2008 Annual Meeting Field Trips

Boone River
© Kristen Blann/TNC

For more information, contact Taryn Samuels at The Nature Conservancy in Iowa at (515) 244-5044 or email tsamuels@tnc.org.

Canoe Trip
Designated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a Protected Water Area for its outstanding scenic and natural qualities, the Boone River in Hamilton County is popular with paddlers and anglers throughout central Iowa.

Paddlers will begin at the Highway 17 access in Briggs Woods State Park and follow the river to either Albright’s Canoe access (3.5 miles) or Bever Bridge (5.5 miles) depending on float time. Registration fee includes canoe rental, paddles, life jacket and shuttle back to Briggs Woods State Park. Please dress appropriately. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Youth under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and have previous paddling experience.
Estimated time: 4 hours
Limited to 20 participants (This field trip costs an additional $10 per person.)

Watershed Tour
The Nature Conservancy is working with the Iowa Soybean Association to collect data on bacteria, nutrients and dissolved oxygen at 30 permanent stations throughout the watershed using the latest in water monitoring technology in the Boone River watershed. The water quality of the Boone River itself, and selected tributaries and tile outlets is continuously measured. This tour will include two stations and a demonstration of the equipment and explanation of the data that has been collected. The stations are easily accessible from the road, however, do wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather!
Estimated time: 2 hours
Limited to 15 participants

Mussel Workshop
The Boone River is known as one of the most diverse streams in terms of mussel abundance in Iowa. However, in the past 10 years, the number of mussel species and individuals appears to have sharply declined. Dr. Kevin Roe, a professor in the Natural Resource Ecology and Management Department of Iowa State University, will be leading a search for mussels in the Boone River. This activity requires wading in the river and getting your hands dirty, so be prepared with a pair of rubber boots, water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy!
Estimated time: 2 hours

Hike
For those who opt not to float down the Boone River, join us for a hike through Briggs Woods State Park. This leisurely 1.2 mile trail follows Briggs Woods Lake and then continues up to an overlook of the Boone River. This is not an arduous hike, but people should wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Estimated time: 1 hour

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