Prairie Rivers of Iowa Has Had a Busy and Productive 2023

by Director Penny Brown Huber, PRI Board and Staff

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.

4 Minute Read

Conservation Connection

Hello Mike,

Fall Water Quality Snapshot, 2023

by Water Quality Specialist Dan Haug

Despite drought and thunderstorms, volunteers in five counties tested water quality at 130 sites as part of coordinated "Snapshot" events. We created an interactive map to share the findings.

3 Minute Read With Map & Data

Bugs are Not Invading Your Home

by Conservation Specialist Jessica Butters

This time of year it seems that we see more bugs indoors. For some people (like me) this isn’t worrisome. For others, it might mean frantic googling to ensure you’re not seeing some unknown, horrible pest.

5 Minute Read

Story County Water Quality Monitoring Update

by Water Quality Specialist Dan Haug

Ballard Creek had unusually high levels of nitrate (13 mg/L) and phosphorus (1.1 mg/L) in October.

Full Update and Data Here

Pollinator of the Month: Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus)

These pretty beetles are the unsung pollinators of fall! At first glance, they look like wasps, but they are harmless, eating mostly pollen and nectar.

This diet makes them excellent pollinators and ensures your late flowers will produce seed next year! They can appear in high numbers, but these beetles don’t damage plants and are very friendly. Let's give beetles the appreciation they deserve this month!

In Case You Missed It on Our Social Media!

Clean Water Act 50 Years 50 Facts - Episodes 44 & 45

#44 The Integrated Report (In Theory) & #45 The Integrated Report (In Practice)

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

CWA Fact #45 The Integrated Report In Practice

Byway Buzz

110 Years of the Lincoln Highway

From Its Beginnings to Where We Are Today

by Byway Coordinator Jeanie Hau

The idea was simple yet big. Gravel 3,400 miles of road across the US. Communities to provide the equipment and manpower and in exchange for the work, the communities would receive the material free of charge.

5 Minute Read

Pritchard Companies Traverse the Lincoln Highway During an Innovation Relay to Celebrate 110 Years.

by Byway Coordinator Jeanie Hau

At sunrise on a very cold Tuesday morning near the Mississippi River in Clinton 5th-generation Pritchard family member, Angela Pritchard got behind the wheel of a Mustang Mac-E and began the first leg of a Lincoln Highway in Iowa relay.

2 Minute Read

Historic Communal Dining

Taste and Experience Amana Colonies History!

shared by the Amana Colonies CVB

Thanksgiving is near and as families gather for their feast, we like to share this story about communal dining that took place on what is now along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway.

2 Minute Read

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

Shop Here

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.

Place an order by 11/27

for delivery by 12/15!

Watershed and Wildlife Events

Story County Conservation Sunset Hike

Friday, Nov. 17, 5:00 - 6:00 P.M.

Hickory Grove Park - Oriole Ridge Lodge

67466 250th St., Colo, IA

Celebrate National Hiking Day with an easy-going hike on soft surface trails while discovering beautiful park views.

Byway Events

Promise Road: How the Lincoln Highway

Changed America

Now through Thursday, November 30th

Council Bluffs Public Library, Council Bluffs, IA

Promise Road tells the story of how the Lincoln Highway knit together the nation in the early days of the automobile and helps communities grow. Library Location and Hours

Prelude to Christmas and Tannenbaum Forest

Fridays-Sundays Nov. 24th – Dec. 17th

Amana Colonies - Amana Iowa

Step into a winter wonderland at the Tannenbaum Forest! Over 60 unique Christmas Trees in the Festhalle Barn, a 17-foot German Christmas Pyramid, games, and festivities! Details Here