The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) and its National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has received a $33,600 grant award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP).
Funding will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the William Woodward Mississippi River Center's "Prairie and Floodplain" interpretation and programs.

This project is one component of a broader 11,000 square foot renovation underway with anticipated completion in 2025. This new exhibit will advance the River Museum's strategic plan to refresh spaces and redefine conservation learning experiences. The interpretation delivered through the exhibit will establish critical messages of conservation, integrate environmental history, and promote stewardship of land and water.

"We are excited to be able to tell the story of Iowa and how Iowans can take action through environmental stewardship," said Jennifer Drayna, Director of Education at the River Museum. "Through stories of connection, we hope our audience can gain an understanding of how the river influences us and how our behavior can impact the river. This grant will help us bring the story to life through updated signage, a mural and interactive components to our displays."

The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program provides $350,000 in annual grant support to conservation education organizations across the state of Iowa. Supported by the state of Iowa, REAP provides funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resources projects including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation, and more.

The River Museum has received critical funding support from REAP CEP since 2007, totaling more than $204,500 in support of 17 projects including exhibits, outreach programs, species propagation, a teens conservation program, and more.