Nishnabotna Water Defenders

Join our Mission

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MILES PROTECTED

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FRIENDS OF THE NISHNABOTNA WATERSHED

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COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS

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NITRATE

SURVEYORS

Working together as citizens to protect, defend, and restore the Nishnabotna watershed and our state’s waters.

The Nishnabotna Water Defenders are dedicated to defending the health and sustainability of our watershed through education, advocacy, and community action.

Who We Are

The Nishnabotna Water Defenders are a group in Southwest Iowa concerned about keeping our water clean.

About Us

Get Involved

Join our community of dedicated volunteers and advocates working to make a difference in our watershed.

Join Us

Support Our Work

Your donations help fund critical conservation projects and educational programs throughout our watershed.

Donate

Protect Water
Prevent Cancer

Our partners at the Iowa Environmental Council have created a series of training sessions that are useful tools to help us. As you know, election season is off and running and one of the most impactful things we can do is to let these candidates know how important these issues are to us by showing up to their events and town halls to find out what they propose to do to clean up our Waters. We want to help support you.

Learn more

Water Defenders in the News

Latest News

Statewide, Read

Water quality and cancer are top of mind for many Iowa voters.

September 11, 2026

Policy experts, healthcare providers and farmers from across the state gathered at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines Thursday to announce a new campaign: Protect Water Prevent Cancer.

Local

Iowa groundwater monitoring expands to all 3rd District counties with federal funds

August 7, 2026

ALLEMAN – Hydrologic monitoring stations that help researchers compile flood and drought information useful for farmers and communities will soon be deployed across all of southwestern Iowa, following funding announced Friday by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.

Local, National

In a “toxic terrain,” journalism exposes Iowa’s farm pollution problem

July 27, 2026

Real change occurs in America when civic pressures from outside the centers of influence force insiders to retreat. A compelling example of that type of systemic change is now unfolding in Iowa.

Show your support for the Nishnabotna Water Defenders by purchasing some merch! We offer two styles of shirts, Refish the Nish and Water is Life. Fill out a form on our projects page to buy a shirt today!

Buy a Shirt

Nishnabotna Water Defender Shirts

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Opportunities

Nitrate Surveyor

Help monitor water quality by collecting simple nitrate readings that support river health and conservation efforts.

Outdoor Field Event

Join hands-on restoration projects, cleanups, and community events that make a direct impact on the Nishnabotna River.

Network Table

Represent our mission at local events by engaging with the community, sharing resources, and recruiting new supporters.

Volunteer Now!