Spotlight Stories
Explore IAWA’s original reporting on the latest conservation news
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From deadly dams to revitalized recreation: Iowa initiatives transform waterways
Posted onBy Dan Looker ICON Water Trails continues building momentum for 150 miles of waterway recreation while the Wetland Wave supports water quality to improve the recreation experience. DES MOINES, Iowa…
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Here to help – farmers support farmers in adding regenerative practices
Posted onIowa farmer, Dean Sponheim, nears 100,000 acres of cover crops with his entrepreneurial endeavors, after seeing successful cover crops on his own farm in 2012. By Dan Looker OSAGE, Iowa…
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‘A milestone year’ for Iowa water quality
Posted onRecord cost share for farmers, increased practices stand out in 2023 ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – Iowa saw record investment in water quality and soil health practices in 2023, according to…
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Iowa regenerative farmer Kelly Garrett named Top Producer Award finalist
Posted onDENISON, Iowa (IAWA) – Sixth-generation Iowa farmer and regenerative ag advocate Kelly Garrett is one of just three finalists for the prestigious Farm Journal 2023 Top Producer of the Year…
Posted in Cover Crops, Farmer champions, MAWQP, New, Nutrient Management, Press release, Spotlight Stories, SW Iowa -
Prairie Strips – A beautiful tool for soil preservation
Posted onBy Dan Looker ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) Diamonds are valued and appreciated for their beauty because they’re rare. So it is with a nearly vanished American landscape – the tallgrass prairie.…
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West O Beer, Doll Distributing support Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance with “Blue Taps=Clean Water”
Posted onDES MOINES, Iowa (IAWA) – Central Iowa beer lovers can now support clean water efforts simply by ordering a pint thanks to the expanded “Blue Taps=Clean Water” program from West…
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When it comes to better soil health, context is key
Posted onNew Soil Health Interpretation Portal gives customized, “apples-to-apples” insights ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – It’s no secret that Iowa is blessed with great cropland, and the Iowa Soybean Association’s new, free-to-use…
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Reap the rewards of better drainage practices with free land upgrades on your farm
Posted onIowa farmers face ag drainage problems. There are solutions. When farm field runoff flows through traditional tile drainage structures, water doesn’t have a chance to slow down and infiltrate the…
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City of Cedar Rapids’ Mary Beth Stevenson earns IAWA Public Impact award, honored at Iowa Watershed Awards
Posted onCEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (IAWA) – City of Cedar Rapids Watersheds & Source Water Program Manager Mary Beth Stevenson has been named the winner of the 2023 Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance…
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DNR’s Josh Balk named IAWA Watershed Coordinator of the Year, honored at Iowa Watershed Awards
Posted onWATERLOO, Iowa (IAWA) – Josh Balk’s dedication to improving water quality in the Cedar River watershed is being recognized with the 2023 IAWA Watershed Coordinator of the Year award, an…