In partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Committee works toward a goal of restoring 15 wild nesting pairs of swans to Iowa by 2003. Membership in the committee is open to anyone interested in helping with the restoration project. Formed in 1994, the committee has assisted the DNR's efforts by providing educational opportunities, raising funds, and publishing a newsletter for the swans.

The committee was initially composed of ISU students from the Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Club, the Furharvesters Club, and the Student Environmental Council. In 1997, the committee became an independent student organization, and now draws students from several disciplines, as well as some university staff members and Ames citizens.

Members have found that committee activities provide an excellent way to meet prospective employers and add a valuable dimension to their resume. Students interested in careers in natural resource management, outdoor writing, or environmental education would find membership in the committee valuable hands-on experience that cannot be accomplished in a classroom.

In 1994, the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Committee, the Iowa DNR and the Liberal Arts and Sciences Council decided to experiment by replacing the European mute swans on Lake LaVerne with trumpeter swans. Swans on the lake had been a long-time tradition at the university, and administrators agreed to the experiment. In recognition of the cooperative effort, several members were awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award. The Iowa DNR obtained two swans and provided advice on acclimating them to their new home. Unfortunately, after five years it was decided that the swans were unable to acclimate to their new, high-traffic home. The trumpeter swans were moved to a private pond in the fall of '99, and mute swans once again call the lake home.

 

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Last updated March 2004.