Have you ever wondered what’s swimming in Iowa rivers?

The public is invited to join staff from the Iowa Department of Natural Resource as they capture fish from the Des Moines River to show people the variety of species living in the water. Staff will discuss the impact humans have on the species’ life cycles, as well as the life history of native mussels.

The event, titled “What Lies Beneath Central Iowa Rivers: A Fish Sampling Event,” will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, at Riverwalk Hub, 215 Water Street, Des Moines.  The event will also feature a sampling of free fish appetizers prepared by Chef Michael LaValle and Trellis Catering. The educational program starts at 5 p.m. The event is free to attend and no registration is required.

The event is being held as part of a larger effort to improve recreational opportunities in and along the waterways and greenways in Greater Des Moines. The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is developing a water trails master plan for approximately 150 miles of creeks and rivers in the region on behalf of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

For more information on the water trails planning effort, please go online to www.dmampo.org/water-trails or contact MPO staff at 515-334-0075 or info@dmampo.org.