October 28, 2025
Urbandale officials are celebrating two new additions at Walker Johnston Park today. State of play: The park now features a new public access point to North Walnut Creek and a light-up art…
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October 27, 2025
DES MOINES, Iowa – Over the summer, water quality concerns were brought to the attention of many as nitrate levels reached high levels. Last week, Polk County announced additional investments in water quality monitoring. While water quality monitoring is important, even more important are…
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October 21, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by United Contractors & Reilly Construction — has raised nearly $190,000 for conservation and recreation. The event was held on Oct. 16 at…
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October 17, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 17, 2025) – ICON Water Trails announced last night at the Wild Prairie Showdown, its fundraising event in partnership with the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF), that it has received a $1.3 million gift from the Conservation Acceleration Fund, a dynamic water quality investment tool…
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October 8, 2025
The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails have announced the recipients of their 2025 annual awards recognizing leadership in conservation and recreation. John Swanson, Polk County water resources supervisor, received the Creative Conservationist Award for his role in advancing water quality through Polk County’s “Batch and Build” program, which…
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October 6, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 6, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the selection of local leaders for their annual awards. These honors, the Creative Conservationist and the Waveshaper, celebrate those in the community making extraordinary efforts for conservation and recreation in…
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September 12, 2025
On a hot summer day in Iowa, it’s easy to find bicyclists buzzing along trails and paddlers floating down rivers and lakes. Many of these bicyclists, paddlers and anglers contribute to the local economy by visiting shops to buy gear before a ride, gassing up their car or relaxing at…
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August 27, 2025
Construction continues on the ICON Water Trails project South of the Scott Avenue bridge at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers in Des Moines, Aug. 26, 2025. To view the full article, visit the Des Moines Register. …
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August 22, 2025
The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails has launched the fifth annual Wild Prairie Showdown, an eight-week peer-to-peer campaign to raise awareness, support and capital for conservation and recreation efforts in Central Iowa. To read the full article, visit the Business Record.
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August 21, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the launch of the fifth annual Wild Prairie Showdown, a peer-to-peer campaign advancing conservation and recreation in the region. The Wild Prairie Showdown is a vibrant grassroots event…
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