Volunteers are encouraged to attend the Second Annual Volunteers in Natural
Resources Conference, scheduled for November 22-23, at the Airport Holiday
Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is sponsored by the IOWATER volunteer
water quality monitoring program and the DNR's Keepers of the Land program.
Workshop topics include wildlife diversity programs, IOWATER volunteer data,
"snapshot" sampling of Iowa's waterways, and a hands-on session on getting
your own wetland project started. Volunteers from both programs will be
acknowledged for their service to Iowa's natural resources through a special
awards banquet and ceremony. Nationally recognized volunteer, Chad Pegracke
of the Mississippi River Beautification and Restoration Project, will be the
featured speaker on Friday evening. Mr. Pegracke will also conduct a
workshop on Saturday. Visit the project's Web site at www.cleanrivers.com.

Registration for the event is $25 and is due by Friday, November 8. To learn
more about IOWATER or Keepers of the Land, visit their respective Web sites
at www.iowater.net or www.keepersoftheland.org. For conference registration
information, contact Stefanie Forret at (515) 281-3150 or
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2nd Annual Volunteers in Natural Resources Conference
November 22-23, 2002 at the Airport Holiday Inn
Des Moines, Iowa

Join us again, to:
* Celebrate and recognize the achievements of IOWATER and the DNR Keepers of
the Land volunteers.
* Network with natural resources volunteers and professionals from across
Iowa.
* Gather ideas and learn about various programs and projects.
* Become an advocate for Iowa's natural resources.

Friday

Check-in, booth set-up and munchies (4-6 p.m.) - Enjoy the cuisine of the
Airport Holiday Inn while mingling with volunteers and professionals from
across the state.

Evening Keynote: The Power of One - How can just one person make a
difference? Hosted by Chad Pregracke, nationally recognized organizer of the
Mississippi River Beautification and Restoration Project.

"You Were There" - Enjoy a unique Iowa living history reenactment.

Networking and Booth Tours - Catch up with old friends, make new connections
and tour the booths for volunteer ideas.

Saturday

Check-in, breakfast, networking, poster displays (8 - 9 a.m.)

Concurrent Sessions A, B, C and D
(These sessions will run simultaneously. You will be able to choose one
session to attend.)

A. Anatomy of a Stream: "Snapshot" Sampling of Iowa's Waterways - What can
more than 80 volunteers accomplish in one day on one stream or county? Find
out how local watershed groups have organized and completed "snapshot"
samplings, what they found, and how you can do the same!

B. Iowa Waterways: Urban vs. Rural Impacts - Iowa streams are affected by
several factors, whether it be from our cities or our farms. Join us for a
no-nonsense look at what the professionals are finding.

C. Plant a Prairie, Build a Wetland, Leave a Legacy: Real-Life Examples - If
you've ever thought of trying your hand at creating or reestablishing a
prairie, restoring a wetland, or replanting a forest, this is the workshop
for you. We'll showcase the success stories of restorations on private and
public lands, the available technical support, and how you can make it
happen on your land.

D. Just Do It: Turning Good Intentions into Action - Join nationally
recognized organizer and speaker Chad Pregracke and learn how he was able to
turn his personal passion into a high profile, action-oriented volunteer
organization.

Concurrent Sessions E, F, G and H
(These sessions will run simultaneously. You will be able to choose one
session to attend.)

E. Wild Things Make Your Heart Sing: Wildlife Diversity Volunteer
Opportunities - Come learn how you can help bring back and protect Iowa's
intriguing wildlife.  Learn about frog and toad surveys, bluebird
restoration projects, the reintroduction programs of swans, osprey, prairie
chickens, eagles - and more - and how can help.

F. Mastering Your Universe: How to Become a Master Conservationist, Master
Gardener, Master Woodland Manager or Community Tree Steward - Explore
opportunities through Iowa Extension Services to master the skills you need
to help improve our environment.

G. Connecting the Dots: IOWATER Data - IOWATER volunteers have been sampling
for three years now. What kind of results are they turning up, and how does
the data compare to that of the professionals?

H. Breaking it Down: IOWATER Rap - IOWATER volunteers get the opportunity to
voice their concerns and offer suggestions while IOWATER staff provides
updates on the current direction of the program.

Lunch and Presentation: The Iowa State Parks Civilian Conservation Corps
Oral History Project - Many of us have cherished memories of reunions in the
lodges and shelters of our Iowa State Parks, and remember wandering the
trails with the beautiful timber and stone bridges.  Come hear the stories
and see the pictures of this important legacy we still enjoy.

Volunteer Awards - Join us in recognizing the outstanding IOWATER and DNR
volunteers, and the staff who work with them.

Session I.  Speaking Up for Iowa's Natural Resources: The Power of Many - We
invite all conference attendees to participate in an interactive, dynamic
workshop on how all of us who volunteer and work with Iowa's natural
resources can make a difference in program funding, conservation policy and
public support.

Closing Remarks (4 p.m.)

For priority lodging at the Airport Holiday Inn, call 1-800-248-4013 and ask
for a room in the "Volunteers in Natural Resources" block of rooms. The
conference room rate is $67 for single occupancy and $77 for double
occupancy. Rooms are guaranteed at this rate until November 1, 2001. If you
are a government employee, please inform the hotel when you are making your
reservation and they will give you the state rate.

Parking is free, and the hotel offers a free shuttle to downtown Des Moines.

A complete conference itinerary with more detailed session descriptions, a
map, and directions to the hotel will be mailed to you with your
confirmation letter. Expect to receive your confirmation no earlier than
October 1. For more conference information, please contact Stefanie Forret
at (515) 281-3150 or [log in to unmask]

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