Dry Run Creek Watershed Improvement Project

04/03/2026

A wonderful article highlighting our longtime partnership with the ThreeHouse Collaborative Campus Ministries and their commitment to conservation and improving water quality in the Cedar Valley.

ThreeHouse campus ministry continually demonstrates that, with every building repair or maintenance opportunity, there is a choice to do it in a way that cares for the earth.

10/05/2025

A big thanks to Hy-Vee (6301 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA, US) for their generous donation! We're looking to serve up some delicious hot dogs for folks at the Dry Run Creek 20th Anniversary Conservation Fair. Bring your appetite for conservation education and we'll provide the rest.

10/04/2025

It's not too late! There are a few spots left for our Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop next Tuesday, October 7th at 5:30pm at Clay Street Park in Cedar Falls. Registration and further information at https://forms.gle/2CiFyfvUk9Wjdo3YA

09/25/2025

As if it wasn't reason enough to come out for the Dry Run Creek 20th Anniversary Conservation Fair, you can also nab your very own rain barrel at this event. We'll be hosting a short workshop from 5:30-6:00pm on Tuesday, October 7th at Clay Street Park. For a discounted rate of $20*, you can get your very own 55-gallon drum and converter kit as well as the technical assistance to make your rain water harvesting goals a reality. Thanks to Cedar Falls, Iowa, City Government for helping to sponsor this. Details and registration at https://forms.gle/Sdq7mFg73NMyavDE6

09/03/2025

We are pretty excited to be the host watershed for this conference. Wonderful opportunity to connect with folks and learn all things stormwater-y. You can attend, present, and sponsor. Be sure to check out the website for more info.

Don't miss IStorm 2025! Join Iowa's stormwater community for two days of cutting-edge presentations, invaluable networking, and professional development. Connect with municipal employees, engineers, planners, conservationists, and industry leaders from across the state.

Expert speakers and innovative solutions
Field tours and hands-on learning
Valuable networking opportunities
Professional development that supports your career growth

April 22-23, 2026 | Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA

Register: https://iowastormwater.org/istorm-conference-exhibition/

08/29/2025

Be sure to mark your calendars and get your orders in early for all your fall native planting needs!

🐝 We're buzzing with excitement!

Today is a great day to announce the date for our annual Fall Native Plant Sale! Stop by on Wednesday, September 24th to shop for native flowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, and soil amendments from Blooming Prairie Nursery.

If you're wanting specific plants, pre-ordering is the best way to ensure you get what you're looking for. Pre-orders will be available to pick up at the plant sale.

Find more info about the sale and pre-ordering here 👇
https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Black-Hawk/Park/Hartman-Reserve-Nature-Center/Events/27511/Fall-Native-Plant-Sale

08/27/2025

Funding opportunity with technical assistance provided for landowners within the Dry Run Creek and Middle Cedar Watersheds interested in stream buffers. Contact Ethan for more details.

Today, Secretary Mike Naig announced a new state-funded conservation cost-share pilot project supporting farmers and landowners in the watersheds upstream from the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids metropolitan areas.

The Streamside Buffer Initiative encourages farmers and landowners in key watersheds to add perennial buffers to fields along streams to improve water quality. The Secretary announced the pilot project during the Conservation Districts of Iowa's 79th Annual Meeting in Ames.

https://iowaagriculture.gov/news/streamside-buffer-pilot-project

08/06/2025

Presenting, winning awards, networking, and learning. Having a wonderful time representing Iowa and highlighting our water quality improvement efforts on an international stage as part of the 80th Annual Soil and Water Conservation Society Conference in California. Traveling to this event was made possible thanks to support from the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance and the Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Society.

07/28/2025

'Tis the season to start thinking about cover crops. Be sure to check out this wonderful tool and then swing into the Black Hawk SWCD office to make it a success.
https://costsharecompare.com/

Iowa farmers and landowners, now is the perfect time to start planning for fall cover crops. Our partners at Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance developed a tool to help navigate the public and private cost-share programs and technical assistance available in Iowa. Whether you’re adding new conservation practices to your fields, or building upon your existing conservation efforts, there’s a program for you! Check it out and get started now!

https://costsharecompare.com/

07/15/2025

If you're looking for an opportunity to get out and improve water quality in your community, then look no further. Our partners with Green Iowa AmeriCorps are organizing a community cleanup here in DRC. We all live in a watershed and all have a role to play. Mark your calendars, register in advance (https://forms.gle/cBLWa6oSByv3JoXF6), and help keep our streams blue and healthy!

07/07/2025

2025 is a year of celebration for both Dry Run Creek as well as Black Hawk SWCD. Join us this Friday, learn about conservation, check out our new office rain garden, and lend a hand in planting it. Message us with questions. We'll see you there!