What we are all about!


The Central Iowa Water Garden Association is a voluntary organization whose members are committed to expanding their individual and collective knowledge on water garden and water feature related topics. We officially formed in January 2001 and since have grown rapidly to be a large, fun group of ponderers. The common interest of the members of the Association is the lure of adding or improving water gardens, fountains and ponds. The Association's only goal is to provide the foundation necessary to achieve the common interest. Meetings, presentations, tours, donations of time/money, plant and fish exchanges may be some of the techniques used to achieve the goal. Working closely with other organizations may also be used to promote water gardening.


Chapter Information


Due to the growing size and range of our membership, we now are offering the opportunity for members to also be part of a chapter of CIWGA in their area. In addition to the Story County chapter (parent organization of CIWGA), members may choose to be part of a local chapter as well. These chapters will have their own directors and meetings. We currently have chapters in Polk and Cerro Gordo County areas. Everyone is a member of the Story County chapter; you may choose a local chapter as well at no additional charge.


Membership Benefits


Monthly newsletter Ponderings: You choose to receive our newsletter either by regular mail, by e-mail, or both. Our website is updated monthly. Both versions contain lots of how-to information as well as Association news. The newsletter contains sections like "Channels" which will contain chapter news, "Water Feature" with how-to information, and "Cat-tails" featuring members writing about their pond adventures. The website contains additional information such as our by-laws, photographs from our summer tour, and links to other water garden related websites.


Discounts at area merchants: Some businesses in central Iowa provide CIWGA members with a discount on pond - related merchandise and other products. You must be a member in good standing (current membership card) to qualify for the discount. The list of participating merchants is published in our monthly newsletter in the "Fountains of Support" section.


Monthly meetings: All CIWGA members are invited to the Story County chapter monthly meetings. This group meets the second Monday of each month at 7 pm except through the summer months when we tour members’ water gardens. Program and meeting information is in the "Lilypad" section of our newsletter.


Access to the latest up-to-date information about water gardening.


Meet other ponderers that have similar interests and goals.


Membership Application


Thank you for your interest in becoming a member. Annual dues are $15.00 for an individual, $25.00 for a family membership. Please send your check payable to the Central Iowa Water Garden Association to:
CIWGA Membership
Carol Scheid
68065 180th Street
Nevada, IA 50201


E-mail: membership@ciwga.org


Name:______________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State:________ Zip:________________

Phone:___________________________ E-mail:___________________________


Check all that apply:


New member:____ Renewal:____ Member number (if known):______


How would you like to receive the monthly newsletter? You may choose both options.

___electronic mail ___regular postal mail


Chapter: Story County ____ Capital City _____ Top of Iowa _____


Volunteer Opportunities


Please check as many as you like. Your help is greatly appreciated!

____ I’d like to place my water garden on tour

____ I’d like to help with the water garden tour.

____ I’d like to help with the program book.

____ I’d like to serve as a director or an officer.

____ I’d like to be a speaker.

____ I’d like to help decide where to donate money and time.

____ I’d like to line up programs.

____ I’d like to sign up to bring treats to the meeting in ________________ (month).

____ I’d like to be the business liaison for our Fountains of Support.

____ I can write articles for the newsletter (technical and about members and their ponds).

____ I suggest the following topics and speakers for a future meeting: ___________________

____ I’d like to help in another way (please list): _______________________________________