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Check out the Summer 2024 newsletter for the East & West Nishnabotna River watershed below, or download a pdf here!  
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 Our mission at Golden Hills RC&D is to collaboratively develop and lead community, conservation, and cultural initiatives to improve our quality of life in rural western Iowa. Our "official" territory from our original organizational bylaws is an eight-county region in the southwestern portion of Iowa (Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby). In 2023, we added four more counties (Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, and Monona). Several projects extend beyond these 12 counties into more than 20 counties (learn more about where we work).  Our goals are to develop industries in local communities that utilize local resources; ensure healthy natural resources that meet the needs of agriculture, industry, private use, and recreational facilities; promote and enhance art, culture and historic resources in rural communities; collaborate with local governments and organizations on projects that benefit the environment; and work on projects that fill gaps in community services to benefit people of southwest Iowa. We accomplish these goals by focusing our work in five program areas: outdoor recreation and tourism, land stewardship, water resources, local foods, and arts and culture. Today's Mission Monday focus is Water Resources.  The West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County has been designated as a water trail by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is the only such water trail in Southwest Iowa. Golden Hills has been the West Nish Water Trail coordinator since 2010. Pottawattamie County Conservation Board helps manage the water trail and maintains river accesses at two county parks (Botna Bend and Old Town). The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Water Trails program has provided funding and support since the beginning. Many water trails exist across Iowa. Visit the DNR's website to learn more. If you would like to experience the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail, check out the interactive Google map on this page or click here to download a pdf brochure. To learn more about the West Nish Water Trail, contact Lance Brisbois at [email protected] or 712-482-3029.      Artwork by Kurt Sloop Waubonsie State Park, Golden Hills RC&D and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway are excited to announce the Waubonsie State Park Artist-in-Residence award for the 2024 June program! The Artist in Residence program was created to help reach a broader audience of park-goers, thus increasing the number of visitors and ultimately educating more people about the Loess Hills ecosystem. The artist will engage with the natural resources of the park through an artistic lens. Many quality applications were received from artists representing a wide array of disciplines. One artist was selected to fill one residency from June 14-28. The artist will use his time at Waubonsie to immerse themselves in the landscape as a source of inspiration and opportunity to intensely focus on their work. The artist receiving the residency award for the June program of the Waubonsie State Park Artist-in-Residence Program is Kurt Sloop, a native of southwest Iowa. Kurt Sloop, a versatile artist and dedicated art teacher, has spent over 20 years inspiring young minds in Tarkio, Missouri and Essex, Iowa. Growing up in Hamburg, Iowa, with Waubonsie State Park as his playground, Sloop's artistic journey has been shaped by his love for nature and his unique creativity. His art defies categorization, ranging from delicate colored pencil drawings of fall leaves to inventive Cosplay blasters. But his native art language is spoken in oil painting and drawing. Most of his artwork is displayed in hundreds of elementary students' homes across Northern Missouri and Southwest Iowa. Sloop's residency at Waubonsie State Park will highlight his passion for exploring new ideas, experimenting with different mediums, and bringing his unique perspective to life through his art.  Artwork by Kurt Sloop One of the region’s ecological and recreational treasures, Waubonsie State Park’s 2,000 acres in the Loess Hills of southwest Iowa feature prairies, savannas, and woodlands which are home to diverse flora and fauna, not to mention breathtaking vistas. Park manager Matt Moles worked with Golden Hills RC&D to develop and launch the project. While there have been other artist residency programs offered through the National Parks System and parks in other states, this was the first such program in one of Iowa’s state parks. The program is loosely modeled after similar regional residency programs. The artists will receive lodging in a studio cabin and a primitive studio space in the park at no cost for the duration of the residency. In return, artists are encouraged to deliver at least one public program and donate one piece of art to the park at the conclusion of their stay.   Click for a larger image Our mission at Golden Hills RC&D is to collaboratively develop and lead community, conservation, and cultural initiatives to improve our quality of life in rural western Iowa. Our "official" territory from our original organizational bylaws is an eight-county region in the southwestern portion of Iowa (Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby). In 2023, we added four more counties (Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, and Monona). Several projects extend beyond these 12 counties into more than 20 counties (learn more about where we work).  Click for a larger image Our goals are to develop industries in local communities that utilize local resources; ensure healthy natural resources that meet the needs of agriculture, industry, private use, and recreational facilities; promote and enhance art, culture and historic resources in rural communities; collaborate with local governments and organizations on projects that benefit the environment; and work on projects that fill gaps in community services to benefit people of southwest Iowa. We accomplish these goals by focusing our work in five program areas: outdoor recreation and tourism, land stewardship, water resources, local foods, and arts and culture. Today's Mission Monday focus is Local Foods.  Click for a larger image  Click for a larger image The 2024 farmers market season is here! We have updated our Southwest Iowa Farmers Market Guide to include new markets and updated dates, hours, and locations. The guide covers eight counties in southwest Iowa that are part of the Southwest Iowa Food and Farm Initiative (SWIFFI). New markets this year include the once monthly Crescent Farmers Market, Red Oak Market at Montgomery Hospital, and The Mill in Shenandoah. Additionally, 2024 sees the return of a farmers market in Sidney!  Click for a larger image In Southwest Iowa, farmers markets are vibrant hubs of community activity, where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate the region's agricultural bounty. These markets, often nestled amidst picturesque rural landscapes, offer a delightful assortment of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. From crisp sweet corn to juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs, the seasonal offerings showcase the rich diversity of Iowa's fertile lands. Visiting a farmers market in Southwest Iowa is more than just a shopping trip; it's an opportunity to connect directly with the hardworking farmers and producers who nurture the land. Conversations flow freely as shoppers chat with vendors about sustainable farming practices, heirloom varieties, and favorite recipes. There's a sense of camaraderie as everyone comes together to support local agriculture and savor the flavors of the season. Beyond the stalls of fruits and vegetables, Southwest Iowa farmers markets often feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, creating a festive atmosphere that's enjoyed by all ages. Whether you're stocking up on groceries for the week or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, a visit to one of these markets is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rural heritage and culinary treasures of Southwest Iowa.  |
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