Iowa River Restoration Toolbox: Level 2 Training
This four-day advanced training focuses on geomorphic design principles and practical implementation for stream restoration projects. Through classroom instruction and field work, participants develop conceptual restoration designs for an active project site using the Iowa DNR River Restoration Toolbox.
Completion of Level 1 training is required for registration.
Hosted by the Great Outdoors Foundation in partnership with ISWEP and the Iowa DNR.
What You’ll Learn
The course covers geomorphic channel design principles, multi-staged channel development, alluvial and threshold channel design approaches, sediment transport dynamics, ecological design integration, and conceptual design development for a real restoration project.
Your Instructors
Nate Hoogeveen directs river programs for the Iowa DNR, overseeing water trails, dam modifications, and river restoration initiatives. His work spans river science, construction oversight, and program development, and he brings years of practical experience with Iowa river systems and restoration practices.
Mike Adams works across the United States and is experienced in all facets of stream restoration, from field assessment and data analysis through design, permitting, and construction oversight. His approach centers on understanding the processes driving a problem before pursuing solutions. He works closely with biologists, ecologists, geologists, and other specialists to achieve project goals.
Training Overview
Day 1 covers the core design theory: geomorphic channel design phases, multi-staged channel concepts, alluvial vs. threshold design, reference reaches, dimensionless ratios, shear stress, sediment transport, and ecological design considerations.
Day 2 opens with sediment transport capacity and conceptual design development, followed by a project site overview. Teams spend the afternoon in the field collecting data for a real restoration project.
Day 3 is dedicated to data analysis and design development. Teams work through their field data, build out concept designs, and present BANCS model results, sediment calculations, and Toolbox findings.
Day 4 wraps up with final design presentations, a recommended design overview, and a site visit to an active stream restoration project. PPE is required for the site visit.
Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided each day.
This training includes significant outdoor field work in and around streams. Participants should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and working in muddy, wet conditions. Hip waders or tall rain boots are required, along with a safety vest and hard hat. Bring extra footwear for classroom sessions, pencils, a clipboard, a laptop, and a notebook.
Register here!
Early bird pricing is available for registrations received by July 21st, 2026.