Hello Mike,

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Director Leaves Behind a Dynamic Tenure of Leadership

by PR and Marketing Coordinator Mike Kellner

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Executive Director Penny Brown Huber has established a culture of teamwork, insight, and encouragement for over a decade. Huber has announced she will step down from her position on December 15, 2023.

3 Minute Read

Conservation Connection

A Year of Pollinator Progress!

by Conservation Specialist Jessica Butters

With your help, Prairie Rivers of Iowa accomplished many pollinator goals in 2023! From mobilizing a city-wide plan to improve the plight of pollinators to receiving a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.

2 Minute Read

Story County Water Quality Monitoring Update

by Water Quality Specialist Dan Haug

The bright side of drought is cleaner water in many Story County streams. 7 of 11 sites met the E. coli standard and had low nitrogen and phosphorus levels.

Full Update and Data Here

Pollinator of the Month: White Flannel Moth (Norape ovina)

This cozy-looking insect is a white flannel moth! While rarely seen in Iowa, these fuzzy cuties offer a glimpse into the magical variety of Iowa moths! Their caterpillars feed on native trees like redbud and hackberry. Moths need dark nights to hide from predators and find their mates. To help moths and other night-time animals, place your Christmas lights on a timer, and use warm red to yellowish lights instead of bright white to blue lights!

In Case You Missed It on Our Social Media!

Clean Water Act 50 Years 50 Facts - Episodes 47 & 48

#47 Antidenegration & #48 Outstanding Iowa Waters

Clean Water Act Fact #44: Compliance Monitoring The Integrated Report (In Theory)

CWA Fact #45 The Integrated Report In Practice

Byway Buzz

Sources of Financial Assistance for Preserving Historical Buildings

by Special Projects Manager Shellie Orngard

Many property owners are eager to find financial assistance for rehabilitating, preserving, or maintaining their structures, whether for a modest private residence or a large commercial building. Tax incentives may be available.

2 Minute Read

Lincoln Highway

a poem by Amelia Kibbie

2 Minute Read

Prairie Rivers of Iowa has had a busy and productive 2023 in Iowa, working on a variety of important initiatives related to creating a healthier natural environment and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Iowa. As we end this year, we have touched kids, families, landowners, historic homeowners and business owners, communities, natural resource professionals, and like-minded not-for-profits. We cannot do this work without your support!

Please consider a year-end gift of $50 or more to Prairie Rivers of Iowa. Your support helps us to keep up the good work! You can make a gift by visiting our donation page. We know that as good stewards of the land, you see how important this work is today. It is so important for a not-for-profit to receive gifts from individuals. Hearing from you encourages and supports our very difficult work in support of Iowa's natural and cultural resources.

Bee the Change! Make your year-end gift here today!

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board Member Rick Dietz

Apply to be a Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board of Director Today!

The Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board of Directors is seeking new directors with skills and professional experience related to nonprofit operations, management, leadership, and fundraising to meet the needs of a growing organization. We are looking for new board members to begin in January 2024.

Click for More Info and to Apply

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Prairie Rivers of Iowa Merchandise

Your Purchase Helps Us to Work Towards Clean Water and a Healthy Environment

You can purchase PRI merchandise here. Items include T-shirts, sweatshirts, and long-sleeve shirts. coffee mugs and tote bags in a variety of colors and styles.

Watershed and Wildlife Events

Best Practices for Pollinators Summit

February 27-29 2024 - online

Learn ecologically sound land practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean waters and lands. Practical knowledge and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, fostering soil health, pollinator biology, pollinator conservation, and more. Co-hosts Pollinator Friendly Alliance and The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. ….More Info Here

Byway Events

Promise Road: How the Lincoln Highway Changed America

The Norelius Community Library will host the exhibit from January 2, 2024, through February, traveling east on the Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway to Denison, Iowa. www.denison.lib.ia.us

To host this LincolnHighway exhibit, contact Byway Coordinator Jeanie Hau at jhau@prrcd.org.