Prairie Rivers of Iowa
Strengthening communities by conserving natural resources, promoting cultural heritage, and supporting economic development.
Fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable growth through collaboration and locally grounded solutions.
Job Opening!
We are searching for a Water Quality & Outreach Specialist to join our team.
They coordinate and implement Prairie Rivers of Iowa’s watershed monitoring and community science programs in partnership with local governments, conservation organizations, and volunteers. The position integrates field sampling, laboratory results, volunteer monitoring data, and watershed research to evaluate water quality conditions in local watersheds.
Brand New Hats!
We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We’re Doing It
Through historical, water, and pollinator conservation, we show our love for the environment and Iowa. Look at our programs and what we are currently doing below.
Byways
We manage the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway. Along this route, you can find many historical libraries and sites to see. Make sure to look at our Byway Buzz Blog to find out the best places to visit!
Clean WAter
We are always on the lookout for ways to keep our waterways clean, something not easily done in Iowa. With increased nitrate and E.coli in the water, it’s more important than ever to protect our waterways. From Water Quality Monitoring to Creek Cleanups, we do it all.
Pollinator Conservation
Did you know that insect populations have decreased by over 70% since the early 2000s, and more than 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction? Pollinators are faced with habitat fragmentation and increased pesticide exposure, and need all the help they can get.
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Check out our recent blog posts
Carnegie Libraries byways Tour: Cornell & Mt Vernon
In 1901, Cornell College and the City of Mount Vernon were offered a grant from Andrew Carnegie. This collaboration is possibly the only one of its kind in the country. Although, the library outgrew itself, the collaboration did not.
The 2026 Impaired Waters List
St. Patrick’s Day is the only day of the year it’s acceptable to have bright green water. It’s also the last day to make public comment on Iowa’s 2026 Impaired Waters List, which features some waters that sometimes turn green for other reasons.