| Paddlers hit the water to maintain Iowa rivers and streams

Paddlers hit the water to maintain Iowa rivers and streams

July 25, 2022
Connections Article, Publications

Taylor Hopper and family pose with some of the day’s haul from Iowa Project AWARE An enthusiastic crew of more than 300 canoe-paddling volunteers – including Taylor Hopper, a member of the Iowa Section of the American Water Works Association – traversed along 61 miles of the West Fork of the Des Moines River in northwest Iowa earlier this month during the state’s largest annual river clean-up event, Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition).

This year marks the 19th anniversary of the week-long event that was established to build community appreciation for Iowa’s watersheds. It is a fun and muddy opportunity for volunteers of all ages to explore an Iowa waterway and remove trash while learning about stewardship and conservation. (Pictured above, Taylor Hopper and family pose with some of the day’s haul.)

From left, Rick, Taylor, Connie and Heidi Hopper. Hopper, a project manager at FOX Strand and a former chair of AWWA-IA’s Young Professionals Committee, paddled the river for five days along with his wife, Heidi, and parents, Rick and Connie Hopper. Rick, director of engineering with Jacobson-Westergard & Associates, also is an AWWA-IA member. (Pictured from left, Rick, Taylor, Connie and Heidi Hopper.)

Taylor’s first experience with Iowa Project AWARE was in 2010, when he organized a small group of local AWWA members to participate. Each summer since then he has coordinated the involvement of volunteers from AWWA-IA and the Iowa Water Environment Association. He looks forward to the trip each year and enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow paddlers.

“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy and improve Iowa’s rivers. Since some of the rivers eventually serve as water sources for Iowa communities, we are helping preserve the quality of water available to our fellow Iowans,” he said.

At front left, Hopper during the 2015 Project AWARE event. “As an engineer with daily involvement with water supply and wastewater systems throughout Iowa, I feel Project AWARE is a great opportunity to protect our water supplies and connect with others who share my desire to help protect our natural environment,” he added. “My favorite part of the event is seeing 19-year Project AWARE veterans working with volunteers who are on their first canoe outing.”

Iowa Project AWARE is coordinated by N-Compass, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Partners include the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa. (Pictured right, at front left, Hopper during the 2015 Project AWARE event.)