NOTICE: Attendees must register online before attending the event!

NOTICE: Watercraft will not be provided - attendees must bring their own watercraft to the start access.

Where: Clay and Buena Vista Counties: Kindlespire County Park to Sioux Rapids City Park ~ 10 miles. Meet at Kindlespire County Park Access at 9:00am to offload canoes/kayaks and gear. We will drive all our vehicles to the take out (Sioux Rapids City Park), and return to the put-in (Kindlespire) in as few vehicles as possible—often referred to as the “shuttle”.

Important Notice: This stretch of river is long and requires you to avoid or maneuver around obstructions such as log jams or woody debris in the river—due to length and challenges, it’s not suited for first time paddlers. It’s important that you have good control of your canoe or kayak. Depending on weather, water levels, and other factors, this trip may take around 4 hours total, so plan accordingly. Registration is required, so we can communicate with you in case of a change of plans or cancellation.

Canoes, kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and other gear will not be provided – participants must bring their own. Life jackets must be worn when on water. Participation is limited so register early so you don’t miss out.

What to bring: Bring water, lunch and snacks, insect repellant and sunblock; and for comfort, consider wearing quick drying clothing (not cotton), a hat/cap and/or sunglasses to protect you from the sun, and water shoes (or, old sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy). Sandals and flip-flops are not ideal—closed-toed footwear is the best way to protect your feet.

Description: Experience ten miles of the Little Sioux River as it winds its way along the stretch of the Water Trail between Kindlespire County Park and Sioux Rapids. The river meanders through a mix of woodland and open countryside, and offers great perspectives into the regions geologic past. Paddlers will need to navigate around some deadfalls and along riffles, and should have some paddling experience.

Trip Lead: Dr. Pete Moore is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management (NREM) at Iowa State University, where he leads the Applied Geomorphology Laboratory. He received a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from Iowa State. During his graduate and postdoctoral years, his research focus was glaciology and glacial sediment transport in ancient and modern glaciers around the northern hemisphere. Since joining NREM in 2013, most of Pete’s research has focused on the science and management of rivers and floodplains. He is particularly interested in issues of erosion and sediment transport in river corridors and how sediment affects aquatic ecosystems and water resources. He is currently engaged in several projects aimed at improving the practice and value of river restoration in Iowa. In addition to his research, Pete teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Ecology, Environmental Science, and Geology. Pete lives in Ames with his wife Lisa and their two teenage boys.

Dr. Pete Moore