“We chose to participate because the river provides us with our drinking water supply, as well as hours of fun boating, floating, water-skiing, and fishing. Our mission was to help the environment, but in the process, Project AWARE gave back to us. My daughter and I pitched a tent beside strangers who quickly became our friends and cleanup teammates. During the week, experts taught us about plant life, geological formations, artifacts, and how to properly navigate a canoe. We learned survival skills and formed a stronger mother-daughter bond in the process. We even adopted a piece of river trash as our souvenir!”
Dixie Saunders

“Volunteering with Iowa Project AWARE allows me to help make a difference by making sure that the rivers and waters of our great state are preserved and maintained for everyone to enjoy year after year. Plus, it’s fun to get muddy!”
Blake Rupe