Ways to Get Involved

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities on the district, including hand harvesting native seeds, controlling invasive plants and conducting bird and plant surveys. Generally, these opportunities involve one day commitments. To volunteer at Iowa Wetland Management District, contact the Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge office at 515-928-2523 or unionslough@fws.gov.

Our Partners

Nature does not recognize human-made boundaries. In order to conserve our natural and cultural resources effectively, we must work with others to bridge these boundaries. Partnerships foster creative solutions to challenging situations and often the results are greater than the sum of the parts.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the department manages the vast majority of waterfowl production areas within the district. Consequently, the department serves as a critical partner in the acquisition, restoration and management of lands within Iowa Wetland Management District. This long-standing partnership has enabled the restoration of large habitat complexes within a predominantly agricultural landscape.

Friends of Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge

The Friends of Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge periodically partner with us on projects within the district. The mission of the Friends is to support the environmental, educational and recreational activities and programs offered at refuge and district lands.

Other Partners

  • The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Pheasants Forever

Outreach

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge staff members and our partners with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are available to come and speak to your group. Programs are available on a variety of topics concerning Iowa Wetland Management District, plants and animals living in the area or other topics.