Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board Member Rick Dietz is new to our board of directors, but certainly not new to our work. Retired from the City of Ames, Rick volunteers for many organizations including Prairie Rivers, Story County Conservation, the Story County Sheriff’s Dive Team, N-Compass and Project AWARE, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Iowa Wildlife Center, STAR 1 Search and Rescue, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Rivers Program. Rick has been generous with his gifts, time, and talents as a Prairie Rivers supporter and volunteer. We look forward to the depth of experience and enthusiasm he will bring to the board, our staff, and our partners!
More About Rick:
• Attended Iowa State (majoring in Horticulture) after getting an Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology
• Retired from City of Ames Electric Services in 2015
• Interest in prairies began as a volunteer at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
• Member of the Panora Conservation Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and the Iowa Environmental Council
• Recipient of INHF’s Hagie Heritage Award (2020), the Olav Smedal Conservation Award, and an IOWATER Volunteer of the Year Award (both in 2006)
• Served in the Army National Guard, 1988-1993
Rick and his wife Carol Hansell, both Iowa natives, live just north of Ames where their home overlooks prairie, woodlands, and the Skunk River Valley.
Rick Dietz (left) with Prairie Rivers of Iowa Board President Reed Riskedahl during volunteer water quality monitor event.
Rick Dietz working with volunteers during Ioway Creek cleanup in 2021.
Rick Dietz working with volunteers during Ioway Creek cleanup in 2022.
