Upcoming Events

National Public Lands Day: Remnant Prairie Unveiling

Join us for National Public Lands Day on September 27, 2025! Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. We will have an open house at Don Williams Park for our newly discovered prairie remnants.

Will be doing a prairie hike, seed harvesting, and some invasive species control. At the end Dr. Thomas Rosburg will give a presentation about his floristic and ecological assessment of the park’s remnants. During the presentation we will have a root beer float party!

To celebrate we will be unveiling a sign that will display the new name of the remnant! As well as recognition to the generous sponsors of the Iowa Native Plant Society and Iowa Prairie Network.

Date: Saturday, September 27th

Time: 1 PM to 4 PM

Location: Don Williams Park

Address: 610 H Ave, Ogden, Iowa 50212

Meeting Place: Lodge by the Lake

We hope to see you there!

• REAP Assembly- Boone and Story Counties The ISU Research Park Economic Development Core Facility
  1805 Collaboration Pl #1300 Ames, IA
  June 18, 2026 · 4:00 am - 6:00pm

  BOONE AND STORY COUNTIES TO HOST REAP ASSEMBLY 

  Are you interested in improving natural and cultural resources for the direct benefit of central Iowa?  Please join us on Thursday, June 18 to share ideas for how Iowa’s premier funding program for outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation can assist your county and communities. 

  This public REAP Assembly will be held at the ISU Research Park Economic Development Core Facility on Thursday, June 18 from 4 to 6 p.m., hosted by the Boone and Story County Conservation Boards. 

  Established in 1989, the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program has funded nearly $430 million for projects that have included water quality improvements, habitat protection, roadside prairies, historical development, park and trail development, and conservation education. Check out REAP County Expenditure Data to discover projects close to where you live.   

   

  “I encourage everyone interested in our natural, historic and cultural resources to attend this gathering to learn more about the REAP program,” said Mike Meetz, Chair; Story County REAP Committee. “County municipalities and organizations can learn about and explore how to qualify and benefit from the REAP program, too.” 

  Every two years, Iowans gather for Regional Assemblies to direct the future of our state’s natural and cultural resources.  This year we are reimagining the Assembly by putting local voices and proven projects that have transformed our communities and improved quality of life at the center of the conversation. This is your chance to learn about REAP, connect with like-minded citizens who are interested in natural and cultural resource work, and voice how REAP can better serve your community and your region. 

  What to Expect: 

  • The Showcase: View tangible examples of how REAP funds have been used in Story and Boone Counties to enhance natural resources, outdoor recreation and historic preservation in recent years. For example, Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, located directly north of this event, was realized through REAP funding, providing a blueprint for what is possible in your own backyard. 

  • The Citizen Idea Wall: We invite you to add your ideas to a regional “Citizen Idea Wall.” What does our region need next? Your input will form the basis of your regional recommendations and inform your county’s 5-Year REAP plan. 

  • The Civic Mandate: Per Iowa Law, this is your official opportunity to review REAP expenditures and recommend changes to state policy. You will elect five delegates to carry these ideas to REAP Congress, held on August 29, 2026 at the Iowa State Capitol. 

  Success is built. Our resources. Your voice. Endless opportunity. Join us to see what we’ve built together and help us decide what we will achieve next.   

  More details about this event can be found at www.storycountyconservation.org. Contact Story County Conservation with questions or call 515.232.2516.  

  Visit www.IowaDNR.org to learn more about REAP.