2008 Responses:

• Project AWARE is the highlight of my summer.
  
  
• I enjoy the camaraderie, the camping, the paddling, and the tangible benefit of pulling out the piles of trash.
  
  
• I enjoy getting to know the people on the trip, and seeing Iowa from a different perspective.
  
  
• I'm always impressed at the coordination - I can't imagine considering the scale of the event, the willingness of the staff to help in any way, how well they work together, and how welcome every participant feels.
  
  
• It is an exciting project - helping our waters and our people.
  
  
• It was great to be with like-minded people that care about the environment and want to help make things better for the present and the future.
  
  
• It was hard work but lots of fun and great people.
  
  
• It's an excellent week of work, fun and fun people
  
  
• It is great fun to participate in a public event whose purpose is to bring awareness to rivers and model river stewardship.
  
  
• It's too much fun to miss.
  
  
• When you've got a good thing going you keep it up.
  
  
• Wouldn't miss it for the world!

2007 Responses:

• Why not? This is my first pick for my vacation!
  
  
• We need to continue to raise public awareness about the quality of our rivers AND keep cleaning them up.
  
  
• This year I took vacation time to be on Project Aware. This was one of the best vacations I ever took. Very rewarding and the people with the DNR and AmeriCorps were the best.
  
  
• This is an event that I enjoy, but also feel it is important enough to make an effort to participate in it to continue to get the word out to make a difference. It is a big deal to me and others. It is one of those things that you do, not for recognition
  
  
• It's the most exiting week of my summer. It gives me stories to tell all year long.
  
  
• It's my "RAGBRAI"
  
  
• It is so much fun and is like one big family
  
  
• It is a well-run event that cares for every participant - excellent planning and I would say the staff go above and beyond over and over.
  
  
• It is a great way to meet people who care about Iowa.
  
  
• It is a great activity for our entire family - from 7 to 50 we had a good experience.
  
  
• It is a family-friendly event. It brings a lot of disciplines together; camping, canoeing, and environmental stewardship.
  
  
• I'd never canoed before Project AWARE, but I loved it.
  
  
• I was impressed with the camaraderie of the group and the dedication of the staff.
  
  
• I look forward to AWARE every year as an opportunity to connect with other people who love Iowa's rivers and are willing to roll up their sleeves and pull out the trash.
  
  
• I liked the people, who were all "can do" folks, ready to help without even asking. The organization was tops, thinking always ahead to ensure the crew's safety. And I felt like I got much better informed about lots of issues from stream quality to recycling.
  
  
• I had a lot of fun this year. I love the whole idea. I hope that someday there will be something similar in Nebraska (the state from which I came to Iowa to participate in AWARE).
  
  
• I feel responsible to help care for the rivers I love!
  
  
• I can't imagine a summer without AWARE. It's like summer camp; I get to see my friends from previous years. It's like we're a family, coming together for a good cause. It just gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, besides an exhausted and achy feeling!
  
  
• I can't wait - it's the most fun I have all year!
  
  
• For all the reasons I came the first time. I've never been so tired, so dirty, and so fulfilled from one event.
  
  
• Can't stop now.....have made too many friends!
  
  
• A great way to get paddling for those of use who don't have our own gear yet.

For More Information:
Brian Soenen
(515)-205-8587
Brian.Soenen@dnr.iowa.gov