the Oxbow Restoration Toolkit here.

Powered by Partnership

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to GreenState Credit Union for sponsoring our Water Warrior initiative. Their support makes it possible to share these inspiring stories and encourage others to take action. Together, we’re building a sustainable future for Iowa’s water.

Wings2Water and GreenState Credit Union spotlighting those leading the way for water quality

Wings2Water, an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring water quality in the Mississippi River watershed, and GreenState Credit Union, known for promoting good deeds and practices in its communities, are launching a first-of-its-kind award called “Water Warrior.” This unique program recognizes people and organizations actively making a difference in improving water quality in Iowa and beyond.

“We hope to shine a positive light on those leading the way with proven water quality improvement practices so that others might be inspired to do the same,” said Tara Wachendorf, VP/Public Relations Director of GreenState Credit Union. “We want the Water Warriors recognition to become a highly- coveted award and inspire others to follow the lead of people and organizations making a difference in water quality.”

“There’s really no arguing that water quality is an issue,” said Marty Lenss, Wings2Water board president. “What we’re doing with Water Warriors is highlighting solutions in a positive way and encouraging others to follow the lead of our warriors to improve water quality in our state and the Mississippi River watershed.”

Water Warrior recipients will be honored by Wings2Water and GreenState with special signage at the Eastern Iowa Airport, as well as recognition on websites, in videos, and in publications. Wings2Water will offer information online about what each Water Warrior is doing to improve water quality so others can learn and duplicate their actions. The website will also have a feature where the public can submit nominees for the quarterly award.

Passengers at the Eastern Iowa Airport will have an opportunity to learn about the Water Warrior recipients when they log in to use free Wi-Fi at the airport and see a video with the honoree(s).

The first Water Warrior honoree is Voss Farm, a Cedar Rapids sixth-generation farm, leading the way in farming practices that help protect water quality and improve the topsoil’s organic matter, which ultimately increases the soil’s rainwater holding capacity. These practices lead to less runoff and reduce water pollution.

“We’re concerned about conservation, not just what we do, but for the state of Iowa,” said Dan Voss of Voss Farm. “If we all work together, we can make progress. (Conservation) is not just an issue for my farm or my neighbor’s farm, it’s a societal issue. Everybody should be concerned about saving soil…and water quality. (We all) need clean water.”

“We’re so pleased to recognize Voss Farm for all their work in the area of water quality,” said Wachendorf. “GreenState has a goal to invest $5 million in conservational causes over the next decade. We hope that by recognizing those making a difference in water quality, others will follow suit and duplicate their transformational efforts.”

Dan and Brian Voss talk about water quality practices on their farm: https://youtu.be/HQzUQrOruss

More on what they’re doing for conservation and water quality at Voss Farms:
https://www.wings2water.org/water-warrior/

Water Warriors nominations taken here: https://www.wings2water.org/water-warrior/