Watershed Talks ~ Soil and Water Conservation
Iowa HUC 8 Watersheds and the Iowa population of each.
This monthly virtual series is a project of the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America, with rotating co-hosts from other Iowa Chapters. We feature guests for 30-40 minute presentations that shed daylight on good works done in Iowa watersheds. In this way we uplift our shared goals for cleaner water, a healthy environment, and kinder communities.
Watershed Talks ~ March 18, 2025
Nature Defenders of Iowa—
How organizations work everyday to defend our natural resources both at the state and federal level!
Anna Gray— Public Policy Director and Counsel, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Kate Hansen— Agriculture Program Director, The Izaak Walton League of America
Learn about the current challenges in defending nature at the state and federal level. Anna and Kate will discuss the most recent legislative issues which include major budget cuts associated with conservation that impact our agriculture lands, natural resources, and outdoor habitats.
Anna Gray is the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s Public Policy Director and Counsel. She works to shape public policy priorities that promote sustainable agriculture, preserve natural resources, and connect people with the outdoors.
Kate Hansen is the Izaak Walton League of America’s national Agriculture Program Director. In her role, she leads the League’s work to influence federal policies to increase conservation practices, improve water quality, and restore soil health on farm and ranch-land across the country.
Watershed Talks ~ This monthly series is a project of the Iowa Division of The Izaak Walton League of America, with rotating co-hosts from other Iowa Chapters. We feature guests for 30-40 minute presentations that shed daylight on good works done in Iowa watersheds. In this way we uplift our shared goals for cleaner water, a healthy environment, and kinder communities. Recorded programs will be available at iowaikes.com shortly after they air live.
Watershed Talks ~ February 18, 2025
It’s About Trout!
How Trout Unlimited makes water quality a top priority by protecting trout habitats and restoring waterways in Iowa!
Cameron Aker— Iowa Driftless Outreach Coordinator, Trout Unlimited
“Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you.” —Wendell Berry
Learn more about why and how Trout Unlimited (TU) works with anglers and communities to protect and restore “Priority Waters” throughout Iowa.
Cameron will share current TU’s projects and efforts to help mitigate the many challenges associated with impaired waterways and how it impacts Iowa’s best trout streams in the Driftless area.
As the Iowa Driftless Outreach Coordinator for Trout Unlimited, Cameron Aker helps connect growers, landowners, anglers, volunteer groups, and government agencies to help restore the cold-water habitats of Iowa.
Cameron has spent the last 17 years of his career in the Ag Industry, where he worked with growers, researchers, and other partners to help identify and implement solutions for growers. Much of his work has been in ag research, where he focused on various input effects on crop performances as well as cropping systems. In these roles, Cameron has managed projects between partners as well as the budgets and deliverables between them.
Cameron is originally from west central Indiana where he gained his love for the outdoors. After moving to Iowa in 2016, he began fly fishing which has quickly become an obsession. Cameron is a member of many conservation focused groups, including Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Izaak Walton League, and Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association.
Cameron and his wife Vivian live in Ames, Iowa. They enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping, and many trips to the beautiful Driftless Region of Iowa together. Cameron also enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and fly tying, whenever possible.
Watershed Talks ~ This monthly series is a project of the Iowa Division of The Izaak Walton League of America, with rotating co-hosts from other Iowa Chapters. We feature guests for 30-40 minute presentations that shed daylight on good works done in Iowa watersheds. In this way we uplift our shared goals for cleaner water, a healthy environment, and kinder communities. Recorded programs will be available at iowaikes.com shortly after they air live.
Our 2025 Watershed Talks continue to focus and highlight the legacy of The Izaak Walton League as one of America’s first conservation organizations leading significant conservation policy— just over one hundred years ago the League was the driving force behind the creation of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which protects wildlife habitat along 261 miles of the river in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
Watershed Talks ~ January 21, 2025
Organic Farming— A Solution for Iowa & Ukraine
How a rural scientist successfully helps farmers transition to healthy organic regenerative practices!
Michael McNeill, PhD— Scientist, Researcher, and Farmer
Learn more about why and how transitioning conventional farm land to organic regenerative practices not only benefits farmers financially, but also benefits our communities by producing healthy soil, clean water, and nutritious abundant food.
Michael shares his recent work in Ukraine this past summer and how farmers are continuing to produce despite the ongoing war. He also shares one farmer’s recent success story who is currently transitioning over 8,000 acres to organic production near Michael’s home town of Algona, Iowa. Michael will also discuss the increased interest of farmers wanting to transition their conventional farms to organic.
Michael McNeill, PhD. has 50+ years of experience as a research scientist and agricultural consultant. He has consulted with farmers on approximately 165,000 acres of cropland in the Middle West. In addition, Michael has consulted with regenerative farming systems in Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Canada. He is currently working with farmers to assist them in transitioning to regenerative organic crop production systems. He has transitioned his own farm to organic production 17 years ago.
McNeill is passionate about the relationship between improved soil health and its’ relationship with human health. Currently he is chairman of the board of directors of TRIADA, a non-profit organization devoted to research and teaching of farming and health care systems that enhance both soil and human health by removal of heavy metals and petrochemicals and increased nutrient density of our food supply.
Michael recently participated as a panelist at the 2024 Iowa Nature Summit’s session on Farming, Soil Health, Food and Wellness, moderated by Carole Reichardt, board member, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF)
Watershed Talks ~ December 17, 2024
Panoramic View of Nature Education—
How a rural science teacher uses the outdoors as a creative classroom to educate students about nature!
Mark Dorhout— Science Teacher, Panorama Middle School
Learn more about why and how outdoor education not only is a great way to engage our youth but is also an essential component to benefit our communities long-term.
Mark shares additional information about how this nature education program works and why it’s so important that other teachers and parents get involved and start advocating for outdoor experiences in their schools and communities.
Mark Dorhout is a talented Middle School Teacher at Panorama Middle School. He has spent over 30 years in public education, working both as a teacher (11 years) and a Middle School Principal (21 years. Most of his life has been spent in Iowa, but he has also lived and taught in Wisconsin and South Dakota.
In his 4 years at Panorama, in Panora, IA, he has developed an Outdoor Education program using a focus on Environmental Stewardship. Each student spends approximately 45-50 hours in the field with 60-70 hours of followup instruction. Areas of focus include prairie reconstruction, outdoor observation skills, a bird unit that includes making and monitoring a bluebird/wren house for two years, remote sensing and outdoor appreciation through art. Water quality is the next phase of incorporation into the curriculum.
Mark serves as a board member of the Panora Conservation Chapter of The Izaak Walton League of America. He recently participated as a panelist at the 2024 Iowa Nature Summit’s session on Nature Based Education: Iowa Innovations.
Watershed Talks ~ November 19, 2024
Salt Watch— Safe Roads & Clean Water
How over salting roads not only leads to rusty cars, but kills fish, and pollutes our drinking water long-term!
Abby Hileman— Salt Watch Coordinator, Izaak Walton League of America
Learn more about why and how properly salting roads, parking lots, and walkways can ensure safe roads and clean water. Winter road salt, which usually contains chloride, has long-term negative health impacts on our local waterways and the environment.
IWL’s Salt Watch Coordinator Abby Hileman shares additional information about how Salt Watch works and why it’s so important that people get involved and start advocating for this program in their communities.
In her role, Abby leads the efforts of the Salt Watch program, expanding the project into new regions across the country, reaching new groups of volunteers, and providing resources to make lasting change—from data to action. Abby received her BS in Biology at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. She has a passion for connecting people to their communities and to nature and believes that small scale actions add up to make a big impact on conservation success.
Watershed Talks ~ This monthly series is a project of the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America, with rotating co-hosts from other Iowa Chapters. We feature guests for 30-40 minute presentations that shed daylight on good works done in Iowa watersheds. In this way we uplift our shared goals for cleaner water, a healthy environment, and kinder communities. Recorded programs will be available at iowaikes.com shortly after they air live.
Our 2024 Watershed Talks continue to focus and highlight the legacy of the Izaak Walton League as one of America’s first conservation organizations leading significant conservation policy— one hundred years ago the League was the driving force behind the creation of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which protects wildlife habitat along 261 miles of the river in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
Watershed Talks ~ October 22, 2024
Access to Clean Water & Clean Air should be a Fundamental Right—
How a constitutional amendment will assure clean water & clean air for all!
James Larew— Environmental Attorney/Advocate, Driftless Water Defenders
Learn more about why and how the Constitution of the State of Iowa should be amended to assure protection of our natural resources for us and for all future generations.
“Polls we have seen indicate that the overwhelming majority of Iowans support access to clean air and clean water. Drinking or swimming in dirty water, or breathing contaminated air, injures a person regardless of political affiliation or geographical location. Unsafe air and dirty water can cause cancers or other illnesses that may affect any and all Iowans.”
Driftless Water Defender, James Larew, shares his insights and updates from a recent article published in The Gazette that he and Chris Jones wrote: “Amend Iowa’s Constitution to assure access to clean water and clean air”.
Jim also discusses ways in which we the people can get involved and start advocating to protect our natural resources, clean water and clean air for both public health and recreation.
Attorney James Larew has had the privilege of providing legal services to Iowans throughout the state for more than forty years. As an honors graduate of both Harvard University and the University of Iowa College of Law, Jim practices law over a broad range of civil and criminal matters including environmental law. From 2007-2011, Jim was called to serve as General Counsel to Iowa Governor Chet Culver, and also served as Policy Director and Chief of Staff in the Office of Governor. He has broadened the focus of his law practice to include advocating for the interest of Iowa policy holders against insurance companies who have acted in bad faith against environmental polluters.
Watershed Talks ~ September 17, 2024
Truth about the health of the North Raccoon River—
How data gathered from the Raccoon River matters!
Mike Delaney— Iowa Conservation Director of the Izaak Walton League
Learn more about the latest water quality results. Iowa Izaak Walton League’s Conservation Director Mike Delaney will share his insights and updates on water quality data collected from the North Raccoon River watershed tributaries.
Mike will also discuss his personal observations of his river front property, as well as the history and challenges that the Raccoon River Watershed now faces with increased agriculture pollution. Possible solutions to protect the health of our soil and water will be explored. See how you can get involved in protecting our communities to improve water quality for both public health and recreation.
Mike has been a part of the Greene County’s Save Squirrel Hollow team. During the past three years, they have been collecting water samples throughout the watershed and recording data into the IWL’s national clean water hub. Discussions will include how the Save Our Streams program offers great options for citizens to engage through stream monitoring and receive FREE test kits through nitratewatch.org
Mike Delaney is an environmental sociologist, Raccoon River Watershed landowner, founder of the Raccoon River Watershed Association and the Panora Conservation Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, and serves as the Iowa Conservation Director of the Izaak Walton League.
Watershed Talks ~ August 13, 2024
CO2 Pipeline Hazards and the Power of People—
How landowners unite in Iowa to protect their land and property rights from Hazardous CO2 pipelines!
Emma Schmit— Grassroots Organizer, Bold Alliance
Chris Henning— Greene County Community Organizer
Learn more about the latest plans for the hazardous carbon pipeline proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions. Emma Schmit, Director of the Pipeline Fighters Hub, alongside Greene County landowner and community organizer, Chris Henning, share insight and updates on the carbon capture pipeline threatening over 1,000 miles of land in Iowa.
They discuss the tenuous history of carbon pipelines, the hazards and negative impacts our soil and water may face, and how you can get involved in protecting our communities from risky carbon pipelines. The recent meetings in Greene and Guthrie Counties are highlighted.
Emma Schmit is the Director of the Pipeline Fighters Hub at Bold Alliance where she connects landowners and communities facing unwanted pipelines with legal, organizing, and technical resources. She has been involved in building resistance to Summit’s carbon capture project across the Midwest since 2021.
Chris Henning is a life-long Greene County landowner, farmer, and community organizer who represents many agricultural and conservation based organizations. She is an advocate for healthy soils and clean water and is currently working to protect landowners rights against unconstitutional taking by Summit’s hazardous CO2 pipeline. Chris serves as a board member of the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League.
Watershed Talks ~ July 9, 2024
Paddlers, Pollution, and Policy—
How citizens can get in involved to protect their favorite waterways for both recreation and public health!
Lynne Diebel— Author, Paddler, & Clean Water Advocate
Dan Haug— Water Quality Specialist, Prairie Rivers of Iowa
The Clean Water Act set a goal of achieving water quality that would protect recreation and aquatic life in the nation’s waters by 1983. Forty years later, rivers downstream of wastewater treatment plants are much improved, but still fall short of those goals. We’ll take a deep dive into two such streams in the Upper Mississippi River Watershed— Badfish Creek in Wisconsin and the South Skunk River in Iowa— to better understand how the Clean Water Act works, what isn’t working, and how citizens can get involved to protect their favorite paddling and fishing spots.
Lynne Diebel is the director of The Friends of Badfish Creek Watershed, a chapter of the Rock River Coalition, and has been paddling and studying the Badfish for 16 years. She is also the author of Paddling Northern Minnesota, Paddling Southern Minnesota (Trails Books), and Crossing the Driftless: A Canoe Trip Through a Midwestern Landscape (University of Wisconsin Press), among other books. While exploring the rivers that are characters in her books, Lynne and her husband Bob paddled almost four thousand miles of rivers together. Born and raised in Minnesota, Lynne has lived in Stoughton, Wisconsin since 1974, where she and Bob raised their four children.
Dan Haug has been the water quality specialist for Prairie Rivers of Iowa (an Ames-based non-profit) since 2017. In addition to working on watershed projects, environmental education, mapping, and water quality monitoring, he recently completed a series of 45 short videos about the Clean Water Act.
Watershed Talks ~ June 11, 2024
Aftermath of the Nishnabotna River Spill
How concerned citizens unite to protect the Nishnabotna River after one of Iowa’s largest fish kills!
Samantha Williams— Scientist, Clean Water Advocate
Joey Norris— Engineer, Concerned Citizen
Learn more from scientist Samatha Williams and engineer Joey Norris as they share a brief update on the Red Oak/Montgomery County post-spill activities and some information about the New Coop.
Other concerned citizens along with Izaak Walton League’s Midwest Save our Streams Coordinator Heather Wilson will join the discussion to explore how to move forward with organizing a citizen science stream-monitoring based program. Local advocacy is key to protecting waterways for both public health and recreation. Engaging, Educating and Empowering… local citizens in communities along with giving them the tools is one of the first steps in helping to be part of the solution in cleaning up our public lands and waterways.
Samantha Williams has a degree in Biology from Iowa State University and is a former scientist with Des Moines Water Works and BioProcess Algae in Shenandoah. She is an avid clean water advocate with an eye for chemical and biological impacts. Joey Norris is a concerned citizen of SW Iowa and seeks ways to protect the East Nishnabotna River. Joey is an engineer and economic development enthusiast.