Watersheds and Wildlife
Many creeks and lakes are not monitored by state agencies. Water quality monitoring with our local partners is filling the gap in Story County and is guiding conservation efforts. The drought made 2021 a challenging year for monitoring but we’re learning how to control for weather in order to better see the influence of land management on water. Read our annual report or a quick summary of our findings.
Over 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of bees, along with many other species found in Iowa, need your attention.
Our goal is to create diverse habitats, and plant native prairies and grasslands to restore pollinator, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian populations while improving soil health.
We are working with landowners to provide for Iowa’s pollinators and wildlife by mapping and cataloging flyways and ecosystems, assisting with small to large landowner habitat design, providing conservation assistance, harvesting and providing native seeds while conducting environmental outreach and education.
What matters is the actions we are taking plus the information and relationships we have assembled puts local government, landowners, and our many partners in a good position to tackle these challenges!
Which Insects are “Home for Christmas”?
Insects are conspicuous by their absence during Iowa’s winter months. Absent are the beauty of butterflies, and we would be shocked to hear a bee buzzing around our snowy apartment balcony on Christmas Eve. So where did they all go? Did they perish from freezing temperatures? Have they all migrated south with the eastern Monarch populations?
Here in Iowa, we have many insects that use truly astonishing techniques to stay here throughout the winter, braving the cold with the rest of us. From smart hiding places and suspended animation to making their own antifreeze, Iowa’s insects have developed some pretty wild adaptations to weather the winter!
TMI stands for “Watershed Plan”
The new watershed plan for the Headwaters of the South Skunk River is hard to digest, but provides a strong foundation for action.
Ames Pollinator-Friendly Practices Pilot Project Completed
How can homeowners in Ames be encouraged to increase their pollinator friendly practices in their yards? That was the question addressed by former Prairie Rivers of Iowa (PRI) Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway Coordinator Shellie Orngard in a recently completed pilot project using Community Based Social Marketing strategies.
Jessica Butters
Pollinator Conservation Specialist
Dan Haug
Water Quality Specialist