Dickinson County Conservation Board
2279 170th St., Okoboji, IA 51355
712-336-6352
www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com
Contact: Kiley Roth, community relations coordinator,
712-339-1153, kroth@co.dickinson.ia.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OKOBOJI---When
a raindrop falls in the Iowa Great Lakes region, it can take many paths before
entering one of the lakes.
The
path that water takes throughout the Iowa Great Lakes watershed impacts the
quality of our water, and you can make a difference in that process.
Take
part in the We Pedal Clean Water bike ride Saturday, June 13, and learn about
how local people and organizations are making a difference in water quality.
Register
7:30-9 a.m. at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji and head out on
the ride 8 a.m.-noon. The approximately 20-mile ride around West Lake Okoboji
will include several stops:
Drainage District No. 22: What is a watershed?
Historic Arnolds Park: How pervious pavers
filter water.
Milford Municipal Utility shoreline: The role
native vegetation plays in stabilizing shorelines.
West O Beer: Sustainable water use.
Garlock Slough wetland complex: Wetland
Restoration & Enhancement programs.
Emerson Bay State Park: Soil health.
Iowa Lakeside Lab: Water quality research and
monitoring.
Okoboji View Golf Course: Wetland restoration
project.
Monarch Cove: How bio-cells function.
“The
educational stops along the route highlight efforts being made to protect water
quality in the Iowa Great Lakes,” said Iowa Great Lakes watershed coordinator
Jim Sholly. “Many of the practices showcased during the event could be included
into everyone’s home landscaping plans.”
The
Dickinson County Conservation Board and Dickinson County Soil & Water
Conservation District are pleased to partner with Historic Arnolds Park’s 125th
anniversary celebration for the We Pedal Clean Water ride June 13.
“We’re
very excited the bike ride has continued for the second year and has even grown
in its scope,” said Karess Knudtson, Dickinson County Conservation
environmental education coordinator.
“This
family-friendly event serves to commend residents of the Iowa Great Lakes who
have come together to promote responsible and sustainable water quality
initiatives,” Sholly said. “Novice and seasoned riders alike will enjoy the
trip around West Okoboji designed to offer a little education along the way.”
Water,
donated by West O Beer, will be provided at each station, and bathrooms will be
available at several stops.
Pre-register
for the event at www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com/event-registration. Pre-registration that includes a commemorative T-shirt is
$10; pre-registration is also available for free for those who do not want a
shirt. Those who register the morning of the ride will not pay a registration
fee but will not receive a T-shirt.
The
event will conclude at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji, where
riders will have an opportunity to talk with local conservation professionals.
Stop inside to see a variety of exhibits and live animals and stick around for
the nature center’s first outdoor concert 7 p.m. that evening.
For
more information on the We Pedal Clean Water ride or other Dickinson County
Conservation Board events, visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com or call 712-336-6352.
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