The third annual statewide meet-up of Master Conservationist Program graduates will be Friday September 5th and Saturday September 6th near Indianola! We'll be exploring Lake Ahquabi, catching moths, and going on tours of parks and businesses leading conservation in Warren, Polk, and Madison Counties!

All graduates of the Master Conservationist Program in Iowa are invited and welcome to attend.

Friday September 5th

We will convene at Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center near Lake Ahquabi State Park for our evening orientation and learning activities. We'll share a meal, get to know other attendees, and learn about wildlife of the night! The evening will conclude with some moth capture and sampling and a campfire. 

Optional pre-meeting workshop: On Friday from 12-3 pm, Dr. Kay Stefanik from the Iowa Nutrient Research Center will offer a workshop on water quality testing and monitoring. Registrants will get a chance to learn hands on how to get involved in water quality testing in the state and learn about the state of water quality research from Dr. Stefanik. Lunch will be provided. There is a $15 registration fee for this optional workshop that'll give you new skills and a chance to learn about water quality sampling (and free lunch!)! 

Saturday September 6th

On Saturday we'll divide the group to attend a series of workshops in the Warren, Polk, and Madison County Regions. We'll reconvene at Lake Ahquabi State Park midday to share lunch and learn about the lake restoration efforts there. At registration you'll be invited to choose two field tours to register for, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. 

Morning Tours

• Allendan Seed Company - Get a hands-on look at native seed production, from cleaning to greenhouse growing and field operations. Visitors will have the opportunity to see different stages in the process of growing natives and should wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
• Eckoff Preserve - Visit the 80-acre St. Charles property, donated by Dr. Ron and Barb Eckoff to Warren County Conservation through Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. It features rare ecosystems like virgin prairie and 200-year-old oak savanna. Dr. Ron manages the land through invasive species removal and prescribed burns. Mowed trails only; no hard surfaces.

Afternoon Tours

• Easter Lake Watershed - In the last decade, a watershed plan was launched to restore Easter Lake from sediment and runoff pollution. This driving tour highlights the lake’s water quality history and showcases key restoration projects.
• Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm - Learn about how this Warren County berry farm benefits from its proximity to prairie and woodland habitats. We will explore the farm and delve into how to be conservation-minded while running a successful berry operation!  

Detailed agenda

Friday, September 5th, 2025

12:00-3:00 pm Optional pre-meeting workshop on water quality (registration required)

6:00-9:00 pm Evening Banquet & Social - Camp Wesley Woods, Gymnasium, 10896 Nixon St, Indianola

Saturday, September 6th, 2025

8:00 am Morning treats, welcome, split into groups - Warren County Extension Office, 200 W 2nd Ave, Indianola

• Parking is tight at the building itself, but you'll find extra parking in the mowed lot to the northwest of the building, the American Legion post on S Buxton, and the public parking lot on W First Ave.

8:30 am Depart and travel to morning tours

9:00-11:30 am Morning tours (choose one)

• Allendan Seed Company, 1966 175th Ln, Winterset
• Eckoff Preserve, 2495 Pierce St, St Charles

11:30 am Travel to Lake Ahquabi, lunch, presentation, and explore

• Beach shelter, Lake Ahquabi State Park, 16510 118^th Ave, Indianola

2:00 pm Depart and travel to afternoon tours

2:30-5:00 pm Afternoon tours (choose one)

• Easter Lake Watershed, 2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines
• Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm, 15285 Fairfax St, Indianola

Registration details

Registration is now closed for the 2025 meet-up

Registration includes dinner on Friday, snacks and lunch on Saturday, and a commemorative t-shirt!

A final schedule with travel details will be sent to registrants later this month. In the meantime, be sure to book lodging near Indianola and reach out to us with any questions you have at masterconservationist@mail.iastate.edu