At Lake Okoboji, hang out near the water while learning how to protect it. (Photo: Travel Iowa)
For a day of fun and environmental education, head to Arnolds Park for the Okoboji Blue Water Festival this Saturday. The free festival raises awareness about water quality and clean water stewardship in the Iowa Great Lakes through activities, exhibits and speakers. Plus, there’s live music.
At the expo, visitors can hear from conservation groups and nonprofits about strategies to improve water quality, restore wetlands and prairies, protect lakes and rivers from invasive species, and more. There also will be educational activities for all ages, including yoga and a seminar on fishing. This year’s speakers include Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Art Cullen, clean water advocate Chris Jones and Iowa DNR biologist Mike Hawkins, who plans to share a keynote address about lakeshore erosion.
During the free evening concerts, hear multiplatinum indie rock trio as well as the Nadas, the folk rockers from Central Iowa. Find the full schedule online.
