24 acres of Camp Courageous in Iowa to be Developed, Includes Storm Water Management Efforts
University of Iowa students will present strategies for undeveloped areas of Camp Courageous to help improve water quality.
According to The Gazette, four teams of University of Iowa faculty and staff will present their plans on 24 acres of Camp Courageous, which includes designs involving a trail system, a nature education center, storm water management plans, and systems to reduce contaminants in source water.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational care facility for individuals with disabilities.
The project began when camp volunteer coordinator Jeff Pitlik contacted the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority with goals of promoting growth and sustainability in rural Iowa communities.
This resulted in a partnership to work with University of Iowa students to develop a watershed plan. The funding options for the project are unclear.
“Creating a way for campers and guests to access and view installed practices, and the wildlife we anticipate will be drawn into the areas, became a key component to the projects,” said Lori Scovel, executive director of Limestone Bluffs RC & D, a fiscal agent of the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority. “We all live in a watershed and education is key.”
Proposed strategies include utilizing cover crops on agricultural land to improve soil and filter out contaminants, as well as slowing storm water runoff to allow for better flood management.
Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 and serves nearly 10,000 individuals with special needs through a year-round program.
Presentations for the plans are scheduled for Dec. 8 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. CT at the Camp’s Durgin Pavilion, 12101 190th St., Monticello.
