Camp Courageous creates joint effort with UI students

     Camp Courageous could become a model for improving water quality and providing new unique experiences in nature for campers and visitors through a joint venture with the University of Iowa, the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority (MR WMA), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

     On Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Camp’s Durgin Pavilion, four teams of University of Iowa faculty and students will present their strategies to enhance 24 acres of beautiful, undeveloped forest area at Camp Courageous.

     This project began when camp volunteer Jeff Pitlik contacted the MR WMA. There Pitlik met up with Lori Scovel, a longtime resident of Delaware County, with a passion for promoting growth and sustainability in rural Iowa communities and an experienced grant writer and project manager. Scovel brought the concept to her board to take on a Camp Courageous project. And things took off like a rocket from there to an incredible team of professionals and students bringing wonderful ideas and research to camp.

     The Iowa Civil and Environmental Engineering students will be presenting their plans for the undeveloped areas as part of their semester-long project. These designs involve a multipurpose trail system, a nature education center, stormwater management and detention plans, and systems for reducing contaminants in source water. Continued support from the Iowa DNR, along with additional support, could help bring these plans into reality.

     This free event is open to the public, starting at 4 p.m. with a social hour where student projects will be on display around the Durgin Pavilion. The four-team presentations will begin at 5:30. Complimentary heavy appetizers and beverages will be provided at no cost to the public. RSVPs are encouraged by sending an email to Derek.Harrigan@foriowa.org or cbecker@campcourageous.org.