Dry Run Creek Designed to Prevent Floods

Waverly, Iowa, is built around the Cedar River which overflowed in the flood of 2008. To prevent such natural disasters in their community, Waverly researched different ways to prevent flooding, such as dry run creeks. Dry run creeks can be found across Bremer County but also in towns and cities across Iowa. They are named dry run creeks because of their specific design. Their purpose is to help prevent flooding, or other natural disasters. They are strategically placed, and researched.

Driving Question

What purpose do dry run creeks serve for a community? What is the purpose of a dry run creek?

Probing Questions

• Why is the dry run creek placed where it is?
• What are the benefits of having a dry run creek in place?
• How do dry run creeks prevent weather-related hazards like floods?
• What possible negative effects could dry run creeks have on the ecosystem around them?
• What could be other ways we could prevent weather-related hazards?

Classroom Activities

Students could:

• In groups, build dry run creeks out of environmental materials (such as different sized rocks, clay etc.), that can collect and move water.
• Brainstorm and list different traits and characteristics of a dry run creek, and the ecosystems around it. If located in their community, students can consider their local dry run creek.
• Research the placement of dry run creeks around the world and compare and contrast to determine which dry run creek placement might work best.

Resources

• Creative Star | Dry Creeks, Streams and Riverbeds: This article provides the basic information that students should know about dry run creeks and water management as a whole. This provides various examples of what dry creeks may look like in different locations.
• Iowa Environmental Council | Watershed Success: A Look at Dry Run Creek: This article provides information of the success of a dry run creek, and how it affects the environment around it. This provides local county examples on how this works within the Cedar Valley Area and is a good teacher resource.
• Iowa DNR | New Dry Run Creek Watershed Sign Raises Awareness of Project in Black Hawk County: This article discusses a big dry run creek project that is taking place in Cedar Falls, Iowa, about 20 minutes away from Waverly, Iowa. This provides information on how it is affecting the environment, and shares the importance of spreading community awareness.