Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation is a private, 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1991.

 

Our Mission

To provide funds for the protection and enhancement of the natural resources in the environmentally rich area of the confluences of the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers in eastern Iowa.  The Foundation will employ enjoyment and use of these resources to education and instill an appreciation for good land stewardship.  It will seek to distribute private funds to carefully chosen public, civic, instutitional and quasi-public projects.

We are proud of What We Achieve

2023

  • Eden Park Playground - A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 7, 2023 for the newly finished natural looking playground and water bottle filling station. Tri-Rivers assisted with refreshments and “Love YOUR County Parks” water bottle stickers.

  • Paris Family Scholarship - Rylee Cole from Louisa-Muscatine received the Paris Scholarship. She plans to attend Des Moines Area Community College before transferring to Iowa State University.

  • Tri-River's Director's Scholarship - Bryar Runnells is a Louisa-Muscatine graduate who is planning to study conservation at William Penn University.

  • The RUSH Auction was held at the Buckman Guesthouse Air BnB.

  • A Trident Explorer, hands-free paddling boat was raffled off and won by Bob Brissey of Burlington.

2022

  • Swinging Bridge Environmental Education Project - The Swinging Bridge committee will soon be building a location for environmental education programs with a campfire ring, benches and table area.

  • Columbus Junction Trail Project - We support (verbally and financially) the effort of Columbus Junction, Columbus City and the Secondary Roads Department to install an asphalt trail/sidewalk that will extend and make a loop from the Columbus Junction School, past the pool, west to the Golf Course Road, through Columbus City and back to the front of the school.

  • The Todd Town, Iowa River Boat Access at HWY 70 in Columbus Junction was completed in 2021. Directional and informational signs are being hung in 2022. Open and ready for use! Launch a canoe, kayak or motor boat or simply fish from shore!

  • Paris Family Scholarship - Morgan Grelk, a Louisa County native with a Crawfordsville address and graduated of Winfield Mt. Union. She will be studying Biology at Wartburg College in the Fall.

  • Tri-River's Director's Scholarship - Jimmy Guerrero of Columbus Junction who plans to attend Clinton Community College to study graphic arts including website design.

  • Continued to sponsor the Naturally Louisa County Newsletter quarterly.

  • A bench was purchased and placed at the Langwood High Ropes Challenge Course in memory of long-time TRCF Director, Kathy Wilkerson

  • Two new Directors joined Tri-Rivers: Lynette Grimm of Wapello and Amanda Heindel of Columbus Junction.

2021

  • Hy-Vee “Bags that Give Back” fundraiser. Tri-Rivers was chosen as the September 2021 recipient of the Muscatine Hy-Vee’s reusable shopping bag program. For each bag purchased, $1 will be donated to Tri-Rivers! Thanks Hy-Vee!

  • Wetland Interpretive Trail at the future site of the Louisa Interpretive Center was finished and is now open to the public!! Hike the .5 mile trail look, enjoy 14 vibrant interpretive signs and feel free to fish the LIC pond! Enjoy your county park!

  • The Todd Town Iowa River Boat Access at HWY 70 in Columbus Junction is complete. Open and ready for use! Launch a canoe, kayak or motor boat or simply fish from shore!

  • Paris Family Scholarship - Jacob Ewart (2nd year in a row!)

  • Tri-River's Director's Scholarship - Dawson Wherle

  • Hoover Nature Trail resurfacing at Chinkapin Bluffs is complete and the new trailhead is built at the Louisa County Fairgrounds!

  • Sponsorship to the Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction.

2020

  • Wetland Interpretive Trail at the future site of the Louisa Interpretive Center is being built. Tri-Rivers has raised and dedicated $40,000 to this project!

  • Construction is underway for the Todd Town Iowa River Boat Access at HWY 70 in Columbus Junction

  • Wilson Prairie - Tri-Rivers donated money to be used with a REAP Grant to purchase a 40-acre tract of virgin, native prairie to be managed by Louisa County Conservation

  • Sponsored Porta Pots at local River & Odessa Accesses with thanks to a Community Foundation of Louisa County grant.

  • Cone Marsh donation of funds to help install a water control structure to enhance habitat, managed by the Iowa DNR

  • Donated and assisted with the Hoover Nature Trail project at Chinkapin Bluffs.

  • Donated to the Swinging Bridge project in Columbus Junction

  • Annual RUSH Fundraising Auction - cancelled due to Covid

  • Paris Family Scholarship - Jacob Ewart

  • Tri-River's Director's Scholarship - Travis Wanfalt

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

  • Annual RUSH Fundraising Auction

  • Paris Family Scholarship - to Darby Harris

  • Tri-Rivers Director's Scholarship - to Logan Grimm

  • Hit the Trails With Me

  • Musc-Lo-Des: Tri-County Pedal

  • Langwood Adventure Day - May 20, 2015

  • Langwood Volunteer Day - April 18, 2015

2014

  • Annual RUSH Fundraising Auction

  • Louisa Interpretive Center - worked on wetland trail

  • Paris Family Scholarship - to Eli Sents

  • 1st Tri-Rivers Director's Scholarship - to Nathan Smith

  • 100 Trees for Louisa County project

  • Received grant from Monsanto for Snively

  • Langwood Adventure Day

2013

  • Annual RUSH Fundraising Auction

  • Louisa Interpretive Center - worked on wetland trail

  • Paris Family Scholarship

  • Hoover Nature Trail at Chinkapin Bluffs

2012

  • Annual RUSH Fundraising Auction

  • Louisa Interpretive Center - earthwork, pond, wetland

  • Paris Family Scholarship

  • Portapots for Paddlers grant

Older projects

  • Iowa River Water Trail (2008)

  • Chinkapin Bluffs Makeover Project (2008)

  • Odessa Water Trail (2007)

  • Reflections of the Louisa Resource Area (2007)

  • Flaming Prairie Makeover (2007)

  • Senior Citizens Trip to the Mississippi River Museum (2007)

ON-GOING or BIG PROJECTS: