Do you remember the projects that stemmed from the partnership with Camp Courageous (CC), University of Iowa Engineering students and the Iowa DNR in 2021 from our planning grant? Well, Charlie Becker and Jeff Pitlik of CC recently shared some exciting updates that we wanted to also share here.
Here is what Charlie says:
Trails team:
I am proud to announce the final tweaks are being made to a mile long trail designed in the Pictured Rocks Addition of Camp Courageous. This trail took nearly a year in its development consisting of 6 feet wide concrete that spans over one mile of primitive ground and connects to existing trails near the Durgin Pavilion. This trail project was used as part for the 2023 Camp Courageous Triathlon event. Camp Courageous was awarded the 2023 Recreation trails by the Excellence in Concrete Association of Iowa! It is used daily by campers, staff and the public…a huge hit!
Water Quality " well head protection"
Camp Courageous is in the advanced stages of a 3-phase water quality assessment with the Department of Natural Resources. The last and final stage is the development and implementation of a multi-phased plan to ensure proper measures are being taken to improve water quality.Edit the content in this column layout so people engage with your email.
The Tenant that farms the nearly 200 acres of Camp’s ground has applied for cost share to plant cover crops starting in 2024! Camp has partnered with Monarchs Research Project (MRP) in a muti year tree planting project. The initial stage 1 plan is to plant in the spring and fall for the next five years. This spring the planting will consist of nearly 100 trees varying in maturity and species.
Bird ViewingArea
The spring of 2024 a plan has been prepared by one of the DNR's Private Lands Biologist to prepare a 1.7 acre site in the Pictured Rocks primitive area of Camp Courageous for the future site of the nature center. The clearing of downed fall and understory bushes, and with the removal of non-fruit bearing trees to open the canopy will be completed by April 1st of 2024. The area will then go through a controlled burn, to set back any form of regrowth of non-desirable and shrubs. The District Forester will then create a planting plan of nut bearing trees and fruit bearing shrubs to establish an inviting natural environment for the wildlife. The planning and construction of a nature center should begin in 2025.
I would like to reiterate that these projects have blazed a trail for the future of Camp Courageous. Beginning with the vision of the WMA, in partnering with the University of Iowa Engineering students under the direction of the University Professors.
Charlie Becker and Jeff Pitlik
Women, Land & Legacy: Jones and Delaware County Chapter
hosting this incredible event this summer! Registration opens soon.
Here's an update on 12 bills that remain open for passage by the Iowa Legislature -- and two that did not survive -- after the first funnel deadline.
Did you know our Watershed Management Plan (WMP) is now online?
You can also access the interactive mapping tool that was created to assist with identification of watershed projects. Check them both out at the link below.
