Hundreds of Ponds Restored Across Iowa Bring This Endangered Fish Back, Along with 100s of Species
In Iowa, a small yet mighty fish has sparked a remarkable conservation initiative, leading to the restoration of hundreds of ponds to their natural glory. This effort, initially aimed at protecting the federally-endangered Topeka shiner, has also proven effective in addressing the state’s nutrient runoff challenges. The Topeka shiner, a member of the minnow family, was once abundant throughout Iowa, a state known for its prairies but historically rich in wetland ecosystems. Heavy rains would carve new paths for rivers, creating oxbow lakes—curved water bodies formed when river bends become isolated. These oxbow lakes, which once covered 11% of Iowa,








