The conservation-minded public is invited to attend the Raccoon River Watershed Association’s annual conference, “Life in the Raccoon River Watershed: Prairie, Birds, Wildlife, and the River,” Saturday, May 13, in Des Moines.
Thomas Rosburg, Drake University botanist, will present “The Remnants and Reconstructions in Prairie Conservation.” His presentation will include a virtual tour of Tipton Prairie in Greene County, a 4-acre patch that’s been called a “prairie heaven” and one of the best remnants of natural prairie in the state.
Ray Harden of Perry will share photos and stories of common native birds of the Raccoon Watershed.
Neil Hamilton, law professor and author, will present “What the River Knows,” based on his book, “The River Knows.”
Jim Pease, known for his lectures at Iowa State University, public presentations and radio broadcasts will present “Paddling the Raccoon River.”
The conference will be held at Des Moines Area Community College’s urban campus in Des Moines. Registration begins at 8 am, with the welcome at 9 am by Chris Henning of rural Greene County and Mike Delaney of Des Moines.
Rosburg, Harden and Hamilton will speak before an 11:30 break for a catered lunch. Pease will speak at 1 pm, followed by a Raccoon River Watershed Association members’ meeting at 2 pm. The conference is open to non-member, or memberships will be available that day.
There is no cost to attend, but free will donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal.
More information is available here. Persons who plan to attend are asked to respond to Info@RaccoonRiver.org to help with meal planning.
