FRANKLIN, Tenn. – As part of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance's (USA) Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 81 and the Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) volunteered their time and trade skills to complete a large-scale restoration of a handicap-accessible fishing pier and fishing house at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Iowa June 6.

To complete the restoration, approximately 60 volunteers spent more than 800 man hours painting and staining the pier and fishing house, repairing the fishing house roof and replacing the old doors and windows. This project also included pouring a concrete pad and walkway at a picnic area and replacing the plumbing, lighting and wiring in the restroom facility. While the bulk of the materials were purchased by funds previously raised at the 2015 Iowa Conservation Dinner, the volunteers also used approximately $2,300 worth of donated materials.

"These projects are valuable to the park in many ways," said Park Manager Josh Shipman. "They help the staff maintain heavily-used facilities, such as our fishing pier, while providing years of future use for anglers and other park users. By having skilled union members do the work, we are saving lots of money and time that can then be devoted to other areas of the park, while ensuring the work is done properly and professionally."

The union volunteers are equally happy about the project, according to IUPAT District Council 81 Business Manager Robert Gilmore.

"The lakes, parks and campgrounds are used by all Iowans, and by volunteering to repair or restore them, we are giving back, not only to our families, but we are ensuring these resources can be enjoyed for many more generations of Iowans," said Gilmore. "When we complete projects in the community, it reinforces the understanding that conservation, public land use and clean water are important to every citizen. That allows us to build bridges and foster working relationships."

The Central Iowa BCTC also plans to demolish an unused building and haul away the rubble later in the year, pending permits.

Through the USA's Work Boots on the Ground program, union members volunteer their time and trade skills to projects that conserve wildlife habitats, educate future generations of sportsmen and women, improve public access to the outdoors and restore America's cherished parks. For more information about Work Boots on the Ground, email USA Conservation Manager Ty Brown at tyb@unionsportsmen.org or call him at 615-831-6751.

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DES MOINES, IA (06/30/2015)(readMedia)-- A stop in the Agriculture Building is a must do for most fairgoers and this year there will be some old favorites and new attractions. the world-famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow will be featured alongside a sculpture celebrating the 80th anniversary of Monopoly, one of the world's most beloved family board games, at the 2015 Fair.

The classic fast-dealing property trading game was first commercially sold in the 1930s and has remained a popular game around the world. Monopoly is locally licensed in more than 103 countries and printed in more than 37 languages. In 2015, it will be sculpted entirely in butter by the talented Sarah Pratt and fairgoers can see their favorite Monopoly pieces come to life alongside Monopoly's iconic character, Rich Uncle Pennybags.

In addition to the two butter sculptures, It Takes An Iowan will debut nearby as an interactive exhibit focusing on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing effort of providing food for the nation and the world. Highlighting the advancement of technology to better produce food, as well as education and agriculture around the world, stop by It Takes An Iowan to learn how Iowans are leaders in areas such as agriculture, education, communication, legislation and much more.

Other great agriculture exhibits and demonstrations include giant pumpkins, jumbo fruits and vegetables, the Discovery Garden, daily stage presentations and more. All exhibits will be on display in the 111-year old John Deere Agriculture Building 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily during the Fair. Make sure to "Find A New Path" to the John Deere Agriculture Building's 40 degree cooler to see this year's butter sculptures and other great Agriculture exhibits during Fair Tour, August 13-23.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

The Davenport Public Library is excited to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Eastern Avenue Branch's grand opening!  Join us on Saturday, July 11th from 2-4pm at our Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue) for a fun-filled afternoon.  We'll be serving refreshments, leading children in a party hat craft, dancing and taking photos with our mascot Libby the Library Dog, and much more fun!  For those who are looking for a behind-the-scenes peek at the library, we'll be leading tours that will highlight the library's environmentally-friendly LEED features, and a librarian will be on hand to tell you about all the things that we bet you didn't know you could do with your library card.