As we kick off National Soil and Water Conservation Week, we realize that water quality has long been a hot-button issue in Iowa, drawing attention from communities across the state. While much of the spotlight has been on how farmers are working to protect and improve water resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is also deeply involved in urban water quality initiatives. The agency plays a key role in supporting city-led efforts to reduce runoff and protect waterways. Water quality is not just a rural concern, it’s a shared responsibility across both urban and rural landscapes.
In West Des Moines, IDALS is supporting the first phase of the Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary with a $250,000 investment. The project includes a variety of water quality features such as native plantings, bioretention cells, and a grass swale that channels runoff into a stormwater wetland. These elements are designed to treat and slow water before it reaches Jordan Creek and, eventually, the Raccoon River. The improvements mark the beginning of a broader master plan for the property focused on conservation and community access.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the Legacy Woods project is just one example of the wide-ranging efforts underway to improve soil and water quality across Iowa. He notes that IDALS is supporting both urban and rural projects, recognizing that protecting natural resources requires action in all parts of the state. These initiatives reflect a broad, collaborative approach to conservation.
Naig acknowledges that the name “Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship” often leads people to think only of rural projects. However, he emphasizes that the agency’s mission to protect Iowa’s natural resources extends well beyond farm fields and into cities and towns. Urban conservation efforts are a vital part of the broader strategy.
Naig highlights the efforts in the West Des Moines project that were showcased yesterday.
Projects like Legacy Woods demonstrate how local and state partnerships can make a real impact on Iowa’s water and soil health. By investing in both rural and urban solutions, IDALS is helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for communities across the state.
