April 28-29, 2027
Des Moines, IA

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Letting Nature Lead:
An Ecosystem Approach to Stormwater Management

Natural systems are already doing stormwater work. Stream buffers, floodplains, urban forests, and native plantings store, slow, and clean water every day. IStorm 2027 explores what it means to let nature lead: protecting those systems, designing with them, and making the case for them with the public and decision makers.

Important links

IStorm is a single-track conference. The schedule leaves time between sessions to talk with exhibitors and other stormwater professionals from around the state.

The program runs Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon and includes two keynotes, technical sessions, lightning talks, two ethics sessions, an interactive session, and a prize drawing. Wednesday afternoon ends with a walking tour of the Des Moines riverfront, followed by an evening reception. Approximately 11 PDHs are available, including 1 hour of ethics.

Registration includes a light breakfast, coffee, lunch both days, and Wednesday evening reception.

  • Protecting and restoring floodplains and streams in developed areas
  • Managing urban forests for stormwater benefits
  • Native plants in stormwater practices
  • Stormwater planning and design
  • Stream restoration and natural conveyance case studies
  • Funding stormwater projects
  • State and federal regulatory updates
  • Ethics for engineers and municipal staff
  • Keynote presentations from thought leaders
  • Technical sessions and panel discussions
  • Field tour of local stormwater projects
  • Exhibitor showcase
  • Evening networking reception
  • Awards presentation

Emily Fairfax

Dr. Emily Fairfax is an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota and an affiliated faculty member of the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory. Her research looks at how beaver dams shape water storage in riparian corridors and help landscapes hold up through drought, flooding, and wildfire. She holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder, and her work has been featured by PBS, NPR, The New York Times, National Geographic, and the BBC.

AC Hotel Des Moines East Village, 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Free parking is available at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Garden is within walking distance of the historic East Village, where you’ll find hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Questions?

For more information about IStorm 2027, please contact:

Email: iswepadmin@iowastormwater.org