"Archaeology & Cultural History"  Classroom & Float Program at West Nishnabotna Water Trail, Oakland, IA

Enjoy a classroom presentation and float on the West Nish on Saturday, June 7 at 9:00 am, as Archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz explains the rich cultural history along the West Nishnabotna River.  Participants will be introduced to Iowa's archaeological past, a chronology of Iowa's cultural history, and the importance of Iowa's water trails to people throughout time.

The classroom session will begin promptly at 9:00 am at the Oakland City Hall Council Chamber Room located right off of Hwy 6/59 next to the Dollar General.  The classroom session will take approximatley 45 minutes.  From there we will drive to the river access in Oakland, located in Chautauqua City Park, to leave our vehicles and shuttle up to Botna Bend Park in Hancock to begin our paddle by 10:30 am.  We will finish in Oakland at our vehicles, and be free to leave.  Please pack a sack lunch, as we will stop during our float to enjoy it on a sandbar.  Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get muddy and wet.

Participants are not obligated to participate in both the classroom and float, and may choose just one or the other.  The event is free of charge.  Boats, paddles, and life jackets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is a limit of 20 boats for the on-water float, but no limit to the number of participants for the classroom session.  Children and families are welcome to participate.

The City of Oakland will be hosting their city-wide garage sale at this same time, and will be offering a freewill donation pancake breakfast from 7:00 am--11:00 am, if you would like to grab a bite to eat before the classroom session.

The float time will depend upon water levels, but we hope to be done by 4:00 pm, covering 8 miles of river.  Be prepared to possibly go longer or shorter.  We will be able to better read the river closer to the day of the event.

To ensure adequate safety and effective instruction, the on-water session, beginning at 10:30, will be limited to 20 boats.  Participants may use their own boats or boats/paddles/PFDs will be provided.  Follow the online registrations instructions carefully to ensure that you are registering accurately for sessions and boats.

Cherie Haury-Artz works in education and outreach at the UI Office of the State Archaeologist.  She holds a BA and MA in Anthropology, and recently wrote "A River of Unrivaled Advantages: Life Along the Lower Des Moines River."

This event is cosponsored by Golden Hills RC&D, the UI Office of the State Archaeologist, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  For more information, contact Emily Haase at Golden Hills RC&D; 712-482-3029 or Emily@goldenhillsrcd.org.

This event is free, but preregistration is required. 

 Click on the link below to register. 

Register Now! ONLINE REGISTRATION will be open until Thursday, June 5.  After that date, please contact Emily Haase at 712-482-3029.