Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Lee County is collaborating with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lee County Conservation, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to offer a Pollinator Walk Series on August 28. Session will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Wilson Lake, 2195 220th Street, Donnellson, IA.

“Attendees will be able to explore the habitats of pollinators as they walk through Wilson Lake”, said Lisa Louck, Department of Natural Resources District Forester. “They will discuss some overwintering needs and see some early spring food sources for pollinators that need the forest, and learn how even small flowers can make a big impact.”

Wear comfortable shoes for this free and unique educational opportunity. Preregistration is required. Please contact the Lee County Extension Office at 319-835-5116 or [email protected] by Wednesday before session.

After 18 years Louisa County SWCD District Employee, Duane Lewis, decided that it was time to spend more time with his family and retired earlier this year. Duane began working with the Louisa SWCD in 2003 and was the go-to person for hands-on jobs and assisted with many public events involving conservation.

Over the past 18 years Duane could be found throughout the county checking on CRP fields and cover crop seedings, he helped to run the district level soils judging event each year, was an integral part of tree and fish sales for the SWCD, and built hundreds of wood duck and blue bird houses to help raise money for SWCD scholarships and projects. Duane also volunteered with Louisa County Conservation, sorting and folding Naturally Louisa County newsletters, and worked with Port Louisa Refuge staff to build hundreds of blue bird boxes that were installed throughout the county.

Duane was always a friendly face at the Louisa County Fair, helping inspire others with his love of people and conservation. He was always the first person to jump in and help, with a smile. He is famous for the homecooked lunches and fabulous desserts (complements of his very talented wife Ann) that he would bring to work and to the Naturally Louisa County newsletter folding sessions.

“Duane is a true friend of conservation.” Everyone in Louisa County, and especially at the Louisa SWCD will miss Duane, but we expect we will still see him actively helping his community and its environment for many years to come.