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Water quality is a salient topic across Iowa today. While significant discussion focuses (rightly so) on things like pesticide and fertilizer runoff, one lesser-acknowledged cause of impaired waters is soil erosion, particularly streambanks and stream beds. Soil erosion from fields, including sheet, rill, and gully erosion, also brings sediment into waterways. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two main nutrients applied to crop fields and lawns. While crucial for plant growth, too much can impair our waterways and drinking water sources. Generally, nitrogen readily washes off from topsoil with rain and snowmelt, while phosphorous adheres to soil particles and can stay embedded for many years. When a streambank erodes into a waterway, it brings phosphorous with it. Streambank erosion is a leading cause of phosphorous pollution in Iowa’s rivers. Golden Hills is working with NRCS to stabilize streambanks as part of our Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Erosion is a natural process of rivers often resulting in meandering where the channel moves back and forth laterally across its floodplain. However, human activities, such as channelization and urbanization, can greatly exacerbate erosion, potentially throwing the entire system out of balance. Most of western Iowa’s streams meandered across the prairies, replete with wetlands and oxbows in the floodplains, until they were channelized (straightened) in the 20th Century. Channelization reduced flooding and improved drainage for agricultural development, but caused downcutting and widening of our streams & rivers. Most of the photos and information below is from “Stream Restoration Overview” PowerPoint and “HCA-Geomorph History PowerPoint” from John Thomas, Hungry Canyons Alliance.  Waterways are constantly attempting to reach an energy equilibrium where sediment erosion and deposition are balanced. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, it must move throughout the river system.     As a stream picks up more sediment, whether from surrounding uplands or streambanks, friction increases, which reduces the amount of energy expended. In addition to sediment, the channel itself creates friction with the flowing water. Heavier bits of sediment are dropped to the bottom, which further increases energy. The total amount of energy in a waterway also depends on the depth and volume.  When a meandering stream is straightened, its total length decreases over the same amount of elevation change; in other words, the channel becomes steeper, causing it to flow faster. To try and reduce the amount of excess energy, the stream incises (cuts downward) into its streambed. In western Iowa, the highly-erodible deep loess soils were relatively easy to downcut into, resulting in deeply-incised streams and gullies. Channels then widen because the vertical silt banks are easily undercut by flowing water. Streambed degradation can also release legacy nitrates into the water.   Waterways are constantly attempting to reach an energy equilibrium where sediment erosion and deposition are balanced. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, it must move throughout the river system. Streams regulate the energy at their disposal by carrying different sizes and amounts of sediment, the slope of the streambed, and channel form (or the shape and pattern of the channel). For example, as a stream picks up or carries more sediment, whether from surrounding uplands, streambanks, or the channel bed, friction increases which reduces the amount of energy available; like putting the brakes on in a car.  In general, the upper reach of a watershed is erosion-dominant; the middle part of the watershed is transport-dominant, and the lower portion is deposition-dominant. Meanders gradually move down-valley as outer banks erode and inner banks deposit. Large rivers in western Iowa, like the Missouri, Nishnabotna, and Nodaway Rivers, are transport-dominant. Localized instability (i.e., eroding streambanks) are not always a symptom of system instability. While planting riparian buffers of prairie grasses and trees provide water quality benefits and may help slow the rate of erosion, buffers in western Iowa do not typically stop streambank erosion because the channel bed and banks are adjusting faster than vegetation can take hold and often at a depth deeper than the vegetations roots. Meanders gradually move down-valley as outer banks erode and inner banks deposit. Large rivers in western Iowa, like the Missouri, Nishnabotna, and Nodaway Rivers, are transport-dominant. Localized instability (i.e., eroding streambanks) are not always a symptom of system instability. The definition of stability depends on perspective and time. Looking at the West Nishnabotna as an example, upstream areas like Shelby County are generally experiencing more streambank erosion than downstream areas like Fremont County, where the Nish has many feet of sedimentation in the bed, which contributes to flooding issues in the Riverton and Hamburg areas. While planting riparian buffers of prairie grasses and trees provide water quality benefits and may help slow the rate of erosion, these buffers typically will not actually stop streambank erosion, as it is a geological process deeper than vegetative roots.  Streambank stabilization has been used successfully on many of western Iowa’s rivers. Increased use of the practice has the potential to significantly improve our water quality. Benefits of streambank stabilization include: •Protecting infrastructure on or near floodplain •Protecting land on or near floodplain •Reducing flooding •Improving water quality •Creating and reconnecting aquatic and riparian habitats •Enhancing nutrient processing •Improving aesthetics and recreational opportunities •Increased economic development opportunities. If you have riverbank property in the West Nish watershed that could use bank stabilization, visit our RCPP webpage to see if you are eligible for cost-share: goldenhillsrcd.org/rcpp  example of a streambank stabilization in progress on the West Nish. photo provided by JEO  Example of a completed streambank stabilization on the West Nish as part of our RCPP. photo provided by JEO In December 2025, Golden Hills hosted a streambank stabilization webinar led by John Thomas. Additional Resources
Explore the links below to learn more about streambank stabilization and river restoration:
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From April 9 through 12, the 2026 LoHi Trek traversed portions of Monona and Woodbury counties in the northern Loess Hills. The LoHi Trek, short for Lo(ess) Hi(lls), is an annual four-day hiking & camping event in this unique and special landform. The Trek was the brainchild of Monona County resident Kelly Madigan, inspired by her 2020 walk through the length of Iowa’s Loess Hills. Since 2021, Kelly has partnered with Golden Hills to host the event, which moves locations each year. The Trek is more than a hike, though--it's an immersive, place-based, community-building experience that brings people together to enjoy, learn about, and deepen their appreciation of western Iowa's unique Loess Hills. Golden Hills provides Trekkers with all meals and snacks, 4 nights of facilitated camping and daily educational activities, and 4 days of supported hiking with expert guides. Group size is intentionally limited to help build a sense of community and shared purpose in the group. We keep the registration fee affordable and offer financial assistance options to keep the event accessible. Registration for the 2026 Trek filled within minutes of being open and has a long waiting list.  basecamp in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois The 2026 event began Wednesday evening, April 8, when Trekkers arrived at base camp to set up. On the way in, several participants stopped at nearby Tuuli Farm for a tour. They stayed at the same site on private land each night through Sunday morning. Wednesday dinner included soups prepared by Juggs BBQ.  basecamp. photo by Lance Brisbois Each morning, coffee was provided by Graceful Grind Coffeehouse of Mapleton. Breakfasts also included yogurt, fruit, eggs, and overnight oats. Thursday’s hike (Day 1) was around 11 miles, mostly on public lands managed by Woodbury County Conservation Board, starting at Oak Ridge Conservation Area. The group was given access to hike through and have lunch on private property Thursday near Oto.  Oak Ridge Conservation Area in Woodbury County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Oak Ridge Conservation Area. photo by Micayla Miller Lunch was donated and served by volunteers from the Northwest Iowa Group Sierra Club. During lunch, Brodie Skinner with Woodbury County Conservation Board discussed the organization’s work with protecting and restoring thousands of acres of Loess Hills prairies & woodlands.  Lunch talk by Brodie Skinner with Woodbury County Conservation Board. photo by Lance Brisbois After lunch, the group hiked some scenic Level B dirt roads, and ended at Southwood Conservation Area.  Curious cattle watching the Trekkers pass by. photo by Jana Lanhorst  Southwood Conservation Area in Woodbury County .photo by Lance Brisbois  Southwood Conservation Area in Woodbury County. photo by Lance Brisbois Rain mostly held off for the hike, with only some scattered light showers throughout the day. More rain hit after the group was at base camp, but hikers were spared severe weather and heavy downpours. Back at basecamp, Thursday’s Asian-inspired dinner was catered by Livengoodies. Day 2 (Friday) covered 11 miles with a mix of prairie ridges (full of blooming pasque flowers), wooded valleys (with a bit of bushwhacking), and a short stretch of gravel roads. Numerous local volunteers showed up to provide transportation from base camp to Utterback Pond on Friday morning. The hike began with a few miles through Loess Hills Wildlife Area.  Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Melanie Vote  Trekkers at Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Melanie Vote  Trekkers at Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Sharon Carson The route then went through Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. Loess Hills Wildlife Area and Sylvan Runkel State Preserve are public lands owned and managed by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Ryan Pelster  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Lance Brisbois  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Lance Brisbois  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Lance Brisbois  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Lance Brisbois  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. photo by Lance Brisbois From Sylvan Runkel, hikers walked some gravel roads, and had lunch (sandwiches prepared that morning by the trekkers) before returning into the southern portion of Loess Hills Wildlife Area.  Day 2 lunch spot. photo by Lance Brisbois  pasque flower blooming on the route. photo by Amy Brown  Loess Hills Wildlife Area. photo by Lance Brisbois Local resident Janet Wakehouse hosted a much-appreciated rest-stop with refreshments on the way. Friday included embedded experts on the hike, including Iowa DNR District Forester Sarah Bell and Private Lands Biologist Megann Schmidt. Trekkers ended day two by hiking back to basecamp.  Neighborhood rest stop. photo by Lance Brisbois  Loess Hills Wildlife Area, overlooking basecamp. photo by Lance Brisbois Friday dinner, provided by local resident & volunteer Jane Daniel, included a Greek meal featuring locally-sourced lamb from Tuuli Farm. Massive lemon bars from Ada J’s Steakhouse in Ute were a popular dessert. After dinner, trekker Wendell Bronson gave an educational talk about the geology, history, and ecology of the Loess Hills.  Friday dinner. photo by Lance Brisbois  Wendell Bronson discussing the Loess Hills. photo by Lance Brisbois Day 3 (Saturday) included a few miles of hiking through privately owned land with special permission in Monona County. Special thank you Kody Wohlers with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for leading the group on Saturday!  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Melanie Vote  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Kody Wohlers  View from private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Melanie Vote  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois   Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Kody Wohlers The historic Mann One-Room Country School House was the lunch site, prepared by Loess Hills Country Corner in Pisgah.  Lunch at Mann School. photo by Lance Brisbois After lunch, the group hiked through more private land. Earlier this year, a group of trekkers and partners volunteered to clear eastern red cedars that have encroached on the prairie ridges. This made Saturday’s hike much easier, with a cleared tunnel through the cedar thickets.  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekker on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers resting on the route. photo provided by Melanie Vote  Trekkers on private property in Monona County. photo by Lance Brisbois The day ended with a loop at the iconic Loess Hills Scenic Overlook in the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest. DNR technician Mark Vos also provided expertise and navigation support on Saturday and Sunday.  Loess Hills State Forest - Scenic Overlook. photo by Lance Brisbois  Loess Hills State Forest - Scenic Overlook. photo by Lance Brisbois  Loess Hills State Forest - Scenic Overlook trail. photo by Lance Brisbois Saturday dinner back at basecamp featured a taco bar, with beef donated by Nebraska Beef, greens from Long Walk Farm and Cleo’s Homestead.  Saturday dinner. photo by Lance Brisbois After dinner, everyone shared reflections of the event around the campfire and received shirts designed by trekker Melanie Vote.  Participants opening their 2026 LoHi Trek shirts. photo by Lance Brisbois Participants collectively created a fabric arts loom project (designed and facilitated by Anna Stoysich and Natalie Jackson) at basecamp, and took a group photo wearing our shirts with the loom.  group photo with LoHi Trek shirts in front of the loom. Sunday, the final day of the 2026 LoHi Trek, was the shortest of the four days. Trekkers hiked about six miles through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch, which is now part of the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest. The route included abundant woodlands, as well as high-quality remnant prairie ridges. Saturday included a silent stretch, where trekkers were encouraged to walk in silence and reflect on their experiences.  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Trekkers at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois  Ending point of the 2026 LoHi Trek at Little Sioux Scout Ranch. photo by Lance Brisbois Trekkers headed home on Sunday. They came from across Iowa, Nebraska, and as far as Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Colorado, Washington, and New York. The LoHi Trek is an incredibly collaborative and supportive event that couldn’t exist without countless partners, supporters, volunteers, and all of the trekkers stepping up to support one another. Each day, participants have options to shorten their hike. Hikers assist each other with reading maps and overcoming obstacles throughout the Trek. Participants also assist with cooking and cleaning. Hiker Nancy Markow led yoga classes, and Marianne Zarzana taught Hoopyogini. Several previous trekkers shared stories of reflection and connection about how the LoHi has impacted them. A few trekkers with medical backgrounds agreed to serve as designated first aid volunteers. A theme of natural resource conservation is integrated into the Trek. We strive to reduce our environmental footprint by using cloth napkins, serving our meals on real dishes, and encouraging recycling whenever possible. While phones are often used for navigation, photos, and communication during the event, Trekkers are encouraged to reduce screen time and be fully present as much as possible throughout the event. This is easier, of course, in areas without cell reception! This contributes to building a sense of community that is often lacking in today’s overstimulating world. This community is one of the most-cited reasons that Trekkers come back each year. Dates and location for the next LoHi Trek have not been set yet, but stay tuned with Golden Hills! Thank you to our 2026 LoHi Trek sponsors, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy in Iowa! Local Businesses Supported by this year’s Trek include:
Additional donors, partners, & supporters include:
 Kelly Madigan & Lance Brisbois pose with the completed group loom project. Watch this interview with trekker Kyle Ranney about his experience, recorded during the Trek. Kyle also interviewed with Lance Brisbois of Golden Hills: |
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