Allamakee County Conservation

05/29/2026

* update * a few guys headed down stream this morning to clean up what they can! Shuttles will resume as normal!

🚨 Hazardous tree down 🚨

Located between Iverson Bridge and the campground

A tree fell within the last day and is now stretching across most of the river. The current is pulling directly toward it, creating a very dangerous situation.

Two kayakers came across this spot today and were swept into the tree. They made it to shore and were rescued by the sheriff’s office and fire department — thankfully, both are safe.

All shuttles are paused until the hazard can be addressed. We urge you not to float this stretch either. We left a message with the Highlandville DNR.

**update** The DNR suggested finding the landowner to see if they can hook a chain to the tree and pull it towards the bank with a tractor. If anyone has a contact for the Blake or Iverson Family Farms about 1 mile south of Iverson Bridge, please reach out.

We are also looking for two aluminum kayaks — one floated downstream and the other may still be trapped under the tree. If you happen to see one, please let us know.

05/29/2026

It's going to be another beautiful day -- come join us at Kolsrud Park in Waterville this afternoon!

Kick off the summer with some creek-stomping fun! Put on your thinking caps, future scientists—assistant Naturalist Melissa will share what we can learn from the bugs that live in our streams and why it’s important to keep them healthy, as well as what it takes to find them! This program is ideal for families with school-age children. Adults must be present with children for the duration of the program. Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet and muddy.

This event will be held at Kolsrud Park, located at 1044 Waterville Road in Waterville, starting at 1:30 PM. Registration is optional.

For more information or to register, contact the ACCB by email at [email protected] or phone at 563-538-0401.

05/26/2026

Woodpeckers sport a tongue that's special in more ways than one! First, the tongue is much longer than one might expect, as seen on this pileated woodpecker below---the exceptional size allows them to probe deep into holes and crevices in search of yummy insects. Second, the tongue is attached near its nostrils, then wraps behind the cranium before exiting its mouth. This allows the tongue to act like a seatbelt for the brain, protecting it during high-impact pecking!

05/24/2026

A safe and enjoyable day of boating begins before the boat is in the water. Before you leave make sure your vessel is properly stocked with all of the necessary and legal gear. Once you arrive at the landing prepare your boat away from the ramps, most boat landings provide rigging lanes for before and after launching. If there is a line at the ramp wait your turn and do not cut in front of others. Be polite and courteous. Have your crew ready to go and have tasks assigned to each task that must be completed to safely and efficiently launch your vessel. Understand that for many this may be their first time on the water this season. If you see a possibility to help, ask if the other Captain would like help in a courteous manner. Have fun, be patient, be safe this Memorial Day Weekend!

05/23/2026

Yes, the Driftless Center will be open this Monday, May 25th from noon to 4:00 PM for Memorial Day. We look forward to your visit!

05/20/2026

Great Give Day is here! We appreciate each and every donation to the Allamakee County Conservation Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center. Educational programming materials, museum exhibits, animal care supplies, and more are all made possible by our Foundation.

Funds from Great Give Day are able to be placed into an endowed account with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, which allows the majority of the funds to be invested for long-term growth. This helps your donation to reach farther into the future, creating a reliable stream of income for many years to come.

05/19/2026

Did you know? is this Wednesday, May 20th, but you can donate starting today! Through generous donations, we are able to create and maintain interpretive exhibits at the Driftless Center, provide free educational programming to local students, support outdoor recreation in our beautiful natural areas, and more. We look forward to celebrating this day with you soon!

05/17/2026

May 16th is Love a Tree Day! This is easy for us to celebrate at ACCB because trees do so much for us and our environment. Today we'll celebrate the faithful cottonwood tree (Populus deltoides) that lives just behind the Driftless Center.

Cottonwoods are one of the largest trees that grow in Iowa, stretching 65-100 feet tall and up to 9 feet in diameter. They are infamous for producing thousands of cottony seeds every summer, which float through the air and blanket the ground. These seeds are frequently carried by water as well as air, transporting them to new, moist streambanks on which to grow.

The cottonwood has also been identified as a keystone species by the National Wildlife Federation because of its critical role in ecosystem food webs. It serves as a host plant for nearly 250 species of caterpillar, and attracts countless other kinds of insects to its leaves and wood. Insect-eating birds, in turn, flock to feast on the bugs. Insects are important food for other small animals as well, and small animals then become food for larger animals, so the impact of a large host tree is often felt at all levels of the food chain.

Of course, it has direct benefits for us as well---its roots also help to stabilize the soil and slow erosion, its leaves produce oxygen, and its branches provide shade. It's a great day to love a tree!

05/14/2026

Kick off the summer with some creek-stomping fun! Put on your thinking caps, future scientists—assistant Naturalist Melissa will share what we can learn from the bugs that live in our streams and why it’s important to keep them healthy, as well as what it takes to find them! This program is ideal for families with school-age children. Adults must be present with children for the duration of the program. Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet and muddy.

This event will be held at Kolsrud Park, located at 1044 Waterville Road in Waterville, starting at 1:30 PM. Registration is optional.

For more information or to register, contact the ACCB by email at [email protected] or phone at 563-538-0401.