The 32nd Annual Sioux Empire Water Festival 2025 was held March 4th & 5th at the University of Sioux Falls. Over 2,100 fourth graders from 40 different schools participated. Izaak Walton represented one of the 30 exhibits related to water themes with Jeff Clow, John Monahan & Phil Langner offering a handout with information and activities for the kids to learn and enjoy.

Biological Testing

Water Testing

Phil Langner presenting an Arbor Day program to Sioux Falls Lutheran School 3rd graders along with a tree planting.

The 31st annual Sioux Empire Water Festival was held at the Exhibit Hall on March 12 & 13!   With the last-minute schedule changes, we had 2317 students and 105 teachers from 45 area schools who attended this year’s event.  Not only did they learn more about water, but they had a great time doing it!

This year’s Festival featured 33 exhibits, 23 in-person classroom presentations, 18 virtual presentations, and a virtual quiz bowl.  The diversity of exhibitors and presenters teaching about all aspects of water truly makes this event a success. 

Thanks to Paul Lepisto, Jeff Clow, Phil Langer and John Monahan for their work at the festival this year.

Over 1,400 fifth-graders from 26 schools attended the 33rd Big Sioux Water Festival at South Dakota State University in Brookings on May 7. This is the oldest water festival in South Dakota. We talked with the kids about the importance of clean water and what they can do to help protect our water resources.

Thanks to Jeff Clow and Phil Langer of the League's Sioux Falls Chapter for their work at the event. Funding from the Izaak Walton League Endowment helped with some of the expenses at this festival.

Conservation Currents

Friends of the Big Sioux River