“The funding provided through the IAWA Watershed Award has been a blessing to our WQI project. We continue to see double digit first time users of no-till, cover crops, and low disturbance manure application every single year.”
— Colton Meyer, past Watershed Coordinator of the Year
Recognizing past success to bring momentum to the future
The IAWA Iowa Watershed Awards began in 2017 as a way to recognize the hard work of conservation leaders. Their dedication to their communities to improve water quality, build soil health, and reduce flood risk has a ripple effect downstream - and statewide. Watershed coordinators and project staff who provide partnership-based management and stewardship in a watershed are key leaders in reaching the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
The Iowa Ag Water Alliance brought together Iowa State University, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Conservation Districts of Iowa to launch this award, understanding the importance of well-deserved recognition.
Financial resources
The worth of clean water is priceless, but the cost of getting there can be expensive. That’s why IAWA and partners honor the winner of the Watershed Coordinator of the Year Award with $5,000 for their local watershed program, and $1,000 for their own professional development. Past winners have put this money to work in their communities, impacting both rural and urban families who depend on clean water every day.
Since its inaugural year, IAWA and partners have given more than 20 awards, providing thousands of dollars in funding and momentum for outstanding leaders to make positive and lasting change.
(Left to right of photo) Jamie Benning, Erin Ogle, Colton Meyer, Caleb Waters, Neil Shaffer, Julie Perreault, Sean McMahon stand for a photo at the 2019 awards ceremony.
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