At ICON Water Trails, environmental stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. A major focus in developing our trails is improving water quality and safety — from creek beds and streambanks to shorelines and beyond. That’s why this Earth Month, we’re celebrating the work that is making a difference across Central Iowa’s waterways.

Every ICON site is thoughtfully designed to support both recreation and restoration. Across our network, we’ve implemented infrastructure that directly enhances the health and vitality of our water quality. This includes:

Urban Wetlands

Stormwater wetlands are man-made ecosystems that help clean and manage runoff from roads, rooftops, and parking lots. Instead of rushing straight into rivers and lakes, water flows through wetland pools where sediment and pollutants can settle. Native plants with deep roots soak up extra nutrients and help filter the water. These wetlands also bring nature into our cities, creating habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Streambank Stabilization

Stabilizing streambanks prevents erosion, protects nearby land, and keeps harmful sediment out of the water. Using natural materials and native plants, these efforts strengthen the banks while maintaining the natural flow of streams. The result is cleaner water, healthier habitat, and more beautiful, accessible waterways for everyone.

Native Plantings

Planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses along rivers and streams protects water quality and supports local wildlife. These plants stabilize the soil, filter runoff, and provide shade that keeps streams cool and livable for aquatic species. They also create habitat for birds, butterflies, and pollinators, boosting biodiversity.

Oxbow Restoration

Oxbows are former river bends that have been cut off from the main channel. Restoring them brings back wetland function—filtering water, storing floodwater, and offering rich wildlife habitat. Many oxbows have filled with sediment and lost their value, but restoration can breathe new life into these hidden gems, benefiting both people and nature.

Dam Mitigation

Dams can block fish movement, degrade water quality, and disrupt river flow. Some also pose safety risks or limit recreational access. Dam mitigation—removing or modifying outdated dams—restores river health, reconnects habitats, and makes waterways safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

In our downtown sites alone, more than $47 million is dedicated to safety and conservation infrastructure. Our strategy aligns with national leaders like American Rivers, ensuring we’re using best practices to protect and improve our waterways.

But ICON’s impact goes far beyond the environment. It’s transforming how communities across Central Iowa live, work, play, and connect with the outdoors. It’s sparking collaboration, inspiring advocacy, and offering meaningful ways for Iowans to engage with their natural heritage. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in restoring our water trails and look forward to continuing this vital work. We believe ICON’s efforts will create a lasting ripple effect of conservation, community, and care that extends for generations to come.