Catherine DeLong

Catherine DeLong is the Water Quality Program Manager for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She works statewide to bring people together to share resources, ideas and perspectives about water quality, and to help Iowans understand the role they can play in the future of Iowa’s water. Catherine connects researchers to practitioners and the general public and helps to translate water quality science to a broad audience. She also builds coalitions and new programs to meet current and future needs. Catherine has a background in soil science and agricultural policy and has experience at all levels of conservation, having previously worked for the county-level Soil and Water Conservation Districts as well as an international non-profit serving conservation professionals.

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May 30, 2025 11:52 AM

Twenty-four natural resource professionals from across Iowa were part of the Land Stewardship Leadership Academy graduation ceremony held May 22 at the Iowa State University Alumni

Forestry, Water Quality, Wildlife
May 13, 2025 10:58 AM

Spring in Iowa is a great time to watch the Redbud Trees bloom, listen to the hypnotic sound of frogs – and if you’re a private well owner – test your drinking water quality...

Water Quality
February 18, 2025 1:10 PM

Iowa landowners may apply to participate in the 2025 Landowner Education Program offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The application window is open until April 4.

Water Quality
December 20, 2024 1:09 PM

As I drive across the Iowa countryside in late fall, I see massive piles of corn waiting to be moved or sold. It has been a bumper year for corn and soybean production in our state.

Water Quality
November 18, 2024 8:49 AM

Starting a new job is always hard, but starting a new job as a conservation professional can feel extra tough.

Water Quality
September 20, 2024 7:55 AM

Twenty-five Iowans recently graduated from the inaugural Landowner Education Program. The graduation ceremony was held Aug.

Water Quality
March 13, 2024 10:52 AM

Owners of private wells can be connected to local experts and funding to test their well by attending one of several workshops being held across the state. The Private Well Stewardship Program,

Water Quality
February 20, 2024 3:19 PM

Almost exactly two years ago, on February 16, 2022, I wrote a blog post titled What “Type” of Cover Crop Farmer are you? about how to talk about

Water Quality
June 9, 2023 12:00 AM

Working directly with farmers and community leaders, watershed coordinators are the “boots on the ground” of water quality improvement in Iowa. Coordinators meet people where conservation decisions happen – farm fields, dinner tables, and community events – and work hand-in-hand with these d

Water Quality
March 16, 2023 3:29 PM

As outdoor temperatures warm and ice begins to thaw, ponds can provide an outdoor retreat for many Iowans. In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach water quality program manager Catherine DeLong discusses best practices when treating or preventing common pond problems.

Fisheries, Water Quality
February 20, 2023 12:46 PM

Last year I invited Dr. Tom Isenhart to speak at a field day about saturated buffers.

Water Quality, Wildlife
December 17, 2022 12:00 AM

After graduating from St. Andrew’s University in Scotland with a degree in international relations, Catherine DeLong decided to try something different. For two years, she worked as a ski lift operator in Colorado, and enjoyed spending time outside on a beautiful mountain.

Water Quality
September 23, 2022 7:23 AM

As fall temperatures arrive, pond owners have an opportunity to assess the quality and condition of their ponds before winter. Many Iowa pond owners have reported issues with algae and sedimentation this summer, with some saying this is the first year they’ve had issues with their ponds.

Fisheries, Water Quality
September 22, 2021 3:10 PM

It might be confusing to some how someone who studied soil science could end up being focused on water quality, but for Iowans it’s likely that the connection is more straightforward.

Water Quality
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