For more than 130 years, the Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) has been dedicated to understanding geology and hydrogeology in Iowa to serve state agencies, communities, and the public with scientific information needed to effectively manage our natural resources for long-term sustainability and economic development.

The IGS invites partners, stakeholders, and interested citizens to join a tour of the Muscatine County area on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn more about the region.

Participants will meet at Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve. Transportation to each site and lunch will be provided.

Space is limited to the first 30 registrants. Please RSVP by Sept. 20 to reserve your spot.

Program Description

Half a Million Years of Change: The Evolution of the Lower Cedar River Valley System

Explore the Lower Cedar River region with researchers from the Iowa Geological Survey and IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering. On this day trip, we will explain how the modern river landscape and local groundwater supplies were influenced by multiple glaciations over half a million years and interactions with local bedrock topography.

Field trip stops include:

Discussion of modern floodplains at Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve
An outcrop of glacial sediments overlooking the Mississippi River
Visiting Wildcat Den State Park for lunch (provided)
A view of landscape evolution and stepped terrace deposits
A visit to Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Unraveling the geologic history of the Lower Cedar region is imperative for finding new aquifer sources and sustainably managing the region’s unique natural resources. The event will be co-led by State Geologist, Dr. Keith Schilling, and Quaternary Geologist Phil Kerr.