The National Association of County Agricultural Agents provides numerous avenues for expanding my expertise in my field. However, it is their annual meeting that I find particularly enriching. Although I may not attend every year due to time constraints, I actively participate whenever possible. This event facilitates meaningful interactions with extension educators nationwide, offering a chance to exchange innovative program ideas. Yet, the highlight of the conference lies in the tours within the agricultural community.

This past summer, the conference was held in Des Moines, Iowa. And what an impressive city. This was my third visit to a mid-western town in the past 10 years (Fort Wayne, Ind., 2019 and Sioux Falls, S. D., 2015), and I have grown to appreciate “America’s Heartland.” I enjoyed my visits for numerous reasons, but one was that industry, agriculture, small businesses and the communities were intermingling.

Outside of the conference, I did have a chance to walk through parts of the city. I love exploring on my feet, and Des Moines did not disappoint.

The Greater Des Moines area is flush with walking/biking trails that weave throughout parts of the city and connect to an extensive network into central Iowa. I spent some free time on the Principal Riverwalk loop, which runs alongside the Des Moines River and connects the east and west sides of downtown by several bridges.

TOM BUTZLER/FOR THE EXPRESS The Red Bridge over the Des Moines River showcases the railroad era of Iowa.

At the southern edge of the walk is the historic Red Bridge, formerly the Des Moines Union Railway Bridge. It is one of the few remaining links to Iowa’s golden age of railroading.

Initially constructed in 1891 by the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works for the Wabash Railway Company and the Des Moines Union Railway Company, the bridge featured many new engineering technologies from that time.

Abandoned in 1996, the city of Des Moines acquired the bridge as government officials and community leaders in Des Moines recognized the importance of preserving history, connecting communities and providing entertainment and recreation.

In 2006, authorities converted and rehabilitated it into a pedestrian-only bridge as part of the Principal Riverwalk. The bridge was painted red from its original silver appearance during this process.

The northern edge of the trail features the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. This pedestrian-only bridge is a modern addition which celebrates Iowa women’s contribution to the local and national community. This is a feature for night walks as the colorful bridge lights reflect off the Des Moines River.

TOM BUTZLER/FOR THE EXPRESS The Red Bridge over the Des Moines River showcases the railroad era of Iowa.

Right beyond this bridge, at the very northern end of the Principal Riverwalk, is the Lauridsen Skatepark, one of the nation’s largest. The 88,000-square-foot park opened in 2021 and provides many elements for beginners and advanced users. It was recently certified by USA Skateboarding to host global skateboarding events and competitions.

Kudos to our local officials and others for the Hoberman Park skatepark and Falcon Bridge on the Bald Eagle Valley Trail. Just as Des Moines thrives on recreation development and historical preservation with projects like the Principal Riverwalk and Lauridsen Skatepark, initiatives by Clinton County and the City of Lock Haven promise a similar blend of community energy and connectivity, creating a unique central Pennsylvania experience

Enough talk on concrete and steel structures. There were numerous plants and horticultural sights along the Principal Riverwalk and adjoining walkways. In the next column, I’ll comment on them as I continue my wanderings along the river.

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Tom Butzler is a horticulture educator with the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service and may be reached at 570-726-0022.

TOM BUTZLER/FOR THE EXPRESS Des Moines’ Lauridsen Skatepark is open to young and old, beginners and advanced skaters.