Corporate Water Stewardship
Amplifying Impact
The Great Outdoors Foundation has a demonstrated history of identifying high-impact projects with measurable outcomes for water replenishment, water quality, and community benefits. We engage with stakeholders across all sectors, including local and state government, watershed groups and organizations, policymakers, and other nonprofits to better understand the needs of the watershed, cultivating potent partnerships to maximize benefits. The Great Outdoors Foundation connects corporate water stewardship programs with projects that meet or exceed goals and offer turnkey solutions for identified water outcomes..
Our Approach
The Conservation Acceleration Fund multiplies impact by leveraging strategic investments as match for public dollars while maximizing both water quantity and quality benefits. We accomplish this through longstanding partnerships and stakeholder engagement, collaborating across various stakeholder groups, and providing shovel-ready projects for investment.
Brenton Slough Wetland Protection
In partnership with Google, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Polk County Conservation, over 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and oak savannah were acquired, and will be protected in perpetuity. Located in the Beaver Creek Watershed in Iowa’s Prairie Pothole Region, this wetland provides critical habitat, improves water quality, increases water storage during flood events, and provides groundwater replenishment benefits.
Dunlap Green Infrastructure Treatment Train
This multi-project treatment train includes construction of two bioretention cells, a wetland, and forebay as well as pond restoration to improve the stormwater capacity and nutrient capture from a 474-acre drainage area located within the Missouri River Watershed. Additional features include fish and turtle habitat structures as well as native plantings for additional environmental benefits.
Grade Stabilization Portfolio
The Great Outdoors Foundation partnered with Google, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Drake University to fund the construction of grade stabilization structures across 77 sites within the Missouri River Watershed. This infrastructure portfolio will reduce soil erosion and sediment load, improve downstream water quality, and yield groundwater replenishment benefits. Grade stabilization structures can also provide floodwater storage, reduce peak water flows, and serve as habitat for wildlife.
