Secretary Naig Announces Investments in 14 Iowa Urban Water Quality Projects

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and public and private partners invest $5.7 million in statewide urban water quality efforts

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 28, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will invest in 14 urban water quality projects within communities across the state. Secretary Naig made the announcement alongside city and community leaders from West Des Moines at an event at Legacy Woods, the location of one of the new water quality projects. The announcement was made as part of the annual Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week. 

Utilizing funding from the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other sources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide cost-share grants that cover up to 50 percent of the total cost of each project. The Department is investing nearly $2.7 million to support the 14 projects, which will leverage an overall investment of more than $5.7 million. 

“No matter where you live in Iowa—city, town, or farm—everyone has a role to play in helping to protect our vital natural resources, like soil and water. Since 2015, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested significantly in 140 urban water quality projects across the state, collaborating with local partners to advance and accelerate the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals,” said Secretary Naig. “Our new partnership project at Legacy Woods in West Des Moines showcases innovative practices that improve water quality and protect our rich natural resources. These practices also enhance recreation, preserve our cultural heritage, and provide the public with educational opportunities. Thank you to the West Des Moines Community Foundation, City of West Des Moines, and West Des Moines Historical Society for partnering with us on this project, as well as the many public and private partners who are helping with other urban projects across the state.”

The Department provides financial and technical assistance to the communities and organizations implementing these urban water quality practices. To receive state funding, the urban water quality projects must include education and outreach components and involve local partners. These community-based projects raise awareness about new stormwater management methods and encourage others to adopt similar practices to improve water quality.

“I want to thank West Des Moines Parks and Recreation as well as Secretary Mike Naig, the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, and the countless West Des Moines residents and businesses who through this project are helping to preserve our environment, preserve our history and leave a legacy for generations to come,” said Russ Trimble, Mayor of West Des Moines.

These urban conservation projects include water quality practices like bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, tree trenches, native landscaping, sediment forebays, oxbows, and wetlands among many other proven practices.

2025 Projects listed in alphabetical order by location:

Algona
Downtown Cultural District Improvements 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $275,000
The City of Algona is working on a multi-phase downtown improvement project which includes the installation of multiple bioretention cells, permeable pavers, and tree trenches. These practices filter stormwater and reduce runoff before it reaches the Des Moines River.

Ankeny 
Upper Fourmile Creek Wetland 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $200,000
Polk County is partnering with the City of Ankeny to plan the construction of two stormwater wetlands. This is part of a larger Fourmile Creek greenway restoration project that includes nine oxbows and wetlands with stream restoration on Fourmile Creek. 

Bondurant
Parks and Recreation Event Center 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $127,500
The City of Bondurant is transforming the fire station into a multi-use Parks and Recreation Event Center for their growing community. This project will include bioretention cells to manage stormwater and shared permeable paver parking through a public-private partnership.

Cedar Rapids
Morgan Creek Wetland
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $177,625
Linn County Conservation Board will construct a wetland/pond hybrid at Morgan Creek Park. This practice benefits Morgan Creek and the Middle Cedar River by treating 149 acres of agricultural runoff and future development. It addresses erosion, improves water quality, and offers flood reduction and source water protection. The wetland/pond hybrid will provide habitat for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife, and serve as an excellent place for fishing, outdoor recreation, and wildlife viewing in the Cedar Rapids Metro area. 

Clear Lake
Veterans Memorial Golf Course 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $12,500
The City of Clear Lake is installing a bioretention cell at Veterans Memorial Golf Course. This bioretention cell will capture runoff from the parking lot of the golf course. This will aid in reducing pollutants prior to flowing into Clear Lake. 

Clinton
Bickelhaupt Arboretum Renovations and Enhancements 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $214,500
Clinton Community College is updating the 15-acre Bickelhaupt Arboretum in Clinton. Visitors from around the world tour the arboretum to learn about nature. This project includes a permeable parking lot and walkway, bioretention cell, and native landscaping to protect Rock Creek. This project expands educational offerings while improving water quality by filtering pollutants and reducing impervious cover and runoff. 

Decorah
Dahlen Property Water Quality Improvements
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $377,000
The City of Decorah will install an infiltration basin in a new city park on the Dahlen property. Sediment forebays, a native prairie buffer, and grass swales will be used to provide pre-treatment. These practices will store and treat 27 acres of runoff before flowing directly into the Upper Iowa River.  

Des Moines 
Birdland Park and Marina 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $108,000
This project is part of the Birdland Park and Marina improvements. The project includes bioretention cells and conversion of turfgrass to diverse native landscaping. These water quality efforts will treat surface runoff from the parking lot and Birdland Drive prior to entering the Des Moines River.

Dunlap
Pleasant View Pond Improvements 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $236,358
Water quality improvements made to the Pleasant View Pond will include the construction of a forebay and wetland to treat 474 acres of agricultural drainage prior to entering the pond. The project also includes the construction of two bioretention cells to intercept urban drainage. Improvements made to the pond will provide better habitat for wildlife, improved fishing, and provide an amenity for the community to enjoy while also improving water quality. 

Durant
Feldham Park Permeable Parking Area
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $220,668
The City of Durant will construct a permeable parking lot in Feldham Park to improve water before it drains into Mud Creek. The parking lot serves the city’s ballparks, trail, and wetland nature area. A new type of permeable pavement will be featured serving as a model for other communities in Iowa.  

Evansdale
Angels Park/Meyers Lake Water Quality Improvements
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $80,522
A bioretention cell and native landscaping will be installed by the City of Evansdale at Angels Park. The bioretention cell will treat parking lot runoff before it reaches Meyers Lake, which is approximately 200 feet away. Native landscaping will be planted along the shoreline in five strategic areas to deter geese and reduce other urban runoff pollutants.  

Mount Ayr 
Town Square Streetscape Reconstruction 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $368,995
The City of Mount Ayr is planning a downtown streetscape project that will include water quality improvement features. Through the incorporation of permeable paver surfaces and bioretention cells, water quality will be improved while reducing standing water on the downtown square following rain events. This will reduce pressure on the Grand River.    

Oskaloosa
Creating Environmental Learning Spaces at Caldwell Park
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $46,666
Two oxbows, two rain gardens, trees, and native landscaping will be installed by the Mahaska County Conservation Board at Caldwell Park. These practices will intercept runoff from the newly created Environmental Learning Center, which will reduce flood risks and pollutants heading into Spring Creek and the South Skunk River. The proximity of the nature center and the community trail will provide accessible learning opportunities for schools and visitors.  

West Des Moines 
Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary 
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Investment: $250,000
The Legacy Woods Nature sanctuary will have a series of water quality features including native plantings, bioretention cells and a grass swale leading to a stormwater wetland. Water from the property drains into Jordan Creek and then the Raccoon River. These water quality practices are the beginning phase of a larger master plan that features accessibility to trails, recreation, a playground, and a new heritage center adjacent to the Jordan House Museum. The project aims to preserve culture and natural resources through conservation practices and public education.

To learn more about urban conservation practices and projects in Iowa, visit CleanWaterIowa.org.