Iowa Project Aware Education Programs - July 15
Join Project A.W.A.R.E. to help clean up a river for a day, the whole week, or anywhere in between. Paddle up to 20 miles a day, loading trash into your canoe as you paddle. After a long day of cleaning the river, volunteers gather in camp to enjoy educational programs that broaden watershed awareness and strengthen community understanding. There also will be interactive activities where participants can improve their outdoor skills and get hands-on experience with water quality testing and nature identification. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend in-camp programs requiring no registration. Daily registration fees for on-river cleanup include catered meals, canoes, and paddles. Tent camping areas provide each night of the journey. Cleanup will be from approximately 9AM-4PM. For more information or to register online for on-river cleanup, visit https://www.iowaprojectaware.org or facebook.com/iaprojectaware
July 15, 2025
4:30 pm – Concurrent Informal Afternoon Activities (East Park, Mason City)
o Whitewater Kayaking - Glenn Harman (Iowa DNR River Programs)
An Introduction to Whitewater Paddling at either the 12 th street dam modification or the Averydale Access on the Winnebago.
7:30 pm – Concurrent Evening Sessions (East Park, Mason City)
o Potential Use of eDNA for Assessment of Fish Species - Claire Hruby & Alex Colby (Drake University)
While some folks are experts at fish identification, many of us are stumped by the diversity of species, especially minnows, and fish shocking poses many challenges. In this presentation, Dr. Hruby and her students will discuss the potential use of eDNA methods for fish species assessments, and they will share results of sampling related to recent fishkills.
o Fish and Turtles of the Mississippi River - Denny Weiss (Retired Iowa DNR Fisheries)
There will be various species of live turtles available for visitors to hold and learn about. A cooler filled with ice and unique fish species from the Mississippi—such as paddlefish, lamprey, and sturgeon—will also be on display for discussion. This year’s presentation will include a catfish filleting demonstration followed by freshly fried fish samples for the audience to enjoy.
NOTE: Project AWARE will be moving to Tosanak Recreation Area in Marble Rock on Wednesday, July 16th.