Iowa's Oxbow Lake Revival By Restoration

Agriculture in Iowa is vital to feeding the world, but it poses challenges for water quality and flood management due to nutrient runoff and extreme weather.

One innovative solution is the restoration of oxbow lakes—former river bends that have become disconnected from streams. These revitalized oxbows filter out nutrients like nitrates, provide habitat for endangered species such as the Topeka shiner, and offer flood storage to reduce downstream impacts.

In this episode, Brandon Iddings of the Iowa Soybean Association explains the restoration process, which involves collaboration with landowners and partners like U.S. Fish and Wildlife. John Marshall, a farmer in Iowa, discusses the benefits of having oxbows restored on his land, from reducing nutrient runoff to creating wildlife habitats and improving flood resilience.

With over 250 oxbows restored statewide and growing interest among farmers, these projects are delivering economic and environmental returns while showcasing the power of simple, nature-based solutions.

The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.