Here's a sampling of the projects we have partnered on over the years.
Eden Park Playground
Tri-Rivers assisted Louisa County Conservation with the new Eden Park Playground. The Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 7, 2023. The playground is a natural looking set of equipment unlike any other playgrounds around. There is a painted turtle to climb on, a Hickory Hammock where people can take a rest and view the clouds, the Hollow Log that can be climbed on or through, and the Matterhorn Gap. Two large boulders, attached by a two-line bridge. Each boulder has a rope ladder to gain access to the top.
Nature’s Native Tree Project
Each year Tri-Rivers holds a tree sale fundraiser. The event is planned so that people are able to plant their trees on Earth Day as a way to do good for our Blue Planet. Let by Tri-Rivers Secretary, Cindy Klebe, this project is a lot of fun, raises funds for Tri-Rivers and benefits our communities and the environment. Pictured is Dianne Bohling, Kathy Porter, Tinley and Sue Schweitzer after planting a redbud tree at Kathy’s house.
Swinging Bridge Project
Tri-Rivers was recognized during the 2022 Columbus Day celebration for their dedication and donation to the Swinging Bridge Park project in Columbus Junction. TRCF donated funds to help create the Environmental Learning Center, a campfire ring where people or groups can sit and visit, enjoy a campfire or learn about environmental education. Pictured are the Columbus Junction Young Business Professionals during the 2022 Columbus Day Celebration. There were selling and toasting s’mores as a fundraiser for their club to take a trip to Washington DC.
Wetland Interpretive Trail
At the future site of the Louisa Interpretive Center.
Tri-Rivers is a long time supporter of Langwood Education Center and the future site of the Louisa Interpretive Center (LIC) at Langwood. In 2020 we are proud to announce that we have been a part of the creation of the Wetland Interpretive Trail. This .5 mile trail loop is a hard-packed crushed lime surface that winds through the prairie and wetlands, crossing two footbridges and a central plaza. The trail is very flat and relatively easy to walk. Along the path, a visitor can expect to encounter 14 beautiful interpretive signs that tell all about wetlands including the plant and animal communities that depend on wetlands for survival. The panels have attractive signs, vibrant colors, and great information Each is topped with a unique finial that is representative of the sign. Completed in 2020.
Todd Town Boat Access
Tri-Rivers was able to purchase some of the old Rail Road Right-of-Way to put in another Access on the Iowa River. This access is located just off Highway 70 in Columbus Junction. There is a nearby convenience store for purchasing bait and easy access for residents to walk to. It is just one river-mile upstream from River Forks Access in Fredonia and the confluence with the Cedar River.
Wilson Prairie
Wilson Prairie is believed to be a virgin, native remnant prairie. It is very rare for a parcel of land, such as this to be spared the disk and plow. The land came into the Wilson Family in 1922 and they attest that during their watch, it had never been row-cropped. They did hay the land and grazed cattle.
The family contacted Louisa County Conservation in 2019 because this had always been a special parcel of land to their family. They wanted to protect the parcel, in native prairie, into perpetuity. Louisa County Conservation was able to secure a REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) grant that paid for the majority of the cost. Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation helped to cover the rest of the negotiated price. This historic remnant of our past was purchased in December of 2019.
Odessa Water Trail
The Odessa Water Trail provides paddlers with a unique opportunity to enjoy a scenic tour of Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge and the Odessa Wildlife Management Area. The trail winds through a Mississippi River bottom land habitat with ponds, chutes, timber, marshlands and flowers. The paddler will have the opportunity to view ducks and geese, water lily beds, pileated woodpeckers, cardinal flowers, great blue herons, pelicans and so much more! Explore places called Horseshoe Bend, Sand Run, Beebe Pond and Yankee Chute. More information on the Odessa Water Trail can be found on the Louisa County Conservation website.
Reflections of the Louisa Resource Area
The Reflections project was designed to capture people “reflecting: on their life experiences that tie them to the local natural resources. Thirteen long-time residents were interviewed and recorded. Topics discussed include: geology, duck hunting, caves, horses, the 1993 flood, Big Sand Mound, piloting and native plants. View a copy of the Reflections project on YouTube.
Photo of the confluence of the Iowa River (left) and Cedar River (right) just North of the Highway 92 Bridge. The Railroad Bridge is shown in the photo.
Naturally Louisa County
Naturally Louisa County is a unique combination of individuals, private groups and government agencies coming together to provide a central point for information about Louisa County's natural, cultural and historical resources.