The Fall 2025 Iowa Ornithologists’ Union (IOU) Conference was held in Ventura, Iowa, October 10–12, and drew 59 attendees for a weekend of birding, learning, and camaraderie. Participants enjoyed four diverse field trips highlighting north-central Iowa’s birding hotspots, including Hanlontown Slough and Elk Creek Marsh, Pilot Knob State Park and Mallard Marsh, the Clear Lake area with visits to McIntosh Woods and Clear Lake State Parks, and a kayaking adventure on Little Clear Lake.

Saturday afternoon featured engaging presentations from three speakers. Fanny Riand, a graduate student at Iowa State University, shared her research investigating biodiversity and homeowner attitudes in cities. Fellow Iowa State graduate student Jayden Jech presented his work evaluating Trumpeter Swan use of water quality wetlands across Iowa. IOU member Mike Meetz rounded out the session with a fascinating overview of his more than three decades of conducting nesting Common Loon surveys at Isle Royale National Park.

The conference keynote speaker was Dr. Adam Janke, Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist at Iowa State University. Dr. Janke presented a compelling case for how water quality conservation and bird conservation can exist hand in hand, encouraging attendees to talk to friends and neighbors about steps they can take to improve water quality and support Iowa’s birds.

Attendees were also treated to wonderful meals provided by The Decker House Catering. Many thanks to Cynthia from The Decker House for keeping everyone well fed throughout the weekend!

Special thanks go to our field trip leaders—Connor Langan, Curt Nelson, Mike McCann, and Darrin Siefken—for guiding participants through some of north-central Iowa’s finest birding locations, where 115 species were recorded for the weekend. And a huge thank-you to local host Paul Hertzel for helping organize a truly wonderful weekend.