AUGUST 18: OKOBOJI, IA
One month from today, over 250 writers will converge on a part of the Iowa Great Lakes area few know exists. The Lakeside Labs consists of 147 acres of natural land developers would love to get their hands upon, but thanks to the foresight of the original benefactors and contemporary community leaders, the property owned by the Iowa Board of Regents remains in the public domain.
This is a very good thing, as you will come to understand and appreciate when you listen to this hour-long conversation with the director, Dr. Mary Skopec.
Lakeside Labs is a unique facility that combines natural areas, historic buildings, and education programs. Research on diatoms started there, leading to potential uses in bone replacement, filtration, and insecticide. Investing in conservation can lead to improvements in water quality, as seen in the Okobojis, and addressing water quality in Iowa is important and needs to be made more of a local issue.
One of the highlights of Mary’s job is to see the pure delight on the face of a child who holds a caterpillar for the first time, watches a wild turkey strut and preen, or sees a swarm of butterflies gather around pollinators. Of course, she is also delighted by the scientists' ground-breaking work.
Water quality has emerged as a major issue around the world. This podcast interview will give you insight into this important organization dedicated to monitoring and repairing Iowa’s rivers, streams, and lakes.
During the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, Mary and nature columnist Larry Stone will lead a guided, experiential workshop via kayak and canoe called: Listen to the Lake: what environmental writers need to understand.
If you don’t already and are interested in nature, please consider subscribing to Larry Stone’s column. He was a long-time outdoors columnist for The Des Moines Register who is now a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative:
If you would like to support the environmental projects taking place at Lakeside Labs, consider becoming a ‘Friend’:
https://friendsoflakesidelab.org
We appreciate what this organization does and provides. If you’d like to come to the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat next year, become a Friend of Lakeside Labs, and receive a discount.
Julie
MONDAY ZOOM LUNCH SCHEDULE
Monday, August 21: Playwrights Margaret and Allison Engle. Twin sisters who have evolved from careers in journalism to becoming authors and playwrights. Allison will be a speaker at this year’s Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83579011560
Monday, August 28: Winni Moranville, Wini’s Food Stories column. Wini is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. She’s delighting her Iowa audience with places to find great food, service ambiance, and more.
Thank you to our paid subscribers who have allowed several scholarship recipients to attend the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. These emerging writers enhance the experience for all attendees.
Speaking of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative…
Each Sunday, I compile those columns posted by some of our 35 writers from that week. We have terrific commentary for this current week, which I’ll post this Sunday morning. In addition to our strong Iowa audience, these writers are earning national attention for their lyrical essays and political commentary. Don’t miss out. Subscribe so you’re in the know. It’s free!
Last week’s Sunday roundup column:
Shhh...the best kept secret on Lake Okoboji