SUMMER OUTREACH
In the summer months, Water Rocks! offers multiple types of outreach to help Iowans of all ages learn about the natural world around them.
For YOUTH EVENTS—summer schools, camps, and library summer reading programs—Water Rocks! brings action-packed presentations right to your site, engaging youth in a structured 30-45 minute session featuring natural resources-focused games and activities. Read on for additional details below.
For COMMUNITY EVENTS—fairs, festivals, farmers markets—Water Rocks! and Iowa Learning Farms join forces to bring their award-winning Conservation Station trailer fleet to your public event, providing visual demonstrations and discussion to engage adults and youth in learning about Iowa’s land and water resources. The Conservation Station will be onsite for a 3-4 hour block of time. Read on for additional details below.
Scheduling/Availability
The online request system for summer 2024 is now closed, and we are actively reviewing requests. The Fall 2024 online request system will open in late summer—stay tuned here for details!
We welcome requests for Monday-Saturday events
We welcome requests for events between June 1 – August 30 (fall requests will open at a later date)
We are only able to attend single-day events (or ONE day of a multiple day event)
We provide full staffing—a combination of Iowa State University faculty, staff, and/or student interns—to interact with your event attendees
Submit your summer request by April 1 for priority consideration
We will begin reviewing requests the week of April 1 - 5 (requests are NOT fulfilled on a first-come, first-serve basis)
We often receive many more requests than we are able to fulfill—please be patient as we evaluate all requests received! We will be in email communication with all requestors by April 19.
Water Rocks! Summer Presentations
Perfect for camp, summer school, library reading hour, or other youth group activity
Best for 10-30 participants per group
Sessions run 30-45 minutes each (multiple sessions can be presented back-to-back)
Structured presentation includes fun hands-on activities and age-appropriate learning about a single topic area (water, wetlands, ecosystems, pollinators), with Water Rocks! providing all materials and supplies
Site requirements: Indoor or outdoor space large enough for the group to learn and get up and move around (These presentations do NOT include the Conservation Station trailer)
Cost: Free of charge (Many thanks to our partners for making this possible!)
Conservation Station Trailer
Provides visitors to fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and other public events with a range of demonstrations, games, learning opportunities and hands-on activities
Visitors of all ages will explore and learn about the impacts of land management choices, both urban and agricultural, on water quality and the connections between our state’s water, soil, and wildlife
Trailer will be onsite and ‘open for visitors' for a 3-4 hour block of time
Site requirements: Flat open space of at least 35’ x 60’, clear driving path in and out
Cost: Free of charge (Many thanks to our partners for making this possible!)
What is the Conservation Station all about?
Each trailer houses a unique combination of highly visual and interactive Iowa-centric demonstrations that delve into the impacts of land management choices, both urban and agricultural, on water quality and the connections between our state’s water, soil, and wildlife.
Conservation Station in Action
Additional Questions?
Liz Ripley
ejuchems@iastate.edu
515.294.5429